Best Time of Day to Start a Hop On Off Lisbon Tour?
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Starting early around 9 or 10 AM is ideal. You can beat the crowds at popular stops like Jerónimos Monastery and the Time Out Market. Plus, you’ll make the most of your hop on off Lisbon pass. A morning start gives you plenty of time to explore key spots and enjoy a relaxed Lisbon Portugal city tour.
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From my own experience, the best time to start a Hop-On Hop-Off tour in Lisbon is right when the buses begin running — usually around 9:00 or 9:30 AM.
Here’s why:
You beat the crowds and actually get a good seat (tip: go top deck for views and photos
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Lisbon mornings are cooler, especially in summer, so it’s way more comfortable.
Starting early gives you plenty of time to hop off at major stops like Belém Tower or Jerónimos Monastery without feeling rushed.If you’re doing the full loop first to get a feel for the city (which I totally recommend), early morning is ideal. You can ride it all the way through and explore the best things to do in Lisbon, then plan where you want to hop off next time around.
Plus, if you grab a 24 or 48-hour ticket, starting in the morning lets you spread it out — maybe do a few stops the first day, and the rest the next.Bottom line: earlier = better views, more flexibility, and less stress. Win-win!
