Arriving, first sight of Lisbon landmarks

The setting of Lisbon is fantastic the first sight of the Lisbon landmarks as you approach the city is breathtaking. There are several great ways to enter the city.

By sea, the best possible way

By train, can be fantastic

By road, careful planning provides great results

By air, wonderful views as you touch down

By Sea

As you enter the estuary of Tagus the beaches of Caparica and Cascais simmer in the sun. The deep blue serenity of the Tagus leads onwards towards the April 25 bridge. Christ looks down from his monument on the right and the Torre de Belem and the Monument to the Discoveries greet us on the left. We pass the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery gleaming in the white light of Lisbon, and then under the towering bridge. The city unfolds, a patchwork of pastel shades blanched in the warm sun. On a good day, and there are many, it is utterly unforgettable. This is the place to take your first photos of Lisbon. Belem is the part of the city with the most enchanting Lisbon landmarks.

Over the April 25th bridge from the South, Road or Rail

Arriving from the South we see Lisbon in the morning Sun.

Coming by road or rail from the South and arriving over the April 25th bridge provides a similarly spectacular Lisbon panorama.

We see the Museum of Ancient Art, the churches of Estrela just to the right and St Vincent de Fora in the distance. Dignified Lapa with its smart streets and embassies lies below Estrela. The humbler Barrio Alta with its pastel jumble of houses rises on its hill. And as we get nearer, the grand Praca do Comercio opens before us.

The Vasco da Gama bridge is spectacular and long but the views are not so good so use the April 25th Bridge for your first arrival if you can.

By air

Arriving by air can also be amazing. The city lies very close to the airport and on a clear day you will see it open before you as an immense tapestry. The vast Monsanto Park and many other Lisbon attractions, spread out before you, Belem, Lapa, Marques de Pombal, Benfica and Sporting Football Stadiums. More opportunities for photos of Lisbon.

Tap Portugal is the national airline and provides a very good service and also many budget airlines now land here. The airport is very convenient to the city especially if your hotel is in the Northern area.

Easy Jet are good for flights to Lisbon from European Destinations. Aer lingus connects Dublin with Lisbon.

We recommend a taxi from the airport to your hotel. It is really cheap and convenient, perhaps around ten euros or less. You can check with the driver first. It is usually a good way to start your vacation in Lisbon and saves waiting and walking with bags. But if you prefer there is a good airport bus.

By road from the North

You can also take a coffee and eat delicious cakes nearby at Pasteis de Belem so it is a good place for a journey break.After relaxing a while, enter the city along the Avenida 24 de Julho with the river to the right and the Lisbon monuments on your left and this way you avoid some of the worst traffic of the central city. Be a little careful driving in Lisbon in general, after you arrive it is better to walk or use public transport. Belem

By rail from the North