Lisbon Sidecar Tour ( the netflix one)

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon and want to see the city from a fresh perspective, a Lisbon Sidecar Tour might just be the adventure you’re looking for. From what we’ve seen in reviews and descriptions, this experience offers a blend of excitement, personalized insight, and access to hidden corners of the city—stuff you simply can’t get from a bus or on foot.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines a fun, different way to travel with local expertise; plus, the chance to avoid tiring hills and crowded streets, making sightseeing more comfortable. However, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t a tour for everyone: it’s best suited for those who enjoy a little adventure, don’t mind the wind in their hair, and are comfortable sitting in a sidecar with a driver.

All in all, if you’re after a small-group, flexible, and informative way to explore Lisbon’s top sights—and maybe even discover some spots the locals keep to themselves—this sidecar tour could become a highlight of your trip. So, let’s break down what makes this experience special and what you should know before booking.

Key Points

• Unique sightseeing in Lisbon via sidecar, with routes that cars and buses can’t access
• Personalized options allow you to tailor the experience to your interests
• Expert local guides who speak multiple languages and know the city inside out
• Comfort and convenience with hotel pick-up, drop-off, and all riding gear included
• Great value for the experience of a 3-hour adventure with flexible booking options
• Excellent reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, fun rides, and memorable views

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Lisbon Sidecar Tour?

The Lisbon Sidecar Tour, run by Bike my Side, is more than just a quick ride around the city. It’s a carefully crafted, intimate way to explore Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods—including those tricky hills and narrow streets that make the city so unique—without breaking a sweat. Instead of hopping on a crowded bus or exhausting yourself walking up steep inclines, you’ll sit comfortably in a sidecar, feeling the wind and seeing sights unfold in a very personal way.

This tour is 3 hours long, giving enough time to soak in the atmosphere, learn some history, and take plenty of photos. The routes are customizable, so if you have specific interests—like the city’s best viewpoints, hidden alleyways, or local spots—the guides are happy to tailor the experience. The guides themselves are native Portuguese speakers, adding authenticity and depth to the commentary.

The company offers up to 10 passengers per ride with five sidecars available, so it’s suitable for small groups or couples. Tours are conducted in multiple languages—including English, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish—making it accessible for many visitors.

The Highlights That Make This Tour Stand Out

There’s a lot to appreciate with this sidecar experience. Here are some of the standout features:

• Access to places buses and cars can’t go: You’ll get to see narrow alleys, hidden viewpoints, and secret streets that are impossible to navigate on larger vehicles. This means you’ll see parts of Lisbon that many travelers miss.

• Personalized itinerary: Want to focus on history, scenic viewpoints, or local neighborhoods? The guides are flexible and eager to customize the route based on your interests.

• Local Portuguese drivers and guides: The guides are not only fluent in multiple languages but also passionate about their city. As one reviewer put it, their knowledge and friendly attitude make all the difference.

• Memorable stories and unique photos: You’ll leave with stories that even locals might not know and photos that capture Lisbon’s character from a totally different perspective.

• Feel the thrill with the wind in your hair: This is not a sedate sightseeing bus. It’s an exhilarating ride with a sense of adventure, perfect for those who like a bit of adrenaline.

What to Expect During the Tour

During your 3-hour journey, you’ll start with a pickup from your hotel or specified location in Lisbon, making it super convenient. The tour is designed to give you a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of the city’s highlights, but with an emphasis on off-the-beaten-path spots.

Each sidecar is equipped with all the necessary gear, so safety and comfort are prioritized. You’ll be riding with a professional driver-guide who will navigate the streets, while you sit back and enjoy the ride. The route typically includes several stops—some for photos, some for quick visits—allowing you to capture Lisbon’s beauty from vantage points only accessible on this kind of tour.

The guides are well-versed in Lisbon’s culture, history, and local events, and they love sharing fun facts and stories that add depth to your sightseeing. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just someone looking for a cool way to see the city, this trip adapts to your vibe.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The tour is flexible enough for some customization, but here’s a typical outline:

• Start from your pickup point in Lisbon—whether your hotel, cruise terminal, or other location—so you avoid the hassle of navigating the city yourself.

• The ride takes you through historic neighborhoods and iconic spots, often including hidden alleyways and viewpoints that aren’t on standard tour routes.

• You’ll visit areas that buses can’t access, meaning less crowded streets and more authentic local flavor.

• The guides often stop for moments of sightseeing or photos, and some reviews mention special stops like tasting local treats like nata pastries or wine—though these are not included in the tour price.

• After about three hours, you’ll be returned to your starting point, with all the stories, photos, and memories to take home.

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The Value of the Experience

When evaluating the worth of the Lisbon Sidecar Tour, consider what you’re getting: a personalized, fun, and authentic way to see the city. For the price, it’s a compact but rich experience, especially because it includes hotel or cruise terminal pickup and all riding gear.

Many reviewers emphasize how this tour maximizes their time and introduces them to Lisbon in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. One guest raved, “It was more like taking a relaxed sidecar bike ride with friends than a controlled tour,” capturing the laid-back yet immersive nature of the experience.

Compared to traditional tours, this is a small-group, customizable outing that feels exclusive without being overly expensive. It’s ideal for those who want a memorable story to tell rather than just ticking off sights on a checklist.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Booking is flexible and convenient. You can reserve now and pay later, giving you peace of mind. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to adjust plans if needed.

The tour’s duration of 3 hours is a perfect window—long enough to see a good chunk of the city without feeling rushed. The group size is limited to a private experience, which means more personalized attention.

What to bring? Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, and be prepared for a breezy ride. Bare feet are not allowed, for safety reasons.

Who is it suitable for? The tour isn’t recommended for children under 8, or for those with back problems, or over 220 lbs. It’s best suited for active, curious travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure.

Real Traveller Insights

Looking at the reviews, it’s clear that this experience hits the mark for many. Travelers frequently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with one saying, “My guide Jorge was very knowledgeable on the history of Portugal,” and another raving about driver Luis being “absolutely amazing.”

People love how comfortable and smooth the ride is, even through busy streets, and how they get to see Lisbon’s hidden gems. There’s a common theme of the tour being fun, educational, and memorable, often with a personal touch that makes the experience stand out.

Some reviews even mention that the tour exceeded expectations—highlighting the local insights, scenic viewpoints, and the chance to see parts of the city only accessible by small vehicles.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a fun, lively way to experience Lisbon, especially if you want more than just the standard sightseeing bus, this sidecar tour is a fantastic pick. It’s perfect for adventure lovers, photo enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates local stories and hidden spots.

However, it’s not the best fit if you’re traveling with very young children, have mobility concerns, or prefer a very relaxed, seated-only experience. The wind and open-air nature of the ride mean you’ll want to be comfortable with outdoor exposure and the occasional gust.

This tour suits travelers who seek personalized attention and want to maximize their time efficiently with an energetic, knowledgeable guide leading the way.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old, mainly because of safety and comfort considerations.

How many people can fit in each sidecar?
Each sidecar can accommodate 1 or 2 people comfortably, with a total of 10 passengers across all five sidecars.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Tours are available in English, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel or specified location, as well as drop-off afterward.

Can I customize my route?
Absolutely. The guides are happy to tailor the tour to your interests, whether you want more history, scenic views, or local food stops.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses. Since it’s an open-air ride, dress appropriately for the weather.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option.

Final Thoughts

The Lisbon Sidecar Tour offers a refreshing, engaging way to explore the city that’s ideal for those craving a mix of adventure and local insight. With knowledgeable guides, scenic routes, and the fun of riding in a sidecar, it stands out as a memorable highlight for many travelers.

It’s especially suited for small groups or couples who value personalized, flexible experiences and want to avoid the crowds and hills. If you’re looking for a fun story to tell and photos to cherish, this tour could very well be the best way to see Lisbon in style.

While it’s not for everyone—those with certain mobility restrictions or young children might want to consider other options—the overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest this is a top-tier choice for visitors wanting something different. Be ready for a lively ride, plenty of local stories, and a fantastic new perspective on Lisbon’s charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: