Our cruise was not a traditional round-trip itinerary; instead, it began in Lisbon and concluded in Rome. Whenever possible, we like to extend our time at either the beginning or end of a cruise to explore the local area. In Lisbon, we arrived in the afternoon and had one full day to experience the city before boarding our ship the following day. Reflecting back, I wish we had planned for two full days in Lisbon, as there is so much to see and do. Given our limited time, we concentrated on exploring the vibrant neighborhoods and historic sites close to the cruise port. Without a car, we relied on walking, which allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local atmosphere, visit popular attractions, shop, and sample regional cuisine.
Although my time in Lisbon was brief, I do have a few recommendations. Before our trip, I discovered an online review for a restaurant that was generating a lot of excitement among food lovers. I made a reservation, and we had a fantastic meal there. Taberna Sal Grosso Alfama is not a fancy, formal dining establishment—in fact, from the street, it’s quite unassuming, and I initially wondered if I was in the right place. As our reservation time approached, a small crowd gathered outside. Those with reservations, like us, were welcomed in, while walk-ins were turned away due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating. The menu featured traditional Portuguese flavors, and every dish we tried was exceptional—flavorful, authentic, and memorable. If you’re able to plan ahead, I highly recommend making a reservation at Taberna Sal Grosso Alfama for a genuine local dining experience.
We chose to stay at the Art Legacy, a boutique hotel with a truly distinctive character. Its location was ideal for exploring the city, and I found the experience to be unique compared to other hotels I’ve stayed in. The staff went above and beyond—when we realized we had left an important item in our room, a team member personally delivered it to our ship just before departure. The hotel is also conveniently located, only about a five-minute Uber ride from the cruise port, making it a great option for cruise travelers.
One final recommendation, based on conversations with fellow travelers, is to take a pedicab tour. These tours are easy to find, with pedicabs parked throughout the city, and I’ve heard they offer a fun and informative way to see Lisbon’s highlights. Although I didn’t have the chance to try a pedicab tour myself, it’s at the top of my list for a future visit. Lisbon truly left a lasting impression on us—we thoroughly enjoyed our time here and hope to return. It’s an excellent city to begin or end a cruise journey.