A Whirl Through Lisbon: From Yellow Trams to Stadium Tours

We spent three nights in Lisbon staying at the Marriott, which turned out to be a great base for exploring the city. It was surprisingly easy to get into the centre, with taxis and Ubers readily available and affordable, and it was also a convenient location for both the airport and the cruise terminal. The hotel itself was comfortable and welcoming — the staff were fantastic, the food was good, and the pool was a lovely bonus, especially in the warm Lisbon sunshine.

One of our must-dos was the iconic yellow tram 28, which winds its way through the narrow streets and hills of the old town. It’s a charming and atmospheric way to see the city, but a word of advice — the queue can get very long. We waited around 90 minutes, so if you’re planning to do it, try to go early in the day to avoid the crowds. That said, it was still a highlight and well worth the wait.

We spent our time wandering through Lisbon’s vibrant neighbourhoods, stopping in independent shops, cosy bars, and local restaurants — there’s a laid-back energy to the city that’s hard to resist. We also made time for the Sporting Lisbon stadium tour, which was a real treat, especially for football fans. It’s where Cristiano Ronaldo began his professional journey, and although they’re currently working on the pitch (we were told it should be ready in time for the new season), it was still a fascinating insight into the club’s history.

To get a feel for the city’s layout and major sights, we hopped on one of the open-top sightseeing buses. It’s a relaxed and efficient way to take in the highlights, especially if you’re short on time or want to avoid too much walking in the heat.

Next stop — the cruise terminal, where we’re joining a Virgin Voyage. Lisbon has made a great first impression, and it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this city.In