Portugal

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 8 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 7 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

A guided journey, spanning 4-11 PM, with an expert in Lisbon's architecture and cultural history. This tour immerses you deep into the heart of Lisbon’s Baixa and Alfama neighborhoods, showcasing the city's rich tapestry of architecture, gastronomy, culture, music, and its people. Your journey includes a visit to your guide Tiago’s family home, offering a rare glimpse into authentic Lisbon living. 

Explore the Baixa area and visit an old former palace that later became a casino. Enjoy a genuine ginjinha drink in a local environment, surrounded by exquisite azulejo tiles depicting a cellar. Witness the grandeur of former convents and churches, such a monumental burned Dominican Church. Enjoy traditional Portuguese delicacies at an old tiled tavern, complemented by Vinho Verde. The tour culminates with a sunset tram ride to Alfama, followed by an enchanting Fado performance and dinner at “O Corrido,” (or similar Fado House), immersing you in the soulful rhythms of Lisbon's iconic music.

Lisbon is easily accessible from the airport, cruise terminal, and train stations, with the historic center reachable by walking or using public transport, taxis, or Uber.

This tour offers an immersive experience into the heart of Lisbon, guided by Tiago's profound knowledge and personal connection to the city. It uniquely combines architectural wonders, historical insights, and cultural immersion, highlighted by an intimate visit to Tiago's family home and an exploration of Lisbon's Fado heritage. 

The tour is designed to be a soulful journey through time, reflecting the concept of Saudade – a deep sense of longing and nostalgia that is central to Portuguese culture. The blend of historical sites, melancholic strains of Fado, and interaction with the city's non-touristic real soul makes this a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.

Discover a stunning post-earthquake palace, originally built in 18th century, that has undergone several transformations. This historic palace, which later became the Majestic Club Casino with its renewed Neo-Morish and Neo-Classical style, proudly stands today as the headquarters of the South Portugal Alentejo region's association.

The palace is an architectural marvel, showcasing a blend of Baroque, neo-Gothic, neo-Arab, neo-Renaissance, neo-Rococo, and Art Nouveau styles. The exotic grandeur of its interior strikingly contrasts with its discreet exterior. It is a prime example of adaptive reuse in Lisbon’s Baixa area, representing the city's commitment to preserving its historic landmarks by giving them new life and relevance. This building epitomizes the successful fusion of diverse architectural styles and cultural influences, harmoniously coexisting in a single, historically rich space.

See how a historic building has evolved through diverse architectural styles / cultural influences.

The Many Lives of a Palace

Ride an old tram – iconic Lisbon daily transport (if there's availability) or taxi, or tuk-tuk, until Alfama, and then walk through Alfama streets until Graça viewpoint, known by its unique views of the city.

If the tram is working, this is an iconic activity. 

Ride Lisbon's Tram, (taxi or tuk-tuk, depending on the time of day and its busyness) through Alfama.

Old Tram through Old Streets

The next cultural lesson is a quest for Ginjinha, Lisbon’s iconic cherry liqueur. The tour includes checking out the three most significant Ginjinha bars, culminating in a tasting at the third bar, a local favorite, dating back to the 1930's and more frequented by locals than tourists. This intimate setting is often filled with regular workers, enjoying their drinks while engaging in lively conversations and exchanging the latest gossip.

This authentic experience offers you a glimpse into the daily life of Lisboetas, beyond the typical tourist path. As the tour progresses to Alfama, if lucky, you might even encounter a local woman selling ginjinha right outside her home, often seen at a small table or through a window. The Ginjinha experience is about understanding Lisbon’s history, social fabric, and contemporary rhythm.

Drink Ginjinha like a local. Check out Ginjinha bars.

Ginjinha Like a Local

Conclude your Saudade journey with a memorable evening at “O Corrido”, a quintessential Fado house in Alfama, known for its authentic Portuguese cuisine and soul stirring Fado performances. Fado, the hauntingly beautiful music genre of Portugal, offers an experience filled with deep emotion and cultural richness. “O Corrido” prides itself on preserving Fado in its most traditional form, complemented by an exquisite selection of quality traditional Portuguese dishes. This experience immerses you fully in the soul of Lisbon. If "O Corrido" is closed or booked out on your day of booking, Tiago will take you to a similar top quality Fado House. 

Walk to "O Corrido”. After dinner, Tiago will call a cab for you to return to your hotel.

“O Corrido” stands out for its Fado performances, recognized for its unique location and historical significance. Nestled beside the monumental National Pantheon, the venue occupies a former wire warehouse, dating back to 1904. The architectural harmony of the building contributes to the ambiance – from the wooden floors, staircase, and mezzanine to the cast iron columns and exposed horizontal structural bars. This distinctive combination of history, architecture, and cultural expression makes “O Corrido” a singular destination in Lisbon’s array of Fado houses, offering guests an immersive experience in a space where history resonates with every note of Fado.

A Fado performance and dinner at "O Corrido"

Fado at “O Corrido” 

Not far from the Ginjinha bars is Igreja de São Domingos, a church steeped in Lisbon's tumultuous history. It was the Dominican Order Headquarters and witness to earthquakes, fires, and significant historical events, including royal weddings and tragic jewish pogroms. Despite numerous disasters, including the 1755 earthquake and a devastating fire in 1959, the church stands today as a symbol of resilience. Its facade, contrasting the burnt interior, tells a story of survival and restoration. The church's atmosphere is somber yet captivating, reflecting its complex past.

Igreja de São Domingos is unique for its remarkable ability to endure and evolve through Lisbon's history. It has survived natural calamities and human tragedies. The church's architecture is a testament to its history, showcasing a mix of styles from different periods. The charred interior, left as a reminder of the 1959 fire, adds to its haunting beauty. This juxtaposition of the old and new, the tragic and the triumphant, makes the church a living museum of Lisbon's past and a place to discover the city’s soul. Its continuous role as a place of worship amidst all adversities symbolizes the enduring spirit of the city and its people. You are invited not just to view the church but to contemplate its layered history, making it a profoundly moving experience.

A Church That Endures

Discover the charm of an old surviving 19th century tavern, nearby the bourgeuois area of Baixa neighborhood, where you can enjoy traditional Cod Cake and Vinho Verde-Green Wine.

The old tavern provides a taste of Lisbon's culinary traditions, while Baixa embodies the city's enduring spirit. This simple but historic charm places create an atmosphere that is both timeless and inviting, offering a deeper connection to Lisbon's soul.

Bacalhau + Vinho Verde in an Baixa tavern.

Bacalhau + Vinho Verde

A rare opportunity to visit the ancestral home of your guide, Tiago. Hidden in this family home are centuries-old azulejos tiles, meticulously preserved and restored. This visit provides a personal glimpse into Lisbon's residential architecture of 18th century pre-earthquake and the ongoing efforts to maintain its historical integrity.

The house, kept closed for years, revealed a private collection of azulejos. This visit is a standout experience.

A Home Restored

Cultural Walking Tour of Lisbon’s soul through azulejos, cuisine, historic streets, Fado, stories.

Baixa, Mouraria, Alfama neighborhoods
1- Meet at Obelisk of Restauradores Square
2- Old Palace formerly a Casino 
3- Ginjinha experience in a local environment 
4- Former Convent and Church of São Domingos
5- Old Tavern with Tiles - Cod Cake and Vinho Verde
6- Oldest Pastry-shop of Lisbon: former Tiago’s family business
7- Tiago’s home, eat the pastries
8- Drive by old tram (when possible) / views at sunset in Graça Viewpoint
9- Fado performance with dinner - O Corrido, arrive at 8:00-8h30  

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

Saudade: Lisbon’s Soul

Guided experience with a local expert

Walking tour of Baixa and Alfama, with historical and cultural highlights

Exclusive visit to your guide Tiago’s private family home

Ginjinha drink at a traditional tile-covered tavern

Petisco and Vinho Verde tasting

Sunset tram ride to Alfama

Traditional Portuguese dinner with live Fado performance

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Lisbon's neighborhoods.
Casual and comfortable attire for the evening.
Camera to capture Lisbon’s picturesque scenes.
Water bottle if needed.
An open heart to embrace the Saudade of Lisbon.

** This experience is only available on Wednesdays. If your travel dates don’t align, Tiago may be able to open a specific date if you’re booking well in advance. Sign up / sign in as a traveler and click the chat icon next to Tiago’s name to check for availability. 

Ginjinha Rubi (see map) is easily accessible by public transport/walking.

Tiago Miranda Neiva, an architect, art historian, and lifelong Lisbon resident, is your host. With his academic background and a deep-rooted passion for Lisbon's history, arts, culture and gastronomy, Tiago offers insightful and meaningful narratives and personal stories that bring the city's culture to life. 

The Many Lives of a Palace

Private

Private