Lisbon Half-Day Tour: Old Town Walk, Helicopter Flight, and River Cruise
Walk through charming streets, take a thrilling helicopter ride, and sail the beautiful Tagus River
Exploring Lisbon’s charm can be tricky with steep hills and busy streets, but our small-group tour makes it a breeze. Enjoy a guided Old Town walk, a thrilling helicopter ride, and a peaceful sail on the Tagus River—all seamlessly planned for you. With expert guides and unforgettable views, this is the perfect way to experience the city from every angle.
- Meeting point at Praça Dom Pedro IV
- Walking tour
- São Jorge Castle
- Lisbon Cathedral
- Helicopter flight
- Belém Tower
- Sailing cruise
- End in Praça do Comércio
Your tour begins in Praça Dom Pedro, with a guided walk through the charming Old Town of Lisbon, where you'll explore narrow streets and discover the city's rich heritage. Embark on a captivating journey through Lisbon, combining history, adventure, and stunning views in one unforgettable experience. Next, soar high above Lisbon on an exhilarating helicopter ride, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. Finally, unwind with a peaceful sail along the Tagus River, taking in the scenic beauty of Lisbon's waterfront.
With a small group and an expert guide, this tour ensures a seamless and personalized experience. From the historic streets to the skies and the river, you’ll see Lisbon from every angle. The tour concludes with a relaxing sail, leaving you close to Praça do Comércio, one of the most central squares in the city, with unforgettable memories of Portugal's capital.
The maximum weight allowed per passenger is 120 kg (264,55 lbs), in case of exceeding it, you won't be allowed to join the flight. If you exceed 110kg (242,50 lbs), you'll be asked to pay for two seats upon arrival at the heliport.
Lisbon in a Half-Day: Old Town Walk, Helicopter Flight, and River Cruise Description
Your 5-hours tour includes:
Expert, English-speaking local guide
Guided walking tour through Lisbon’s Old Town
Helicopter ride with panoramic views
Sailing experience along the Tagus River
Small-group tour for a personalized experience
Views of Lisbon from land, air, and water
Safety equipment provided for both the helicopter and sailing
Old Town walking tour
The adventure begins in Praça Dom Pedro IV, also known as Rossio Square, located in the historic heart of Lisbon and surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant cafés. Start your journey with a guided walk through Lisbon's enchanting Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets, charming alleys, and historic landmarks. Your expert guide will lead you through the city's oldest neighborhoods, including the iconic Alfama district, situated on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, which offers a deep dive into the heart of Lisbon’s history and culture.
As you wander through Alfama’s winding cobblestone streets, you’ll feel the old-world charm that makes this part of the city unique. From the ancient buildings with their colorful facades to the scent of freshly baked pastries filling the air, this is Lisbon’s soul. Your guide will share fascinating stories of the area’s Moorish influence, the history of Fado music, and the major role Alfama played in the 1755 earthquake.
Thanks to its narrow, winding streets, steep hills, and older, sturdier buildings, Alfama largely survived the devastation, offering a rare glimpse of Lisbon's past amidst the city's destruction. Stops will include panoramic viewpoints such as Miradouro das Portas do Sol or Miradouro de Santa Catarina where you can capture stunning photos of the city’s iconic rooftops, the Tagus River, and the famous São Jorge Castle looming above.
Through these guided stops, you will uncover hidden gems of Lisbon, from old churches such as Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) to centuries-old shops that have been passed down through generations. The cobbled streets are more than just paths through the city—they are a living history, each corner telling a different story.
Helicopter Flight Over Lisbon
After exploring the streets of Lisbon, get ready for the next chapter of your adventure as you board a helicopter for a 8-minutes ride above the city. This is your opportunity to see Lisbon from a unique perspective—high in the air, where you can take in the panoramic views of the city, its coastline, and the beautiful countryside surrounding it.
The 8 minutes helicopter flight offers unmatched aerial views of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, including the iconic Belem Tower, a 16th-century fortress on the Tagus River, originally built to defend Lisbon, the majestic 25th of April Bridge, a striking suspension bridge connecting Lisbon to Almada opened in 1966 and the sprawling Parque das Nações, a modern waterfront district in Lisbon, known for its futuristic architecture, cultural venues, and scenic views of the Tagus River.
The city unfolds beneath you like a beautiful patchwork of historic districts, green spaces, and glistening riverfronts. As you fly over Lisbon, your guide will provide interesting insights into the city’s development and its place in Portugal’s history. This is not just a sightseeing experience—it's an opportunity to truly appreciate the grandeur of Lisbon from a vantage point that few will ever see.
Sailing on the Tagus River
To complete your adventure, unwind with a peaceful sail along the Tagus River, which has played a central role in Lisbon’s history as a major maritime port. Boarding a comfortable boat, you’ll have the chance to relax as you glide along the calm waters, taking in the stunning views of Lisbon’s waterfront.
The Tagus River offers a serene contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city streets. As you sail, you'll pass the iconic Discoveries Monument, the picturesque Cacilhas district across the river, and the mighty 25th of April Bridge, which mirrors the Golden Gate Bridge in its design. This sail gives you a fresh perspective on Lisbon's rich maritime heritage, as the city’s grand monuments and modern architecture seamlessly blend together in a stunning panorama.
Your guide will highlight the historical significance of the river, explaining how it has shaped Lisbon’s role in exploration, trade, and culture over the centuries. Whether you're marveling at the river’s calm beauty or taking in the city’s skyline from a new angle, this part of the tour provides a relaxing and reflective end to an action-packed day.
By the end of the day, you'll have experienced Lisbon like few others—taking in its historic streets, thrilling aerial views, and the tranquil beauty of its riverfront. The tour concludes at Praça do Comércio, one of Lisbon’s most iconic squares, where you can soak in stunning views of the Tagus River and the impressive architecture that surrounds this historic landmark. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to explore further, this tour offers fresh insights and unforgettable experiences that will stay with you long after you leave.
What you get with this tour

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Judy Karnia
Although I had visited Lisbon a couple of times before, this land, river, and air tour of Lisbon gave me a whole new appreciation of the city. Pedro led us through the Baixa, Barrio Alto, and Chiado neighborhoods while relating many interesting stories of the history and culture of Lisbon. He was a fabulous guide, answering questions and taking care of any needs we had. We then embarked on a small tour boat on the Tagus River to get a view of both banks and the sights along the way. We landed in Belem and walked a short bit to a waiting van that brought us to the helicopter ride. I was quite nervous, but the precautions and directions of the team there reassured me. The view from the air was stunning. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Lisbon, whether this is your first glimpse of this amazing city or you want a new perspective on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. For the helicopter flight, please ensure you bring your ID or passport.
What to bring?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. For the helicopter flight, please ensure you bring your ID or passport.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Lisbon.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly! Children are welcome, although we recommend it for those over the age of 4 due to the nature of the activities. We offer a special rate for children between 4 and 8 years old. Please be sure to select the correct option when making your reservation.
What happens if it rains?
We run this tour rain or shine. However, if weather conditions are unsuitable for the helicopter flight, we will reschedule it or provide a refund, ensuring you don’t miss out on this memorable part of the tour.
Is there a maximum weight limit for the helicopter?
Yes, the maximum weight per passenger for the helicopter flight is typically around 120 kg (264 lbs). Please let us know if you have concerns or would like to confirm weight restrictions before booking.
Do I get to enter any of the monuments during the tour?
This tour does not included the tickets to any monuments.
How long does the tour last?
The entire tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including the walking tour, helicopter flight (8 minutes), and sailing experience (50 minutes).