The Portuguese Tiles

Overview

Available languages

Portuguese

English

French

Spanish

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

The Tiles (azulejo in Portuguese) is one of the strongest cultural expressions in Portugal.

With this tour we'll check, mostly outdoors, tiles artworks from the 16th till the 21st century.

It's a special opportunity to meet Lisbon in a totally different perspective.

I'll tell you unique stories and we'll visit unexpected places. The itinerary is about tiles but never dissociated of the history and the stories.

To end the tour we will have the opportunity to taste a codfish cake.

Expect the Unexpected

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Admission Included

What To Expect

Casa do Alentejo

This is a house full of history. Once an aristocratic house, it was remodeled in the 19th century to house Lisbon's first casino. Here we will find a decoration with a Moorish influence, very much in keeping with the romanticism of the time. This will be the starting point for a journey over Lisbon's tiles.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Convento De Sao Pedro De Alcantara

At the church of S.Pedro de Alcântara we will discover the beginnings of the blue and white tile in Portugal. This church houses tiles from the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

The Portuguese Tiles

Reviews

5.00

24 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Miquel was amazing. Due...
Cheri K,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Miquel was amazing. Due to the weather he suggested some possible options and, we felt very comfortable leaving it up to him. He was extremely thoughtful as we are older and, with the rain, had to be more cautious not to slip. He didn’t hurry us at all. We learned so much about tiles, their history and more. He has a passion for what he does!
My daughter and I had an...
Jean S,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My daughter and I had an absolutely wonderful experience with our Portuguese Tiles tour guide, Miguel! He was so warm and friendly and had such a great depth of knowledge of the history and art of the Portuguese culture. We learned so much and enjoyed seeing the beautiful tiles throughout Lisbon. This tour was a fabulous way to begin our vacation because as we learned more about Lisbon’s past history and art/architecture, Miguel also gave us lots of tips and suggestions for our days ahead in Lisbon. A true pleasure and a great way to spend our morning! Highly recommend!
More than tile!
nr5068,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was so much more than a tile tour! We learned an incredible amount of Lisbon’s (and Portuguese) history-from the Phoenicians thru Roman, Arabic, Christian, and Jewish populations. The 1755 earthquake and the 1974 revolution into democracy. Miguel has a passion for history and art that culminates in tile! He was also very kind and accommodating to a schedule change that we had.
The Best of Lisbon Tiles
CeciliaD C,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It is an incredibly wonderful tour! I loved every minute of it. Miguel Cardoso had a wonderful knowledge of history of Portugal and of tile work in Lisbon. I am a potter and made tile work for years. He took me places I would never have found on my own. I am so thankful for him and his tour. I highly recommend it.
Morning Tile Walk
Q5466SBingride,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a delightful morning learning about tiles, the history of Lisbon and Portuguese culture in general. Miguel was able to point out historical examples and newer pieces made by contemporary artists working within the tradition of tiles. I particularly appreciated being able to walk throughout the city of Lisbon to experience the colorful facades up close. I also loved the small group- just three of us. Thank you for being a part of our special vacation!
Amazing tour. Start your visit to Lisbon with Miguel!!
leecornell,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Miguel is friendly, fun, knowledgeable, and passionate about his city and its rich history and culture. We learned the history of Portugal, its tiles, the city of Lisboa, good places to eat, and so much more while discovering hidden gems and beautiful tiles from the 17th to 21st centuries throughout the city. This was truly “our tour” if we need a rest we chatted about tiles and Lisbon, if we were thirsty a few turns had us at a small terrace with water and coffees. Exceptional experience and I’d do it again.
Exceptional Tile and Historical Tour of Lisbon.
Rosemary Q,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
In addition to seeing various tile installations around the city, we learned so much about the history and culture of Portugal. We visited many important historical sites and experienced the subway so we could see another part of the city. Amazing tour!!!!
Memorable, creative, fun
svetlanagJ2694IC,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an incredible time with Miguel, our tour guide in Lisbon. One of the highlights of our trip was discovering the city’s history and culture through its beautiful tiles. Miguel introduced us to this tradition in such a creative and engaging way, making it a truly memorable experience. Highly recommended—a unique and fascinating way to explore the city.
A thoroughly researched and engaging exploration.
Carolyn A,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Miguel has carefully crafted this private tour, from the pacing to the selection of stops and the depth of knowledge he shared along the way. It's clear he puts genuine care into creating and tailoring a personalised and memorable experience. Highly recommend.
Try to get Miguel for this tour! He's the best!
CATHERINE R,
Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Miguel was an excellent guide! He was knowledgeable and passionate about tiles in Lisbon. And he made the adventure easy and fun. Loved the explanation of new vs ancient tiles which gave us a better perspective as we spent our time in Lisbon noticing tiles later on our trip. He took us to a beautiful Miradouro and helped us with photographs too! Enjoyed the front row seat on the Gloria funicular! Thank you Miguel!