Lisbon

What to do & see in Lisbon

Belém Tower/ Jeronimo's Monastery

The Belém Tower was constructed in the early 1500s to serve as a lookout point to the seas and as a gateway to the city of Lisbon. Next door is Jeronimo's Monastery, the last home to explorer Vasco da Gama, that was built in the 1500s in the late Gothic style as a church. Today it is part of a sumptuous monastery with remarkable cloisters. Both these architectural wonders of Lisbon are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are grouped together for a low ticket price.

Museums 

The museums of this capital city are vast, particularly if you are looking for classic art. If you want to admire the masterpieces of Rubens, Monet or Rembrandt, visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Also be sure to look at the architecture as well as the art, as the building is just as lovely as what resides in it. Modern art by Warhol, Dali and Picasso can be seen (for free) in the Berardo Museum. If fashion is your passion, though, the MuDe Fashion and Design Museum holds one of the world’s leading design collections. 

Oceanarium

One of the world's largest Oceanariums, this place is like a deep-sea diving excursion without the effort. The Oceanarium of Lisbom features thousands of underwater species, all originating from the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. Sea otters, penguins and sharks are featured outside of the main tank, which includes barracudas, sunfish, snappers and more.

Nightlife

Due to its Mediterranean siesta clock, Lisbon has a particularly active nightlife that goes far into the evening and permeates the local restaurants and bars. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, grab a drink at a deluxe bar or simply listen to live music with your meal, there is something for everyone (assuming you don't have to be back on your cruise ship). Bairro Alto is great for people watching and variety of bars, which is popular among the locals before going to the nightclubs.

Local cuisine 

The locals follow the Mediterranean siesta, so restaurants tend to close in the afternoons and open later at night. Since Lisbon is a port town, there are a variety of cuisines to partake of, but make sure to try some of the local specialties, such as the pastéis de nata, a pastry made at any pastelaria, or pastry shop. The Portuguese take dining seriously; you can find restaurants serving Portuguese classics — fish and shellfish — alongside as the foods from the former Portuguese colonies of Brazil and Mozambique, as well as restaurants with continental menus.

Best time to go

Lisbon has beautiful weather year round, so anytime is a great time to visit. However, summer months tend to be the busiest, so if you want a calmer environment, head out during spring, early summer and the fall.

Fun facts

• What could be more fun than funiculars?  Lisbon city planners have used funiculars for over a century to move its people up and down the steep hillsides of Lisbon.
• Ponte Vasco da Gama is the longest bridge in Europe (including viaducts), and ninth longest in the world, with a total length of 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles), including 0.829 km (0.5 mi) for the main bridge, 11.5 km (7.1 mi) in viaducts, and 4.8 km (3.0 mi) in dedicated access roads.

When you arrive

Docking information

The port of Lisbon features three cruise terminals, Alcântara, Jardim do Tabaco, and Santa Apolónia. All are close to the city center but not connected to each other.

Getting around

Central Lisbon is relatively compact and best seen on foot. You can get around the city on a network of funiculars, buses and subways. The Lisbon Metro is not only a transport system but an attraction in and of itself. It’s a public art collection, with wonderful glazed tiles, paintings and sculptures, with some works by famous contemporary artists. Taxis in Lisbon tend to be inexpensive and are widely available.

Need to know

Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens will need a passport.

Language: Portuguese, although many young people speak English

Store hours: In general, shops are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 to 7 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.

Tipping: It is uncommon for restaurants in Portugal to include a service charge, but if they do there is definitely no need to tip. Even if there is no service charge you won’t be expected to tip. Taxi drivers in Portugal also don’t expect tips.

Safety: Lisbon is considered a safe city overall. As always, be aware of your surroundings and lock up your valuables.

Your take

Have you traveled or cruised to Lisbon? What was it like? We'd love to hear about your experience.

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