Lisbon, Portugal

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod - your journey beyond the waves.

I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re sailing into Lisbon, the capital of Portugal - a city of seven hills, rich history, and unforgettable charm.

City Overview

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe, beautifully situated at the mouth of the Tagus River.

Built across rolling hills that overlook the Atlantic, the city combines old-world character with a modern, creative spirit.

Its neighborhoods, like Alfama and Bairro Alto, are filled with winding alleys, trams clattering up steep streets, and music floating from tucked-away cafés.

Lisbon is where Fado, Portugal’s soulful traditional music, was born - and where the scent of freshly baked Pastéis de Nata, the famous custard tarts, fills the air.

The city’s azulejos - beautifully painted tiles decorating façades and stairways - tell stories of its maritime past, while grand plazas and historic monuments recall Portugal’s golden age of exploration.

For travelers, Lisbon is a perfect mix of atmosphere and adventure, offering both sweeping views from its hilltops and quiet moments along the Tagus waterfront.

Our Day in Port

On Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024, Lisbon greeted us under a thick blanket of fog.

The morning light was soft, and the city seemed almost dreamlike, its rooftops and hills fading gently into the mist.

But as the hours passed, the fog lifted, and by late morning, the sun broke through, warming the air to a springlike 17 degrees.

It was the perfect invitation to explore.

After breakfast, we took our time and set out around ten o’clock.

Right at the cruise terminal, we found the stop for the hop-on hop-off bus, an ideal way to see Lisbon for the first time.

The open-top ride offered panoramic views as we drove along the river, heading toward one of Lisbon’s most famous districts - Belém.

There, we admired the Torre de Belém, a sixteenth-century watchtower and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just a short distance away stood the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Monument to the Discoveries, where statues of explorers and kings look proudly toward the sea.

Nearby, the Jerónimos Monastery dazzled us with its intricate Manueline architecture - a masterpiece of stone lacework that captures Portugal’s seafaring glory.

Returning to the city center, we got off at the Praça do Comércio, a grand riverside square framed by yellow arcades and crowned by the triumphal arch of Arco da Rua Augusta.

From there, we walked along Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s main pedestrian avenue filled with shops, cafés, and street performers.

Halfway up, we stopped to admire the Elevador de Santa Justa, a neo-Gothic iron elevator that connects the lower Baixa district to the higher Chiado quarter.

Even without riding it, its intricate design and sweeping views were impressive.

Everywhere we went, the city felt alive - locals chatting at outdoor cafés, trams rattling past tiled buildings, and the sound of music echoing through the narrow lanes.

By the late afternoon, we returned to the ship, just in time for the sun to set over the Tagus.

As we departed, the 25 de Abril Bridge glowed red in the evening light, and the Christ the King statue watched over the city from the opposite bank.

It was a magical farewell to one of Europe’s most charismatic capitals.

Travel Tips

Right outside the cruise terminal, you’ll find ticket booths for several hop-on hop-off bus companies.

Their routes are similar, so choose whichever departs next to make the most of your day.

I recommend completing one full loop first to get an overview, then hopping off at your favorite sights.

Must-see stops include the Praça do Comércio, the Santa Justa Elevator, and of course Belém, where you can explore Portugal’s maritime heritage.

While there, don’t miss tasting the original Pastéis de Belém - crisp, golden pastries filled with creamy custard that are considered the best in the country.

For a touch of local flavor, take the historic Tram 28, which winds through many of Lisbon’s most beautiful districts, including Alfama and Graça.

If you have extra time, wander through the old neighborhoods on foot - their narrow streets, tiled walls, and hidden viewpoints capture the true soul of Lisbon.

For those looking to venture farther, a day trip to Sintra is highly recommended.

Just 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, it’s a fairy-tale town of palaces and gardens.

The Palácio da Pena, with its colorful towers and romantic design, feels straight out of a storybook, while the Moorish Castle and National Palace offer fascinating glimpses into Portugal’s royal past.

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed our journey through Lisbon, Portugal - a city of light, music, and endless discovery.

Join me next time as we continue our voyage to another remarkable destination on our cruise.

Until then - stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.