Lisbon Portugal – A Port of Call

It’s easy while walking the streets of Lisbon to think you have somehow slipped back in time. The port of call of Lisbon really seems to live in the past. Quant cobblestoned streets lead to plazas bordered by palaces, churches and castles. Attractive small cafes and restaurants abound and shops and galleries invite at every turn. Streetcars that look like they really belong in another time, glide down narrow streets. Even much of this cities graffiti rises to the level of fine art. Portugal seems to have deliberately let the world speed on by, having discovered a comfortable place to sit back and watch everyone else frantically race on to – not sure where.

Where Your Ship Docks

There is a stretch along Lisbon’s central waterfront where cruise ships dock. There are two terminals not far apart, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa and Terminal de Cruzeiros de Santa Apolonia. Both feature good access to ships and town and have free public facilities. Much of central Lisbon is within a mile of the cruise piers.

Transportation

Lisbon features a good public transport network, both underground and surface using buses and trams but for the one day visitor the system has two issues; first it is difficult to change lines, as there are few connections between the networks. Second it doesn’t run past some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

There are 24 and 48 hour passes available and the funicular system can also be used.

1 Day ticket (24h) Metro pass is 6.40€ -Valid for unlimited journeys on the Metro networks during 24 hours after the first validation. The full Carris/Metro/Transtejo (Cacilhas) pass is 9.50€ – Valid for unlimited journeys on Carris, Metro and Transtejo (river connection), during 24 hours following the first validation.

Ticket Offices are open every day 7:45 a.m – 7:45 p.m at the following Metro stations include Marquês de Pombal, Campo Grande, Colégio Militar/Lu, Jardim Zoológico, Marquês de Pombal,Rossio, Baixa-Chiado, Cais do Sodré and Oriente Aeroporto. There are vending machines at every station.

There is also a visitor’s card called the Lisboa Card where you get unlimited travel for 24 hours for just €20 that also includes free access to Lisbon’s best museums and attractions like the Torre de Belem, Jeronimos Monastery and the Santa Justa Elevator and more. You can buy the card online HERE.

Currency

The currency of Portugal is the Euro and major credit cards are welcome almost everywhere. ATMs are also readily available.

While in Lisbon don’t miss an opportunity to pick up Portuguese gifts. The country is famous for its reasonable prices. Portuguese ceramics are famous and authentic cork craftsmanship is remarkable. Look for the Barcelos Rooster, it’s Portugal’s national symbol and can be found in woodwork, ceramics and embroidery handcrafts. The countries Port Wine is known the world over and the prices here are difficult to pass up. You’ll also find bargains in distilled spirits and local speciality foods.

Attractions

Castles, museums, churches and palaces all within a mile or so from the cruise ship.

• The Santa Justa Lift is an elevator in Lisbon and the fastest way to get from the Baixa neighbourhood to the Bairro Alto district. It was inaugurated as one of the city’s public transport in1902 and was called Elevador do Carmo (Lift).
• Castelo de S. Jorge at R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo. Hilltop Moorish castle & palace ruins
• Jerónimos Monastery at Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa. World heritage listed Gothic monastery
• Oceanário de Lisboa at Esplanada Dom Carlos I. Waterside aquarium with ocean ecosystems

• Museu Nacional do Azulejo at R. Me. Deus 4. Ceramic collections located in a church
• Belém Tower at Av. Brasília. Medieval defensive tower

• Ajuda National Palace at Largo Ajuda 1349-021. 19th-century royal palace and museum
• Arco da Rua Augusta at R. Augusta 2. Triumphal arch with a viewing platform

• Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte. Popular destination for city views
• Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga at R. das Janelas Verdes. Historical art collection in old palace

• Palácio dos Marqueses da Fronteira at Largo São Domingos de Benfica 1 Grand palace

• Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen at Calçada da Graça, Terrace park featuring sweeping city views
• Museu de Marinhaat Praça do Império Maritime museum in sixteenth century monastery