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10 Things to know before booking a fun Tuk-Tuk Tour in Lisbon
The tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon is by far one of the most popular excursions in the Portuguese capital! But with so many different offers, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one! And you wouldn’t want to miss the best sights and waste time!
Lisbon is built on seven hills, and one of the best and easiest ways to discover the city is by tuk-tuk. It’s perfect when you are short on time, but also if you struggle to walk long (uphill) distances. You’ll see a lot in a very short time!
As a Lisbon local, I went out to discover what to look for and to see what is available in the city! This way, you can easily decide which Lisbon tuk-tuk tour suits you best!
You can even join a themed tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon, with food, street art or history along the way. From € 20.00 per person. On average, a tour will cost around € 50.00 per person or is priced per group.
In this post, I’ll break down the best tuk-tuk tours by type (foodie, art lover, history buff) and help you choose the right one based on your budget, time, and travel style.
Quick options for the best tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon
There are many tuk-tuk tours in Lisbon, but my ultimate favourite is combining it with a food tour! This way, you can explore the city AND try tasty Portuguese food! It’s a great introduction to the city and the culture, and the local guides are super knowledgeable! I also love the street art tour, but more about that one later!
Why is the tuk-tuk so popular in Lisbon?
When you think of tuk-tuks, you might think of India and other Asian countries! So when I first moved to Lisbon, I was surprised and a bit confused about why there were so many tuk-tuks in the city!
But with a city built on seven hills, it makes total sense! The tuk-tuks are small and can easily navigate narrow streets. They are also electric, so they don’t pollute the city like a standard car.
They also take up minimal parking space, so there is a huge capacity for these unique vehicles in Lisbon! If you try the same routes by car, you get to see only a fraction of the city, and parking can be challenging, to say the least.
The open environment is fantastic for sightseeing, but most tuk-tuks have a roof, so you’re shielded from the rain and sun! Are you visiting Lisbon in the colder months? You can stay warm under a blanket! A tuk-tuk tour is a fun way to explore the city, and you get to see loads in a limited time! So it’s no surprise that it’s so popular!
10 Things to know before booking a tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon
Let’s look at the options for your tuk-tuk experience in Lisbon and find the perfect tour for your needs. I will also consider the pros and cons of the excursions, as well as the highlights and popular routes.
1. Which tuk-tuk tours are available in Lisbon?
If you have looked online to discover which tours are available in Lisbon, you might get overwhelmed! Many tour operators offer a similar experience, but it’s a fantastic idea to combine the ride with something truly interesting!
Take a moment to consider what interests you and book the excursion that aligns with that! The most available themes are history, food (and wine), street art and neighbourhood-specific tours. This way, finding the perfect one for you is already much easier!
Some popular themed tuk-tuk tours in Lisbon:
2. What will I see from the tuk-tuks?
When you travel to Portugal, you might want to see as much as possible during your holiday! Thankfully, the tuk-tuk driver can take you to the best places in Lisbon. You will discover the most famous sites, such as Lisbon Cathedral, the Belém Tower, Praça do Comércio and other well-known landmarks.
Some tours cover one area of Lisbon, and longer excursions can drive to multiple neighbourhoods, such as Alfama, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, Baixa, Belém, and Graça. While cruising the city, you can already see many things and beautiful buildings, but the driver will most likely stop at several points so you can take some pictures.
- 🛺 Alfama (old town)and the many viewpoints!
- 🛺 Discover Alfama and Belém
3. Are there local guides that speak languages other than English and Portuguese?
Lisbon is a touristy city, and most guides are multilingual! In addition to English and Portuguese, you can find drivers who speak Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and more! If you prefer a guided tour in a language other than English or Portuguese, I highly recommend booking your excursion online.
4. What is included in the excursions?
The tuk-tuk excursions in Lisbon aim to show you as many sights as possible! This way, you will enjoy the many landmarks, but some offer a little extra. With a food excursion, you’ll obviously receive something to eat and drink, but some tour operators also offer a hotel pick-up! This is perfect if someone in your travel group struggles with walking up and down!
- 🛺 With hotel pick-up
5. What are the pros of a Lisbon tuk-tuk?
The Lisbon tuk-tuk is perfect for those with little time! In 2 to 4 hours, you can see the highlights of Lisbon, and it’s a great introduction to the city. The tuk-tuks are modern, electrical vehicles, leaving a minimum carbon footprint during the tour.
Your knowledgeable guide will tell you many stories about the city, so you will leave the experience with loads of knowledge! Most tours are private, so you can enjoy the city in an intimate setting with your family and friends.
The small vehicles are perfect for tackling the height difference! This will save you a lot of walking and make it accessible for those who can’t walk far distances. They are super manoeuvrable so that you can see many attractions!
6. Are there any cons to the Lisbon tuk-tuk?
The biggest con is that you typically only see the Lisbon sights from afar. You’ll see the exterior of the beautiful buildings, but don’t enter. On a positive note, when you soak up everything the city offers, you can add these attractions to your Lisbon itinerary for later.
Another downside is the cost. The tuk-tuk tours in Lisbon are on the higher price spectrum, and you should carefully check the prices before booking. The cost per person is lower when travelling as a group.
Lastly, the tuk-tuk ride can be pretty bumpy. Most roads are filled with cobblestones, and you’ll be shaken occasionally. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or muscle pains, it might be a sore ride. Know what your body can handle in this instance.
7. What is the tuk-tuk Lisbon price?
The price for tuk-tuks can vary enormously, so it’s a good idea to research the best option before your trip. I recommend booking your trip online. For one, you are sure you have a spot with a reputable guide who speaks your preferred language, and you also avoid getting tricked for a higher tuk-tuk Lisbon price.
Nowadays, I see many guides holding a price list when offering excursions on the streets. But when I moved to Lisbon, some people were ripped off. Ensure you know what is included, such as the duration, where you will be dropped off, and potential extra costs.
8. How many people can go on a tuk-tuk?
Tuk-tuks offer private excursions, which are great for you and your travel companions! But you might wonder, do we all fit? Most tuk-tuks have space for 2, 4, or 6 people. The prices are often per person or per group.
Are you travelling with more people? Hire two or more tuk-tuks from the same company so you can travel in larger groups.
The tuk-tuks have space for multiple people, and finding a solo experience will be costly when travelling alone. Unfortunately, there are few options, and you’ll most likely pay a higher price alone, or tours require a minimum of 2 people.
When I find an excellent tuk-tuk option for solo travellers, I will add it here! If you want to save money, you might want to find another solo traveller or group you can join.
- 🛺 Up to 6 people, including photography!
- 🛺 Private Solo Tour
- 🛺 An affordable option for solo travellers!
9. Are the Lisbon tuk-tuks suitable for children?
Are you travelling with kids as a family? Then a tuk-tuk tour is also possible! But please note that not every tour operator allows kids, and there are age restrictions. The tuk-tuks have seatbelts, but younger kids might be too small.
Most tuk-tuks will not allow children under the age of 7. Some operators can fit a child seat, but check this before booking! Also, when you’re pregnant, the sometimes bumpy ride will not be suitable. Check before booking!
- 🛺 For children aged 3 and older
- 🛺 For kids over 7
10. How long is the tuk-tuk experience?
You can make your tuk-tuk tour as long as you want! You might be in a rush, and a few hours is enough. But most tour guides offer 3 to 4-hour excursions. This way, for example, you can see the old towns of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Belém. Can’t get enough? A full-day tour is perfect to visit all the landmarks!
How can I book a tuk-tuk?
There are two ways to book your tuk-tuk tour: in advance online or on the spot. Booking online is the best option because you know exactly what the cost will be. You can also choose a suitable language, hotel pick-up, and other options.
You can secure a spot when you book with GetYourGuide or Viator, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Only reputable companies offer excursions online, so keep that in mind when paying on the streets. When booking online, you already have the payment out of the way, so you do not have to carry large sums of cash.
Do you want to book a tour spontaneously? Chances are, you’ll be asked on the streets! There are many tuk-tuk providers, and in specific locations, they are waiting to offer the next ride. Always check their credentials and the price. It’s not fun to have any financial surprises after the drive!
Where can you book a tour on the spot?
- Lisbon Cathedral
- Portas do Sol
- Belém
- Lisbon Cruise Terminal or book in advance to avoid having to wait
- Praça da Figueira
- Fado Museum
- Praça do Comércio
10 Reasons why a tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon is so amazing!
- Avoid the hills and lots of walking
- Don’t break a sweat on hot days
- See a lot in a short period
- Climate-neutral tourism
- A private tour guide instead of an automated and standard audio guide
- Multiple languages available
- Combine it with a history tour, food tour or street art
- Suitable for a family when children are 3 years or older
- Hotel pick-up possible
- An overall fun experience to see the attractions
Tuk-tuk or hop-on hop-off the bus in Lisbon?
A tuk-tuk tour sounds great, right? But is a hop-on hop-off bus tour a better option? Well, that depends. The tuk-tuks are small and get through many narrow streets and viewpoints quickly! A tour can often be customised to a certain extent, whereas the bus follows a pre-determined route. To be honest, it’s a whole other experience.
The hop-on, hop-off bus is often a little cheaper, and you receive many discounts, too. You can buy a one-day ticket or a ticket for two days or more. This way, you don’t have to consider transport during your holiday. Are you still contemplating your options? Look at the hop-on, hop-off bus travel guide, too, before you decide!
Travelling further afield!
Have you seen the highlights, and are you curious about nearby places? Then, you can explore the other side of the river by booking a tuk-tuk to Almada to see the Cristo Rei statue up close! It’s also very popular to discover Sintra by tuk-tuk.
You can easily travel to Sintra by train or taxi and start an excursion in the Sintra Mountains with a local guide. They can tell you magical stories about the Sintra palaces, and it’s an easy way to get around. Especially when visiting Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, taking a tuk-tuk up the hill is a great idea!
Other fun tours in Lisbon!
Where to stay in Lisbon
The Portuguese capital has an enormous number of hotels to choose from! I’ve selected three of my favourites to make things easier for you, but you can also search for accommodations on the map below. Some favourite areas to stay in are Alfama, Saldanha, Baixa, Príncipe Real, and Alcântara.
📍Budget Option: At Sant Jordi Hostels, you’ll hardly notice you’re staying in a hostel! You’ll enjoy the traditional interior as well as the garden! Both private double rooms and dormitories are available for a friendly budget.
📍Mid-Range Option: If you like design and a fantastic location, Look Living, Lisbon Design Apartments is the place to stay! You rent the whole apartment, which has an outdoor terrace too! There is a kitchen, but you can also visit the onsite restaurant. A delicious breakfast is included!
📍Luxury Option: Why not stay in a palace on your holiday? At Palácio do Visconde, you’ll receive the best service! You’ll stay in a historic building nearby, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and there is even a garden! Perfect for a romantic getaway.
FAQ
How much does a tuk-tuk cost in Lisbon?
The cheapest option is € 20,00 per person, but on average, you’ll pay € 25,00 or more when travelling with others. Themed tuk-tuks are usually more expensive, and often, the price is per group and not per person. If more people are in your group, the cost per person will be lower.
How safe is a tuk-tuk in Lisbon?
Overall, a tuk-tuk is a safe option to see the city. They are equipped with seatbelts for your kids. Check beforehand if the tour is suitable for wheelchair users and pregnant women, as it can be a bumpy ride.
Can you use a tuk-tuk like a taxi in Lisbon?
You can! You can ask a guide on the streets how much it is to travel to your following location. Taking an Uber or Bolt taxi is probably cheaper and more convenient.
Conclusion
Are you ready for your tuk-tuk adventure? It’s a great way to see the city in a short amount of time! There are many different rides to choose from, and many offer a themed experience with food, history and street art!
The guides have a lot of knowledge and are very engaging. They often take a few nice pictures along the way, too! By booking online tuk-tuk tours in Lisbon, you can select what is best for your holiday. You can, however, book in the streets as well.
Other amazing tours in Lisbon:
- A photoshoot in Lisbon with Discover Portugal
- 10 Things to know before booking a fun Tuk-Tuk Tour in Lisbon
- Book a sunset cruise in Lisbon
- Discover the best food tours in Lisbon!
- Discover Lisbon by bicycle with Baja Bikes
- Discover the hop-on-hop-off Lisbon tour buses
- 20+ Best tours in Lisbon Portugal
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