3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon worth booking?
3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon is a 3-hour experience in Lisbon, Portugal, from €150 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- €150 per person
Take a deep dive into the history of the war and the neutrality of Lisbon with our 3-hour walking tour. During the Second World War, Portugal was under the dictatorship of António Oliveira Salazar and remained neutral during the conflict. Between 1932 and 1945, the country, particularly Lisbon, received thousands of refugees looking to escape the war and Nazi persecution, waiting for a visa to leave Europe. During those years, Lisbon became the „waiting room" or sad paradise" for the refugees but was also one of the many stages of international espionage. Spies of different nationalities, including British, German, and American, roamed the city and its surroundings under the surveillance of the Portuguese political police. On this guided tour, we highlight the policy of the Estado Novo toward the refugees and glimpse the shadow of the various spies that crossed the city. Come with us and discover the fascinating role of Lisbon between refugees and spies during the Second world war.
What you get
About this experience
Take a deep dive into the history of the war and the neutrality of Lisbon with our 3-hour walking tour. During the Second World War, Portugal was under the dictatorship of António Oliveira Salazar and remained neutral during the conflict. Between 1932 and 1945, the country, particularly Lisbon, received thousands of refugees looking to escape the war and Nazi persecution, waiting for a visa to leave Europe. During those years, Lisbon became the „waiting room" or sad paradise" for the refugees but was also one of the many stages of international espionage. Spies of different nationalities, including British, German, and American, roamed the city and its surroundings under the surveillance of the Portuguese political police. On this guided tour, we highlight the policy of the Estado Novo toward the refugees and glimpse the shadow of the various spies that crossed the city. Come with us and discover the fascinating role of Lisbon between refugees and spies during the Second world war.
What's included
Included
- Guide fee
Not included
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Marques Do Pombal
One of the major meeting points in Lisbon, where the old town meets the modern Lisbon. Our route starts hear next to the Monument to Marquês de Pombal. This where we find the location of the Hotel Aviz, at the time, one of the most renowned hotels in the capital. Crossing the avenue we find the pensions and assistance organizations that helped the refugees in a strange land.
20 minutes here
Avenida da Liberdade
Opened at the end of the 19th century, this large avenue was home to several hotels during the Second World War
20 minutes here
Praca Dos Restauradores
Famous for the monument celebrating the end of Spanish monarchy over the Portuguese throne, this square used to house several movie theaters. Cinema was both entertainment but also the opportunity to pass on propaganda from both sides of the war
20 minutes here
Estacao Do Rossio
Built in the late 1800s, it was once the international train station, where several refugees arrived
15 minutes here
Rua do Carmo
Pedestrian street with several traditional stores
15 minutes here
Cais do Sodre Train Station
very close to the river, several bars and brothels were the perfect spot to recruit agents and get information about naval activities.
20 minutes here
Chiado
The elegant district of city of Lisbon, with several shops but also the seat of the political police during the Dictatorship of Salazar
20 minutes here
Praca Dom Pedro IV
The heart of Lisbon with several cafés and hotels where the refugees waited for good news and visa.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Lisbon
In front of the Café "A Padaria Portuguesa"
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will end the tour nearby the river, close to the subway station and at a walking distance from the Timeout market.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guide in Lisbon
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Learning is fun
Engaging and informative storytelling. Excellent walking tour in a nice area of Lisbon.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! I'm so happy you enjoyed the tour. Best regards
via Tripadvisor
If you love history, this is the tour for you.
Excellent tour with lots of interesting facts about the intriguing role neutral Portugal played in WWII.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the Tour! All the best!
via Viator
A Highlight of our Trip
This was a very personal tour for us, as one of our group of four is the daughter of one of the refugees who fled from Lisbon in 1940. It ended up being a highlight of our trip. Leonor was absolutely fantastic - knowledgeable, prepared, extremely interesting, and fun to talk to. We covered a lot of ground physically and historically - and learned a lot. Leonor enriches the sites on the tour with wonderful pictures and passages from memoirs of the people involved in the events mentioned - we later found out that a description written about boarding the ship to America was about the exact same crossing that our family member took. She also went beyond the topic to point out some sites from the Carnation Revolution as we walked by. If you're interested in a tour that really tackles history - and on a remarkably deep level in only three hours - I can't recommend this highly enough.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words I'm happy you enjoyed the tour. Wishing you all the best, and stay safe!
via Viator
not many photos as i was rapt with Leonor's discussion and knowledge of the subject - she was a fabulous guide
the stories Leonor interweaved with each location - brought them to life even after 60+ years - i would recommend this tour and Leonor unreservedly - several of my tour-mates were wishing they could join had they not been stuck in Porto. It is a fascinating subject -
Response from the operator: Thank you so much. It was lovely to show you the city and the history of this period.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lisbon.
How much does 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon cost?
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Prices start at €150 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lisbon usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lisbon is not rushed.
Is 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lisbon, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lisbon can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lisbon and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lisbon within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Lisbon?
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On Outty we rank every Lisbon experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Lisbon City Center Tour - The Unmissable Lisbon, Sintra Private Trip from Lisbon Customizable Dreamlike Experience, True 4Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour: Discover Lisbon with a Local!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon?
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Included: Guide fee. Not included: Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon?
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In front of the Café "A Padaria Portuguesa" Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon offered in?
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It is offered in German and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Lisbon. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 3-Hour Second World War Refugees and Spies Walking Tour in Lisbon?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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