Basílica da Estrela

The Basílica da Estrela is a large late-18th-century church in a residential part of western Lisbon, about 3.4 km from the ship and uphill most of the way. It is not a practical walk on a port day, so treat it as a stop on a tram 28E ride or a taxi trip, and combine it with the Jardim da Estrela across the road. Getting there: tram 28E stops right outside. You can board westbound at Sé, about 13 minutes' walk from the terminal, but from mid-morning to late afternoon the trams often arrive full and you may have to let several pass. On a short call, a taxi (12–15 minutes) is the reliable option; you can then take the tram back east if it suits. Inside, prioritise the view up into the dome, the grey, pink and yellow marble, and the tomb of Queen Maria I in the right transept. Nearby, in a separate room, is the nativity scene by Joaquim Machado de Castro and his workshop, with around 500 cork and terracotta figures; a small charge may apply. If you can manage stairs, the rooftop terrace lets you walk around the roof and look down into the church from the dome; it is reported to cost about €5, but times and prices are not published officially, so check at the entrance. Timing: it is an active parish church, with Mass at 12:00 and 19:00 daily and also at 10:00 on Sundays and holy days. Avoid sightseeing during services. Some sources report a lunchtime closure, so mid-morning or mid-afternoon is the safest window. Cover shoulders and knees. What to skip: if you have only a few hours in Lisbon, the Baixa, Alfama and the castle come first. Do not plan a special tram 28E trip around this church in peak season. Context: Maria I built it to fulfil a vow for a male heir.