Lisbon Travel Forum

Yes, I know...4 hours is not enough to even scratch the surface of Lisbon, but 4 hours is all I've got. I'll be on a cruise next month, and we arrive around 8am, and for some stupid reason I can't understand, we set sail at 1pm. Bearing in mind it will take time to get on and off the ship, that leaves me with 4 hours at the most.

So, what should I do? I don't want to take one of the cruise tours as they are expensive and cram as many sights in as possible, and I hate travelling in groups. I'd rather go for a walk somewhere on my own.

Looking at the map and browsing the tips on here, it seems like the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts sound the most interesting. Which should I aim for? How easy is it to get from the cruise ship terminal (wherever that may be...the cruise info helpfully just says "Lisbon") to one of these quarters? Am I likely to get stuck in traffic and risk missing the ship? Is there something I should definitely head for? (I do like museums, but after being cooped up on a ship, I'd rather just walk)

Any suggestions welcome ;@P

It looks like you will arrive at one of 3 terminals. Below is a website that has some info on all 3. If you are lucky you will be very close to the main gate into the city from the port. You could at least look at the site and figure out possibilities from each terminal. Hopefully someone with more specific info will answer as well. Have a great trip and enjoy Lisbon.

Hi Maykal,

Yes, 4 hours is a really annoying amount of time. I think you've answered your own question really - Lisbon is all about walking for me. The impressive one-off sights are in the Belem area and you may not have much time to take them in anyway.

You'll probably want to walk up to the castle (Sao Jorge) which has great views of the city and has the advantage of being surrounded by Alfama and other streets where you can wander. Walking down from the castle you can go to Baixa, Baixa Chaido and Bairro Alto quite easily. From your pages, I reckon you'll mainly like Alfama and Mouraria.

There is a odd little Goan restaurant up by the castle if you need to eat - Arco do Castelo. I also had the greatest one euro fish fillet sandwish ever at a beer festival inside the castle once but sadly never seen since...

The big museum in Lisbon is the Gulbenkian - but it would take a big chunk out of your time. I'd recommend the azulejo museum but it's not central and again quite extensive. The only one I'd really recommend in the centre is the Convento do Carmo in Chiado - a ruined convent that's open to the elements with a jumble of archaeological artifacts set out inside. It's relatively overlooked by tourists (or was when I've been) but it's very atmospheric.

Thanks for the comment you left on my page btw - tragically I never made it to Albania in the end. Meeting and talking to many Albanians in my doomed and poorly organised attempt was as close as I got! Next year...

I'm not sure where you're getting in - but the Belem area has three places of interest close together - plus a pastry shop to die for! Not sure where you're coming from, but if you get to Belem (assuming you're walking on your own) -

- See Belem Tower - time to go in quickly
- See the Discovery monument
- Go to the Geronimos monastery

Facing the monastery, take a right for about two blocks to a place called Pasteis de Belem. The sidewalk in front should also way Pasteis de Belem, as there's a touristy place claiming they have them - but go to the real thing.

Once there, just walk into the restaurant side and stand by for a table -
order about three to eat there ... and take some with you. Yup, three - I am *always* watching what I eat and downed four!

Now, I must admit I loved going to the Castelo, and liked the Rossio districts.
And loved looking at the sidewalks! -

Actually, taxi's were not too bad, and it may be a good idea to rely on them rather than wait for a bus.

Regardless of what you do - I'm confident you will enjoy Lisbon ... you can come back for Euromeet in Cascais next year and see the areas you missed! ;=)

Michael,

Too bad you're afforded in this trip only a measly four hours in and for Lisbon. It's criminal I'd say on the part of the cruise ship. But, hey, one's got to make do of a given situation if only to stay ahead of the game. I'd suggests you decide on just a single itenerary to obtain the most out of your four hours. Your ship will very likely dock at the usual cruise line terminal at the Alcantara district in Lisbon which is halfway between the city center and the historic Belem district. All your nervous concern about distances, getting stuck in traffic, not to mention jostling with crowds at sights are rightly understandable. I agree keep it simple and let the thought of having missed the main attractions this time allow you to ponder a reasonable return trip to Lisbon. That said, pick either staying just right in Alcantara or the Belem district where you have the magnificent Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Monastery of the Hieronymites), the Maritime Museum, a somewhat limited Archeological Museum next to the monastery and half a kilometer from here, the awesome Torre de Belem (Belem Tower). You can reach Belem on a quick and easy bus ride or the veritable tram (take #15)and you're there in less than ten minutes. At Belem, you'll be assured of giving your four hours more than its worth, tho I must warn you the throng of tourists will be there as well for sure to test your mettle. The other option already mentioned is to stick around in the Alcantara district. The neighborhood is right up the hill above the docks, you merely cross the train track and highway, climb the steps and you're in Alcantara. It's a quiet and very pleasant neighborhood, perfect for a slow unhampered stroll to peek around. You mention your own penchance for museums, one of Lisbon's (and quite possibly, the world's I must say)is the Museo de Arte Antiga (Museum of Antiquated Art, they really need to find a suitable name for this great place) which literally is just a few step climb from the docks. You won't miss it - it's a huge Victorian looking structure in royal yellow right next to the charming Jardim 9 de Avril (Garden of the 9th of April). The museum is filled with eclectic collection of Portuguese tapestries and 18th century Portuguese paintings, Oriental vases and furniture, faiences, sculptures, religious art and a marvelous collection of European paintings. Don't miss the museum's greatest acquisition - Bosch's triptych 'The Temptation of Saint Anthony'. The museum also has a wonderful cafe - Cafe D'Art - on its grounds set among giant jacarandas and literally jutting out the hillside overlooking the Tejo river where you can see and keep an eye on your ship. After your neighborhood ambling and museum tour, go have a meal or coffee/tea here where the kitchen serves outstanding Portuguese dishes. If you find yourself having extra time, a few doors away from the museum is The York House Hotel, one of Lisbon's grand old institutions with a memorable cafe to boot.

Enjoy your four hours in Lisbon and try to make it to the EuroMeet 2009 here in late May.

For only 4 hours I will take the Tram Nbr 28. The entire tour of this Tram takes you to the nicest old parts of the town.

Nobody has mentioned it but to get a good feel for Lisbon in that short amount of time I definitely would consider the hop on/off bus.I prefer the yellow bus to the red one-comes more frequently and has 2 routes.It takes just under 2 hours to complete the route without getting off.Cost is 15 euros.

Thanks for all the replies :) It looks like I can get to Alfama and Mouraria quite easily, so that'll be my main plan. The tram sounds good...as does the ruined covent, which sounds like my sort of thing.

And the Pasteis de Belem...I've been told about those, so plan B might be Belem!

I'll let you know what I manage to get up to in those few hours ;@P