The Port of Lisbon, Portugal
ABOUT
Lisbon, capital of Portugal, is one of the oldest cities in the world and the second-oldest European capital city (after Athens), predating other modern European capitals, including Rome, by centuries. Established by pre-Celtic tribes and later Phoenicians, Julius Caesar made it a municipium called Felicitas Julia, adding the term to the name Olissipo.
After a long and tumultuous history, Lisbon flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries as the centre of a vast empire during the period of the Portuguese discoveries. This was a time of intensive maritime exploration, when the Kingdom of Portugal accumulated great wealth and power through its colonisation of Asia, South America, Africa and the Atlantic islands. Evidence of the city’s wealth can still be seen today sfome of its magnificent structures.
Since that time Lisbon has gone through a dramatic earthquake and subsequent tsunami, wars, occupations and then political unrest. It has come through all of it and stands proud today.
Population just over 3,000,000
Currency is the Euro.
THINGS TO DO
As you can imagine there is a wealth of things to do in this ancient city. From exploring the old city to visiting the Oceanarium (the largest in Europe) you will not lack variety. If you have not visited before, it is worthwhile doing a City Tour to really get a sence of what is on offer.
Tours include Hop on Hop off buses, walking tours of the city, following the footsteps of the Knights Templar and much more. There are many museums, one dedicated to the beautiful tiles that adorn many old buildings, castle, monastry and the famous Belem Tower.
It is known for its charming old neighborhoods, colorful architecture, old-fashioned trams, delicious food, and rich history. Decadent and enchanting, Lisbon is a city that’s easy to love.
Talking of food – you cannot leave Lisbon without trying some of the fantastic local dishes. A particular favourite is the Pastel de Nata.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
We have been lucky enough to visit Lisbon on a number of occasions, at different times of year and on different ships. You will find different sections below which give an idea of the visits we have had in recent years and on which ships.
At times we have taken organised tours, some via the ship and others via local agents. It is also an easy city to explore on your own. We have now taken two locally booked tours, both of which were memorable. Guides are knowledgeable and fun. The first of these took us through the streets to a little cafe that served us coffee and that all important Pastel de Nata (homemade of course), then on to a shop selling traditional salted fish for a tasting before heading to a little bar for a panoramic view of the city and a well earned drink. The journey continued with a trip across the river to a very popular restaurant where we were served fish stew – not particularly to our taste but it was a traditional and very popular dish. The whole trip was very memorable, interesting, fun and good value.
Cunard Queen Anne
We were lucky enough to visit Lisbon on no less than three occasions in 2024. The first visit, and probably the most memorable one, was during the Maiden Voyage of Cunard‘s Queen Anne in May 2024. It was her first visit to the port and special to be able to photograph her there – see more in our video
You can never tell quite what you will find as you stroll through the city. There are cafes and squares at almost every turn where you can check out local beer, wine, foods. Most will have seating inside, but on a nice day there is nothing quite like sitting outside and enjoying the local atmosphere. Walking along the seafront is very enjoyable too.
Sky Princess
Our second visit to Lisbon in 2024 was aboard Princess Cruises Sky Princess.
On this occasion we decided to see a little more of the city. There are quite a few options available from private hire to TukTuk tours, Hop On Hop Off buses and tram rides.
Of the options available we decided to take a tram tour of the city.
There are various meeting points across the city. The closest to the port terminal is in the Praça do Comércio where you are also able to purchase your tickets.
When travelling independently within the city of Lisbon you can purchase a Lisboa Card. For one fee you get free entry to top attractions, unlimited travel on public transport and exclusive discounts.
Top attractions included with this card include: Torre de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jeronimós, Castelo de São Jorge, Panteão Nacional, Museo Nacional del Azulejo, Arco da Rua Augusta, Experiência Pilar.
Cards can be purchased for 24, 48 or 72 hours. You can book online in advance through a number of sites including Visit Lisbon, Get Your Guide and more. Prices for 2025 start at €27 for a day ticket.
The Lisboa Card certainly seems to be great value, easy to purchase and widely used. We would certainly consider buying them again if we are spending a day (or longer) in the city.
Cunard Queen Victoria
December 2024 saw us visit Lisbon for the 3rd time in one year. This time we were on Cunard’s Queen Victoria. The visit to Lisbon was an extended one so that those who wished to could visit the city later to see the Christmas Lights.
It was also a little unusual as there were two `Queens’ in port on the same day. Queen Victoria and Queen Anne.
Of course the lead up to Christmas is a very special time to visit the city. Like so many others it is decorated with lights, trees and they have festive markets as well. One of the most famous trees is situated in Lisbon’s main square, Praca do Comercio.
We have seen the decorations in daylight and during darkness – which is when they really come alive. If you check out the video below you will see what we mean. Christmas Markets, lights, music and lots of people enjoying the atmosphere – wonderful.
Hopefully the photos will give a flavour of daytime and night-time views.
Fred. Olsen's Borealis
In early 2025 we again found ouselves visiting the beautiful city of Lisbon. We were cruising this time on Fred. Olsen’s Borealis but this time during the early part of the year. We wondered if we would have good weather but we shouldn’t have worried as it was a lovely day.
Having been in the city several times over a few months we decided this time to take an organised tour. Rather than take one organised from the ship, we found one that appealed on the Viator site. It was a 3 hour food and wine walking tour through the city in which we were to taste various local offerings.
We eagerly left the ship on the day of the tour and made our way to Rossio Square. The last time we were here was just before Christmas and the streets were packed. So we left plenty of time to walk there and arrived early (of course). However this did give us time to sneak in a coffee before we met for this small group tour.
Our host and tour guide was Daniel who works for a tour company called Inside Lisbon who work in partnership with Viator. Daniel introduced himself and outlined what the tour would consist of.
Outline of the Tour
We started the tour with Cod Cakes and Vinho Verde before moving on to try a Tawny Port accompanied by local cheese. We moved on to the next venue to taste Ginjinha. Ginjinha is a popular Portuguese liqueur made by infusing sour cherries (Morello cherries).
Our next stop was to try Bifana, Portuguese sandwich made of thinly-sliced pork, marinated in wine or beer, garlic and spices. It is generally served with mustard or home made Piri Piri sauce. It was accompanied by a glass of local beer which by then was very welcome.
Our next stop was at another cafe where we were served a risotto style dish with duck and olives served with red wine.
The last stop was again a little cafe and bar. We were escorted to a private room on the first floor. Here we sampled the wine on offer and the small delicacies which included some Chorizo, cheese and fish.
Our final thoughts on the Tour
We found ourselves at the end of the tour all too soon but it was probably a good thing that we didn’t have too many more stops.
Daniel was the consumate host. He was a local to Lisbon and knew the city and its inhabitants well. It made for a very informative and enjoyable time.
Overall we would say that this tour was well worth the money and we would recommend it if you are looking for something different to do in the city for a half day.
Below you will find some additional photos from our trips to Lisbon
To check out our experiences in Lisbon just click the video links below – and if you enjoy the content simply ‘Like’ and ‘Subscribe’ to see more (subscription is free).