That hostel in Lisbon with the free walking tour that wasn't free

I booked a bed at a hostel in Lisbon last spring because they advertised a free walking tour. We all met in the lobby at 10 AM, and the guide walked us around for about 20 minutes before stopping at a pastel de nata shop. He said the tour was free, but we had to buy a pastry at each stop to hear the history. I ended up spending 18 euros on custard tarts I didn't even want. Has anyone else run into these pseudo-free tours that are really just ad walks?

3 comments

3 Comments

henderson.wesley29d ago

Man, that's such a shady setup. Did the guide at least warn you before everyone started walking or was it a surprise when you got to the first shop?

the_robin15d ago

@henderson.wesley that's the part that gets me too. Like, if they just said hey heads up we're stopping at a shop where my buddy sells overpriced rugs you'd at least be prepared to either play along or just duck out. But dropping it on you cold like that is the sketchiest move. I swear they bank on the whole social pressure deal where you feel like a jerk if you don't buy something. And yeah, the guide definitely gets a cut, probably a huge one. That's why they steer you into places where the prices are jacked up double or triple what you'd find anywhere else. Whole thing's a racket and it ruins what could be a good experience.

shane65529d ago

That's exactly what got me. Zero warning. Guide just took off down the street and we all followed like sheep. First shop we walk into and it's clearly a cousin or something running the place. Felt trapped honestly. You're already there, everyone's buying stuff, hard to just walk out without looking like a jerk. Guides probably get a kickback from those places too. Biggest scam in plain sight.