Explora Journeys in Lisbon

Lisbon spreads over hills above the wide Tagus estuary, and the cruise terminal sits at the foot of Alfama, the city's oldest quarter. You step off into a medieval tangle of staircases, miradouros, and tile-fronted houses, with the grand riverside square of the Baixa a 10-minute walk the other way. Between hilltop Alfama and the monument district of Belem a few miles west, one day forces a choice rather than covering it all.

What to do on a day in Lisbon

• Alfama, the medieval district directly opposite the terminal, a climb of lanes and staircases best explored on foot
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol, the Alfama terrace with the postcard view over red rooftops to the river
• Se de Lisboa, the fortress-like cathedral about 10 minutes from the terminal that survived the 1755 earthquake
• Praca do Comercio, the riverfront ceremonial square at the edge of the Baixa, a 10-minute walk from the ship
• Tram 28, the vintage 1930s tram that grinds through Alfama, Graca, and the Baixa
• Belem, about 9 km west, holding the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, and the original Pasteis de Belem custard tarts, reached by tram 15 or taxi

Getting ashore

Large ships, including Explora, use the Lisbon Cruise Terminal at Jardim do Tabaco or the adjacent Santa Apolonia, both set right in the Alfama quarter; Praca do Comercio and the Baixa are about a 10-minute walk and Alfama is straight across the road. One day is enough for either the historic center on foot or a Belem trip, but not both at any depth, so pick one.

When to book the ship's excursion vs your own →

Weather and when to visit

• April to May (spring). Mild and mostly sunny, typically 64 to 72F, with the jacaranda trees blooming purple in May. The odd spring shower passes quickly.
• September to October (autumn). Warm and pleasant, around 77F in September easing to about 72F in October. Sunny days still dominate, with rain becoming more frequent later in October.