Ruins, Survival & Rebirth: Lisbon’s 1755 Earthquake Tour by Tuk Tuk

Description

On the morning of November 1st, 1755, Lisbon was forever changed. In less than an hour, a massive earthquake, tsunami, and fire devastated the city—destroying its churches, palaces, and downtown streets. But from its ruins rose a modern European capital.

This 4-hour Tuk Tuk tour explores Lisbon through the lens of its greatest tragedy and the rebirth that followed. Beginning at Restauradores Square, we ride through the Baixa Pombalina—Lisbon’s neoclassical downtown designed by the Marquis of Pombal after the quake—and visit the ruins of the Carmo Convent, left standing as a memorial.

You’ll pass through Chiado, Estrela, and Belém, with stops at key viewpoints, plazas, and political buildings that tell the story of how Lisbon was rebuilt on rationalist ideals, geometric street plans, and anti-seismic engineering.

From the stone remains of the past to the monuments of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, this tour ties together catastrophe and ambition, ruin and resilience, faith and science.

Private group bookings welcome. Hotel pickup available; conditions and fees may apply. Contact us for custom private group requests.

Essential Tour Info:

⦿ Meeting Point: Hard Rock Cafe, Restauradores Square (Lisbon city center)
⦿ Group Size: Up to 6 guests per Tuk Tuk (max 36 with multiple vehicles)
⦿ Hotel Pickup: Available for private bookings upon request; additional fee may apply. Please inquire.
⦿ Minimum Age: 7 years old
⦿ Languages Offered: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian

Neighborhoods Visited:

⦿ Baixa
⦿ Chiado
⦿ Bairro Alto
⦿ Príncipe Real
⦿ Estrela
⦿ Belém
⦿ Alcântara

Notable Sites & Highlights:

⦿ Restauradores Square
⦿ Rossio Square
⦿ Rossio Train Station (exterior)
⦿ Praça do Comércio
⦿ Sé Cathedral
⦿ Church of São Roque
⦿ Carmo Convent (exterior)
⦿ Portas do Sol viewpoint
⦿ Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
⦿ National Pantheon (exterior stop)
⦿ Estrela Basilica
⦿ Jardim da Estrela
⦿ Assembly of the Republic
⦿ Avenida da Liberdade
⦿ Monument to the Marquis of Pombal
⦿ 25 de Abril Bridge
⦿ Lx Factory
⦿ Cordoaria Nacional
⦿ Jerónimos Monastery
⦿ Torre de Belém
⦿ Padrão dos Descobrimentos
⦿ MAAT & Tejo Power Station

What’s Included:

⦿ Private Tuk Tuk Tour (4 hours)
⦿ Professional local guide
⦿ Historical context at ruins, plazas, and monuments

Not Included:

⦿ Monument entrance tickets
⦿ Food and drinks