Mediterranean › Portugal › Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Pastel hills, hand-painted tiles, soulful fado, and the world's best custard tarts — from the main terminal, Alfama's medieval lanes rise directly above your gangway.
Pastel hills, hand-painted tiles, soulful fado, and the world's best custard tarts — from the main terminal, Alfama's medieval lanes rise directly above your gangway.
All Lisbon calls are docked — no tendering. Your experience depends heavily on which of the two main terminals your ship uses.
💡 Pro move: From Santa Apolónia, walk up into Alfama first thing while it's quiet and cool — then ride Tram 15E to Belém later when your legs need a rest. Reverse the order if you dock at Alcântara.
All ships dock — no tendering. Santa Apolónia puts you steps from Alfama; Alcântara is further west near Belém and requires transport to the center. Always confirm your terminal in your daily program.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| MSC / Royal Caribbean / Norwegian / Celebrity / P&O / Cunard | Santa Apolónia / Jardim do Tabaco (Lisbon Cruise Terminal)📍 | Docked |
| Princess / Holland America / Oceania / Regent / Crystal / Azamara | Santa Apolónia / Jardim do Tabaco📍 | Docked |
| Viking / Hapag-Lloyd / Windstar / luxury & mid-size | Alcântara (longer berths, near Belém)📍 | Docked |
| Overflow / secondary berth | Alcântara or Santa Apolónia — check daily program📍 | Docked |
Lisbon rewards independent exploration from the main terminal — Belém is the one sight that needs a tram or taxi. Sintra is the classic full-day add-on if you've already seen the city.
Lisbon's oldest quarter — tangled lanes, viewpoint miradouros, the Sé Cathedral (1147), and the Moorish hilltop castle. Walk straight from the Santa Apolónia terminal. Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia viewpoints are the highlight.
Find Alfama walking tours →UNESCO Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower flank the river, plus the Monument to the Discoveries and the original Pastéis de Belém bakery (open since 1837). Take Tram 15E from Praça do Comércio or a taxi. If you dock at Alcântara, it's a short walk.
Find Belém tours →The quintessential Lisbon experience — a vintage yellow tram grinding through Graça, Alfama, and Estrela. Board at Praça do Comércio early before the cruise crowds arrive. Pickpockets are active on this line — keep bags in front.
Find Tram 28 tours →Fairytale palaces in misty hills 40 min from Lisbon — the colorful Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira with its famous Initiation Well. Tight on a port day; a guided shore excursion handles timing and avoids sold-out queues. Book Pena Palace timed tickets well in advance.
Find Sintra day trips →Sample pastéis de nata, petiscos (Portuguese tapas), ginjinha cherry liqueur, bacalhau (salt cod), and local wines in Baixa and Bairro Alto. Small-group food tours run 3–4 hours and hit markets and traditional tabernas most tourists walk past.
Find Lisbon food tours →Portugal's haunting national music — saudade made audible. Daytime fado shows exist in Alfama for cruise passengers, though the authentic late-night variety is reserved for those in port overnight. Several venues near Largo do Chafariz de Dentro offer afternoon performances.
Find fado shows →From Santa Apolónia terminal, central Lisbon unfolds on foot — mind the steep cobblestones. Each route links to a map.
Climb straight from the gangway into Alfama's ancient lanes to the Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia miradouros, with sweeping views over the red rooftops and the Tagus. Pass the Sé Cathedral on the way up. The signature Lisbon port-day walk.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Flat, grand downtown: the vast riverfront Praça do Comércio, the triumphal Rua Augusta arch, and the elegant Baixa grid up to Rossio Square. Good for orientation and easy strolling. Watch bags in crowded squares.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Lisbon, Portugal (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58°F / 14°C | 48°F / 9°C | 8 | 7:53 AM | 5:39 PM |
| Feb | 60°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 8 | 7:27 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Mar | 63°F / 17°C | 51°F / 11°C | 8 | 6:47 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Apr | 66°F / 19°C | 54°F / 12°C | 9 | 7:00 AM | 8:13 PM |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 58°F / 14°C | 5 | 6:24 AM | 8:41 PM |
| Jun | 76°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 4 | 6:11 AM | 9:02 PM |
| Jul | 81°F / 27°C | 65°F / 18°C | 1 | 6:24 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Aug | 82°F / 28°C | 65°F / 18°C | 1 | 6:50 AM | 8:30 PM |
| Sep | 78°F / 26°C | 64°F / 18°C | 5 | 7:18 AM | 7:44 PM |
| Oct | 73°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 | 7:46 AM | 6:57 PM |
| Nov | 64°F / 18°C | 54°F / 12°C | 11 | 7:19 AM | 5:22 PM |
| Dec | 60°F / 16°C | 51°F / 11°C | 8 | 7:47 AM | 5:15 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Multiple operators run hop-on hop-off bus routes covering Belém, Oriente, and city center. Yellow Bus Tours 72-hr combo (bus + Tagus River boat) from ~€47.
Official metered taxis queue outside the terminals. Journey to Praça do Comércio or Baixa takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Both Uber and Bolt are active in Lisbon with dedicated cruise port pickup zones. Book via app for transparent pricing.
The Jardim do Tabaco terminal is roughly 1–2 km from Praça do Comércio. A flat riverside walk along the Tagus takes about 15–20 minutes.
Lisbon's historic trams (including Tram 28) and buses connect the waterfront to key neighborhoods. Single rides cost around €1.50–€3 with a Viva Viagem card.
Upcoming cruises that call at Lisbon, Portugal. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.