Lisbon: Boat Cruise to Belém, Hop On Hop Off & Sunset DJ

Summary

Lisbon’s riverside colors shift as you drift past Belém Tower

You’ll drift past Lisbon’s landmarks—Belém Tower glowing in late sun, Monument to the Discoveries rising above you—with time to hop off or just linger on deck. Enjoy music at sunset with a free drink in hand and let yourself feel part of this riverside rhythm.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the city to look so different from the water. We hopped on the Lisbon boat cruise right by Praça do Comércio, and suddenly the whole skyline felt softer—like someone turned down the volume on the traffic and let in more light. There was this salty breeze (not too strong, just enough to mess up my hair), and I kept catching whiffs of grilled sardines drifting over from somewhere along the shore. Our guide, Ana, pointed out the Electricity Factory—she called it “Fábrica da Eletricidade”—and told us how it powered half of Lisbon back in the day. I’d never even noticed it before.

The best part? You can use your ticket like a hop on hop off pass between downtown and Belém, which made it feel less like a tour and more like we were locals commuting—except with better views. At one point, a group of teenagers waved at us from under the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) and someone on our boat tried to wave back but nearly dropped their phone into the river. There’s Wi-Fi onboard if you want it, but honestly I barely touched my phone. The sun hit Belém Tower just right as we got close; all those old stones looked almost gold for a second. It’s funny—I’ve seen photos of that tower forever, but seeing it glide by from the deck felt way more real somehow.

We stayed for the sunset cruise (there’s a live DJ and they hand you a drink when you board). The music wasn’t too loud—just enough to get people smiling at each other as Christ the King statue loomed across the water. I’m not sure if it was the rhythm or just being out there with strangers-turned-friends for an hour or two, but something about that evening stuck with me. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Lisbon city center to Belém by boat, don’t overthink it—just go. You’ll see what I mean.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lisbon boat cruise and sightseeing

• Board boat at city center
• Cruise to Belém
• See Commerce Square
• View Christ the King statue
• Visit Belém Tower
• Explore Monument to the Discoveries
• Pass Electricity Factory
• Return to city center

Top questions

Is this Lisbon boat cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the cruise.

Can I bring my stroller or pram on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the cruise.

Does this tour include Wi-Fi?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available onboard for all passengers.

Where does the boat cruise start and end?

The cruise runs between Lisbon city center (Praça do Comércio) and Belém.

Is there a live guide during the cruise?

A local guide is present to share stories about Lisbon’s landmarks along the route.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed onboard.

What attractions will I see during this boat trip?

You’ll pass by Commerce Square, Electricity Factory, Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and Christ the King statue.

Can I use my ticket for multiple stops?

Yes, hop-on hop-off tickets let you move between city center and Belém at your own pace.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible hop-on hop-off boat tickets between Lisbon city center and Belém with Wi-Fi onboard; wheelchair access; space for strollers; service animal allowance; plus a sunset cruise option featuring live DJ music and one complimentary drink per person.