My husband would like to do a 3-4 hour bike tour of Lisbon, but we've been cautioned about the trials of this. Friends have said that because of the lack of paths or trails, the busyness of the roads and the abundance of tourists not familiar with the roads that it might be a challenge for us. We are late 60's and 70's and have done bike rides in major cities; Berlin, Munich, Paris (one at night), London and managed just fine. We are not familiar with e-bikes, but realize that that is probably our best option. Thoughts.
Posted by
269 posts
We saw lots of ebikes and scooters in Lisbon.
One of the brands is Bird , it works from the app and charges by the kilometer.
People left them everywhere when they finished their ride.
We stayed near Oriente, a few meters away from our hotel (Ibis Parque das Nações) we saw a bike path, apparently it's the longest in Lisbon, it goes along the river to Algés.
Didn't see any other bike paths, but check the map.
https://www.ciclovias.pt/?lat=38.75877&lng=-9.09788&z=14&m=s&l=3
Posted by
Washington, DC
32 posts
What a fun idea! Personally, I think it would be challenging if not impossible to cycle through areas like Alfama and Bairro Alto. They're far too hilly, the streets are narrow and the cobblestones would also present a problem. But, there are paths along the river that would work. Consider going from the area of Praça do Comércio toward Belem (about 4 miles), where you can pass the MAAT, Monument of the Discoveries and Belem Tower, which are all great to see. You could also consider taking the train from Lisbon to Cascais (a really charming town) and then cycling along the river (well, ocean there) toward some stunning beaches. I'm sure others might have more ideas.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1673 posts
I will echo the recommendation to ride from Praça do Comércio to Belem instead of in the older areas. There is simply too much traffic on narrow streets. I don’t recall seeing many bikes in these areas. The Marginal from Lisbon to Cascais would be scenic and I see bikers on it. But, again, there is lots of traffic and bikers hold up the traffic, not winning the favor of the car drivers.
The road from Cascais to Guincho beach has a bike path and is lovely. This would be my second recommendation. It’s very common to see bikers on this path. One can also go on from Guincho to Colares but this becomes very hilly and narrow. While there are a fairly large number, I always worry because they hold up traffic making it dangerous for themselves and the cars.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1189 posts
Hi from Wisconsin,
Where it would be interesting to ride it is too narrow, too busy, and filled with tram tracks to catch your wheels. But maybe after 8 at night it would be more reasonable. the city is beautiful at night with great over looks.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
141 posts
I don't really recall seeing many if any bikers during my stay in Lisbon this spring. Our family enjoys biking recreationally and we could not imagine doing a bike tour or even biking on our own in Lisbon. The city is filled with seemingly never-ending steep hills. And then you have the tram tracks to contend with and the streets are very narrow. And consider the time of year you are going as it could be very hot. I was there in mid-April and it was very hot. Lisbon, in my opinion is not a city designed for safe biking.
If your husband is insistent on biking I might wait until you are in Lisbon and see what you can book. I think you really need to be there and see what the city is like (hills, narrow streets) to then decide if you both are up for the challenge.