Some of the best views of the Portuguese Capital come as you sail along the Tagus river, you pass the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the ‘Monument to the Discoveries’ with its statue of Henry The Navigator before arriving at Lisbon. Although small for a European Capital, this city does sprawl a little so you would do best to concentrate on three districts – Baxia, Bairro Alto and Alfama, each with its own distinctive style, Baxia has busy streets of inviting shops, cafes, and restaurants whilst Alfama is the atmospheric old town. Bairro Alto is another historic district with narrow streets and it is a steep climb from Baxia so look out for the 100-year-old life (Elevador do Carmo) near Rossio Square.
Where do cruise ships dock at the Port of Lisbon, Portugal?
Port of Lisbon is a popular cruise destination and turnaround port for a cruise ship. There are five docking locations for cruise ships arriving in Lisbon, Portugal, stretched along the Rio Tejo. Cruise ships dock at the following piers: Santa Apolonia, Santa Apolonia Jusante, Jardim do Tabaco, Alcântara and da Rocha. Where your cruise ship will dock depends on the size of the ship and Port Authority schedule. The first three docking areas are near the city center. The other two docking areas are further, about 5 kilometers away from the city center, but closer to one of the main tourist sites in the Belem area. All have great infrastructure and frequent shuttle bus services.
Lisbon Sightseeing Map for cruise ship visitors.
The map of Lisbon presented bellow shows cruise ships docking quays together with the most visited tourist attractions near the port.
What to visit in Lisbon when arriving by a cruise ship?
Castle of São Jorge
Built in the 12th century and dedicated to St. George this Moorish castle stands majestically above central Lisbon overlooking the historic center. The impressive building has 10 towers, linked by massive battlements. There are wonderful panoramic views of Lisbon from the Castle.
From the Castle you can take fantastic photos of the Baixa district and the Rio Tejo (River Tagus) The walk to the castle can be challenging during the summer months but Castle of São Jorgeis one of the best tourist attractions in Lisbon.
Lisbon Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisaboa) is located on Largo da Sé, and is walking distance if your cruise ship docks at Santa Apolonia. This impressive structure dates from the 12th century and is Lisbon’s oldest church. It is of a solid, massive construction with battlements and towers. Inside the church are the relics of St. Vincent, the City’s Patron Saint.
Lisbon Zoo
Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa) is situated a 15/20 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal but is also within walking distance (less than 20 meters) of both Jardim Zoologico train station and Sete-Rios bus-stop.
Entry tickets cost €20.50 (EURO) for adult and €14.50 (EURO) for a child over 3 years - Tickets include access to almost all attractions and presentations including the cable car ride. The zoo opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 18:00PM/20: 00 PM (depending on the time of year you visit) giving you all day to explore.
The zoo is split into sections which they refer to as 'traveling the world' - Each section explores many animals from many countries, showing different habitats and attractions. My favorite attraction was the giraffes however, the zoo has a lot to offer including presentation shows such as 'Dolphins Bay' and 'Free Flying Birds'.
Now, we've all been to a zoo where you stand around for a good 10 minutes or so trying to spot the animal.. it's hiding in the background or sleeping behind a tree. Well, Lisbon Zoo has come up with a solution for this - The cable car - and it is something I definitely recommend!
The cable car ride takes you on a trip flying ABOVE the zoo for 20 minutes in order to look down on all the attractions and I have to admit you get some awesome views.
The cable cars entry is included in your ticket price.
The only major negative I have to mention is the cable cars aren't wheelchair or pushchair accessible.
Just outside the zoo area, you will find restaurants (including a McDonalds), a gift shop, photo stall, a customer service desk, first-aid station and an ATM (cash machine). There is also a picnic area with benches and toilet facilities.
* Remember to get your stamp if leaving the zoo for food or facilities so you can re-enter without charge.
Monument to the Discoveries
Situated in Belem area, this modern sculpture by the river-side, in the shape of a caravel comprises various historical figures who were involved in the discovery of ‘new world. On top the monument stands out in sharp relief by its dimensions, it catches the eye by the 34 statues which decorate the two sides of the building. The main statue is the one which represents Henry the Navigator, while other figures who have contributed to Portugal’s age of discoveries stand along, with key figures like Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Felipa of Lancaster and Camoes.
Belem Tower
Belem Tower (Torre Belem) is located on the banks of the Tagus River, walking distance from the Monuments to the Discoveries. This five-story tower was classified World Heritage by UNESCO. Built to protect the river entrance from pirates, later was used as a prison.
The tower takes on a quadrangular shape resembling of medieval castles. The most decorated side of the Tower is the south facade, with its narrow balcony. There is a sculptured image of the Virgin with Child dating back to the 18th century, forming the prow of the tower. You can climb at the top of the building and enjoy wonderful views over the river Tagus and the western side of a city evoking the Portuguese Era of Discovery.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Hieronymite Monastery)
This white marble monastery built in 1502 by King Manuel I to honor the ‘Voyages of Discovery’, is the most impressive symbol of Portugal's power and wealth.
It is one of Lisbon’s great landmarks and is considered the country’s finest example of Manueline architecture. It was built to commemorate Vasco Da Gama's voyage and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for its success.
King Manuel I and Vasco da Gama tomb is placed inside the church by the entrance, as was the tomb of poet Luis de Camões, author of the epic The Lusiads. Other great figures in Portuguese history are also entombed here, like King Sebastião, and poets Fernando Pessoa and Alexandre Herculano.
Museu da Marinha
The Naval Museum is just next to the Jeronimos Monastery in an old convent building. This museum contains small models of boats from all ages of Portuguese history and other naval marine objects.
Oceanarium
Build as part of the World Expo to celebrate “The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future', Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) is the second largest aquarium in Europe. It contains more than 15,000 creatures from over 450 different species. The Oceanarium has two floors, and everything rotates around a huge central aquarium. The top floor features water-dwelling animals that live closest to the water surface, while on the lower floor you’ll find deep-sea creatures including several types of sharks, stingrays, and manta rays.
