Margaret's Cruise Guide to Lisbon

I've escorted many cruise groups and I'm passionate about cruising. I’ve cruised into Lisbon many times and I never tire of journeying into its port where you’re welcomed by its beautiful berths where your ship will dock. Here's my guide to how to spend your day in the beautiful Portuguese capital.

1. Getting Around

The centre of the city is an easy stroll along its harbour-front and while Lisbon is a large city, it’s possible to see quite a bit on foot. If you’d prefer however, there are taxis and hop-off hop-on busses readily available, just be aware this is a bustling city and there can be quite dense traffic.

2. Comercio Square

You’ll know you’ve reached the city when you see the seafront opening out into the impressive Comercio Square, locally known as Black Horse Square as it was the place where King Jose 1 was assassinated. Today stands an equestrian statue of the king on the spot where he was assassinated. Alongside this magnificent square stand beautiful colonnades which contain a wealth of restaurants and cafes making it a great place for al fresco dining. My favourite haunt is the terrace of the National Beer Museum.

You’ll get a sense of traditional Portuguese architecture as a grand imperial archway draws you up into the pedestrianised centre where you’ll be in awe of the traditional Portuguese paving and elaborate patterns created with hand-laid limestone cubes. Here you’ll find a great choice of modern shops and delicious restaurants. Just a short walk up the street, on the left-hand side is the Santa Justa Lift originally powered by steam and created to transport passengers to reach the upper old-town, Biarro Alto.

3. Rossio Square and the Railway Station

The grand street continues up to the breath-taking Rossio Square, where you’ll find what I believe to be an absolute gem; the railway station. Look inside this exquisite building and you’ll be taken aback by its appearance as it looks much more like a lavish palace than a railway station.

You’ll get a stunning view of the city and the Tagus River by taking the station’s escalators up to the traditional old town. Old trams squeeze around the myriad of narrow streets before giving way to spacious terraces encapsulating the city views.

4. Food

Portugal is renowned for its wondrous food and drink and no trip is complete, in my opinion, without sampling Lisbon’s buttery, crumbly custard tarts. Thousands of tarts are freshly baked and eaten each day in the city. If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth I highly recommend trying Bacalhau dried fish, a Portuguese favourite.

5. St. George’s Castle

An ideal opportunity to explore St. George’s Castle is after your lunch. The castle, which can be seen from across the city, is walkable (but it can be quite steep) but is also reachable by catching a number 37 bus. The castle houses a small museum and has peacock inhabited terraces offering fabulous views over the residential area of Alfamo.

On Your Next Visit...

I’m sure your trip to Lisbon will tempt you to come back and explore further afield especially as its coastline has so much to offer. The riverside palace of Belem, the beach resorts of Estoril and Cascais are close as is the hillside town of Sintra, all are easy to reach from the city. As you sail away on the Tagus River, Lisbon will leave a wonderful impression on you as you sail under the fantastic 25th April Suspension Bridge and catch a glimpse of the Rio inspired, Christ the King (Almada) statue.

Margaret Ablitt is a Cruise Escort, and regularly escorts cruise groups.

Cruises to Lisbon from South Wales in 2017

If Margaret's guide has left you longing to see Lisbon, you can cruise direct from Cardiff to Lisbon on the following sailing:

• Spain, Portugal & France, 24th May 2017