CRUISES TO & FROM LISBON

Lisbon has a thriving gastronomic scene and it’s rewarding to take some time to feast on Portugal’s eclectic cuisine while you’re here. Start your day with pastéis de nata, a creamy egg custard served up inside a crisp pastry that has been sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. For lunch, you can get quick food like piri piri chicken, a popular fast food available all over Lisbon that is a local favorite for lunch on the fly. From formal dining to street food, you’ll have plenty to choose from during your time in port.

There are many fine dining and casual dining seafood restaurants that draw a lot of attention within the restaurant scene in Lisbon, due to both culture and location. If seafood is not what you’re craving, try traditional roast pork Bifana sandwiches, or a hearty Cozido stew, made with spiced sausages and vegetables. If you want to try a traditional Portuguese liqueur, make sure to order a shot of Ginja at the famous Ginjinha Bar. Ginja is made from sour cherries, alcohol, and sugar.

The history of Lisbon is a vastly rich and varied one that includes seafaring, exploration, earthquakes, and festivals; all of which have impacted the city you see today. 

Lisbon is the westernmost capital city in continental Europe and has a thriving commercial and tourism center. Its natural harbor helped the city grow and become a European powerhouse, starting centuries ago. Its harbor was the center of operations for many of the Portuguese explorations that took place, particularly during the 15th century. Another phenomenon that had a lasting effect on Lisbon was the earthquake that occurred there in 1755. Most of the city center was destroyed and it took a long time for it all to be rebuilt, with many of the repairs happening under the command of the Marquês de Pombal. Further revitalization occurred a couple of centuries later when Lisbon hosted the World’s Fair in 1998. 

While Lisbon continues to see modern advancements in terms of its transportation, technology, and architecture, the vibe of the city still has an Old Town flair thanks to gorgeously designed buildings, the melancholy vibe that find a pinnacle in the Fado music, and a bustling commercial area with shops and businesses. 

Head to Amar Lisboa for artisan ware or Bababodo for jewelry and fashionable clothing. To really get an iconic shopping experience while in Lisbon, head farther away from the port to Avenida Liberdade, one of the most expensive streets in Lisbon, lined by a variety of upscale and luxury stores and boutiques.

The trams of Lisbon aren’t only a great way to get around the city, they’re also one of the top things to do in Lisbon. Take a ride on one of the vintage trams, particularly on Tram 28, which will take you to many of Lisbon’s top sights. Lisbon has an extensive bus system that covers over 140 different routes as well as a metro that is quick and clean and services many areas. Taxis are also available in Lisbon, and you can usually find some waiting outside the Lisbon cruise terminal. 

A unique way to get from one of Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods to the next is the Santa Justa Lift, which is an elevator that connects the central Baixa neighborhood to the historic Bairro Alto district. It was a much-needed addition to Lisbon’s public transportation since it makes it much faster to travel between upper and lower Lisbon. Walking in Lisbon is also an option, but be aware that much of the city is hilly, so bring comfortable shoes if you choose to do so.

The local currency is the Euro and you’ll find ATMs all over the city dispensing Euro notes. Most places in Lisbon take credit cards, but not all do, so it’s good to double-check beforehand. Taxi drivers also aren’t required to accept credit cards, though some do. 

For tipping, it is acceptable to do so, but there is no customary amount. Generally, 10% to 15% of your total bill is a fair amount to leave for good service while in Portugal.