Walking tour: Lisbon in the Shadows of World War II

Explore Lisbon’s Hidden WWII Secrets with a 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour

The Lisbon in the Shadows of World War II tour offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Lisbon’s history. Priced at $165 per group (up to six people), this private 3-hour walk takes you through key sites connected to the city’s role during the Second World War. Led by guide Leonor Abrantes, the tour promises an intimate experience, with small groups ensuring personalized insights. Starting near Praça Marquês de Pombal, the tour covers iconic locations like Parque Eduardo VII, Avenida da Liberdade, and Cais do Sodré. The tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers interested in Lisbon’s clandestine past, although it involves some walking over uneven streets and is not suited for individuals with mobility impairments.

While the tour’s focus on espionage activities and refugee stories offers a unique perspective, it also includes visits to historic cafes, significant monuments, and locations associated with notable wartime figures. With live guides speaking English and German, the experience combines storytelling with visual exploration, making it an engaging way to understand the city’s wartime role beyond typical sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small group size (up to 6 people) ensures an intimate experience.
• 3-hour walking tour beginning at Praça Marquês de Pombal, ending at Cais do Sodré.
• Focus on espionage, refugee refuges, and wartime Lisbon.
• Led by guide Leonor Abrantes, fluent in English and German.
• Highlights include visits to historic cafes, monuments, and refugee support sites.
• Not suitable for those with mobility impairments; rain or shine activity.

Starting Point Near Praça Marquês de Pombal and Hotel Aviz

The tour begins at Praça Marquês de Pombal 12, directly in front of the Café A Padaria Portuguesa. This central location makes it easy to find and is close to major streets and transportation links. From the start, the guide introduces the context of Lisbon’s position in WWII: a neutral country under Salazar’s Estado Novo regime, serving as a refuge and espionage hub.

The meeting spot is convenient for walking, with no included hotel pickup or drop-off, so travelers should plan to arrive on foot or via public transport. The activity is accessible from various parts of the city, making it flexible for visitors based in Lisbon.

Visiting Parque Eduardo VII and the Avenue of Liberty

The tour’s first stop is Parque Eduardo VII, where a quick photo stop offers a glimpse of the city’s skyline and the monumental park that played a role in wartime planning. The guide explains how Lisbon’s streets and parks became stages for espionage and refugee activities. The walk continues along Avenida da Liberdade, a renowned boulevard lined with historic buildings and luxury shops, which during WWII concealed secret exchanges and meetings.

Each site is explored through storytelling about the wartime policies and how Lisbon transformed into a waiting room for those fleeing Europe**. The guided tour, lasting about 20 minutes at Avenida da Liberdade, provides a detailed look at how public spaces served multiple purposes during the war.

Restoradores Square and the Chiado District’s Wartime Stories

Next, the tour moves through Restauradores Square, a crucial location for understanding Lisbon’s wartime atmosphere. The guide highlights the significance of this square in both civilian life and wartime activities. Then, in the historic Chiado neighborhood, the group visits cafes such as Café Chave d’Ouro and Pastelaria Suiça, where wartime news was exchanged over coffee.

These cafes were more than social spots; they were hubs for spies, journalists, and refugees. The guide shares stories of how conversations in these cafes carried secrets, and how news of the war created moments of both anxiety and hope. The 15-minute stops provide a vivid picture of everyday life amid extraordinary circumstances.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Praça Dom Pedro IV and Its Wartime Significance

The journey continues at Praça Dom Pedro IV, an area where Lisbon’s public life thrived even during the war. The guide discusses how authorities prepared for potential Axis invasions by protecting key monuments and buildings. This location also reveals how the city managed to maintain a veneer of normalcy while harboring clandestine wartime activities.

This section emphasizes Lisbon’s role as a strategic and symbolic city during WWII, with its streets acting as corridors for espionage, refuge, and political intrigue. Each stop offers tangible links to the stories of wartime figures and ordinary people seeking safety and opportunity.

The Final Stop at Cais do Sodré and Nearby Attractions

The tour concludes at Cais do Sodré, near the river, within walking distance of the famous Time Out Market. This ending point offers a chance to relax after three hours of walking and reflection. Travelers can enjoy a light snack or drink while contemplating the stories unveiled during the tour.

The location itself has historical importance, as it served as a point of departure and arrival for those fleeing or arriving in Lisbon during the war. This final stop encapsulates the city’s complex wartime identity—both a refuge and a hotspot for covert activities.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This private group tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention from guide Leonor Abrantes. The tour features live guides fluent in English and German, providing detailed explanations of Lisbon’s wartime history. It is wheelchair accessible but not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to the walking nature of the experience.

The tour runs rain or shine, so participants should dress appropriately and prepare for possible weather changes. Since food and drinks are not included, it’s advisable to bring water or plan to purchase refreshments at the endpoint.

Why Choose This WWII Lisbon Walking Tour?

This tour distinguishes itself by focusing on the lesser-known stories of espionage and refugee life in Lisbon during WWII. The inclusion of visits to historic cafes, squares, and monuments paints a vivid picture of how the city managed wartime challenges. The small-group setting enhances the experience, allowing for more in-depth storytelling and interaction with the guide.

The price of $165 offers good value for a private, guided experience that combines history, culture, and urban exploration. The 3-hour duration is manageable for most travelers, providing a rundown without feeling rushed.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

History enthusiasts, especially those interested in espionage, refugee stories, or WWII, will find this tour particularly engaging. It suits travelers who enjoy walking tours that reveal hidden tales behind famous landmarks. Keep in mind that the physical activity involves some walking over uneven streets, so those with mobility limitations should consider this carefully.

This experience is ideal for visitors who want to see Lisbon through a different lens—understanding how this city played a subtle but vital role during one of history’s most turbulent periods.

Final Thoughts on Lisbon in the Shadows of WWII

The Lisbon in the Shadows of World War II tour offers a compelling look into a chapter of history that is often overlooked. The combination of local landmarks, stories of espionage, and refugee experiences creates a nuanced portrait of Lisbon during wartime. Led by guide Leonor Abrantes, the tour delivers insightful commentary in a small-group setting, making it perfect for travelers seeking an intimate and educational walk.

While the tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues and does not include food or transportation, its focus on hidden history provides a unique perspective that enhances any visit to Lisbon. For anyone curious about the city’s clandestine past and wartime role, this tour offers a memorable journey through history, secrets, and stories that shaped Lisbon during WWII.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 3 hours.

What is the price?
It costs $165 per group, accommodating up to 6 people.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in front of Café A Padaria Portuguesa at Praça Marquês de Pombal 12.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English and German.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable in rain?
Yes, the tour takes place rain or shine.

What landmarks are visited during the tour?
Stops include Parque Eduardo VII, Avenida da Liberdade, Restauradores Square, Chiado, Praça Dom Pedro IV, and Cais do Sodré.

Who is the guide?
The tour is led by Guide Leonor Abrantes, known for her engaging storytelling.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it is a private group experience for up to 6 participants.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby