Guide to Route 738: from Estrada da Luz to Alto de Santo Amaro, among shopping, culture, and the river

Guide to Route 738: from Estrada da Luz to Alto de Santo Amaro, among shopping, culture, and the river

On a journey linking northern Lisbon to the riverside, route 738 passes shopping centers, historic gardens, cultural venues, and some of the city's most interesting settings.

The route begins at Estrada da Luz, crosses the Benfica and São Domingos areas, runs alongside Cidade Universitária and the Entrecampos axis, continues along Avenida da República, Saldanha, and Marquês de Pombal, before descending toward Rato, Estrela, and Alcântara.

In the final section, the atmosphere changes: busy avenues give way to the neighborhoods of Estrela, Santo Amaro, and Alcântara, with access to green spaces, former industrial areas that have been redeveloped, museums, restaurants, and walks along the Tagus. It is a useful route both for everyday travel and for planning a leisure itinerary without relying on a car.

Notice: distances to the route are approximate and estimated from the coordinates of the route and the reported stops. Route 738 has 48 departures in the Estrada da Luz–Alto de Santo Amaro direction on weekdays, 42 on Saturdays, and 37 on Sundays and holidays; in the opposite direction, there are 52 departures on weekdays, 43 on Saturdays, and 38 on Sundays and holidays. Frequency, fares, and operations should be confirmed with the operator before traveling.

Sagres Campo Pequeno

Practically next to the Avenida da República axis, Sagres Campo Pequeno is one of the route's most comprehensive stops for those looking to combine shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Neo-Arabic building, originally inaugurated at the end of the 19th century, was redeveloped to operate as a multipurpose venue.

In addition to its performance and event arena, the complex includes a shopping center, restaurants, a supermarket, and movie theaters. Its proximity to Entrecampos Station and Campo Pequeno Metro broadens the connection options for those arriving on route 738.

• 📍 Location: Campo Pequeno Leisure Center, next to Avenida da República, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Campo Pequeno - Av. República, about 400 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Shopping center, cinema, restaurants, and event venue.
• ⭐ Highlight: A single complex combines historic architecture, shopping, and an entertainment schedule.

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Between Entrecampos and Cidade Universitária, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation offers one of Lisbon's most remarkable cultural complexes. The space combines a museum, gardens, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural activities in an area known for integrating modernist architecture and landscaping.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum reopened in July 2026 after renovation work, with the collection once again accessible to the public. Even when the indoor program is not the main objective, the gardens are a good choice for a peaceful break away from the bustle of the major avenues.

• 📍 Location: Avenida de Berna, 45A, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Entrecampos or Cidade Universitária, about 700 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Museum, garden, exhibitions, and cultural programming.
• ⭐ Highlight: Combines an art collection, architecture, nature, and a cultural schedule in the same complex.

Lisbon Cold Greenhouse

Near Marquês de Pombal, the Cold Greenhouse is an alternative for those who want to trade the urban pace for a walk among plants, lakes, and more temperate environments. Integrated into Eduardo VII Park, the attraction consists of different cultivation areas and plant species that create a walking experience distinct from conventional gardens.

The site works well for a short visit or to complete an itinerary that includes the park and the Avenida da Liberdade area. It is especially interesting for families, visitors interested in botany, and anyone seeking a place for contemplation in the city center.

• 📍 Location: Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Marquês de Pombal - Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, about 800 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Tourist attraction, garden, and botanical space.
• ⭐ Highlight: Brings together plant species and greenhouse environments in the heart of central Lisbon.

Amoreiras Shopping Center

From the Rato and Avenida Álvares Cabral section, a walk leads to Amoreiras Shopping Center, one of the capital's major shopping hubs. The center brings together fashion stores, food outlets, services, a supermarket, and leisure options in a complex with more than 200 brands.

One of its attractions is the Amoreiras 360º Panoramic View, a viewpoint located at the top of the complex, offering broad views over Lisbon. The site also has a cinema, dining options, and services that make the stop useful both for shopping and for spending several hours there.

• 📍 Location: Avenida Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Rato or Avenida Álvares Cabral, about 900 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Shopping center, supermarket, dining, cinema, and viewpoint.
• ⭐ Highlight: Combines an extensive retail offering with a viewpoint providing panoramic views of the city.

Estrela Garden

The Jardim Estrela stop leaves passengers practically in front of one of Lisbon's most iconic green spaces. Guerra Junqueiro Garden, known as Estrela Garden, was inaugurated in 1852 and follows the romantic model of English parks, with tree-lined paths, lakes, rest areas, and a historic bandstand.

It is an ideal place to slow down between journeys, take a family walk, or combine a visit with Estrela Basilica and the neighborhood cafés. Estrela Garden House adds a cultural dimension to the space, which also hosts activities, fairs, and performances.

• 📍 Location: Praça da Estrela, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Jardim Estrela, about 200 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Park, leisure, culture, and outdoor activities.
• ⭐ Highlight: A historic garden with a romantic layout, diverse vegetation, lakes, and cultural facilities.

LX Factory

As it passes through Alcântara, route 738 brings passengers close to LX Factory, a former industrial area transformed into a hub of creativity, shopping, and gastronomy. The complex brings together independent shops, restaurants, cafés, bookstores, galleries, and event spaces amid buildings with an industrial character.

The visit can be enjoyed at different paces: a quick tour to see the architecture and urban art, a meal, an afternoon of shopping, or a weekend visit during the markets held on the site. The proximity of Calvário makes the stop one of the best points on the route for exploring Alcântara on foot.

• 📍 Location: Rua Rodrigues de Faria, 103, Alcântara, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Calvário, about 500 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Shopping, gastronomy, urban culture, and events.
• ⭐ Highlight: Occupies a former factory setting and combines independent businesses, art, and dining in a unique environment.

Carris Museum

For those who want to understand Lisbon through its own means of transport, the Carris Museum is an especially fitting stop along route 738. Housed at Santo Amaro Station, the museum preserves vehicles, uniforms, photographs, documents, equipment, and other objects connected to the history of the company and mobility in Lisbon.

The visit functions as a journey through time aboard the trams and buses that helped shape the city. The space also offers educational activities and experiences aimed at different age groups, making it an interesting option for families, students, and visitors curious about the urban development of Lisbon.

• 📍 Location: Rua 1.º de Maio, 101-103, Santo Amaro, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Alto Sto. Amaro, about 900 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Museum and transport heritage.
• ⭐ Highlight: Presents the history of mobility in Lisbon through original Carris vehicles and objects.

Santo Amaro Dock

At the southern end of the itinerary, Santo Amaro Dock offers a complete change of scenery. The area includes a marina, restaurants, outdoor terraces, and paths along the Tagus, with views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the movement of the boats.

It is a good choice for ending the trip after crossing the city on route 738, especially in the late afternoon, when the light over the river transforms the riverside area. The site can also be combined with LX Factory and the Carris Museum, creating an Alcântara itinerary that blends gastronomy, history, and scenery.

• 📍 Location: Santo Amaro Dock, Alcântara, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Alto Sto. Amaro, about 900 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Gastronomy, marina, leisure, and riverside promenade.
• ⭐ Highlight: Offers restaurants and outdoor terraces beside the water, with views of the Tagus and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Route 738 transforms a connection between Estrada da Luz and Alto de Santo Amaro into a cross-city itinerary through Lisbon: it begins among residential and commercial areas, passes through the city's major cultural and shopping corridors, and ends facing the Tagus. To make the most of the journey, it is worth choosing the stop according to the day's objective, checking the correct direction—outbound or return—and allowing time to walk the sections between the drop-off point and each attraction.

Sources

• Sagres Campo Pequeno
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
• Information and contacts for the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
• Lisbon Cold Greenhouse
• Amoreiras Shopping Center
• Lisbon City Council — Estrela Garden
• Visit Lisboa — LX Factories
• Carris Museum
• Port of Lisbon — Recreational docks
• Doca de Santo — restaurant and location at Santo Amaro Dock