Tagus River Cruise on 1895 Riga: Belém to Christ King

The Riga is a working boat from 1895, not a replica.

A two-hour cruise on the Tagus River aboard the Riga, an authentic wooden boat restored from 1895, passes Belém Tower, Praça do Comércio, the Monument to the Discoveries, the 25th of April Bridge and Christ the King. You'll sip local Moscatel on deck while a guide points out each landmark, and the boat holds up to 14 passengers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lisbon river cruise with historic sights

• Board the historic Riga boat
• Cruise along the Tagus River
• Pass by Belém Tower
• Pass by Christ the King Statue
• Pass by Monument to the Discoveries
• Pass by Praça do Comércio
• Pass by 25th of April Bridge
• Enjoy Moscatel drink onboard
• Watch sunset over the river

The experience

Belém Tower marks the start of the route. This 16th-century fortification once guarded Lisbon's port and now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the riverbank, its Manueline architecture visible from the water as the Riga pulls away. The boat then passes Praça do Comércio, the vast riverside square that was once the royal palace and now anchors the city's waterfront, before heading toward the Monument to the Discoveries: a modern stone monument depicting Portuguese explorers that rises from the Tagus bank and offers views back across the river toward the city.

The 25th of April Bridge comes into view next, one of Europe's longest suspension bridges, often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It connects Lisbon to Almada and frames the river crossing as the boat continues downriver. Christ the King, the imposing statue inspired by Rio's Christ the Redeemer, dominates the southern bank and offers a panoramic vantage over the entire Tagus valley. Throughout the two hours, you'll hold a glass of Moscatel, a local fortified wine, while the guide narrates in English or Portuguese, depending on the group.

The Riga itself is the draw. Built in 1895, carefully restored and still working, it connects you to Lisbon's maritime past in a way no modern vessel can. The boat is small enough to feel intimate, up to 14 people, and the wooden deck, the rigging and the age of the hull are all real. Water and a guide are included. You bring an appetite for local tradition and a camera for the sunset light on the river.

What’s included

• Bottled water and Moscatel wine.
• a live guide in English or Portuguese.
• all fees and taxes.
• use of a safe on board.
• sound system for the guide's narration.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cruise - 2hGuide in English or Portuguese · Available from 16 May 2027

Sunset - 2hGuide in English or Portuguese · 15:30Sunset

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 15:30, from € 35 per person, with a live guide in English and Portuguese, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:30Last departure this season: 30 DecAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and PortugueseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Riga

Is this one for you?Choose the Sunset option if you want to time the cruise for golden hour over the river. Both departures follow the same route and include the same guide and wine, so the difference is simply which time suits your day in Lisbon.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What is Belém Tower and why does it matter?

Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortification that once guarded the entrance to Lisbon's port and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the Manueline architectural style, it stands on the riverbank and is one of the first landmarks you pass as the Riga departs.

What does the Monument to the Discoveries commemorate?

The Monument to the Discoveries honors the Portuguese explorers of the Age of Discovery and depicts historical figures from that era. It sits on the Tagus bank and offers panoramic views of Lisbon and the river.

Is the 25th of April Bridge visible during the cruise?

Yes. The bridge is one of Europe's longest suspension bridges and comes into view as the Riga continues downriver. It connects Lisbon to Almada and is often compared to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

What is included in the cruise?

The cruise includes bottled water, a glass of Moscatel wine, a guide in English or Portuguese, and all fees and taxes. A safe is available on board if you need to store valuables.