See Lisbon Like a Local With These Tours

Travelers are increasingly interested in seeing a new area not as a tourist, but through the eyes of a local. Tours called We Hate Tourism aim to give travelers the experience of a local in Lisbon, Portugal.

The tours were launched in 2010 by Lisbon local Bruno Gomes, who got a group of friends together — all of them struggling through unemployment, but brought experience in diverse fields like journalism, psychology and photography. The main goal is to show off the city to visitors in a manner that combines responsible tourism, unique experiences and a genuine viewpoint.

The tours are self-described as a “continuous exchange and cultural enrichment from people who want to see and experience a place in a different way.” The company tries to help visitors experience firsthand what it would be like to live and work in Lisbon.

Bespoke and personal tour options also now include a Porto exploration in addition to the Lisbon option. Tours bring visitors to places slightly off the beaten tourist track, including an exploration of a historical industrial complex home to a collection of start-ups and small businesses. There, visitors can sample locally made Portuguese delicacies. Another package equips visitors with wetsuits, surfboards and lessons, followed by wine and pastries.