Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tram Tour, River Cruise for 72/96Hour

Trying to get a good overview of Lisbon can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time or want to see a mix of historic sites, modern architecture, and scenic waterways without the hassle of figuring out public transport. This Lisbon combo tour, offering 72 or 96 hours of access to buses, trams, and a river cruise, promises a convenient way to explore at your own pace. While it has some great perks, it’s not without its quirks—so knowing what to expect will help you decide if it fits your style.

We really like how this tour offers several ways to see the city, from open-top buses to vintage trams and a boat ride on the Tagus River. The audio commentary is helpful for understanding what you’re passing, making it more than just a free ride. Plus, the access to public transport and discounts on attractions add value, especially if you’re planning an in-depth Lisbon visit. But, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention small signage at stops and customer service hiccups, so it’s not perfect.

If you’re someone who prefers organized, flexible sightseeing and doesn’t mind a few bumps along the way, this tour could be a great fit. It’s especially useful for travelers wanting to cover multiple districts like Belém, Alfama, and Parque das Nações without the stress of figuring out logistics. However, those seeking a highly curated or deeply guided experience might find this more of a basic overview.

Key Points

• Flexibility and duration: You can enjoy 72 or 96 hours of access, giving plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
• Multiple modes of transport: Two open-top bus routes, a historic tram, and a river cruise make for a varied perspective of Lisbon.
• Audio commentary: An on-board guide helps you learn about the sights without needing a guide in person.
• Additional perks: Free access to public tram rides, funiculars, and discounts on monuments and museums.
• Inconsistent signage: Some reviews mention difficulty locating stops, which can be frustrating.
• Customer service issues: A few travelers experienced unhelpful staff or communication problems, particularly with ticketing.

Full Review: What to Expect from This Lisbon Tour

The Itinerary and Stops

This tour covers some of Lisbon’s most iconic spots—think historic squares, scenic viewpoints, and architectural marvels—through a combination of bus routes, tram rides, and a river cruise.

The bus routes include the Belém Lisbon circuit, which takes you from the historic center to the riverside district of Belém, where explorers set sail centuries ago. Highlights there include the Belém Tower and the Monument of the Discoveries. You’ll also pass by the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO site, and the MAAT—the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology—offering a taste of modern Lisbon.

Another route, often labeled the Modern Lisbon tour, takes you through the newer parts of the city like Parque das Nações, with its sleek architecture and urban vibe. Stops include the Vasco da Gama Tower, which offers panoramic views, and the Oceanário Lisboa, a popular aquarium for families or those interested in contemporary attractions.

The vintage tram experience lets you explore the winding streets of Alfama, Mouraria, and Castelo, providing a glimpse into Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. These areas are known for their narrow alleys, colorful houses, and Fado music—adding a cultural touch that many travelers find memorable.

Finally, the river cruise on the Tagus offers a different perspective—passing by St. George’s Castle, the Sé Cathedral, and Belem‘s landmarks from the water. The boat ride lasts around 1.5 hours and includes audio guidance, making it both scenic and informative.

The Quality of Transportation

The open-top buses are a classic way to see Lisbon, especially on a sunny day. They run on two routes, which you can hop on and off as often as your ticket allows. Many reviews mention how prompt the buses are and how the audio commentary is clear and informative. However, some travelers note that stops can be hard to find—small signs or signage that’s not very visible can make locating stops tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city or relying on printed or online maps.

The tram experience is a nostalgic touch, giving you a sense of what it was like to travel in Lisbon a century ago. These vintage vehicles climb the city’s famous 7 hills, offering great views and photo ops.

The river cruise adds a relaxing element, giving you a break from bus or tram rides while enjoying Lisbon’s skyline and waterfront sights. Having restroom facilities on the boat is a plus, as some reviews mention the convenience.

The Audio Guide and Commentary

One of the tour’s highlights is the audio commentary, accessible via headphones. It’s a decent guide, providing interesting tidbits about the landmarks and neighborhoods en route. Multiple reviews praise the quality of the audio, saying it makes the experience more engaging. This adds educational value without the need for a personal guide, making it suitable for self-guided explorers.

Access and Perks

Your ticket includes free access to public tram rides, funiculars, and the Santa Just Lift—a historic funicular that’s a fun way to traverse Lisbon’s hills. The ticket also grants discounts for museums, monuments, and activities, which can add up if you plan to visit several sites.

The inclusion of a city map on board helps orient you, though some travelers wish the stops were better marked or had GPS-linked interactive maps. Still, the overall convenience of having multiple modes of transport under one ticket is a major plus.

The Reality from Travelers’ Perspectives

Looking at reviews helps paint a balanced picture. Many visitors find this tour great for getting an overview. For example, one traveler said, “Very convenient for a 3 or 4 day stay. Covers all of the areas you would want to see or get to for sightseeing.” Another noted that the boat and tram rides were especially enjoyable and worth the cost.

However, not all experiences are perfect. Some reviews highlight challenges in locating stops—small signs or lack of signage can make it tough to find the right place to board. A few travelers also mention poor customer service or unhelpful staff, especially regarding ticketing or response to issues. For instance, one review described a “nightmare” with ticketing from Viator, and others pointed out service interruptions like bus halts due to public holidays or unforeseen closures.

Despite these issues, many appreciate the value for money—especially when they realize they can see many neighborhoods, landmarks, and enjoy different transportation modes, all with one ticket. The longer 96-hour pass, in particular, is a favorite among those wanting to explore more leisurely without feeling rushed.

Who Will Like This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want flexibility and the chance to see multiple facets of Lisbon without pre-planned itineraries. It works well for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings, as well as those interested in scenic views and cultural neighborhoods.

If you’re someone who enjoys self-guided exploration but prefers organized transportation, you’ll likely find this a good fit. The combination of bus, tram, and boat keeps things interesting, offering different perspectives and photo opportunities. Though it may not replace a dedicated guided tour for deep historical insights, it’s a practical way to cover a lot of ground quickly.

Families or travelers with mobility issues might appreciate the accessibility of certain routes, but be aware that some stops are quite far apart or uphill, as noted in reviews.

The Sum Up

This Lisbon hop-on hop-off experience offers a flexible, diverse way to see the city’s highlights in a relatively short amount of time. The multi-modal transport—buses, trams, and river cruise—means you’re not limited to just one perspective, and the audio commentary enriches the experience with background tidbits.

While navigation and signage can sometimes be frustrating, the value for money and access to public transit make it appealing for many travelers. It’s particularly well-suited to those who want the convenience of self-paced sightseeing without the hassle of buying individual tickets for each mode of transport.

If you’re planning a 3-4 day stay in Lisbon and want to maximize your time, this tour could be a great starting point—just keep in mind the reviews about signage and customer support. For the budget-conscious or those seeking a broad overview, it’s a solid choice.

FAQs

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, the 72 or 96-hour tickets give you plenty of time to explore at your own pace, so you can hop on and off as much as you like during the validity period.

Does the tour include access to public trams and funiculars?
Yes, your ticket grants free access to public tram rides, the Santa Just Lift, and Lisbon funiculars, which can help you navigate the city’s hills easily.

Are the bus stops well marked?
Some travelers report that stops can be hard to find due to small signs, so it’s helpful to arrive early or use the provided city map to plan your stops.

Can I see the entire city in 72 hours?
Most of the key sights are covered, and the flexible timing allows you to tailor the experience. However, if you want a very relaxed pace or to visit specific less-central spots, the 96-hour ticket might be better.

Is the river cruise included?
The boat ride on the Tagus River is part of the package, and it lasts about 1.5 hours, offering a scenic view of Lisbon’s waterfront.

Are there restroom facilities on the boat?
Yes, the river cruise boat has restrooms, which is convenient for longer trips.

What should I do if I encounter customer service issues?
Some reviews mention unhelpful staff, so it’s best to have your questions prepared beforehand. If needed, contact the support team via email provided by the tour operator.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While primarily suitable for adults, children who can sit through the boat ride and enjoy the sights from the bus or tram should be fine. Considering the scenic nature and open-air vehicles, it’s generally suitable for family outings.

What’s the best way to find stops?
Use the provided city map on board and look for signs at stops, though they can be small. Having a smartphone with GPS can help if the signage isn’t clear.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are not available if canceled less than 24 hours before the scheduled start.

If you’re after a flexible and scenic way to get around Lisbon, this multi-modal hop-on hop-off tour offers a lot for the price. Just keep in mind some logistical quirks, and you’ll be well on your way to discovering the city’s gems comfortably.