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Lisbon, Portugal - Cruise Port Guide
Location
Sailing along the Tagus River towards Lisbon offers a captivating 15 km journey, revealing three iconic monuments best viewed from the water. These landmarks include the 1520-built Belem Tower, designed for the city's defense, the 1960 Monument to the Discoveries honoring Portuguese explorers, and the Cristo Rei, an immense Christ statue resembling the one in Rio de Janeiro. As you approach Lisbon, a striking suspension bridge over the river reminiscent of the Golden Gate catches the eye – interestingly, it shares its builder with the renowned San Francisco landmark!
Lisbon's port boasts four cruise terminals: 1. Alcântara (TPA), 2. Rocha Conde de Óbidos (TPR), 3. Jardim do Tabaco (JTAB), and 4. Santa Apolónia (TPSA and TPSAJ). Terminals 3 and 4 are collectively known as the (New) Lisbon Cruise Terminal, the most frequently used facility. To determine which terminal your ship will dock at, refer to the relevant information.
Upon disembarking, convenient transportation options from the docks to the city center include buses, trams (15E), and an underground system. Opting for a hop-on/hop-off bus provides an excellent way to explore the city – details are outlined below.
Watch a video of the cruise port.
Monthly climate averages for Lisbon
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Sights
Embarking on a journey aboard the vintage wooden trams offers a delightful experience, with the most scenic routes being No. 15 from the city center to Belém and No. 28 to Alfama. Keep in mind that these routes may become crowded, especially when a large cruise ship is in port. To make the most of your tram ride, consider going early in the day or later in the afternoon.
Fado, the quintessential song of Lisbon, emanates from a unique sentiment and an indescribable soul, making it the most esteemed and authentic expression of Portuguese popular culture. For tourists exploring Lisbon, encountering Fado is always a captivating surprise, as it captures the essence of the city's spirit.
Tours, excursions and transportation
Lisbon stands as a world-class city, teeming with captivating attractions. For a comprehensive exploration in a day, the Lisbon Hop-on Hop-off Tour proves to be the optimal choice, conveniently featuring stops at all four ports.
Public transport emerges as a cost-effective and efficient means of navigating Lisbon. Buses extensively cover the city, antique electric trolleys charm through Alfama and Baixa, while funiculars conquer the steeper hills. The modern, speedy Metro system is another excellent option. To make the most of your day in Lisbon, consider the Bus 728, stopping at all cruise terminals and concluding at Praça do Comércio, the waterfront hub. Purchase an unlimited 24-hour pass to access metro, tram, and bus services, available at metro stations (excluding trams) to get the most value.
Keep in mind Lisbon's hilly terrain and cobblestone sidewalks, which may pose challenges for wheelchairs. Taxis offer a relatively inexpensive and abundant alternative, while renting a car becomes more practical for ventures beyond the city, such as exploring the sumptuous summer palace at Queluz, the elegant town of Sintra, and the magnificent beaches of Cascais, Estoril, and Guincho.
Trains to Sintra depart from the Rossio station and various other locations in Lisbon, taking a 40-minute journey every 30 minutes. Alternatively, consider a cruise excursion for a more convenient option with limited port time. From Alcantara Mar, located at Av. da Índia, trains embark on a 30-minute trip to Cascais and Estoril.
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Nearby destinations
Cascais
Cascais is a charming coastal town located just west of Lisbon. Once a small fishing village, Cascais has evolved into a popular resort destination with its picturesque beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the cobbled streets of the old town, relax on beautiful sandy beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood in the local restaurants. The town also boasts cultural attractions, including the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a museum dedicated to the renowned Portuguese artist.
Estoril
Famous for its elegant ambiance, Estoril is a sophisticated coastal town neighboring Cascais. It gained international recognition during World War II when European royalty sought refuge here. Estoril is synonymous with luxury and entertainment, offering a glamorous casino, upscale hotels, and well-manicured gardens. The Tamariz Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, and the Estoril Circuit hosts motorsport events. Visitors can also explore the beautiful Parque Marechal Carmona, a park with lush greenery and peacocks.
Sintra
Nestled in the lush hills just northwest of Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale town renowned for its romantic architecture and enchanting landscapes. The town is dotted with colorful palaces, including the iconic Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, both perched on hilltops with breathtaking views. The historic center of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers narrow streets lined with charming shops and cafes. The Quinta da Regaleira, with its mysterious gardens and initiation wells, adds an extra layer of intrigue to Sintra's magical allure.
These neighboring destinations make for fantastic day trips from Lisbon, offering a diverse range of experiences, from beachside relaxation to exploring historic palaces and gardens.
Shopping and food
Baixa, situated near the Praca do Comercio where shuttle buses conveniently drop off passengers, stands as Lisbon's primary shopping district. For an authentic taste of the Lisbon vibe, Bairro Alto, the upper city, emerges as the go-to destination for dining. The charming local eateries, known as tascas, offer a genuine Lisbon experience.
Along the waterfront at Doca de Santo Amaro, a plethora of vibrant (fish)restaurants awaits. From chic city-restaurant menus to humble fishermen's home-cooking, the culinary scene presents a vast array of dishes. Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of fresh fish and shellfish offerings.
Menus also feature pork, lamb, and steak dishes, coexisting with influences from former African, Asian, and Oriental colonies—enticing those with adventurous palates. Portuguese wines and ports contribute to a delightful drinking experience, while a diverse selection of fresh fruits and vegetables completes the culinary panorama.
For pastry enthusiasts, a visit to Lisbon would be incomplete without savoring Pasteis do Belem—delicious flaky tartlets filled with custard-like cream. Whether you're exploring chic city restaurants, humble tasca eateries, or waterfront delights, Lisbon's culinary landscape offers a rich and diverse experience for every palate.
Other information
Currency: Euro.
Emergency number: 112.
Language: Portuguese.
Welcome center
The Lisboa Welcome Center, centrally situated in the historic quarter of Baixa at Praca do Comercio, serves as a hub for visitors. It features an "Ask Me" tourist information desk, ensuring travelers have access to helpful assistance. Within the center, you'll discover the gourmet restaurant "Terreiro do Paço," the café "Espaço Contínuo," and an art gallery for a cultural experience.
The Artesanato do Tejo handicraft shop, housed within the center, showcases a diverse range of handmade items including paintings, ceramics, fire arts, woven pieces, lace, CDs, and books covering Lisbon, Portuguese gastronomy, and tourist guides.
For those in need of internet access, an internet cafe is conveniently located on the second floor of the Tourist Information Office at Palacio Foz, Praca dos Restauradores. Whether seeking information, enjoying a meal, or exploring local craftsmanship, the Lisboa Welcome Center provides a welcoming and informative experience in the heart of the city.
Opening hours
Shopping hours are typically from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Shopping centers generally operate from Monday to Sunday, opening at 10:00 AM and closing at 7:00 PM or later. Major stores in town also adhere to Sunday hours, aligning with the schedule of shopping centers.
Banking hours are generally observed from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with some banks in Lisbon extending their hours until 6:00 PM.
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