The RS book has the usual wonderful walking tours - 3 of them. But, Lisbon Walkers paid (E15 per person) is also highly recommended. Trying to decide which to do? Anyone with experience?
Posted by
Chicago
2675 posts
I just took the Revelation Tour by Lisbon Walkers last week. I don’t feel like retyping my thoughts on it, so you’ll have to read my trip report. :)
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-lisbon-portugal-my-trip-report
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8943 posts
I would always choose a live guide! You can ask them questions, they know about events, and can make recommendations about restaurants and museums. Most cities are in flux and a guide book is out dated before it ever gets published. Only a live guide can keep up to date.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
347 posts
A few years ago, I did a pre-paid Best of Lisbon walking tour with Inside Lisbon that was very good. On different days, I also did the self-guided RS walks for Bairrro Alto and Alfama. There was minimal overlap if any.
Posted by
USA
89 posts
@ms. Jo,
Guide books (and even some online blogs) are indeed outdated in terms of prices, logistics, dinning options, lines/crowd, etc
But when it comes to what a typical tour guide describes, not much has changed. Things are not in a flux at all in that aspect.
But you are right about guidebook. Even RS has not made much updates between 2021 and 2023 editions. His focus post COVID is on tours which is his huge profit center.
Posted by
ATL, USA
419 posts
I have done the free Rick Steves audioguided tours in Lisbon. If a live guide walking tour doesnt work out for you, these are very good. Here's a thread with a little more detail: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/portugal/rs-barrio-alto-chiado-stroll-and-baixa-stroll
Posted by
Reston VA
144 posts
In Lisbon, we did the Lisbon city walk tour from the RS app. It was an easy and fun tour, but I don't think any of his walking tours ever compete with an in person tour led by a local. At 15euro, it seems like a good deal if you have the room in the schedule. We did a few guided tours on that vacation, so by Lisbon, we were happy to just kick it down a notch to "wander slowly" pace. :) Maybe next time, we opt for the guide.