Lisbon: GPS-Guided Spinach Tour by Electric Car

The unusual part of this Lisbon tour is that you do not just look out at the city: you drive it in a small, bright green electric car that turns heads and slips along narrow streets. You can follow GPS narration on your own, or join an excursion led by a guide on a scooter.

I like two things in particular: the audio mixes history and practical tips with jokes and Portuguese phrases, and the self-guided format lets you pause at sights or choose a route to suit your day. The trade-off is that Lisbon traffic can feel hectic, and the little car’s firm seat and bumpy ride may not suit everyone.

What to know before you book

• Two ways to go: Drive independently with GPS narration, or follow a guide on a scooter.
• Pick your route: Options include Alfama, Chiado and Príncipe Real, modern Lisbon, and Belém.
• You can stop: Self-guided drivers may pause along the way to get closer to sights.
• Expect a small vehicle: The car is fun and eye-catching, but the ride can be bumpy and the seat does not adjust.
• Bring your documents: You need an original driver’s license, ID and a credit card for the €100-per-car deposit.

A tiny green car with a big-city job

The Spinach is a compact electric vehicle designed for sightseeing around Lisbon. It is not a standard walking tour or a hop-on bus: you sit behind the wheel and make your way through the city, with an onboard voice giving directions and commentary. The car’s bright green body is part of the fun, though it also means you should expect to be noticed.

There are two distinct ways to use it. On the self-guided tour, you choose from four routes, follow GPS instructions and decide when to stop. On the excursion, a guide rides ahead on a scooter and leads the group through a set course, with two stops along the way. That guided option can be reassuring if you would rather concentrate on following than on navigation.

The voice narration is designed to do more than point out streets. It shares facts about Lisbon, local food suggestions, music and cultural traditions, as well as jokes and Portuguese phrases. The commentary is available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French and German.

This is a city tour, not a ticketed visit inside monuments. The routes pass Lisbon highlights, including places such as Belém Tower, the Fado Museum and Rossio Square, but the tour does not list attraction entry as included. Think of it as a lively way to get around and see the city from the street, with time to explore selected stops on your own.

Choose a route to match your day

The shortest self-guided option is a one-hour route through Old Lisbon. You can choose Alfama or a route covering Chiado and Príncipe Real. That makes the shorter outing a good fit if you want a taste of the Spinach car without giving a large part of the day to driving.

Alfama’s route suits you if you want to wind through one of Lisbon’s best-known old neighborhoods. Chiado and Príncipe Real offer a different mix of city streets and architecture. The short routes are not designed to cover every major sight, so it helps to choose based on the part of town you most want to see.

For a change of pace, the Modern Lisbon route focuses on parts of the city developed after the 1950s, with modern buildings and broad avenues. It is a useful contrast to the older neighborhoods, though it may be less appealing if your main goal is historic streets and landmark views.

The two-hour Belém tour takes you west to explore the area associated with Portugal’s maritime discoveries and artistic and cultural heritage. It is the natural choice if you want to reach Belém without planning the route yourself. The Belém Tower is among the area’s best-known sights, but remember that the drive itself does not include admission to attractions.

If you have three hours, you can combine routes and cover more ground. That extra time gives you more scope to stop, look around and avoid making the outing feel like a race between landmarks. One practical tip: build in time to find your way back to the start. GPS directions can lead you to the main road rather than the side street where the office is located.

Guided outing or independent drive?

The guided excursion takes some of the pressure off. A guide rides ahead on a scooter, and you follow the group through Alfama, Graça, Chiado, Rossio and the area around Marquês de Pombal. There are two stops, and the group format may add a social element if you like meeting people along the way.

This option makes sense if you are uneasy about navigating unfamiliar streets or want someone else to set the pace. You still drive the car, so you need to be comfortable at the wheel, but following a guide can be simpler than interpreting a GPS while coping with traffic.

The self-guided version gives you more freedom. You can stop when you want, take time near a sight, or choose one of the route options that best fits your interests. That flexibility is a real advantage if you like exploring independently, though it puts more responsibility on you to follow directions and keep track of your return.

The GPS and voice narration are useful, but do not expect them to be flawless every moment. The instructions can sometimes conflict or fall out of sync, and road closures can force a change of plan. If you miss a turn, stay calm, pull over somewhere safe if needed, and use the support offered by the Spinach team.

What driving in Lisbon is really like

The car is easy to describe as a small three-wheeled vehicle, but it may take a few minutes to feel natural behind the wheel. Staff provide a briefing before you leave, explain the controls and offer support along the way. The team has included staff members named Bea, Gui, Tomas, Pedro, David and Ricardo, with several drivers appreciating clear instructions and a reassuring welcome.

Still, this is not a ride for someone who dislikes busy roads. Lisbon traffic can be intense, and the narrow streets and tight turns demand attention. One driver may find the car simple to manoeuvre; another may need time to get used to it. If you are not a confident driver, consider the guided excursion or choose a different way to see the city.

Comfort is the other caution. The seat does not adjust, and the ride can be hard and bumpy, with limited suspension. The small size makes the car easy to park in tight spaces, but it does not turn it into a comfortable touring vehicle. A one-hour route is a sensible test if you are unsure how you will feel after more time in the seat.

The cars draw smiles and curious looks, and you may find yourself photographed as you pass. That attention is part of the novelty, but it is worth knowing in advance if you prefer to blend into the background.

Does the price earn its keep?

The stated price is $68 per person. For that, you get use of the electric car for your booked duration, an exclusive app with voice narration, curated routes and support from the team. If you select the guided excursion, a guide is included. The value rests less on covering sights quickly and more on the unusual way you move through the city.

A walking tour can offer more direct contact with a guide and a closer look at individual neighborhoods. Public transport is a more practical way to get from one part of town to another. The Spinach sits between those choices: it is a sightseeing activity and a bit of a driving adventure, with the freedom to stop along the self-guided routes.

Budget for the deposit and possible insurance as well. A €100 deposit per car is required by credit card, with or without the optional Collision Damage Waiver. The waiver costs €15 per Spinach, and the stated liability with CDW is €300. Read the participant agreement and confirm the terms before you drive. Booking online is worth checking, since in-store prices can be significantly higher.

You are paying for the vehicle and the format, not a private chauffeur or guaranteed entrance to sights. For a couple or small group that wants a playful way to explore, that can be good value. If your priority is comfort, detailed interpretation at every stop or a calm ride through the city, your money may go further elsewhere.

Who will enjoy the Spinach most?

I would recommend this to confident drivers who enjoy trying something different and are happy to manage traffic and GPS directions. It can suit friends, couples and families with eligible children, especially if the novelty of driving a small electric car is as appealing as the sights.

It is less suitable if you are nervous in traffic, have difficulty sitting in a firm seat, or want a conventional guided tour where someone else handles the transport. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women, people over 350 pounds (159 kg), or people who are mentally or physically incapacitated or have a prosthesis. Children under seven are not suitable; children aged eight to twelve, or at least 1.35 metres tall, can ride with a booster seat. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

For most people comparing the route choices, I would start with the one-hour option if you are unsure about the driving. Choose two hours for Belém, or three if you want time to combine routes and stop at sights without rushing. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now without paying today.

Should you book it?

Book the Spinach if you want more than a standard ride around town and feel at ease driving in unfamiliar traffic. The GPS stories, route choices and freedom to stop make it an entertaining way to see Lisbon, and the guided version reduces some of the navigation burden.

Skip it if comfort and low-stress transport matter more than novelty. If you do book, bring your original license and ID, consider the €15 waiver, and allow time to find the meeting point, which is a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Most of all, choose the route for the kind of Lisbon you want to see, not just the longest duration you can fit into your schedule.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

You can choose an outing lasting from one to three hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What routes can I choose?

Self-guided choices include one-hour routes through Alfama or Chiado and Príncipe Real, a Modern Lisbon route, a two-hour Belém route, and a three-hour option that lets you combine routes.

Is the tour guided?

You can choose a self-guided tour with GPS and audio narration, or an excursion where you follow a guide riding a scooter. The guided excursion includes two stops.

What languages are available?

The Spinach audio speaks Portuguese, English, Spanish, French and German. Hosts or greeters are also listed as speaking those languages.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point is a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Look for the Spinach cars and the bright neon Spinach Tours sign. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What documents should I bring?

Bring your original driver’s license and passport or ID card, as well as a credit card for the deposit. Copies of documents are not accepted.

Is there a deposit or extra insurance cost?

A €100 deposit is required per vehicle by credit card. The optional Collision Damage Waiver costs €15 per Spinach, and the stated liability with CDW is €300.

Can children join the tour?

Children under seven are not suitable for the activity. Children aged eight to twelve, or at least 1.35 metres tall, can ride with a booster seat. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and a Term of Responsibility is required for children up to 13 years old.