Lisbon is a vibrant, colorful city with steep hills, historic trams, and stunning viewpoints. But if you want to see the best of Lisbon without breaking a sweat, hop on a Yellow Bus Tour! These iconic open-top buses let you discover the city’s top attractions while enjoying the sunshine and fresh Atlantic breeze.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ Why Choose a Yellow Bus Tour?
✔️ Different Routes & What You’ll See
✔️ Ticket Options & Discounts
✔️ Fun Tips for the Best Experience
Why Choose a Yellow Bus Tour in Lisbon?
Hop-On, Hop-Off Freedom – Get off at any stop, explore, and catch the next bus.
Best Views from the Top Deck – Perfect for photos of Lisbon’s red rooftops and the Tagus River.
Live or Audio Commentary – Learn fun facts about Lisbon’s history and culture.
Avoid Walking Up Hills – Lisbon is very hilly—let the bus do the work!
24 or 48-Hour Tickets – Great for short trips or in-depth exploration.
Yellow Bus Tour Routes: Which One Should You Take?
There are three main routes, each covering different parts of the city. You can buy single-route tickets or a combo pass for all three!
**1. City Tour (Blue Route) – The Classic Lisbon Experience 1h 30m | 12 stops
This route covers Lisbon’s must-see landmarks:
- Praça do Comércio (Lisbon’s grand riverside square)
- Belém Tower (UNESCO-listed 16th-century fortress)
- Jerónimos Monastery (Stunning Manueline architecture)
- LX Factory (Hipster hangout with cool street art & cafés)
- Estrela Basilica (Beautiful church with a scenic garden)
Best for: First-time visitors who want to see Lisbon’s highlights.
**2. Oriente Tour (Red Route) – Modern Lisbon & Parque das Nações 1h 30m | 9 stops
Explore Lisbon’s futuristic side:
- Oceanário de Lisboa (One of Europe’s best aquariums)
- Vasco da Gama Tower & Shopping Centre
- Ponte Vasco da Gama (Europe’s longest bridge!)
- Alameda dos Oceanos (Cool modern architecture)
Best for: Families & fans of contemporary attractions.
**3. Belém Tour (Green Route) – Shorter & Focused on Belém 45m | 4 stops
A quick way to see Belém’s top sights:
- Belém Tower
- Jerónimos Monastery
- MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology)
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
Best for: Those short on time who just want Belém’s best spots.
Ticket Options & Discounts
✔️ 24-Hour Ticket – €22 (one route) / €28 (all routes)
✔️ 48-Hour Ticket – €27 (one route) / €35 (all routes)
✔️ Kids (4-12) – 50% off | Under 4 – Free!
Pro Tip: Buy online in advance (it’s cheaper!) and check for combo deals that include tram rides or river cruises.
Fun Tips for the Best Yellow Bus Experience
Sit on the top deck – Best views, but wear sunscreen!
Bring a camera – Lisbon is incredibly photogenic from above.
Start early – Buses run from 9 AM to 7 PM (fewer crowds in the morning).
Stop for a pastel de nata in Belém – The original recipe is at Pastéis de Belém!
Use the free headphones – The audio guide is packed with fun stories.
Is the Yellow Bus Tour Worth It?
Absolutely! It’s the easiest way to see Lisbon’s top sights without tiring yourself out. Plus, the hop-on, hop-off system means you can explore at your own pace.
Perfect for:
✔️ First-time visitors
✔️ Families with kids
✔️ Anyone who doesn’t want to hike up Lisbon’s hills!
Note. Image used from Trip advisor tour – linked here.
Comment (0)