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Tours & experiences

Lisbon City of Spies Tour

About this experience

In the 2nd World War Lisbon swarmed with spies from the main sides in conflict. A Walking tour designed to find out how neutral Portugal provided the natural setting for conspiracy.
Inside the city of Lisbon both the Allies and the Axis kept impressive diplomatic services: probably the only place in war-torn Europe where all sides were able to meet on equal grounds. Lisbon suddenly became a true “nest of spies” as mentioned in several period chronicles and the “plane to Lisbon”, as an escape route in the movie Casablanca, remains one of the best known examples.

In this walking tour you will visit some of the sites related with the spy stories of:

The most famous spy Hotels in Lisbon
The refugees and the European fashion trends
The lonely fight of the Portuguese consul in Bordeaux
The most important WWII double agent: Garbo/Arabel
The story of the real James Bond
The Jewish gold and the tungsten traffic

At a glance

  • Duration: 2 hr–3 hr

What is included

  • Professional art historian guide

Not included

  • Gratuities

Itinerary and highlights

the everlasting centre of power

the beginning of the Republic in Portugal

the Jewish gold and the tungsten traffic

the story of the real James Bond

the refugees and the European fashion trends

the most famous spy Hotels in Lisbon

the most important WWII double agent: Garbo/Arabel

Meeting and pickup information

  • At the door of Tourist Office (not inside) of Ask me Lisboa — Praça do Comércio. This is located at the NORTHWEST corner, next to Cervejaria Antártida and Squisito Italian restaurant. Look for the Guide with a Lisbon Walker orange backpack (or Totebag with big logo).

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Lisbon Walker

Accessibility and practical details

  • 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

Cancellation policy

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

Traveller reviews and photos

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