A Lisbon sunset cruise you don’t want to miss – that’s exactly what this experience turned out to be. There’s something about Lisbon at golden hour that feels almost magical. The pastel-colored buildings, the terracotta rooftops, and the 25 de Abril Bridge glowing in the fading light. It’s a city that was made to be seen at sunset. But instead of squeezing into a crowded miradouro with everyone else, I decided to watch the city light up from the water.
A sunset cruise on the Tagus River turned out to be one of the most relaxing (and photogenic) experiences of my trip. Imagine sipping a glass of Portuguese wine while sailing past Belém Tower, watching the sky shift from gold to pink to deep purple, with the city slowly sparkling to life. Honestly, Lisbon doesn’t get more romantic (or memorable) than this!
How to Book the Cruise
I booked my Lisbon Sunset Cruise with GetYourGuide, and the process couldn’t have been easier. The app shows real traveler reviews, photos, and even short videos (which is what convinced me to book!). You can pay securely in the app, get instant mobile tickets, and manage everything on your phone, no printing or paper needed. Plus, many activities, including this one, offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which takes the stress out of planning.
Book Your Tickets Here:
👉 Pro tip: Download the GetYourGuide app here and use my ”thebuggirladventures5” code for 5% off your first in-app booking.
👉 You can check the exact cruise I did and book it directly here.
The experience on the boat lasts 2.5 hours, includes a welcome drink (wine, beer, soft drink, or water), plus a plate of Portuguese snacks later in the trip (think bread, olives, and pastries). The groups are small enough to feel personal, but big enough to have a fun atmosphere. I’d recommend booking in advance, especially during summer, since sunset slots sell out fast.
Why Choose a Sunset Cruise in Lisbon?
Lisbon has no shortage of viewpoints (miradouros) and rooftop bars, so why hop on a boat instead? For me, the sunset cruise felt like the best way to combine sightseeing with pure relaxation.
From the water, you get a completely different perspective of the city. The colorful Alfama hillsides, the Cristo Rei statue, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the iconic Belém Tower all line up like a postcard. And instead of battling crowds at a lookout point, you’re gliding peacefully along the Tagus River with the wind in your hair.
It’s also a perfect activity for summer evenings. When the city feels hot and busy during the day, being on the water at golden hour is refreshing and calm, a reset button for your trip. Add a drink in hand and some mellow music in the background, and it’s honestly one of the most romantic (or simply relaxing) ways to end the day in Lisbon.
What to Expect Onboard
The boat itself is spacious, with both indoor seating and upper deck spots outside. A little tip: only the first 52 people can sit on the top deck, so if you want the best seats in the house, arrive early. That said, you’re free to move around throughout the cruise, so even if you don’t snag a seat outside, you can still walk around the deck and enjoy those 360° views of Lisbon’s coastline.
At the start, the crew takes everyone’s drink order and later serves a small snack platter. The offerings are simple: wine, beer, soft drinks, and light bites like olives, bread, nuts and something sweet. Don’t expect a full meal; this cruise is all about the atmosphere and the views.
And those views? They’re incredible. From the water you’ll spot iconic landmarks like Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries, and the 25 de Abril Bridge, all glowing in the soft evening light.
My Experience & Honest Review
To be honest, I was skeptical at first. I’ve never done a boat tour on holiday before, and I wasn’t sure if I’d like it. But after seeing a review video on the GetYourGuide app, I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did.
At €31 per person, it’s not the cheapest activity in Lisbon (budget travelers look away 👀), but in my opinion, it was worth every cent! With the city in the middle of a heatwave, this cruise was the perfect way to cool off at the end of the day (or as we’d say in Dutch, om uit te waaien – to let the wind refresh you).
Because we arrived a little late, we didn’t get a spot on the top deck. At first I thought this might be disappointing, but honestly it wasn’t. We spent most of the time walking freely around the boat, circling the deck for different perspectives of the Lisbon coastline. The only time we really sat down was when the drinks and snacks were served.
The drinks were fine. I had a mini bottle of wine (just okay) and my friend had a beer. The snack platter was a bit hit-and-miss: the mini cheesecake was delicious, but the bread was stale (maybe just end-of-day leftovers), and the rest – peanuts, olives, butter, and jam – wasn’t spectacular. But to be fair, we didn’t come for the food.
We came for the sunset and the views, and those absolutely delivered. Sailing past Belém Tower as the sun dipped into the horizon felt magical, and since we didn’t have time to see these landmarks separately on our trip, it was the perfect way to experience them.
Overall? A solid 9/10. Peaceful, photogenic, and one of my favorite activities in Lisbon.
If you want to end your Lisbon day with something unforgettable, a sunset cruise on the Tagus River is the way to go. Whether you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo, it’s one of those experiences that captures the essence of Lisbon: relaxed, beautiful, and just a little bit magical.
Book Your Tickets Here:
👉 Don’t forget: book your Lisbon Sunset Cruise on the GetYourGuide app here and use my code ”thebuggirladventures5” in the app for 5% off your first booking!
Xo Bug Girl
Instagram: @thebuggirladventures
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Lisbon
The Ultimate 4-Day Lisbon Itinerary for First-Time Visitors – Bug Girl Adventures
Best Brunch in Lisbon: Dear Breakfast vs. Breakfast Lovers – Bug Girl Adventures
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