Lisbon Cruise Port Guide Info
Lying along the Tagus River and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the lively capital of Portugal boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, exquisite cuisine, great weather, many events and festivals taking place throughout the year, and friendly, warm people!
The cruise port is located in the very heart of the old town, from where you can easily reach all the main Lisbon attractions on foot. The port has two cruise terminals: Jardim do Tabaco, and Santa Apolonia, where large ships dock, located in Alfama historic quarter, and two more: Rocha de Conde de Obidos and Alcântara, 6 kilometers further, close to the Ponte 25 de Abril and Belem district. The latter two are mainly used for smaller ships.
Lisbon cruise terminal where the large cruise ships dock is equipped with a large, modern terminal building where you can find tourist information centers, ATMs, duty-free shops, cafeteria, restrooms, and other facilities.
Praça do Comércio, one of the main city squares that marks the beginning of a pedestrian street Rua Augusta – known for its Rua Augusta Arch, is located within 15 minutes' walking distance from the cruise terminal. You can either explore the city landmarks on foot, or you can take a tram, tuk-tuk, or hop on hop off bus located at the exit of the terminal building.
Besides Praça do Comércio and Rua Augusta, where you can find many historical monuments, shops, cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and street art, there are many other Lisbon landmarks to explore: Rossio square, a bustling city hub and the largest square in Lisbon, in the middle of which you can find fountains and a Column of Pedro IV – an important historical monument.
The 19th century National Theater D. Maria II and Rossio Railway Station are also located around the square, as well as numerous restaurants, shops, bars where both locals and tourists like to enjoy their morning coffee or a delicious pastel de nata, authentic Portuguese pastry filled with custard crème.
If you want to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Lisbon, head over to one of the famous viewpoints, such as Miradouro da Graça Viewpoint, or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, from where you can admire the views of the Lisbon old town and the Tagus River. The best way to get there is by tuk-tuk, but you can also walk if you don’t mind walking uphill.
On the way, you’ll spot several other attractions, such as Sé Cathedral, one of the main religious buildings dating from the 12th century; the 17th-century Monastery of São Vicente de For, and the Church of Santa Engrácia known for its white dome dominating the city panorama. The church has been transformed into the National Pantheon where the important Portuguese personalities were buried and can easily be spotted from the cruise terminal.
Castelo de São Jorge is another important historic castle built on the hilltop, whose first fortifications built date back to the 8th century BC.
However, if you decide to spend your day by the river, there is a several-kilometers long waterfront promenade along the Tagus River, where you can walk, go cycling, ride a Segway, or simply enjoy delicious Lisbon specialties in one of the cafes or restaurants.
Nine kilometers away from the Lisbon cruise terminal, right by the river, you’ll find three other iconic monuments: Belém Tower, a 16th-century tower and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was later transformed into a lighthouse.
nowadays one of the most visited Lisbon landmarks; the Monument of the Discoveries, an imposing concrete monument built to commemorate the Golden Age of Discoveries; the Jeronimus Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that today houses the Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of navigation in Portugal.
To conclude, Lisbon has so much to offer and it’s good to plan your Lisbon stay ahead. If you want to read more on what to do in Lisbon, check out the article: 6 Unique Things To Do In The Port Of Lisbon