Lisbon Travel Guide

How Do You Get from the Cruise Port to the City?

Lisbon has two cruise terminals. Santa Apolónia is closest — a 15-minute flat walk along the river to Praça do Comércio, the grand waterfront square. Alcântara terminal is further west; take Tram 15E or a taxi (€8) to the centre.

What Can You See in 6 Hours?

1. Alfama — Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood. A labyrinth of narrow streets, fado music drifting from doorways, and viewpoints (miradouros) around every corner. The best one: Miradouro da Graça.

1. Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery — The iconic 16th-century monuments. Take Tram 15E from Praça do Comércio (20 min). Don't miss Pastéis de Belém next door.

1. Praça do Comércio — The grand riverfront square and gateway to the city. Walk through the triumphal arch to Rua Augusta for shops and street performers.

1. Time Out Market — Lisbon's gourmet food hall in the Mercado da Ribeira. Stalls from the city's best chefs under one roof. Perfect for lunch.

1. Tram 28 route — Walk the route through Graça, Alfama, and Baixa. The scenery is the same — without the pickpocket risk and the queue.

Where Should You Eat in Lisbon?

Bacalhau: The Portuguese have 365 ways to cook salt cod — one for every day of the year. Try bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with eggs, onions, and crispy potatoes) or pastéis de bacalhau (codfish cakes).

Seafood: Grilled sardines (sardinhas assadas) are a Lisbon icon, especially in summer. Fresh percebes (goose barnacles) are extraordinary if you're adventurous.

Budget: Look for "prato do dia" (dish of the day) at local tascas — a full meal with wine for €8-12. Bifanas (pork sandwiches) at street stands are €3-4.

How Do You Read a Portuguese Menu?

Portuguese menus often have long, descriptive dish names that look intimidating. Lucy translates Portuguese beautifully and will explain that "cataplana de marisco" is a seafood stew cooked in a copper pot, that "francesinha" is a massive meat sandwich (a Porto speciality you'll also find in Lisbon), and that "arroz de pato" is duck rice. She'll flag shellfish allergens in the ubiquitous seafood dishes.

Is Lisbon Worth Exploring Independently?

Lisbon is a joy to explore on foot. The city is compact, safe, and incredibly welcoming to independent travellers. Public transport (trams, metro, buses) is cheap and efficient. Skip the ship excursion and spend the money on a seafood lunch at Time Out Market instead. With Lucy translating menus and signs, and comfortable shoes on your feet, Lisbon will be one of the best port days of your cruise.