Why We Hate Tourism Tours is One of the Best Tour Companies in Lisbon, Portugal

Please note: I was welcomed as a guest on We Hate Tourism Tours King of the Hills Tour in exchange for my honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

If you’ve spent any time googling the best tour companies in Lisbon, Portugal, chances are you’ve stumbled across the name We Hate Tourism Tours. And maybe you’ve wondered—are they actually good, or just trying to be edgy?

Let me clear that up for you right now: they’re actually good. Like, unforgettable-day-out, make-you-laugh-so-hard-you-snort, eat-the-best-pastel-de-nata-of-your-life good.

I joined one of their (now-retired) King of the Hills tours back in 2018, and I still talk about it to anyone planning a trip to Portugal. Not just because I saw incredible viewpoints or got chauffeured around in a vintage Jeep (okay, it was a van because it rained—but even the van was fun). It was because it didn’t feel like a tour. It felt like getting shown around by a friend who knew every hidden gem, cracked the best jokes, and didn’t sugarcoat Lisbon’s history.

In this post, I’ll share my experience and dive into the current tours they offer—because even though the one I did isn’t running anymore, I’d still recommend them in a heartbeat.

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Who Is We Hate Tourism Tours?

We Hate Tourism Tours isn’t your average sightseeing company—and they don’t want to be.

Founded in Lisbon by locals who were tired of seeing their city flattened into postcard-perfect clichés, WHTT was built on the idea that travel should connect people, not just check boxes. They believe in showing you the real Lisbon—not just the shiny stuff, but the messy, complex, and beautiful whole. Their motto? Travel for real, or stay home.

That means no megaphones. No matching hats. No lining up at tourist traps. Instead, you’ll find yourself riding shotgun in a van with six new friends, laughing with a guide who grew up in the neighborhood you’re driving through, and eating pastries from a bakery you’ll never find in a guidebook.

Whether it’s your first time in Portugal or your fifth, their tours offer something different: a raw, unfiltered take on the culture, history, and people who shape the city. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then yes—this is one of the best tour companies in Lisbon, Portugal

My Experience on the King of the Hills Tour

Back in 2018, I had the chance to join We Hate Tourism Tours’ now-retired King of the Hills tour—and it remains one of my favorite memories from Lisbon.

I showed up (early, which never happens) genuinely buzzing with excitement. The promise of winding through Lisbon’s seven hills in a vintage open-top Jeep had me dreaming of wind-in-my-hair magic and epic viewpoints. But of course, Lisbon had other plans: it rained. The Jeep got swapped for a van, and you could feel the collective sigh from the group. Would this still be worth it?

Spoiler alert: it absolutely was.

From the very first stop, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be your typical “point and shoot” kind of tour. Our guide, Miguel, was part history professor, part stand-up comic, part philosopher. One minute we were learning about the 1755 earthquake, and the next we were hearing stories about his childhood antics and passionate (and hilarious) rants about Ronaldo.

The tour was packed with local insights, political commentary, and personal anecdotes—and honestly, it felt more like being shown around by a very funny, very smart friend.

And then there were the views. Lisbon is famous for its miradouros (viewpoints), and we hit some of the very best—places I never would have found on my own. Miguel always had a story to go with the scenery, making each spot more than just a pretty photo opp.

But the real kicker? The pastel de nata. Not the ones you see all over Instagram. Not the tourist-favorite in Belém. No, this was from a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it corner bakery, hand-delivered by Miguel with cinnamon and powdered sugar on the side. It was my first one ever, and no other pastel de nata has come close since.

Even though the King of the Hills tour no longer runs, I’d still recommend We Hate Tourism Tours in a heartbeat—because the heart of what they do hasn’t changed: thoughtful storytelling, unexpected stops, and real connection.

Curious what else to eat in Portugal? These 10 things to do in Aveiro include a few sweet surprises.

The Tours You Can Take Now with We Hate Tourism Tours

While the King of the Hills tour has officially retired, We Hate Tourism Tours is still running a full lineup of experiences that stay true to their signature blend of humor, honesty, and off-the-beaten-path storytelling. If you’re looking for one of the best tour companies in Lisbon, Portugal—this is where to start.

Here are a few standout tours currently on offer:

X-Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais

This is the tour that started it all—and it still holds up as one of the most unique ways to explore Lisbon’s surroundings.

The itinerary? A full-day road trip that feels more like tagging along with a local friend than joining a tour group. You’ll skip the overcrowded Pena Palace and head straight for “our favorite palace” instead, then cruise along the coast past Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point in continental Europe), watch the waves roll in at Guincho Beach, and end in the postcard-perfect town of Cascais.

Expect unfiltered commentary, un-Googleable spots, and zero patience for tourist traps. Bring your swimsuit, your curiosity, and maybe a bottle of vinho tinto to share. Because yes—this is the kind of tour where drinking wine by the ocean is not just allowed, it’s encouraged.

Why I’d recommend it: It’s got the adventure of a day trip, the intimacy of a friend’s car, and the irreverence that makes We Hate Tourism Tours so damn fun.

Lisbon Walk in the Real City

If you’re tired of walking tours that feel like reading a guidebook out loud—this is your antidote. The Real City Walk skips the crowded tourist hotspots and dives headfirst into the everyday life of Lisbon. You’ll wander down streets filled with Portuguese tiles, smell sizzling bifanas, admire the street art, and hear stories that you won’t find on TripAdvisor. It’s gritty in the best way.

This is also one of their most socially conscious tours: you’ll get insight into Lisbon’s housing crisis, gentrification, and cultural identity—without the sugarcoating. But you’ll also be treated to laughter, local snacks, and a feeling of being truly in the city, not just passing through.

Why I’d recommend it: It’s my top pick for solo travelers in Lisbon or anyone craving meaningful conversation over monuments.

Lisbon We “Hate” Landmarks Tour

Don’t be fooled by the name—this isn’t a landmarks tour in the traditional sense. Instead, this tour gives you a crash course in Lisbon with attitude. You’ll get the lay of the land with a local anti-tour guide who doesn’t just recite history—they dissect it. Think political jokes, personal stories, and zero tolerance for postcard-perfect narratives.

You’ll cruise through Lisbon’s most significant neighborhoods in a comfy van, learning what makes the city tick (and where it’s cracking at the seams). Whether it’s your first day in Lisbon or your last, this tour sets the tone—or wraps it up—with a bang.

Why I’d recommend it: It’s the perfect “orientation with edge” tour. Less sightseeing, more storytelling.

Lisbon Surf Experience

If your ideal day includes salt in your hair and sand in your shoes, this tour’s for you. You’ll head out of the city, cross the 25th of April Bridge, and hit the beaches of Costa da Caparica for a full-on surf experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced wave-chaser, your instructor will make sure you have fun.

After your surf session, the group will cruise the coast, visit a traditional fishing village, and—of course—eat. Because no We Hate Tourism experience is complete without food and casual existential musings.

Why I’d recommend it: It’s the most fun you’ll have in neoprene.

Real Life Suburbia Tour

Lisbon’s historic center may get all the attention, but the real lives of most locals now unfold in the suburbs. On this tour, you’ll venture outside the city to explore the neighborhoods where families live, laugh, and grumble about rising rent. It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest—and surprisingly beautiful in its own way.

You’ll learn about Lisbon’s housing struggles, explore parks and palaces hidden in plain sight, and maybe even have lunch in a place that’s never seen a tourist menu. Expect concrete, candor, and conversations you won’t forget.

Why I’d recommend it: If you care about getting a real sense of place, this is one of the most underrated tours you can take in Lisbon.

Why I Still Recommend We Hate Tourism Tours

Even though the exact tour I took—King of the Hills—is no longer on the calendar, I would still wholeheartedly recommend booking a tour with We Hate Tourism Tours. Why? Because it was never really about the specific stops or the exact route. It was about the vibe.

We Hate Tourism Tours stands out because it isn’t just a tour company—it’s a philosophy. It’s a middle finger to mass tourism and a bear hug to real, honest experiences. Whether you’re wandering the working-class neighborhoods that raised Lisbon’s next generation or dodging tuk-tuks in search of local secrets, you feel like you’re getting the truth. Or at least someone’s truth. And that’s what makes it memorable.

Every tour they offer still reflects what made King of the Hills so special for me:

• Storytelling that’s personal and political
• Guides who treat you like a friend, not a number
• A willingness to show you the cracks, not just the gloss

So if you’re the kind of traveler who values authenticity over aesthetics, connection over convenience—and you don’t mind a little sarcasm along the way—then We Hate Tourism Tours is still 100% the company for you.

TL;DR: It’s still one of the best tour companies in Lisbon, Portugal. Just maybe don’t expect a pastel-colored umbrella or a rigid itinerary—and that’s the beauty of it.

FAQ: We Hate Tourism Tours Lisbon

Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Always Recommend We Hate Tourism Tours

If you’re looking for cookie-cutter commentary, matching umbrellas, or a tour that sticks strictly to the guidebook—look elsewhere. But if you want an experience that feels like exploring Lisbon with a sarcastic, passionate, incredibly knowledgeable friend? Then We Hate Tourism Tours is for you.

Even though the King of the Hills tour is no longer running, everything that made it unforgettable—the storytelling, the local insights, the offbeat humor, and the pastel de nata perfection—is still alive in the experiences they offer today.

In a city bursting with options, We Hate Tourism Tours continues to stand out as one of the best tour companies in Lisbon, Portugal. Whether it’s your first time in the city or your fifth, they’ll show you a side of Lisbon you didn’t even know you were missing.

So book the tour. Say yes to the detours. And get ready to love Lisbon—quirks, contradictions, and all.

Looking for more Portugal travel tips? Check out my 2-week Portugal itinerary.