What to Expect
Lisbon's cruise terminal at Alcântara (Santa Apolónia terminal also used for some calls) sits along the Tagus waterfront, 3–4 km west of the historic centre. Tram 15E (€1.80 single) runs along the waterfront from Alcântara to Praça do Comércio in the city centre — 20 minutes. From Praça do Comércio, the Alfama neighbourhood climbs the hill to the east, the Chiado and Bairro Alto are uphill to the west, and Belém (Jerónimos Monastery, Torre de Belém) is 6 km further west by tram 15E (total 35 minutes from the cruise terminal). Lisbon is hilly; comfortable footwear is more important here than almost anywhere else.
Getting Around
Tram 15E is the correct connection from Alcântara to the city — not the tourist-trolley Tram 28, which starts further into the city. Lisboa Viva card (€0.50, reloadable): single tram/Metro/bus ride €1.80. Day pass: €6.70 for unlimited travel on trams, buses, Metro, and funiculars. Elevador da Glória funicular (€3.80) climbs from Restauradores to Bairro Alto in 2 minutes; Elevador da Bica (same price) is the photogenic one in the travel images. Taxis and Uber available. Bolt is also operational and competitive on price. Belém to Alfama is a 40-minute walk across the hilly city centre — the Metro (Alameda line) is more efficient.
Belém and the Age of Discovery
The Jerónimos Monastery (€15, or free Sunday mornings until 14:00) is a Manueline-style masterpiece commissioned by King Manuel I and funded by the spice trade; Vasco da Gama's tomb is inside. The adjacent Torre de Belém (€6) is a 16th-century river fortress — the line to enter can be 30–40 minutes but the interior is compact. The Monument to the Discoveries (€8) is five minutes away; the sixth floor panorama is worth it. The Alfama — Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, which survived the 1755 earthquake because it sits on rock — has the São Jorge Castle (€15, great views), the Fado Museum (€5), and the Feira da Ladra flea market (Tuesday and Saturday). Sintra, 40 km northwest by commuter rail (€2.25, 40 minutes from Rossio station), has a cluster of 19th-century romantic palaces — Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira — and a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Tipping and Currency
Euros. Portugal: tipping is not obligatory; 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated and increasingly expected in tourist areas. Service is not typically included in bills. Round up at cafés and bars. ATMs (Multibanco) throughout the city — Multibanco machines accept most international cards. The pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém (Rua de Belém 84–92, open since 1837) are €1.40 each and worth prioritising.