While Lisbon basks in the spotlight, just across the river Almada offers a quiet glimpse of authentic Portuguese life. On this walking tour, you’ll find out how the city has been shaped by a combination of maritime heritage, industrial prowess, and artistic character.

The tour starts at the iconic red Farol de Cacilhas, a restored 19th-century lighthouse. From there, you’ll walk through the historic Ginjal district, with its weathered warehouses that once housed bustling shipyards and canning factories. You’ll ascend in the glass Boca do Vento Panoramic Elevator to experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Tagus River and Lisbon’s skyline.

As you navigate the narrow streets of the old town, I’ll tell you how this working-class district evolved from industrial powerhouse to cultural hotspot. You’ll also see examples of Moorish settlements, earthquake devastation, street art and riverside restaurants, all of which speak to Almada’s strength of character. The tour ends at the graffiti-covered ruins of Quinta da Arealva, a 17th-century fort turned winery which, today, is an open-air street art gallery.

On this Almada tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• See the decommissioned Barracuda Submarine and Portugal’s last wooden warship (Frigate Dom Fernando II e Glória) in the Naval Museum area
• Find out why locals proudly call this city “the other side of the coin“ to Lisbon
• Discover the Casa da Cerca - Contemporary Art Center, and its café that offers magnificent views of Lisbon’s skyline
• Learn how the 1755 earthquake devastated the region, with tsunami waves up to 15 meters high claiming thousands of lives
• Hear stories about the Napoleonic invasions and how Portugal’s resistance shaped its future
• Examine ancient Roman fish processing facilities that operated in Cacilhas two thousand years ago
• Learn how the changing of Salazar Bridge’s name to 25 de Abril Bridge reflects Portugal’s journey from dictatorship to democracy

By the end of this fascinating 90-minute walk, you’ll have discovered why Almada deserves your attention just as much as its famous neighbour across the river.