Last reviewed: January 2026
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Lisbon: My Seven Hills of Soul
We sailed under the 25 de Abril Bridge at sunrise and the city appeared like a terracotta dream stacked across seven hills above the Tagus River. This is the harbor where Vasco da Gama departed in 1497 to find the sea route to India, where Magellan set sail to circumnavigate the globe – the very waters that launched the Age of Discovery. The 16th-century Belém Tower stood watch at the river's edge just as it had for five centuries, that UNESCO fortress looking exactly like every romantic painting promised. Lisbon survived the devastating 1755 earthquake that leveled most of Europe's grandest capital, then rebuilt itself with the elegant grid of Pombaline architecture in the Baixa district – straight streets rising from catastrophe with methodical grace.
We caught the iconic yellow Tram 28 from the terminal and rattled through impossibly narrow streets into Alfama – Lisbon's oldest neighborhood where Moorish origins still whisper from every cobblestone and winding alley. Old ladies hung laundry between buildings painted in faded pastels while somewhere deeper in those medieval lanes a fado guitar started its afternoon lament. We climbed to São Jorge Castle for the panoramic view – the whole city spread below like a living map, every miradouro viewpoint revealing another angle of beauty across those famous hills. Then Belém in the afternoon: Jerónimos Monastery glowing honey-gold in the slanting light, its Manueline stonework carved like frozen lace, Vasco da Gama's tomb resting in the sanctuary where five centuries of prayers have been whispered. Next door at Pastéis de Belém – those legendary custard tarts baked since 1837 in the same recipe – we devoured six pastel de nata standing at the counter, cinnamon and sugar still warm on our fingers.
We took the train to Sintra the next morning – forty minutes into a fairy tale of romantic palaces perched on misty hilltops. Pena Palace rose like a fever dream in sherbet colors, the Moorish Castle crumbling picturesquely on the next ridge. Back in Lisbon we watched sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte with the whole city at our feet, São Jorge Castle lit up, someone playing fado nearby while the light turned everything golden. The pros: Lisbon feels like a warm hug from a beautiful stranger who speaks perfect melancholy. The cons: those seven hills are absolutely no joke, but every breathless climb earns you another perfect view and the city's soul reveals itself only to those willing to wander upward.
Cruise Terminal & Arrival
Ships arrive at one of four cruise terminals along the Tagus: Alcântara, Rocha Conde de Óbidos, Jardim do Tabaco, or Santa Apolónia. Your arrival journey up the river offers spectacular views of Belem Tower (built in the 1520s), the Monument to Discoveries from 1960, and the Cristo Rei statue standing watch across the water.
Getting Around Lisbon
Hop-on hop-off tour buses are highly recommended - they serve all cruise terminals and run about €20 per person. For independent travelers, consider the 24-hour transit pass at €6, giving unlimited access to metro, tram, and bus lines. Tram 15 takes you west to Belém, while the iconic Tram 28 climbs east through Alfama's winding streets - both routes are scenic treasures. Bus 728 connects all terminals and stops at Praça do Comércio in the city center. Trains depart Rossio station every half hour for Sintra, taking 40 minutes. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced throughout the city.
Top Attractions
Don't miss Belem Tower and the Monument to Discoveries along the waterfront. The Cristo Rei statue offers panoramic views from across the river. Wander through Alfama's medieval lanes or explore Bairro Alto's upper-city charm. Popular excursions include the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra, the beach resort of Cascais, and elegant Estoril.
Shopping & Dining
The Baixa district surrounding Praça do Comércio is the heart of Lisbon shopping. Shopping centers throughout the city welcome visitors Monday through Sunday, typically from 10am well into the evening (7pm or later).
Head to Bairro Alto to discover authentic local tascas (taverns) serving traditional Portuguese fare. For fresh seafood, the restaurants along Doca de Santo Amaro are excellent. Whatever you do, don't leave without trying the legendary custard tarts from Pastéis de Belém - they're addictive!
Depth Soundings Ashore
Practical tips before you step off the ship.
The famous trams are charming but the hills are real – comfortable shoes turn exhaustion into pure joy. The local currency is the Euro, and Portuguese is the primary language. Be prepared for steep hills and cobblestone streets throughout the historic center - wheelchair access can be quite difficult. The main tourist information center is located at Palacio Foz in Praça dos Restauradores. Banks operate Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lisbon worth it?
A: Top 3 most charismatic European capitals from a cruise ship.
Q: Best thing?
A: Tram 28 + Belém + sunset miradouro.
Q: How long for Belém?
A: 3–4 hours including monastery and pastéis.
Q: Walk from port?
A: No, but quick tram/taxi.
Lisbon Port Map
Interactive map showing the cruise terminal, historic districts, and attractions. Click any marker for details.
Photo Gallery
Image Credits
- lisbon-1.webp: WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
- lisbon-2.webp: WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
- lisbon-3.webp: WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
- lisbon-4.webp: WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Images sourced from WikiMedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best time of year to visit Lisbon?
A: Peak cruise season offers the most reliable weather and best conditions for sightseeing. Check the weather guide above for specific month recommendations based on your planned activities.
Q: Does Lisbon have a hurricane or storm season?
A: Weather patterns vary by region and season. Check the weather hazards section above for specific storm season concerns and timing. Cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions and will adjust itineraries if needed for passenger safety. Travel insurance is recommended for cruises during peak storm season months.
Q: What should I pack for Lisbon's weather?
A: Essentials include sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for variable conditions. Check the packing tips section in our weather guide for destination-specific recommendations.
Q: Will rain ruin my port day?
A: Brief showers are common in many destinations but rarely last long enough to significantly impact your day. Have a backup plan for indoor attractions, and remember that many activities continue in light rain. Check the weather forecast before your visit.