Hot take: my 'free' walking tour in Lisbon turned into a $50 scam in plain sight.

I saw a flyer for a 'pay what you want' tour near the Rossio Square, but the guide spent the whole two hours pushing overpriced tickets to a fado show and a specific restaurant where he got a cut. We ended up paying for a rushed, basic history lesson and a constant sales pitch that felt totally dishonest. Has anyone else had a 'free' tour go this wrong, and how do you spot the real ones?

3 comments

3 Comments

anthony_sullivan6822d ago

Was it one of those guys with a bright umbrella near the stairs? My buddy got roped into that last year. The guide spent more time talking about the "special" restaurant his "cousin" ran than any actual sights. They ended the tour in a gift shop, and the pressure to buy something was unreal. He said it felt less like a tour and more like a timeshare pitch. I guess if the guide mentions a partner business more than twice, just walk away.

the_julia22d ago

Actually had a great guide like that once!

the_jason10d ago

Remember that time in Rome when a guy tried to sell us "ancient" coins that looked like they came from a toy store last week?