Cruise Port: Lisbon, Portugal
Get ready to fall in love with Lisbon! Here's your guide to an unforgettable cruise port day, filled with culture, flavour, and breathtaking views.
know before you go
cruise port locations
It's important to note that Lisbon utilises three different cruise terminals/quays. For precise details on where your ship will dock, please refer to your cruise line's website or contact them directly. The terminals are outlined below.
Lisbon Cruise Terminal (Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa)
Opened in 2017, this is Lisbon's newest, most modern, and most frequently used cruise facility. Strategically located close to the historic city center, it consolidates what were previously known as the Jardim do Tabaco (JTAB) and Santa Apolónia (TPSA / TPSAJ) berths. Designed with contemporary cruise ships in mind, it boasts the capacity to handle larger vessels and features state-of-the-art amenities. Passengers can expect efficient disembarkation processes, spacious waiting areas, a tourist information desk, duty-free shops, and cafes. Its prime location means you're typically a short walk or quick metro ride (Santa Apolónia station is adjacent) from major attractions like the Alfama district, Lisbon Cathedral, and Praça do Comércio, putting you right at the heart of the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Alcântara Cruise Terminal (Gare Marítima de Alcântara)
Situated a bit further west from the core city center, under the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, Alcântara still serves as an important hub for cruise traffic, particularly for mid-sized ships or when the main terminal is occupied. While not as new as the Lisbon Cruise Terminal, it offers functional facilities. Its location provides excellent transport links: tram lines (including the famous Tram 15E to Belém), bus routes, and a train station (Alcântara-Mar) are all conveniently nearby, connecting passengers quickly to both the city center and the popular Belém district with its Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries). The area itself has a trendy, industrial-chic vibe, with the LX Factory creative hub just a short distance away.
Rocha Conde de Óbidos (TPR)
This terminal is primarily a multi-purpose port facility that occasionally hosts cruise ships, especially during Lisbon's busy peak cruise seasons or when the other terminals are at full capacity. Located adjacent to Alcântara, it shares a similar geographical positioning further west along the Tagus River. While its facilities may be more basic compared to the Lisbon Cruise Terminal, it remains a functional point of embarkation and disembarkation. Like Alcântara, it benefits from relatively good access to public transport (trams, buses, and train stations), enabling passengers to connect efficiently to the city's main attractions, albeit usually requiring a short journey rather than a direct walk.
Pre-Arrival Planning
- Prioritise Your Must-Sees: Lisbon has a wealth of attractions. Decide what's most important to you: historical sites, scenic views, food experiences, or a combination.
- Consider Transportation Options
- Walking: Lisbon's city centre is walkable, but the city is hilly.
- Trams: The iconic Tram 28 is a popular choice, but can get very crowded.
- Metro: Lisbon's metro system is efficient and easy to use.
- Hop-on Hop-off Buses: A convenient way to see major attractions.
- Taxis/Ride-Sharing (Grab/Uber): Useful for getting to specific locations quickly.
- Transportation tickets: Consider purchasing a 24-hour public transportation pass for unlimited travel
Helpful considerations
- Start Early: Maximise your time by disembarking as early as possible.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
- Stay Hydrated: Especially during the warmer months.
- Be Aware of Crowds: Popular attractions can get very crowded, especially when multiple cruise ships are in port.
- Manage Your Time: Keep an eye on the time to ensure you return to your ship before departure.
- Local Currency: While credit cards are widely accepted, having some euros on hand is useful.
- Try Local Cuisine
- Don't miss the famous "Pastéis de Belém" (custard tarts).
- Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
- Be Mindful of Your Belongings: Like any major city, Lisbon has its share of pickpockets. Keep your valuables secure.
- Consider a Guided Tour: If you prefer a structured experience, consider a shore excursion or a private tour.
- Enjoy the Views: Lisbon is known for its stunning viewpoints. Take time to enjoy the panoramic vistas.
Lisbon Neighbourhoods
- Alfama: Lisbon's oldest and most atmospheric district, a maze of narrow, winding streets, historic houses, and stunning viewpoints. It's the birthplace of Fado music and home to São Jorge Castle.
- Baixa: Rebuilt elegantly after the 1755 earthquake, this central downtown area features grand squares (like Praça do Comércio and Rossio), wide avenues, and bustling shopping streets. It's Lisbon's commercial heart.
- Chiado: Perched above Baixa, Chiado is the city's sophisticated and bohemian quarter, known for its historic cafes, elegant boutiques, theaters, and literary connections.
- Bairro Alto: By day, a quiet residential area, but by night, it transforms into Lisbon's vibrant nightlife hub, with countless bars and restaurants spilling out onto its charming, hilly streets.
- Belém: A riverside district steeped in Portugal's Age of Discoveries, home to iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, and the famous Pastéis de Belém custard tarts.
- Cais do Sodré: Once a red-light district, it has been revitalized into a trendy area with the famous "Pink Street," cool bars, restaurants, and the popular Time Out Market.
Last Updated: 2 June '25
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