Lisbon Portugal from a Cruise Ship
What to do when visiting Lisbon, Portugal from a Cruise Ship?
If your cruise itinerary includes a stop in Lisbon, Portugal, you’re in for a treat. As the capital of Portugal and the second-oldest capital in Europe (after Athens), Lisbon is a city rich in history, culture, and breathtaking views. From its cobbled streets and ornate tiled buildings to its scenic hilltop vistas and waterfront promenades, there’s so much to take in during a port stop.
On our visit, we opted for a city tour, which gave us a fantastic overview of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks, winding alleys, and picturesque viewpoints.
After a morning of exploring, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at an outdoor café, soaking in the atmosphere while savoring local flavors. Whether you’re drawn to historic sites, scenic overlooks, or delicious food, Lisbon is a city that delivers an unforgettable experience for cruise travelers.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do from the cruise port, tips for getting around, and must-visit spots to help you make the most of your day in Lisbon.
What is Lisbon known for?
Lisbon is known for great food, outstanding accommodations, and awesome nightlife for a much cheaper cost than many of Europe’s other capital cities. It is known for getting lots of sunshine, 3000 hours a year! The weather is excellent year-round.
Fado is a part of your Lisbon experience. It is a form of Portuguese singing dating back to the early 1800s. Many restaurants will offer this type of music while you are enjoying your meal.
Is Lisbon worth visiting?
Yes, Lisbon is definitely worth visiting. It’s a beautiful city with lots of history and beautiful sites.
Where do cruise ships dock in Lisbon?
There are two docks in Lisbon: Santa Apolonia and Alcantara. Most of the ships now dock at the newer one – Santa Apolonia. Although Santa Apolonia and Alcantara are their names, most people refer to them as the new terminal or old terminal.
Both of these docks are on the River Tagus. If you have the opportunity, you will want to be outside when the ship comes in or goes out of port. You will pass under the 25 de Abril Bridge (which looks a lot like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA) and see many sights of the city along the river bank.
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Can I walk to the city center from the cruise port?
Yes, from the new cruise terminal, the actual walking distance to the city center or Terreiro do Paco Square is around 10 minutes or a little less than a mile.
How far is the port from the beach?
Lisbon has several beaches along the Atlantic Ocean to visit. The beaches are around 15 miles from the city center. The favorite beach is Praia de Carcavelos. It has 1.25 miles of uninterrupted sand. This beach is very popular in the summer months.
Most of the beaches can be reached by car or rail in 30-40 minutes. For example, Praia de Carcavelos is a 15-minute walk from the Carcavelos rail station. There is also ample parking space near the beach.
10 Things to Do When Visiting Lisbon, Portugal from a Cruise Ship
Eating a Pasteis de Nata (A Custard Tart)
One of the unique and yummy food items in Lisbon is the sweet Pasteis de Nata. It has a warm, rich custard in the middle of a light-as-air puff pastry. The recipe is centuries old and said to be a well-kept secret.
The most famous place to try one is in Belem, at Pasteis de Belem. This is the original birthplace of the Pasties de Nata since 1837.
25 de Abril Bridge
The 25 de Abril Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Europe and crosses the Tagus River, commonly called the Tagus River Bridge. It connects Lisbon to Alamada.
Based in part on two bridges in San Francisco: the Golden Gate Bridge and the Oakland Bay Bridge, the 25 de Abril bridge is painted the same international Orange color as the Golden Gate Bridge.
When sailing into or out of the port of Lisbon, it’s exciting to go under this bridge.
Ride on the Wooden Trams
If you get the chance, ride on the old wooden Trams. Two popular routes are the number 15 tram from the center of Belem, and the number 28 yellow tram from Praca do Martim Moniz to Alfama. The 28E Tram is a 45-minute journey where you will see some of the best views. Both trams have very beautiful scenery along the route.
Alfama
If you end up in the Alfama neighborhood, Lisbon’s oldest, be sure to take in the view of the river from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol or you can just follow the windy cobbled streets either on foot or by tram. Alfama is a 10-15 minute walk from the city center.
Jeronimos Monastery
The Jeronimos Monastery is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. It is located near the Tagus River in the parish of Belem. No expense was spared in 1502 to build using Gothic architecture. This is one of the most visited sites in Lisbon, and you don’t want to miss it!
Rossio Square
Rossio Square is one of the busiest areas in Lisbon. People come to sit and relax or eat at the wonderful cafes located around the square. There are two fountains on either side and a monument in the center.
Parque Eduardo VII
Eduardo VII Park occupies 65 acres near the city center and is Lisbon’s largest park. The park is named after King Edward VII of England, who visited Portugal in 1902. It is a public park with a wonderful city and river view. It has neatly clipped box hedges laid out in a mosaic pattern. Well worth a visit for the view alone.
Praca do Comercio in Baixa
This harbor-facing plaza in Lisbon is one of the largest in Portugal. The statue in the middle is of King Joseph I (Jose I), and his horse is symbolically crushing snakes with its hoofs. The plaza is surrounded on 3 sides by bright yellow buildings. It was originally constructed as a symbolic entrance into Lisbon.
Tower of Belem
Being a Unesco World Heritage site makes the Tower of Belem a must-see while you are in Lisbon. This tower was once used to defend the city against foreign ships.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
One of the best attractions is the São Jorge Castle. You can see it from almost anywhere in Old Town. The location of the castle has played a big role in Lisbon’s history. Since the 12th century, it has served as everything from military barracks to the royal palace. It is now a national monument.
Cruise Ship Shore Excursions
Most ships offer shore excursions that you can book on board. Here are the excursions currently offered by some of the cruise lines.
Transportation in Lisbon
From the new cruise port, you have several options for transportation including walking. If you want to cover more of the city try the Hop on Hop off Buses (3 different companies), Tuk Tuk Tours, self-guided electrical cars, taxis, Uber, Metro, Trams, and public buses.
The Wrap-Up: Lisbon, Portugal, from a Cruise Ship
Visiting Lisbon, Portugal from a Cruise Ship gives you lots of opportunities to experience the city and see many of the sites listed above. So whether you take a shore excursion from the ship or set out on your own you are sure to find something that will amaze and delight you.
