Lisbon Tuk Tuk Tour Review: Old Town & Belem 4-Hour Adventure

Lisbon, that city built on seven hills, has this amazing charm, that is very hard to ignore. To get around those hills, and see some truly astonishing spots, a Tuk Tuk tour may just be, that I think, your best bet. Recently, I had a chance to experience a four-hour Tuk Tuk tour exploring Lisbon’s Old Town and Belém, and here’s the story.

What to Expect From Your Old Town Exploration

You see, Lisbon’s Old Town is really something else; I mean, with its narrow, winding streets, so you might find something amazing just around the corner. The tour gives you a local’s peek into neighborhoods such as Alfama and Mouraria. As the Tuk Tuk meandered up the slopes, too it was almost like traveling back in time.

You see the architecture here, in my opinion, speaks volumes of years of history; the houses dressed with tilework, the hidden squares – all together this provides an ambiance you might find interesting. So, I recall seeing a local artisan crafting something unique, and the smell of freshly baked pastries floating from a local café.

Venturing into Belém

Leaving the little alleys of Old Town, our Tuk Tuk headed out to Belém, which, is that, the part of Lisbon right along the water that just shouts history. Here, the sights change; so, it’s almost like switching from a little village to a stage filled with historical significance. That Jerónimos Monastery stands proud and huge and shows, too it’s almost, just how important Lisbon used to be in the past.

Belém Tower stands guard at the opening of the Tagus River. During the trip, your guide would point out things like the Age of Discoveries landmarks. Then there were Pasteis de Belém, those custard tarts you should, I guess, have for a taste of heaven. But I am fairly sure these could be tasted elsewhere.

The Guide Can, Very Possibly, Make the Trip

What makes any tour amazing, is, that I think, is usually the guide, and my tour was certainly, too it’s almost, not an exception. They tend to be quite knowledgeable. That one person knew a lot about the background of Lisbon. Yet it was not just remembering facts.

As we made our way, they told interesting stories about the historical people. That personal relationship meant so much. They told us how locals lived, their little traditions, and little stories, which, might be, hard to find if reading about Lisbon. Those stories can make an amazing place very personal.

The Tuk Tuk Ride: Advantages and Considerations

Okay, so riding in a Tuk Tuk is something else entirely. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill way of getting around; it’s something that lets you experience Lisbon from an unusual point. That little vehicle has access to the twisting lanes other transports simply couldn’t pass through. The fact that you’re in an open vehicle is what really amps things up.

You get a taste of Lisbon up close, which I think includes the sounds and even the smells. Now, there is a minor downside to consider: because it’s not covered, that might not be the best on days when it rains or gets really cold. Another thing, if comfort is extremely important to you, then remember that it’s not a limousine. That adventure, however, should overshadow that.

Is This Trip Worth It, Basically?

Now, after seeing almost all of the sights and hearing every one of the stories, that comes down to this question: Should you do it? If you ask me, and you are someone who would love to take in Lisbon fully but you don’t want normal tourist traps, and that four hour Tuk Tuk Trip could actually just be it.

It mixes just enough historical sightseeing, fun personal guides and interesting ways to get around. Yes, you should check what the forecast will be, or think for a second about how easy those seats will be. Still the ability to be driven deep into what gives Lisbon its charm is extremely worth every one of those small inconveniences. That way you see Lisbon; not just see the spots in it, like your everyday visitor does.

• Authentic Experience: Getting to view Lisbon with your own personal guide in its historical center has that special feel to it.
• Comfort: Though open, be mindful about the day’s weather for maximum enjoyment
• Knowledgeable Guides: The key to seeing the essence of this place relies very much on someone who knows Lisbon inside and out.
• Unique Access: Getting to places the everyday bigger automobile cant is quite exceptional.