The public transport connection next to the hotel gets you into Lisbon in about 15 minutes, or you can take the Cacilhas ferry for a slower, scenic crossing to Cais do Sodré.
Discover Local Almada: What to Do Around Mercure Lisboa Almada
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Almada, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Almada in 5 picks
Cristo Rei's viewing platform
The statue's pedestal is 75 meters tall on its own, and a lift takes you up to a platform that looks straight across the Tagus to Lisbon and the 25 de Abril bridge. Go around sunset on a clear day — the light hits the white sanctuary stone and the ferries crossing below at the same time.
Cacilhas ferry terminal
Ferries to Lisbon's Cais do Sodré run roughly every 20 minutes and take about 10 minutes to cross — cheaper and often faster than the bridge in traffic. It's also the easiest way to see the 25 de Abril bridge from below instead of stuck on it.
Elevador Boca do Vento
A free public elevator built into the cliff at Almada Velha, dropping you from the old town's viewpoint down to the Cacilhas waterfront in under a minute. Most visitors never find it because it's tucked behind Jardim do Rio, but it saves a steep 10-minute walk down cobbled streets.
Ponto Final, Cacilhas
A waterfront restaurant with tables set right on a floating dock, so close to the water you can watch the ferries pass while you eat. It's a 15-minute walk along the river from the ferry terminal — go for lunch on a weekday if you want a table without a wait.
Costa da Caparica beach
About 15 minutes by car or bus from Almada, this is a proper wide Atlantic beach with a mini train, the Transpraia, running along the dunes in summer to reach the quieter stretches further south. Locals go for the surf breaks near Praia do Tarquínio rather than the crowded main strip.
FAQ
It's closer to a 10-minute drive or taxi ride than a walk — the road climbs steadily. Most guests ride up and enjoy the walk back down through the gardens instead.
About 15 minutes by car or local bus from Almada, making it an easy half-day trip from the hotel.
Where to sleep
See Mercure hotels in Almada, all within reach of these picks.