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Lisbon (Portugal) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)

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Everything you must know about Lisbon cruise port: where is Lisbon and the terminals where cruise ships dock, things to do, how to get around and explore on your own, what's within walking distance, what's beyond the historical center, dining, and more ...

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: May 26, 2023

Lisbon is a charming city, buzzing with life, with a rich history and beautiful attractions to explore. Lisbon exudes beauty through its sublime natural setting, a culture of warmth, and friendly residents.

• Where is Lisbon
• Where cruise ships dock

How to explore Lisbon on a cruise

Top things to do and see, how to get around, explore lisbon on your own.

• What's within walking distance

What's beyond the Historical Downtown

• Dining and local food
• Good to know: language, currency, opening hours

Lisbon's atmosphere is a harmonious blend of antique and modern, where ancient cathedrals tower over a cosmopolitan way of life. Being the westernmost city in Continental Europe, only in the last 6 years Lisbon was discovered by the cruise lines that sail the south european atlantic shores.

Just before the Covid Pandemic upended cruising, a new cruise terminal a stone's throw away from the historical center. As ships return to the port of Lisbon, waves of cruise passengers are inundating the city's heart and the many destinations close to the city such as Sintra, Óbidos and the Sanctuary in Fátima.

Where is Lisbon and the cruise port

The cruise port of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal (with a population of around 545,245), is located in the Southern European Atlantic region. The city is on the estuary of the River Tagus as it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, 173 miles (277 km) south of Porto and 608 miles (979 km) northeast of Funchal (Madeira).

Where cruise ships dock in Lisbon

Depending on the tides and the number of ships visiting Lisbon, your cruise ship may dock in two different quays. The official names of the two cruise docks in the port of Lisbon are a mouthful, so most savvy cruisers refer to these as the Old Terminal and the New Terminal.

Both docks are on the north bank of the estuary of the River Tagus (Tejo, in Portuguese), the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula.

If you have the opportunity to be out and about as the cruise ship arrives in port do not miss it. But if you miss the arrival, make sure to be out on deck when the ship sails away. Passing under the bridge is great fun and the views of the city from the river are really sensational.

Gare Marítima da Rocha Conde de Óbidos

The old cruise terminal is officialy named Gare Marítima da Rocha Conde de Óbidos. It is close to one of the widest bridges in Europe with a striking resemblance to the Golden Gate Bridge.

This cruise terminal is not far from the Historical Downtown (known by locals as Baixa ) but a little too far to walk. It is a 10-minute drive but over 30-minute walk

Most cruise lines provide a complimentary shuttle bus or at a reasonable cost, and a taxi ride would cost around US$10.00. The shuttle bus drop-off is usually close by the Terreiro do Paço , the large main square in Baixa facing the river.

The new Lisbon cruise terminal

The new cruise terminal, inaugurated in November 2017, is on a one-mile-long pier. It is within walking distance to the Historic Downtown District (Baixa, in Portuguese).

This quay has been operational for a long time with a smaller but very functional cruise terminal officially named Santa Apolónia Cruise Terminal . The latter has now been integrated into the long pier and managed by the new Lisbon Cruise Terminal .

The new cruise terminal in Lisbon port

Photo © IQCruising

Santa Apolónia Cruise Terminal is the farthest from downtown - 0.9 miles (1.4 km) to Terreiro do Paço (aka Praça do Comércio) square. The recently built Lisbon Cruise Terminal has larger spaces, better services, and amenities and is closer to downtown - 0.6 miles (900 meters) to Terreiro do Paço square. This is where most large ships dock when calling at the cruise port of Lisbon.

However, when more than a couple of large cruise ships are docked in the new Lisbon Cruise Terminal it can get a bit chaotic and it may take more than 15- minutes just to exit the pier, walk through the terminal building, the flood of Tuk-Tuk Drivers, Taxis, City Sightseeing buses and all sorts of local tour operators offering their services.

Whatever you choose to do or see in Lisbon, it is easy and affordable to explore the city. Naturally, if the cruise passenger wishes to visit attractions outside the historical center, it is advisable to book a cruise excursion or a tour with local operators.

But there are many interesting, fun, and enjoyable things to do in Lisbon on your own. However, cruise passengers with walking difficulties must be aware that Lisbon is not the most comfortable city to explore beyond the downtown area, which is the only flat area in the city.

Although Lisbon always requires a bit of uphill walking, the best way of exploring the city is on foot. Or with the 100s of Tuk-Tuk buzzying around. You can also choose to use one of the many Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses or get on a Tourist Tram to meander the hills of Lisbon.

Cruise passengers who wish to visit attractions in the outskirts of the city, will be surprised with how taxis and Uber are so affordable. Put simply, here are our five recomended ways to discover Lisbon on a cruise ship:

• Shore excursions or local tours
• Tuk-Tuk Cars
• Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing
• Taxi - Uber - Lift

The cruise traveler has a lot to choose from when calling at the port of Lisbon. Top highlights of Lisbon for cruise travelers include the Belém's UNESCO sites , Sintra's Romantic Castle , the Sanctuary in Fátima or the medieval walled town of Óbidos .

But you can also choose to enjoy a leisurely day walking around the old downtown district known as 'Baixa' , strolling up the tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade , stop for a warm custard tart in one of the city’s patisseries, marvel at stunning urban scenery from the Castelo de Sao Jorge , or lunch al fresco in the quaint Bairro Alto .

You will have the opportunity to venture at your own pace into century-old castles and discover the intricacies of Portugal’s own Manueline style. Sample traditional flavors and indulge in local delicacies such as Bacalhau (the national dish). Whatever you choose to see, go slow and take it all in. Lisbon is best experienced in sync with its laid-back pace, enjoying sun-filled days that melt into festive nights.

Regardless of where your cruise ship docks, Terreiro do Paço square should always be your main point of reference. Standing on this large square with your back to river, you will see the castle to your right hand side.

The São Jorge (Saint Jorge) castle is the most visited landmark in Lisbon but we find it overrated. However, to get to the castle you will pass by beautiful churches and, you must not miss the Sé (Lisbon Cathedral).

Behind the Terreiro do Paço square, is the Baixa (downtown), which is a joy to walk. To the left side of the baixa are the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts, where you will breath the romantic athmosphere of the city.

The Belém distric is famous for it's historical connection with the days when the portuguese navigators roamed the seven seas to reach India and Japan, and discovered Brazil.

In Belém, you will find 2 UNESCO heritage sites, and the 8 mile journey is worth every single second.

Belém is on the west limits of the city, and to the oppposite side is a district known as Expo. Here you will find a huge Oceanarium and the largest Casino in Europe. Here are the most interesting areas to explore within the city of Lisbon:

• Baixa, downtown district
• Castelo de Sao Jorge
• Sé, the Lisbon Cathedral
• Chiado and Bairro Alto districts
• Belém's UNESCO sites
• Oceanarium and Expo district

Outside Lisbon, and relatively close by, the romantic town of Sintra has a few royal palaces and the ruins of a moor castle to visit.

Estoril and Cascais are two beautiful resort towns also close by. Around half hour north of Lisbon, Mafra Convent is stunning site to visit but that cruise lines ignore.

By contrast, all cruise lines offer shore excursions to the medieval town of Óbidos and to the Fátima Sanctuary. Tomar and Évora are two other historical cities ignored by cruise line's shore excursions. Both are UNESCO heritage cities, which can be visited with local guides. Here are the most interesting sites to explore beyond the city of Lisbon:

• Sintra palaces and castle
• Estoril-Cascais, resort towns
• Mafra Convent
• Óbidos, medieval walled town
• Fátima Sanctuary
• Évora, UNESCO city

Miradouro St Luzia

Photo by IQCruising.com

As mentioned before, Lisbon is a very easy city to explore. Besides an excellent public transportation network, there are lots of different services offering all sorts of tours.

• City Sightseeing
• Gray Line, sightseeing
• Yellow Bus, sightseeing
• Go Car Tours

Taxis and Uber

• Public Buses

Sightseeing, Bus, Cars and Tuk-Tuk

For those that like sightseeing, Lisbon has a wide choice. There are three different Hop-on Hop-Off bus companies - City Sightseeing , Gray Line , and Yellow Bus . There are also a couple of unusual and fun ways of sightseeing; a self-guided electrical car for two - Go Car Tours -, and what has become a very popular way of getting around the city - Tuk-Tuk Cars . The latter is an upgraded and Eco-friendlier version of the ones found in India.

Taxis are affordable in Lisbon, you find them by all major sites and by the terminal. All taxis are metered, drivers tend to speak English but, like in any big city, make sure you get an estimate before getting into a taxi, as you should not pay more than $10.00 US Dollars (8 Euros) to go anywhere within the historical city center.

In the last couple of years Uber has become available in Lisbon. Prices are very competitive specially considering that the amount paid is converted at the day's rate without any commission fees. However be aware that at pick and rush hours the Uber fares can be more expensive than a regular taxi.

Public Buses and Trams

Public Buses are not particularly easy to navigate or useful for the cruise traveler but the Trams have good connections to major tourist attractions and can be particularly useful for those wishing to explore Belém. Click Here to Check the Official Website in English .

Be aware that same of the Routes are famous Touristic Tours - like the Red Train ride up to the Castle and not only are expensive as these can get very, very crowded.

Cruise Tip: stick to the real stuff, meaning the public yellow trams. However, so many tourist have discovered the affordability of public trams that these are Usually packed, you guessed it, by tourists.

Metro - Subway - Underground

Known by locals as 'Metro' the underground is the lesser used transportation by cruise travelers and tourist alike but is very easy to navigate, affordable and has stops next to many highlights.

If docking at Santa Apolónia there is an underground stop right next to the exit of the terminal. Click Here to check the official website in English .

Renting a car is an option we would not advise. The traffic in Lisbon can be chaotic, parking is very limited, the traffic signs can be misleading and you may find yourself wasting hours looking for directions.

Either sailing into the River Tejo or away from Lisbon, you will see that the Great Metropolitan Area of Lisbon occupies the sloping hills rising from the north bank of the river and along the Atlantic Coast. But the core of the city is really much smaller. After all, in this capital with close to 3 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, only less than 600,000 live in the city itself.

Within walking distance - the Historical Downtown

As mentioned before, the Terreiro do Paço square (aka Praça do Comércio) is either withim wlaking distance if you are docked at the new cruise terminal, or the drop-off stop of the shuttle bus. the Terreiro do Paço is in itself a landmark not to be missed, and within walking distance you will find the following:

• Terreiro do Paço (Praça do Comércio)
• Rossio square
• Praça da Figueira (square)
• Chiado district
• Bairro Alto
• Igreja de S. Roque
• St Justa Elevator
• Elevator da Gloria

Terreiro do Paço , the majestic square by the river has been embracing visitors to the city for centuries and is the ideal place to start a tour of Lisbon. Here you will find a Tourist Office, the stops for Sightseeing Tour Buses and for the Historical Trams that will take you up and downhill through narrow streets for a memorable 45-minute ride.

The statue of King Joseph I on horseback stands in the middle of the square as a guardian of the city. During his reign, Lisbon was hit by a devastating earthquake, in 1755. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami and a fire, which destroyed most of the city and the old Royal Palace that once stood on the Terreiro do Paço.

Under the supervision of the King’s Prime minister (the Marques de Pombal) the square was renamed Praça do Comércio . All area behind this square was rebuilt as a grid of 48 streets ending in two other squares: the Rossio square (with its beautiful fountains, the National Theatre and a majestic column in the center) and Praça da Figueira a less elegant square but with a great view of the Castle.

Rossio Square

Photo © IQCruising

The Baixa (downtown in Portiguese) used to be the main shopping district of Lisbon, but as the city expanded it is now on the way uphill to Bairro Alto that you will find the best of high-end shops

Reaching Largo do Chiado it becomes obvious why the outdoor sitting of two coffee shops become so popular. These are ideal fro cruise travelers to have a rest, before venturing up to visit the Igreja de S. Roque one of the most interesting churches in Lisbon. After this church, don’t miss the view from Miradouro de S. Pedro de Alcantara.

From here you can take the Elevator da Gloria to go down to Restauradores or walk back. Another tip: instead of walking up to Chiado, take the elevator up and then walk down.

To the right of Terreiro do Paço you can see the castle towering above the entire city. The walk to the castle ( St George's Castle ) is steep at times. The best way for cruise travelers to explore the castle district is to take the tram up as close as possible to the castle and then walk down to visit the church of S. Vicente de Fora and the Lisbon Cathedral .

You can then venture through the narrow streets behind the cathedral to explore Alfama , Lisbon’s medieval working-class district. And if you feel like a stop before heading back to the ship, the Martinho da Arcada, oldest café in town is the place to go in Terreiro do Paço.

The western border of the Lisbon, known as Belém , is the site from where the Portuguese navigators departed to explore the seven seas in the 15th and 16th centuries. Here you will find two UNESCO Heritage sites in Lisbon: the Tower of Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos both built in the 16th century to commemorate the glorious days when Vasco Da Gama sailed to India and Cabral discovered Brazil.

Belém Tower in Lisbon

In Belém you will find as well another monument to these explorers built in the 1960’s, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos , the new Cultural Center of Lisbon and the most visited museum in Lisbon: the Museu dos Coches with an amazing display of old Carriages. With so much to see in Belém, visiting this area can take more than half-day.

The Museum of Art Antiga – the Ancient Art Museum – is also worthwhile visiting. Hieronymus Bosh , Zurbaran , and Portuguese medieval painting are the highlights. By the way, if docking in Cais de Alcantara this museum is within walking distance.

The walk up Avenida da Liberdade to Marques de Pombal and then to the top of the Parque Eduardo Sétimo (Edward VII Park) is a long stretch and only worthwhile to see a fantastic panoramic view of Lisbon.

Most sightseeing buses stop at the top of this park and there is no reason to walk all the way up to this viewpoint. If planning to go that far, we suggest a visit to the Gulbenkian Museum with its collection of Lalique jewelry , Egyptian and Persian Art.

The Oceanário is one of the largest aquariums in the World and because it is in the East extreme of the city will take an entire morning to visit including traveling time.

Dining and Local Flavors

Unless you are looking for a gourmet cuisine, you will find that even those restaurants that look like “tourist traps” serve fresh, simple and tasty food, in lovely outdoor settings.

Almost every single restaurant will offer fresh seafood and the most popular Portuguese fishes - Sardines and Bacalhau – this one cooked in an incredible variety of ways.

Don’t expect to find tapas, light meals, salads or filling sandwiches. So, if all you want is a snack you are better off by sitting in a Pastelaria or a Coffee Shop and order one of the many pastries on display – the famous Pastel de Nata is simply delicious. "Empanadas", meat croquets, and the shrimp rissole are the best snacks to taste in Lisbon.

A tip on wine: Although Portugal is a producer of good wine, restaurants do not offer house wine at reasonable prices. The wine list starts with bottles at $15.00. By contrast, beer is very affordable.

If you want to taste the elaborate Portuguese gourmet cooking, you will need more than a couple of hours to enjoy the menus of restaurants like Belcanto, Tavares, Tagide, or Casa da Comida. These restaurants are ideal for dinner which you can only enjoy if you are staying in Lisbon overnight. By the way, if this is the case, do not miss a show of Fado (the typical and worldwide acclaimed Portuguese song).

Good to Know: language, money matters, weather, openeing times

Portuguese is the official language and is not an easy one for English speakers to understand. Besides a couple of words that may sound familiar with other romance languages, even the most basic are distinct.

Don't go around saying 'Gracias' or 'Grazzie' like if you are in Spain or Italy, the Portuguese word for 'Thank You' is 'Obrigado'. The good news is that most population, especially the younger generations, speaks good English.

Money Matters

Keep in mind that Portugal is a member of the European Union and that the Euro is the only currency accepted . Prices are reasonable – in fact, Lisbon is one of the most affordable cities in Europe. Both Credit and Debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. If you need to get some cash, there are ATM’s in every corner of the historical center.

Located on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has mild weather , and only once in a while the city has very warm days, sometimes it can even be a bit chilly in the morning. So check the weather forecast before you plan your tour of Lisbon.

Opening Times

Between March and October most sites and museums are open from 9 AM until 6 PM. But be aware that most historical sites and museums are closed on Mondays . Check Lisbon's and Portugal's Public Holidays on this page.

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Lisbon Cruise Ship Port Map

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 (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.

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.

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10 Awesome Things To Do In Lisbon Cruise Port + Port Guide

Welcome to Lisbon cruise port! Located in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, nestled along the Atlantic coast and Tagus River, the bustling capital of Portugal is considered to be among the most beautiful European capitals.

Lisbon is known for its delicious food and Portuguese wine, world-famous “pasteis de nata”, Fado rhythms, breathtaking monuments, and spectacular viewpoints. In this article, read about:

• Lisbon cruise port (Lisbon cruise terminals, getting around, helpful info)
• Top 10 things to do in the port of Lisbon and Lisbon shore excursions (including Sintra, Cascais, Fatima and Óbidos)

Visit our cruise port guides for Madeira , Gibraltar , Vigo , La Coruna , Cadiz , Canary Islands

Lisbon Cruise Port

Lisbon cruise port (Port of Lisbon – Porto de Lisboa) is located in the heart of the historic city, within a short walking distance from the main city attractions.

It consists of three cruise terminals: (New) Lisbon Cruise Terminal , Santa Apolónia Cruis e Terminal , and Gare Marítima da Rocha Conde de Óbidos. 

1. (New) Lisbon Cruise Terminal

Large cruise liners normally dock at the New Lisbon Cruise Terminal (also referred to only as the “new terminal”) inaugurated in 2017. The terminal overlooks the historic Alfama district and is located only a 15-20 minute walk from Commerce Square, the main square in Lisbon.

This new cruise terminal integrates the new modern terminal building and the Santa Apolónia Cruise Terminal .

This cruise terminal officially consists of two quays – Jardim do Tabaco Quay located 950 meters (0.6 mi) from the main Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), and Santa Apolónia Quay , situated a bit further, around 1.4 km (0.8 mi) from the city center.

The pier is 1.490 meters long (0.9 miles) and with its deepwater berths, it can accommodate several cruise vessels of various sizes, including the world’s largest passenger ships.

The terminal features a large, 3-story modern building offering all kinds of amenities for cruise passengers, including a tourist information center, duty-free and souvenir shops, cafeterias, luggage storage area, (VIP) lounges, free wi-fi, latest security technologies, ATMs/exchange office, wheelchair assistance, tour booths/car rentals, a large taxi rank, parking, toilets, a panoramic view terrace, and a lot more.

2. Santa Apolónia Cruis e Terminal

This cruise terminal is integrated with the New Lisbon Cruise Terminal, and complementary to the main terminal building.

3. Rocha do Conde de Óbidos Cruise Terminal

Rocha do Conde de Óbidos is located near the famous Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, approximately 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from the New Lisbon Cruise Terminal and 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Commerce Square, Lisbon’s central square.

A 483-meter-long quay features two berths, Rocha Conde de Óbidos and Doca de Alcântara (Doca do Espanhol) that can accommodate up to two smaller vessels simultaneously.

This terminal is normally used during the busy season when the New Lisbon cruise terminal is too crowded. Public toilets, a tourist information center, parking, and taxis are available at this terminal.

Getting Around Port of Lisbon

• Lisbon is a big city and is best explored on foot , however, some parts of the city are hilly and some famous districts such as Belem are located a few miles away from the cruise port, so public transportation can come in handy.
• Lisbon boasts well well-developed public transportation network (bus, tram, metro). You can check the timetables for the metro, tram and bus at https://www.carris.pt/
• Besides being an efficient way to get around the city, Lisbon trams are also a famous tourist attraction due to their historic, authentic look. A modern tram #15 connects Commerce Square and Belém district, and you can catch this tram at Commerce Square, located 10 minutes walk from the New Cruise Terminal. Tram #28 is a unique wooden tram that connects the major historic districts in the heart of Lisbon: the bohemian Bairro Alto neighborhood, Graça, Mouraria, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Madragoa districts. You can catch this tram across the street from the New Cruise Terminal, near Commerce Square ((Rua da Conceição) and the Fado Museum.
• Lisbon metro is the fastest way to get around the city and boasts the status of one of the cleanest metros in Europe. It has four lines (Blue, Yellow, Green, Red), however, it doesn’t run past some of the major city attractions and historic neighborhoods such as Belém. The closest metro station to the New Cruise Terminal is Terreiro do Paço, located across Commerce Square, and there is also one metro station across Santa Apolónia cruise terminal. If you are exploring Lisbon’s highlights and the historic heart of the city, using the tram is recommended. 
• Lisbon has a great public bus network. The bus stop is right across the New Cruise Terminal and you can easily catch a bus to the Belém district. However, I don’t recommend the bus if you want to explore the city’s historic core, as Lisbon’s old town is hilly, with many narrow, cobbled streets (where a bus can’t go because of its size). Read more about bus lines at https://www.lisbon.net/bus
• Lisbon taxi is an inexpensive and convenient way to get around the city. They often have a beige color and are metered. Uber is also available in Lisbon.
• There are several Lisbon Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus companies in Lisbon. Open sightseeing bus has three routes (Red, Green and Blue Line) and is a great way to explore the city as it stops at its major landmarks and attractions. Check the Lisbon Hop on Hop off bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
• The currency in Portugal is EURO (€). ATMs and currency exchange are available in the terminals and the city. Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
• Book a private transfer to/from the port of Lisbon
• Explore Lisbon tours and activities
• Find accommodation near Lisbon port

10 Awesome Things to Do in Lisbon Cruise Port

Before I share the best things to do in Lisbon, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Lisbon) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Explore Lisbon by Tuk Tuk

Exploring by tuk-tuk is a great way to visit Lisbon as a large portion of the city is very old, full of narrow cobblestone streets climbing uphill that you can’t visit by bus or by car (and walking uphill can be exhausting).

If you are coming on a cruise ship, you’ll find many local vendors and independent tuk-tuk drivers waiting for you outside the cruise terminal, eager to sell you their tours.

What to visit by Lisbon tuk-tuk

• Miradouro da Graça Viewpoint – This fantastic lookout point is located in Graça District, one of the oldest suburbs of Lisbon situated on top of the city’s highest hill.
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Hill)
• Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara
• Rossio Square (Praça do Rossio) – The busiest and most lively area of Lisbon, a favorite meeting spot and home to various monuments and places of interest, such as the Column of Pedro IV (known as “the soldier king”), the 19 th century National Theater D. Maria II ,  Rossio Railway Station , and others. It is surrounded by numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants, and here you can find a good, relatively cheap place to stay as well.
• Belém district – I’ll write more about this renowned historic district below, however, there are three important monuments that you should remember to visit here: Belém Tower, the Monument  to the Discoveries  and Jerónimos Monastery.

Check out Lisbon tuk-tuk guided tours and activities

2. Hippotrip Amphibious Bus Ride

Hippotrip amphibious bus ride is by far the most fun way to visit Lisbon! An amphibious vehicle is a sort of bus that can enter into the water as well, so you get a tour of the city both by land and by water in just 2 hours (that’s normally the tour duration).

There are only several amphibious vehicles in Lisbon and the tour is really popular, so if you want to ensure your spot, you should book the tour in advance (cruise lines normally offer this tour, so make sure you pre-book it)!

What to see on an Amphibious bus tour?

• In the land part of the tour, you’ll enjoy a panoramic drive through the historical quarter of Lisbon, passing by the Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) , Rossio Square, and Avenida da Liberdade , before you reach a remarkable historic district of  Belém.
• If you book a shore excursion with your cruise ship, the tour usually includes a stop at Belém, where you’ll try famous pasteis de nata, a custard cream pastry crafted from a secret recipe from the Jerónimos monks.
• A tour can also include a stop at Jerónimos Monastery , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the burial place of Vasco de Gama.
• After the land portion of the tour, the Hippotrip bus will drive into the Tagus River, and the moment itself is the highlight of the tour! Once on the water, your bus will sail along the river and get close to the iconic Belém Tower , the  Monument to the Discoveries, and other landmarks.

Check out HIPPOTRIP amphibious bus tours

3. Alfama District

If you want to feel the authentic spirit of Lisbon, this is the most unique way to do so! Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon, situated in the heart of the city, on the slope between São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River.

If you are coming on a cruise ship, your ship will be docked right by the Alfama neighborhood (New Lisbon Cruise Terminal), so you’ll just need to cross the street and start your walk.

In the past, under Moorish domination, Alfama was located outside of the city walls, populated by fishermen and the poor. During the Age of Discovery, it remained the neighborhood of low-class dockworkers and sailors; sailors’ women used to sing melancholic songs when their beloved ones would set sail into the unknown, and that’s how Fado music was born.

Nowadays, Alfama is a colorful labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, numerous tiny squares, whitewashed houses, and picturesque buildings, which makes Lisbon the city of contrasts.

Once you start climbing up the streets, on every corner, you can smell the taste of traditional local delicacies coming from tiny, authentic cafes, or you can come across beautiful, unexpected viewpoints offering unique views over Lisbon and the Tagus River.

Some major city landmarks are located in Alfama, such as:

• Sé Cathedral (Lisbon Cathedral) – Built in the 12 th century, this is the oldest cathedral in Lisbon.
• The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora
• Church of Santa Engrácia (National Pantheon)
• Castelo de São Jorge – One of the symbols of Lisbon dominating the city panorama.

Museu do Fado (Fado Museum) – This amazing museum boasts exhibitions on traditional fado, with audiovisual displays and archives.

Check out Alfama district tours and activities

4. Belém District

Belém district is one of Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods nestled along the Tagus River, filled with green spaces, houses decorated with colorful tiles, important historic landmarks, and numerous seafood restaurants along its beautiful waterfront promenade.

Belém neighborhood is located approximately 8 km/5 miles from the New Lisbon cruise terminal and the best way to get there is via bus, tram, bike, segway, or tuk-tuk. Belém is famous for its three important historic landmarks:

4.1. Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)

Built between 1514 and 1520, this tower’s main function was to defend the city. It was at Belém that many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their overseas journey, as it was the main location of Lisbon’s docks and shipyards back in time.

Belém Tower was declared a UNESCO World Heritage and the visits inside the tower are open to the public.

4.2. Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

The monument is located along the northern bank of the Tagus River, a 10-minute walk from Belém Tower. The monument is an impressive 52-meter tall structure, built in 1940 to commemorate the 500   years since the death of Henry the Navigator, who discovered the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde. 

4.3. Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)

This impressive monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious structures in Lisbon. The western wing of the Jerónimos Monastery along with the main visitors’ entrance is home to the Maritime Museum , dedicated to the history of navigation in Portugal, definitely worth visiting while you are there.

All three monuments – Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument of the Discoveries are located within a 10-15 minute walk from each other.

In Belém district, you can also visit botanical gardens and traditional Portuguese markets, or relax at one of the cafes, bars, and restaurants along the Tagus River.

If you are looking for a unique and unconventional way to visit Belém, it is great to do it by segway, bike, or tuk-tuk.

Check out Belém district tours and activities

5. Baixa Neighborhood (Commerce Square, Rua Augusta)

The Baixa (“Downtown”) is another popular historic neighborhood in Lisbon, located next to the Alfama district. Lisbon’s downtown area and some major city attractions are part of the Baixa neighborhood:

• Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) – One of the main squares of the city which historically served as the main trading place, as the southern end of the square is open to the Tagus River. The square is huge and in the middle of it proudly stands out the bronze Equestrian statue of Joseph I – the king of Portugal in the 18 th century.
• Rua Augusta Arch – Another place of interest on the square is the famous Rua Augusta Arch, which marks the entrance to the main pedestrian street of Lisbon – Rua Augusta. The triumphal arch symbolizes the resurrection of Lisbon and features the statues of important historical figures such as Vasco de Gama and the Marquis de Pombal on the top of its pillars.
• Rua Augusta – The main pedestrian street of Lisbon where you’ll find many restaurants, pastry shops, and branded stores.
• Rossio Square – This huge square is located at the end of Rua Augusta and is easily identified by the imposing Column of Pedro IV and the D. Maria II National Theatre.
• Figueira Square (Praça da Figueira) – This large square is parallel to Rossio Square and is dominated by the Equestrian statue of King John I.
• Avenida da Liberdade – A notable tree-lined boulevard, known as one of the most expensive streets in Lisbon.

Lisbon cruise terminal is located only a 10-15 minute walk from Commerce Square. You can reach it if you follow a beautiful waterfront promenade that is more than 9 kilometers long.

If you keep walking along the promenade, in a 1.5-hour walk you’ll reach the Belém neighborhood and the striking 25 th April Bridge ,  one of the symbols of Lisbon and the longest suspension bridge in Europe.

The bridge is impressive at all times of the day; I managed to see it at dawn, during the day, in the evening, and at night, and in my opinion, the best time to enjoy the view is at sunset.

Check out Lisbon walking tours and activities

6. Taste the Original Pastel de Nata

Pastel de nata is a delicious pastry with custard dusted with cinnamon. The creation of pastéis de nata is associated with Catholic monks of the Jerónimos Monastery who created the recipe in the 18 th century.

Only a handful of people know the original recipe of pastel de nata and an interesting fact is that the recipe has never been written down.

Nowadays, pastéis de nata have been produced worldwide but the original recipe is being kept in secret: the original ones are produced by the Pastéis de Belém pastry factory in Lisbon, and one of the places where you can try them is Café Pastéis de Belém (Rua de Belém nº 84 a 92). I tried them, and they are super delicious!

Check out Lisbon food tours and activities

7. Lisbon Wine Tasting

Lisbon is also famous for its great wines produced in the wine region located west and north of the city, known as Estremadura . Throughout the centuries, many families have preserved the tradition of wine-making and many of them offer wine-tasting tours followed by a visit to the wine cellars.

You can try Portuguese wines anywhere, but I recommend you taste them in authentic places with a long wine-making tradition (those places are usually family businesses over a century old), such as the one in the picture below.

I would also recommend you pair wines with Bolinhos de bacalhau , tasty codfish cakes, the most popular appetizer in Portuguese cuisine.

Explore Lisbon wine-tasting tours and activities

8. Day Trip to Sintra and Cascais

One of the most popular day trips from Lisbon offered by both cruise lines and independent tour operators is a visit to the charming town of Sintra, located 39 km/25 miles (a 40-minute drive) northwest of Lisbon.

Sintra is a picturesque town and municipality best known for its magnificent colorful palaces, castles, parks, gardens, and scenic beaches.

Due to its historical significance and outstanding beauty, Sintra has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the must-see Sintra highlights are:

• The Palácio Nacional da Pena – A Romanticist castle known for its opulent yellow and red facade.
• Palácio Nacional de Sintra – Known as the Town Palace, this is one of the best-preserved medieval royal residences in Portugal dating from the 15th century.
• Castelo dos Mouros – The Castle of the Moors, a hilltop medieval castle.
• Monserrate Palace – A 19th-century mansion inspired by Moorish, Gothic and Indian influences, set in the middle of lush botanical gardens.

Day trips from Lisbon usually take half a day due to the ship’s limited time in port. These tours are guided, and guests normally get some free time as well.

Many tours include a stop at Cascais , an upscale holiday destination located 17 km/10.5 miles (a 20-minute drive) south of Sintra, on Lisbon seaside.

Cascais is known for its lavish villas, imposing fort, museums, and cobbled streets filled with lively bars and restaurants. Its golden sand beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Cascais is a perfect nature retreat if you prefer to escape the bustling city life.

You can get to Sintra and Cascais by train or bus from Lisbon, however, due to the distance and limited time in port, the best way to visit it is on a guided shore excursion.

Check out Sintra and Cascais tours and activities 

9. Fátima Religious Site

Located 128 km/80 miles (a 1-hour 30-minute drive) north of the port of Lisbon, Fátima is one of the Christian religion’s most significant pilgrimage sites. This site has been associated with the permanent apparitions of the Virgin Mary ((Our Lady of Fátima), the mother of Jesus, witnessed by three local shepherd children in 1917.

Nowadays, visitors can visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima , a complex of religious buildings and basilicas that draws millions of religious people annually who come to pay homage to the shrine.

Check out Fatima tours from Lisbon

10. Day Trip to Óbidos

Located 90 km/56 miles (a 1h 10-minute drive) north of the port of Lisbon, Óbidos ranks among the best-preserved medieval villages and walled towns in Europe.

Strategically built on a hilltop near the Atlantic Ocean, the village still preserves the authentic spirit of old times with a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, quaint squares, and Gothic architecture.

Make sure you visit Porta da Vila (the town gate) with its beautiful blue and white tile panels; Rua Direita , the main street lined with shops, bars, restaurants and small galleries; Praça de Santa Maria , the town’s main square; Castelo de Óbidos , an imposing castle originally dating from the 9th century; Igreja de Santa Maria , the town’s main church; Aqueduto de Óbidos , the 16th-century aqueduct.

You can shop for traditional handicrafts and taste the Ginjinha (ginja de Óbidos), a famous Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries. Some tours going to Óbidos also include a visit to Fátima religious site and Nazaré, a popular seaside resort on the Atlantic coast.

Check out Óbidos tours from Lisbon

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Sailing up the Tagus River to Lisbon is an interesting 15 km journey: three prominent monuments are best seen from the river, including the Belem Tower built in 1520 to defend the city, the Monument to the Discoveries built in 1960 and dedicated to all the Portuguese explorers, and the Cristo Rei, a huge statue of Christ similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro. As you sail into Lisbon, the huge suspension bridge over the river looks a lot like the Golden Gate because it was built by the same company!

The port of Lisbon features four cruise terminals – 1. Alcântara (TPA), 2. Rocha Conde de Óbidos (TPR), 3. Jardim do Tabaco (JTAB), 4. Santa Apolónia (TPSA and TPSAJ) Note:The terminals 3 and 4 are also called the (New) Lisbon Cruise Terminal, the most used terminal.

Here you can look up at which terminal your ship will dock.

From the docks there are buses, trams (15E) and an underground for transportation into town. You best bet is taking a hop on/off bus, see below.

Transportation to and from the airport.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Check here for festivals and events in Lisbon when you are in port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Santa Apalonia and Port Location on Google Maps

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Alcantara and Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Lisbon

Sightseeing:

Travelling on the old wooden trams is a wonderful experience. No. 15 from the center to Belém and No. 28, to Alfama, are the most picturesque routes. They however can get busy, when a large cruise ship is in port. Go as early as possible or go later in the afternoon.

Fado is, par excellence, the song of Lisboa. Born of unique sentiment, of a soul that can't be explained but only felt, fado today is the most noble and genuine product of Portuguese popular culture. And because it is so singular, it is always a surprise for the tourists who visit Lisboa.

A simple guidebook to Lisbon might be handy: much to see and taste in this great city!

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Lisbon is a world class city with a wealth of interesting places. The Lisbon Hop-on Hop-off Tour is probably the best way to see the most in one day. It has a stop right in front of the four different ports: Map

Alcântara, Rocha Conde de Óbidos terminals: Red line Apolonia terminal: Blue line.

3 tours are in general offered for about 20 euro total: General city tour and down from the bridge (Red tour) Tour to the Expo site including very large shopping center - stop 10 (Blue tour) Tour thru the old part of town (Green or Purple tour) Please note: both the red and blue tours use red buses, only the sign will be different.

A better value option is to purchase an unlimited 24 hour pass, which includes metro, tram and bus services; these tickets cost €6.00 and can be bought from metro stations, but not on the tram.

Be aware that Lisbon is a hilly town and most sidewalks are mostly made of cobblestone pavers, not suitable for wheelchairs etc.

For more independent means of transport, taxis are relatively inexpensive and plentiful. A car is more of a hindrance than a help in town, but a hire car might be worth considering if you're thinking of venturing beyond Lisbon to visit the sumptuous summer palace at Queluz, the elegant town of Sintra and the magnificent beaches of the coastal resorts of Cascais, Estoril and Guincho.

Trains to Sintra are running from the Rossio station and a few other ones in Lisbon, a 40 minutes trip, every 30 minutes. A cruise excursion might be is a better option due to the limited time you will be in port.

From Alcantara Mar, adress: Av. da Índia, trains go to Cascais and Estoril, a trip of 30 minutes.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Cascais , Estoril and Sintra .

Shopping and Food

Baixa is the main shopping district, it is near de Praca do Comercio, where the shuttle buses will drop you off.

The Bairro Alto, (the upper city) is the most popular place to eat out. The typical little local restaurants are called tascas: for a real taste of the Lisbon feeling.

On the waterfront, at the Doca de Santo Amaro, there are also lots of lively (fish)restaurants.

From chic city-restaurant menus to humble fishermen's home-cooking you'll find a huge variety of dishes. With a surfeit of fresh fish and shellfish, lovers of sea-food will find themselves amply catered for.

Pork, lamb and steak dishes are not an uncommon sight on menus taking their place alongside dishes influenced by former African, Asian and Oriental colonies, which might tempt the more adventurous palate.

Portuguese wines and ports are eminently drinkable and a very varied selection of fresh fruit and vegetables complete a diverse culinary picture. Pastry-lovers simply must not visit Lisbon without sampling Pasteis do Belem; delicious flaky tartlets filled with custard-like cream.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Language: Portuguese.

Lisboa Welcome center : located in the heart of the city in old quarter of Baixa (Praca do Comercio), the center has an "Ask Me" tourist information desk; a gourmet restaurant named "Terreiro do Paço"; a café called "Espaço Contínuo" and an art gallery. Artesanato do Tejo handicraft shop offers paintings, ceramics, fire arts, woven pieces, lace, CDs and books on Lisbon, Portuguese gastronomy and tourist guides.

There is an internet cafe on the second floor of Tourist Information Office (Palacio Foz, Praca dos Restauradores).

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1300. Shopping centers are usually open Mon-Sun 1000-1900 or later. Also the major stores in town follow the sunday hours as the shopping centers.

Banking Hours Generally, Mon-Fri 0830-1500 (certain banks in Lisbon are open until 1800).

Holidays in Portugal

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Home » Traveller Information » Getting from your Cruise Ship to Lisbon’s City Centre

Getting from your Cruise Ship to Lisbon’s City Centre

If you’re coming to Lisbon on a cruise, you’ll arrive at one of two cruise docks: Santa Apolónia, 1km east of the city’s main attractions, or Alcântara about 3km to the west of the city centre.

While some cruises provide shuttle services between the cruise dock and the city centre, others leave guests free to find their way into Lisbon.

Both cruise docks usually have taxi ranks whenever a ship arrives, and you can return by the same means. There are also hop-on hop-off buses waiting for you, as well as tuk tuks , since these vehicles have become popular among tourists in Lisbon.

Finally, you can use Lisbon’s public transport system, in which case you may need to get a navegante card .

Santa Apolónia Cruise Terminal

The port in Santa Apolónia is actually walking distance from the city centre – about 10 minutes from Terreiro do Paço and the Baixa neighbourhood . Alternatively, take those hop-on-hop-off buses or tuk-tuk tours to comfortably see all important sites, or use public transport.

Metro : Santa Apolónia ( blue line ) Bus : several routes heading west

Alcântara Dock

Besides taxis, hop-on-hop-off buses and tuk-tuk tours waiting for the cruise, there are regular buses and trams on the main road north of the dock. You’ll need to cross the railway track outside the terminal and then cross the square. Head east to the city centre, getting off at Praça do Comércio (aka Terreiro do Paço) , or west to the Belém area.

You can also take the urban train from the Alcântara Mar station west to Belém, or east getting off at Cais do Sodré from where you can either walk to the Baixa , or take the metro to your final destination.

Tram : 15, 18 Bus : 728, 714, 732 Train : Alcântara station on Cascais/Cais do Sodré line Taxi : approx. €5 to city centre

Port of Lisbon’s Website : www.portodelisboa.pt

Related Posts

12 Months of Festivals and Events in Lisbon

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

• Lisbon cruise dock: Santa Apolonia Passenger Terminal
• Cruise pier

Most ships dock at the Santa Apolonia cruise dock in Lisbon. From here it is an easy walk to the Praca do Comercio (main square). You will find a trainstation nearby, a hop on hop off bus and taxis. Read the full Lisbon cruise port guide for tips on what to do in Lisbon and how to get there.

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Lisbon cruise port

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• Coordinates 38.709, -9.129
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Lisbon cruise ship schedule

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The iconic state-of-the-art new Lisbon Cruise Terminal, inaugurated in November 2017, was designed by renowned Portuguese architect, João Luís Carrilho da Graça and a key consideration of its design was sustainability and ensuring the smooth onward flow of tourists on their visit to the city.

It covers around 13,800 m2 over three floors, provides about 1,500 meters of pier to cater for a wide variety and size of ships, also houses the offices of the competent authorities, tourist services, shops, check in facilities and catering services for the comfort of all visitors, passengers and crew. It features two fully-automated gangway systems, on-site heavy equipment to support ship operations, and can provide water supplies and other provisions while in dock.

Visitors passing through the terminal in addition to being able to enjoy the traditional souvenirs shopping and catering services, are pleased with a panoramic view terrace towards the oldest neighbor in Lisbon, Alfama.

The building of the new Cruise Terminal has a privileged and central location in the context of the city (15-minute walk to downtown), allowing easy access to places of major tourist and of cultural interest as well as great accessibility to and from the Lisbon international airport (15-minute drive) - served by more than 500 direct weekly flights to and from all over the world, and receiving more than 24 million passengers annually.

The ultimate objective of this new infrastructure is to increase the number of cruise passengers towards Lisbon without overlooking the needs of the passengers, ships and crew, but also with the objective to promote Lisbon in a sustainable way, creating alternatives to disperse the concentration of tourists in the most congested areas of the city and to exploit new amazing possibilities within the heart of Lisbon. By doing so, we will assure the continuity of the Lisbon lifestyle citizens and an optimal host experience.

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Lisbon for cruise ships passengers; a port and tour guide for 2024

Lisbon is arguably one of the finest cruise ship destinations in Europe. It is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and fascinating tourist attractions, and it is sure to be one of the highlights of your cruise.

Lisbon extends along the northern banks of the Tejo Estuary, and this deep-water estuary allows cruise ships to moor directly in the city. The newly constructed cruise terminal lies on the edge of the historic Alfama district, and this is one of the best tourist areas of Lisbon.

Even the entrance to Lisbon is spectacular. Your cruise ship will pass beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge, and provides a waterside view of the pretty Belem and Baixa districts.

This article will provide a guide to Lisbon for cruise ship passengers and help you get the most from this wonderful city. Related articles: Lisbon introduction – Top sights of Lisbon

The Alfama district leading down to the cruise terminal (the modern building to the right of the image)

Lisbon and your cruise ship tour

Lisbon is a city which can be easily visited independently, and is probably the best destination during your cruise not to join a tour organised by your cruise company. Not only will this save you a significant amount of money, but it will also allow you to discover the city at your own pace without spending most of your time confined to a coach.

All cruise ships moor right in the heart of the city (see map later in this article), and many of Lisbon's main tourist attractions are within walking distance. As you are so close to the city centre, you probably won't need a taxi or any public transport for the whole time you're in Lisbon.

Personal insight: Visiting Lisbon independently (rather than on a tour provided by the cruise company) benefits the city and its people. The cruise companies make huge commissions from the tours they provide, with little money actually filtering down to the residents of the city.

If this is your first time in Lisbon, please be reassured that the city is safe and easy to explore independently. Lisbon has a low crime rate (so long as common sense is used), English is spoken by everyone who works in tourism, and it is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to many of the other destinations on your cruise.

The top sights of Lisbon for a cruise ship visit

Lisbon is a city packed with many fascinating tourist attractions. Four of the best, which you won't want to miss during your visit, include:

Castelo de São Jorge - The ancient castle of Lisbon that stands high above the historic centre, and provides wonderful views over central Lisbon.

The Alfama district – The oldest and most characterful district of Lisbon, with a warren of narrow streets that climb uphill from the waterfront to the castle - Alfama guide

The number 28 tram – The delightful tram route that runs through the historic centre of Lisbon, with its traditional yellow trams – Number 28 tram guide .

Praça do Comércio – The magnificent plaza that opens out onto the Tejo Estuary, and was historically the trading and commercial centre of Lisbon.

Other popular sights for a cruise ship day trip include the Elevador de Santa Justa, Se cathedral and Rossio plaza. Insight: Depending on the amount of time you have in Lisbon, you may want to include the Belem district. Belem is 7km to the west of the cruise terminal, and this pretty district is the location of the Torre de Belem, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

A suggested tour route of Lisbon for cruise ship passengers

The following interactive map displays a suggested one day tour of central Lisbon. The route begins from the Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa (Lisbon cruise terminal), and covers 7.6km, which is around 5 hours of sightseeing. The yellow line displays a tour of Belem if you wish to include it in your day trip ( Note: zoom out to see all of the points)

Key: 1) Cruise terminal 2) Alfama district 3) Praça do Comércio 4) Arco da Rua Augusta 5) Rua Augusta 6) Elevador de Santa Justa 7) Rossio 8) Praça dos Restauradores 9) Igreja de Santo António 10) Sé de Lisboa 11) Castelo de São Jorge 12) Igreja de São Vicente de Fora 13) Panteão Nacional Belem: 14) Mosteiro dos Jerónimos 15) Padrão dos Descobrimentos 16) Torre de Belem 17) Pastéis de Belém 18) Museu Nacional dos Coches Insight: If you have two days in Lisbon please see this guide – 48hours in Lisbon

Money-saving tip: There are many free walking tour companies operating around Lisbon. These tours often have enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable guides, as they earn their money via tips. The free tours leave from three locations - Praça do Comércio ( 3 ), Rossio plaza ( 7 ) or the Praça Luís de Camões - at a range of times between 10-11am and 1-2pm.

Accessibility: Lisbon is a hilly city, with many cobbled and narrow streets, but there is a pleasant flat route from the cruise terminal. Follow the waterfront from the cruise terminal ( 1 ) to the Praça do Comércio ( 3 ) and continue up the Rua Augusta ( 5 ) to Rossio plaza ( 7 ) and the Praça dos Restauradores ( 8 ). This area of Lisbon is flat and is mostly traffic-free, ideal if you have limited mobility.

The Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge

How about a small group tour?

One of the best ways to discover Lisbon and meet fellow travellers is to join a guided tour. We have worked with Getyourguide.com for the last six years, and some of their best tours of Lisbon include:

Lisbon cruise terminal

Lisbon cruise terminal is situated within the city, and is only a short walk (less than 100m) to the Alfama district.

The Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa is a modern facility designed to handle multiple cruise ships per day, situated to the south-eastern side of Lisbon (GPS: 38.7100, -9.1262). Opposite the terminal is the Alfama district, with its many restaurants, cafes and small shops. For larger shops and supermarkets (such as Pingo Doce), head to the Baixa district.

If you are joining a cruise at Lisbon, it is very easy to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal by public transport. Take the red metro line from the airport, change to the blue line at São Sebastião and exit the metro at Santa Apolónia metro station.

The Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa was opened in 2019 and now handles most cruise ships. Outdated guides may refer to the old terminal in Alcantara, but this is incorrect.

Note: It is possible that some cruises may still dock at the old terminal in Alcantara when all berths in the modern facility are taken. Your cruise ship will inform you.

Insight: For information on which cruise ships are moored at Lisbon's harbours, please see the Administração do Porto de Lisboa (APL) website: https://www. portode lisboa.pt /en/ navios-em -porto

The modern cruise terminal building

Should I include Belem in my trip to Lisbon?

Belem is one of the prettiest districts of Lisbon. It sits along the banks of the Tejo Estuary and contains some of the most iconic monuments of Lisbon, including the Torre de Belem.

The Belem district is 7km from the cruise terminal and can be reached by taking the E15 tram (that departs from the Praça do Comércio) or taxi (7€). It is too much to include both a tour of the centre of Lisbon (the Baixa and Alfama districts shown in the previous map) and Belem in a single day of sightseeing.

You may prefer to visit Belem instead of Baixa and Alfama, but we would recommend exploring the centre of Lisbon if this is your first visit. Related articles: Guide to Belem

The delightful Torre de Belem once guarded the Tejo Estuary against sea-bound attack

What about Sintra?

Any tourist literature of Lisbon will include images of the stunning Palácio Nacional da Pena, which is located in the town of Sintra.

The beautiful Palácio Nacional da Pena

Sintra can be visited as a day trip from Lisbon, but if this is your first trip to the city, it is recommended to just stay within the historic centre of Lisbon.

If you do wish to visit Sintra independently, you can catch a direct train from Rossio train station, which takes 40 minutes.

A recommend day trip to Sintra would include the historic town centre, as well as either the Quinta da Regaleira or the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. For the second part of the day, catch the number 434 tourist bus up into the hills to see the Palácio Nacional da Pena. If you have time, you may also want to include the Castelo dos Mouros. The whole day trip will take around six hours. Related articles: Guide to Sintra

Warning: Sintra gets extremely busy with tourists during the summer months - there will be long queues for everything, and the main sights will be crowded. Insight: Tour guides will generally try to push tours of Sintra and Cascais , instead of Lisbon, as these tours cost more and make them more money. If it is your first time in Lisbon, it is advisable just to just stick with Lisbon.

Tips for getting the most from your time in Lisbon

Lisbon is an amazing city, but you must use the same common sense as you would back at home. There are opportunistic pickpockets who will target careless tourists, especially on the packed trams.

Most payments can be made with a bank card, but it is useful to have some cash with you. In addition, nowhere will accept a 50€ note. If you are travelling with a more specialist card (such as American Express), confirm a restaurant, bar, or café will accept it before ordering.

Taxis, by law, must use their meters - a fixed price journey will always be more expensive. There are also ride-hailing apps (such as Uber and Bolt), but the prices for travelling around the city centre are similar to taxis. A gimmicky mode of transport, such as a rickshaw, tuk-tuk or tourist buggy, will always cost a lot more than a taxi.

Food in Lisbon can be surprisingly cheap. A chaotic and bustling Tasca (a traditional Portuguese restaurant) will often serve better food than an expensive restaurant, and there are many Tascas within the Alfama district. A tourist-focused restaurant, with a waiter standing at the front, will generally cost 20% more for food and 40% for drinks. The Portuguese do not have a tipping culture, but if the service is good, add 10% to the bill.

The 24-hour public transport ticket provides exceptional value for money, and includes the Elevador da Glória, the Elevador de Santa Justa , and the number 28 tram . This ticket is purchased from any metro station and costs 6.80€.

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A complete list of all of our Lisbon articles

Getting started

• Lisbon introduction
• How long in Lisbon?
• Lisbon for seniors
• Where to stay in Lisbon?
• Cost to visit Lisbon
• Lisbon's best museums
• Lisbon for a rainy day
• Lisbon at Christmas
• Is Lisbon walkable
• Lisbon's sunsets
• Is Lisbon safe?
• Lisbon on a budget
• Portuguese National Anthem

Lisbon's districts

• Parque Nações
• Cais do Sodre
• Príncipe Real

Sightseeing

• Shopping in Lisbon
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• Lisbon Parks
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• Elevador de Santa Justa
• Torre de Belem
• Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Largo do Carmo
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Senhora do Monte
• São Pedro de Alcântara
• Miradouro da Graça
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• Elevador da Bica
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Transport guides

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Itineraries

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• Lisbon beach guide
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Lisbon Trams

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Lisbon's stations

• Orient train station
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• Lisbon or Barcelona
• Marmaris in April

The Lisbon region

Day trips from Lisbon

• Sintra introduction
• Sights of Sintra
• Day trip to Sintra
• Lisbon to Sintra
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• Sintra tourist bus 434
• Palacio da Pena
• Palácio de Monserrate
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Parque da Pena
• Castelo dos Mouros
• Cascais introduction
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• Evora guide
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• Bone Chapel
• Lisbon to Evora
• The Alentejo region
• Sesimbra intorduction
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• Sesimbra beaches
• Lisbon to Sesimbra
• Cabo Espichel
• Obidos Introduction
• Things to see in Obidos
• Obidos day trip
• Ericeira introduction
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• Ericeira beaches
• Setubal introduction
• Serra da Arrabida
• Peninsula de Troia

Central Portugal

• Berlengas Islands

Portugal Guides

• Where to go in Portugal?
• 1 week in Portugal
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• Top 10 Algarve
• Portugal in June
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• Portugal in November
• Where to Live in Portugal

North Portugal

• Douro Valley
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• Porto where to stay
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• Porto in 1 Day
• Porto in 3 Days
• Porto 1 Week
• Foz do Douro
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South Portugal

• Algarve introduction
• Albufeira guide
• Albufeira activities
• Albufeira beaches
• Day trip to Albufeira
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• Carvoeiro beaches
• Percurso dos Sete Vales hike
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• Faro beaches
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• Lagos guide
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• Praia da Rocha
• Praia da Rocha beaches
• Tavira guide
• Tavira sights
• Tavira Beaches
• Vilamoura beaches
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Lisbon, Portugal

Cruises from Lisbon depart from spring through early winter. Classic squares and boulevards and extravagant castles and cathedrals make for some striking photographs in this stately Portugal city on the Tagus River. Tourists can savor the sights from St. George's Castle or from one of many overlooks. Excursions often feature the monument to Prince Henry the Navigator, a visit to the ancient Alfama district, a stop at Sintra National Palace and the Royal Palace at Queluz, and a port wine tasting.

Merge onto Av. Marechal Gomes da Costa and continue onto Rua Cintura do Porto. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Rua Mar. Continue onto Rua Cintura do Porto and then continue onto Av. Infante Dom Henrique. Take a sight right followed by a slight left to stay on this road. Take another right and the destination will be on the left.

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An unforgettable stop on any European cruise, with its Gothic cathedrals, medieval castle, and quaint village neighborhoods, Lisbon is Portugal's feature attraction and has been the country's capital since 1147. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this city at your own leisurely pace, stopping along the way at a remarkable museum or 1930's era patio caf. Explore more of Lisbon on a European cruise!

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Featured Lisbon CRUISE ITINERARIES

Lisbon Cruise Ship Schedule For 2024

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2025, 05/03: European Coastal Cruise

Indulge all the senses on this eight-night cruise aboard a deluxe small ship. Connect the past with the present as you sail from Lisbon to London, exploring the storied legacies of Portugal, Spain, France and England. Taste port and cheese in Oporto; retrace the footsteps of ancient pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela; visit Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum; climb to the top of UNESCO-inscribed Mont-Saint-Michel; and enjoy an overnight docked within view of London’s Tower Bridge. Meet guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as he joins us on a tour of the hallowed Normandy beaches. 

Trip Details:

Dates : May 3—12, 2025 Activity level:

2 Buffaloes: Moderately active. Moderate walking required, often on uneven or steep terrain. May involve traveling in small boats or other vehicles.

Tour operator : Gohagan To book call : 800-922-3088 Pricing : From $7,095

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Will Queen Anne usher in a new golden age of cruising? A first look as Cunard crowns it’s new £500m monarch

Ahead of her maiden voyage, benjamin parker spends a night aboard queen anne – finding the iconic british cruise line’s long-established grandeur has been given a jolt of contemporary panache, article bookmarked.

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A crisp spring wind whipped over the River Test, skimming the water that flowed on its path to the Solent. From my open-air viewpoint metres above water, the sunless sky is punctured by one thing only: the hulking red and black funnel that have crowned Cunard ships for almost two centuries.

On Tuesday evening, Southampton welcomed Queen Anne , the latest monarch to join Cunard’s fleet. There was much fanfare in the south-coast city, with crowds watching her sail in through the arcs of a water salute, Cunard’s first female captain, Inger Klein Thorhauge, at the helm. The following day, I was among the first to step onto her decks as she docked at her home port, where the line’s ships have been based since 1919. In a swell of container ships and the concrete jungle of the port, Queen Anne beamed as a diamond in the rough.

Even the most reluctant of cruisers should appreciate Cunard Line; it’s a brand that transcends the industry and peppers history books. Since its first transatlantic crossing in 1840, its ships have been considered the height of luxury at sea – its designs drawing comparisons to The Ritz hotel at the end of the 19th century. Names, from Charles Dickens and Mark Twain to Judy Garland and David Bowie, have sailed under those famed funnels. Cunard’s Carpathia steamed to the stricken Titanic to rescue survivors in 1912.

Jumping forward to October 2019, I was at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia, southern Italy , to watch the steel-cutting ceremony – the cruise equivalent of a ground-breaking celebration – for an unnamed ship that would become Queen Anne . Built at a reported cost of £500m, it’s the company’s first new vessel in 14 years (sailing two years later than planned).

Read more on Europe travel :

• Best hotels in Europe: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break
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• How to spend a day in Copenhagen’s Carlsberg City District

And while the 3,000-capacity Queen Anne (plus space for 1,200 crew members) is the 249th ship to sail under Cunard’s flag, what makes this such a milestone is her joining the coveted ranks of Cunard’s ‘queens’, which themselves hold a special place in cruise culture, as well as British consciousness.

She expands the current trio – Queen Mary 2 , Queen Elizabeth , Queen Victoria – into a quartet, and is an echo of its regal predecessors. Two are now decommissioned and sit as floating hotels ( Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai , Queen Mary in California ); the original Queen Elizabeth retired to Florida before sailing to Hong Kong , a blaze destroying it in the harbour in 1972.

The challenge for Cunard with Queen Anne has been to successfully juggle that heritage with modernity – something that has been done with aplomb across the 13 decks. While the exterior does little to push boundaries, inside is a sensitive homage to the traditions given contemporary zeal. The concept began in the line’s archives at the University of Liverpool , rooting this new addition firmly in the past. Old brochures, fabrics and posters gave inspiration but designers – including London’s David Collins Studio – were determined not to end up with a pastiche.

Art Deco nods are found across public spaces, such as the curvaceous central ballroom, and the sheen of metals is paired with a palette of more muted – and more modern – colours. Gaudy carpet patterns, always a concern on cruise ships, cannot be found; my favourite were the blue designs that seem influenced by the water surrounding the hull or the air that would have blown the sails of bygone ships. While anti-cruise snobbery often sees noses turned up at ship accommodation, aboard Queen Anne , the calming tones sit against wooden furnishing and the Art Deco style seeps in; if this was on land it would be a hotel at the higher end of the scale.

Some of the best touches are clear attempts to bring the ship into the 21st century. Take the gallery, where work by Banksy was revealed on Wednesday – yours for a cool £125,000 – to sit alongside pieces from Thierry Guetta, better known as the LA -based Mr Brainwash. There’s simply no room for mass-produced dross in the “reimagined, elegant spaces”, as Cunard president Katie McAlister puts it. While elements such as the white-glove afternoon tea service remain, they’re bolstered by a Himalayan sea salt sauna or DJ booth around the pool.

Even the most reluctant of cruisers should appreciate Cunard Line; it’s a brand that transcends the industry and peppers history books

A huge coup is the work from chef Michel Roux Jr, who ran the two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in London before it closed in January. He has revamped the offering inside this Golden Lion, Cunard’s pub-at-sea concept that can be found on all the ‘queens’, adding what he called “little details that make a huge difference”. He labelled the haddock scotch eggs (I think best served with a pint of Cunard Gold lager) as “bang on”. Rubbed his belly talking about getting the fish and chips just right.

For me, the most exciting thing is that the chef has brought with him a slightly tweaked version of the laden, three-cheese stovetop toasties from The Wigmore (another pub setup, at the bottom of The Langham hotel in central London , that Michel was tasked with elevating from the ordinary). The other girls in the fleet need not be jealous; Michel’s approach is being rolled out across the fleet. If you want a sublime dining experience on the water, there are two Le Gavroche at Sea residencies (with Michel on board and behind the pass) on Queen Anne this year, plus two more on Queen Mary 2 .

As for today, the debutant is getting ready to leave Southampton this evening, sailing to La Coruna in Spain and Lisbon in Portugal (with days at sea bookending each port) before returning home to England . Then it’s off to the Canary Islands before the 14-night British islands itinerary – including a stop for a naming ceremony in Liverpool, the spiritual home of Cunard. From then, the Med and the fjords beckon; however, cruise fans tell me they’ve got their eyes set on Queen Anne ’s maiden world voyage in 2025, stretching over 111 days.

Waking up yesterday after a night moored in Southampton, I stepped out onto the balcony to more of the same rain. What warmed me – even more than the previous long night of champagne and martinis – was the thought of voyages yet to come.

I’m too young to know the ‘golden age’ of cruising, but Cunard has taken a step forward into its renaissance. Long live Queen Anne – and happy holidays at sea for all who sail on her.

Read more: The best Caribbean cruises for a holiday on the water in 2024/2025

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The world's most beautiful ports like you've never seen them before

Posted: 4 January 2024 | Last updated: 4 January 2024

Port of Lisbon, Portugal

Port of Kotor, Montenegro

Set in a spectacular bay, in the shadow of steep, rugged mountains, Kotor's port is a favorite with cruise-goers and has been seeing an increase in tourists during the last two decades. The UNESCO World Heritage city, located in southwestern Montenegro, has winding cobbled streets, atmospheric medieval buildings and picture-perfect mountain views.

Sydney Harbour, Australia

With iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour makes for a spectacular sight as the sun goes down. The world-famous port has been operational for more than a century and is usually visited by around 1,200 commercial vessels each year, as well as being incredibly popular with cruise ships.

Port of New York and New Jersey, New York, USA

A bird's-eye look at the Port of New York and New Jersey also gives spectacular sweeping views across the Big Apple. It covers a region within a 25-mile (40km) radius of the Statue of Liberty and is usually an extremely popular cruise destination, plus a gateway for travel to the Caribbean, Canada, Europe and beyond.

Vancouver Harbour, Canada

Jaw-dropping mountains and sleek skyscrapers provide a stunning backdrop for Vancouver Harbour. Located in southwest British Columbia, stretching between Roberts Bank and the Fraser River, there's more to this port than boats. On shore, the area has a charming mix of cafés, restaurants and a waterside walkway. You might even spot the odd harbour seal too.

Port of Tanger-Med, Morocco

Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta

Filled with a dazzling array of luxury yachts, Valletta’s Grand Harbour is the hub of this historic city. The port has been used for trade since Roman times, although nowadays it’s focused on cruise ships as opposed to cargo.

Port de Fontvieille, Monaco

In the heart of glamorous Monaco, the small, enclosed Port de Fontvieille certainly provides its fair share of eye candy when it comes to luxury yachts. Set against Monaco’s striking rocky hills, the waterside is also home to a number of bars, hotels and restaurants in which to kick back and gaze out at the view.

English Harbour, Antigua

Port of Miami, Florida, USA

Labuan Bajo Harbour, Flores, Indonesia

Port of Barcelona, Spain

Having been a trading hub for 2,000 years, the Port of Barcelona is also a major destination for cruises today. Captured from above in this spectacular aerial shot, the attractive port is within easy reach of the city centre and beach.

Ports of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

The Ports of Auckland authority board controls several main ports – the Port of Auckland, Port of Onehuga, Chelsea Wharf and four inland ports. Development began in the harbour area in the 1840s and since then it’s become an important hub for trading and cruise liners. 

Latchi Harbour, Akamas Peninsula, Cyprus

Latchi, located on the Akamas Peninsula in northwestern Cyprus, is a pretty fishing region home to fish markets, cafés, bars and restaurants serving the catch of the day. Seen from above, the idyllic boating harbour is a stunning sight against the lush green Akamas National Park.

Nagasaki Port, Japan

With its glimmering lights and mountainous backdrop, it’s no surprise that the pretty Nagasaki Port is Japan’s second-biggest cruise destination. Lying at the head of a long bay, liners usually dock at Matsugae Wharf, which is within easy reach of a streetcar stop for exploring the city.

Marina Corricella, Procida, Naples

A quaint spot nestled in a bay on the small island of Procida, off the west coast of Naples, Marina Corricella is recognisable for its adorable multicoloured houses. The 17th-century port is best-known for its stunning architecture and it’s not hard to see why, with decorative domes, arches, terraces, windows and balconies creating a colourful view from above. 

Port of Bergen, Norway

Port of Hong Kong

Geneva Harbour, Switzerland

One of Geneva Harbour’s most recognisable features is the 460-feet tall (140m) Jet d’Eau water jet that springs out from the lake and pumps out 500 liters (132 gallons) of water per second. Seen from above, the harbour filled with yachts and surrounded by stunning mountains is a sight to behold.

Svolvær port, Norway

Mikrolimano Marina, Piraeus, Greece

Around six miles (10km) from Athens lies the small town of Piraeus, where you’ll find a picturesque marina which is frequented by both fishing boats and luxury yachts. You wouldn’t believe that Piraeus port, the busiest port in Greece, is located just on the other side of this gentle little harbour.

Port Gruž, Dubrovnik

Port Gruž in Dubrovnik is situated on the west side of the city, offering a main entry point for ferries and cruise ships. The pretty harbour area, which has appeared on popular TV series Game of Thrones , has a daily fruit, vegetable and fish market which sells some of the region’s specialities including local goats' cheese, olive oil and wine. 

Muttrah Corniche, Muscat, Oman

Surrounded by jagged mountains, Muttrah Corniche is an attractive port on the western side of Muscat, the capital of Oman. The pretty waterfront is the city's old commercial centre and still the place to be today with a daily fish market, a bustling souk filled with vendors and more.

Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With sweeping views taking in the striking Christ the Redeemer statue and a multitude of tiny islands dotted around, Guanabara Bay separates Rio de Janeiro on the southwest and Niterói on the southeast. At the entrance to the bay are the popular beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, while the awe-inspiring Sugarloaf Mountain juts out on a peninsula on its southwestern side. 

Coppola Marina Dock, Porto di Amalfi, Italy

Located in the town of Amalfi along the stretch of coastline that goes by the same name, Coppola Marina Dock is encircled by towering cliffs set above glittering azure seas. Frequented by luxury yachts, this small yet perfectly formed marina is within reach of the towns of Sorrento and Positano, and the volcanic island of Ischia. 

Port of Honfleur, Honfleur, France

It’s not hard to see why Honfleur’s picturesque harbour, lined with narrow slate-fronted houses dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, was beloved by impressionist painters including Claude Monet. Situated in northern France’s Calvados region, this pretty-as-a-picture port is brought to life by the street markets, cafés and restaurants nestled in its labyrinthine streets.

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey

Stretching 20 miles (32km) between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, the Bosphorus Strait cuts through Istanbul, separating the continents of Europe and Asia. A hub for trade and tourism, there's a stunning view from whichever way you look across the water. The skylines are dotted with mosques, palaces and fortresses that serve as reminders of its long and complex history.

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

Portofino Harbour, Portofino, Italy

A former fishing village turned fashionable port town, Portofino draws in visitors with its pretty pastel-coloured houses and honeysuckle-clad hills overlooking a dazzling harbour. Situated on its own peninsula on the northeast coast of Italy, it’s the perfect spot for panoramic views over the Italian Riviera.

Port Nassau, Bahamas

The glimmering ocean and white sandy beaches make for the perfect backdrop to the main seaport in the Bahamas. Nassau, located on New Providence Island, is the capital city of the Bahamas and an ideal starting point for those wishing to explore the archipelago.

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