Santa Apolonia Station luggage storage

About Santa Apolonia Station

Santa Apolonia Station started operating in 1873 to connect Portugal’s capital to neighboring Spain. The Lisbon terminus also served as a launching pad for European travelers to skip across the Atlantic towards the United States. It’s the oldest station in Lisbon, and the national rail service has coordinated international routes to cities like Madrid and Paris for over a century. 

The station rests along the Tagus River and provides frequent connections to other areas of Lisbon. The metro is a reliable option for most tourists, but there are bus and taxi services just outside the station. Tourists and locals needing to reach other Portuguese destinations such as Coimbra, Porto, and Braga have several intercity train routes available from Santa Apolonia.

Santa Apolonia is noted for its pastel blue façade and designed in Neoclassical style. The building’s U-shaped frame extends around the platforms, and the complex’s width is only 25 meters due to its location between the river and Alfama hills. With only eight platforms, it’s easily navigable for tourists arriving here for the first time. 

The station has a considerable range of shops, but travelers can walk to the adjacent Alfama district for more options. Grab a snack, enjoy some retail therapy, or wake up with a fresh coffee in the historic district before continuing your day in Portugal’s charming capital.

Things to do near Santa Apolonia Station

Santa Apolonia is the perfect location to begin a day of sight-seeing in Lisbon. The station is a short walk from the Alfama district, and the metro service provides easy transport to Lisbon’s historic center. It takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach the city center by foot, but most tourists rely on the metro’s blue line. 

Alfama’s steep hills and cobblestone streets give you a glimpse of Lisbon’s best attractions. Study medieval architecture, shop for handmade crafts, and hear the enchanting sounds of Fado music fill the airwaves when exploring Lisbon.

• Check out the massive cannon collection, beautiful paintings, and old-fashioned swords inside the Lisbon Army Museum
• Admire the elaborate architecture and gigantic organ of the Church of São Vicente of Fora
• Shop for unique souvenirs at Mercado de Santa Clara
• Learn the history of Fado music at Museu do Fado
• Enjoy the sensational views of Lisbon from the National Pantheon and find the tombs of famous Portuguese personalities
• Sip on delicious coffee and let the kids burn off energy at Botto Machado Garden
• Visit the medieval Church of St. Dominic and hear its tragic story of fires and earthquakes
• Watch a musical performance at Coliseu dos Recreios
• Work on your tan or go for a swim at Jardim do Torel

Transit Options at Santa Apolonia Station

• Metro via the blue line
• Bus via lines 9, 46, and 59
• Taxi rank

Luggage Storage near Santa Apolonia Station

Lisbon is on several hills, and many areas of the city are extremely steep. Exploring Portugal’s coastal capital on foot can be exhausting, and extra baggage only makes the day more tiresome. 

Before you set off around Lisbon, leave your bags near Santa Apolonia Station to travel lighter. Bounce has convenient storage locations around the station to ensure you have a comfortable trip without being slowed down by heavy luggage.

Attractions and Activities near Santa Apolonia Station

• Tram 28: If you’re not digging Lisbon’s treacherous hills, the number 28 Lisbon tram is the classic journey around the city’s historic neighborhoods. The unmistakable yellow tram climbs Lisbon’s steep hills and transports tourists and locals around its quaint alleyways. The antique vehicles have operated for nearly a century, and the number 28 gives you a glimpse of the Alfama, Baixa, Graca, and Estrela districts.
  To rest your legs, hop on the tram at Martim Moniz to avoid the worst of the crowds trying to snag a seat. The stop is about a 25-minute walk from Santa Apolonia, but bus service provides quicker transport to the scenic tram ride. If you have to stand, make sure you cling to the rail to avoid falling to the floor.
  The tram operates from 6am until 10:30pm to give you plenty of chances to see many of Lisbon’s top tourist attractions. Some of the famous places you’ll pass include the Basílica da Estrela, Praça Luís de Camões, Rua Conceição, and Saint Anthony Church. Get the most value on the tram by purchasing the 24-hour public transport ticket for unlimited access to all services for the day.
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Miradouro de Santa Luzia is about a 15-minute walk from the terminus and offers one of the best panoramic views in Lisbon. The observation deck gives you a bird’s eye view of red-roof buildings, the Tagus River, and cruise ships docking in the terminal.
  Radiant flowers and gorgeous tiles heighten the ambiance of the terrace, and many visitors make the trek here to watch the sunrise or sunset. Some of the architecture around the church dates to the 12th century, and you’ll occasionally hear music when roaming the grounds. The terrace also includes a café that sells drinks and traditional pastries to recharge once reaching the viewpoint. Many visitors stop here for a quick break or photo op before continuing to the ancient Castelo de S. Jorge. 
• Lisbon Cathedral: Known as the Se, this iconic church holds a special place in the hearts of the Portuguese religious community. Se Cathedral dates to the 12th century and is Lisbon’s oldest church. The Roman Catholic cathedral has witnessed many of Portugal’s historic events, but also its fair share of tragedy.
  Earthquakes in the 14th, 16th, and 18th centuries left a devastating impact on the church, and the catastrophes resulted in a blend of architectural styles to reconstruct it. Se Cathedral was built in the typical Romanesque style of the Middle ages, but now includes elements of Gothic and Baroque.
  Walk inside to find medieval statues, well-preserved cloisters, and medieval Gothic tombs. A ticket is required to visit the cloisters, but the excavated ruins reveal striking images of the former mosque that stood here long ago.