Where to Watch the Lisbon Marathon & Half Marathon 2025: Best Spots for Spectators
Lisbon is ready for one of the most exciting running weekends of the year — the EDP Lisbon Marathon and the Hyundai Half Marathon 2025.
On October 25–26, thousands of athletes from around the world will line up along the Tagus River for two races that showcase the best of Portugal’s capital. 🇵🇹
Even if you’re not running, you can still be part of the experience — because in Lisbon, the cheers, applause, and energy from the spectators are as important as the runners themselves.
Here’s your complete guide on where to watch, how to move around, and what to expect this marathon weekend.
🏁 EDP Lisbon Marathon — Saturday, 25 October 2025
The Lisbon Marathon offers a fast, coastal route starting in Carcavelos and finishing in Praça do Comércio, right in the heart of the city.
It’s one of the flattest and most scenic marathons in Europe, following the Atlantic coast before joining the Tagus River towards the historic centre.
📍 Best viewing spots
- Carcavelos (Start Line) – Watch the excitement as thousands take off by the sea. Access by train (Cais do Sodré → Carcavelos).
- Oeiras & Algés – Early race momentum with ocean views and cafés along the Marginal road.
- Belém & MAAT Museum – A vibrant area with music, monuments, and space to cheer. Don’t miss the Pastéis de Belém.
- Cais do Sodré & Avenida 24 de Julho – Flat, fast, and full of energy; great mid-race viewing.
- Praça do Comércio (Finish Line) – The grand finale! Expect an electric atmosphere with live music, supporters, and emotional finishes.
🕒 Key details
- Start: 08:00 — Carcavelos
- Finish: Praça do Comércio, Lisbon
- Time limit: 6 hours
- Aid stations: 12 stops (water, Powerade, bananas, gels, ice cream, protein drinks)
- Access: Free train rides (Cais do Sodré ↔ Carcavelos) for runners on race morning.
🎽 Hyundai Half Marathon — Sunday, 26 October 2025
The Half Marathon starts on the Vasco da Gama Bridge, offering one of the most breathtaking race starts in the world.
The route descends into the city, following the river past Parque das Nações, Cais do Sodré and finishing at Praça do Comércio.
📍 Best viewing spots
- Parque das Nações (Start Zone Viewpoint) – Spectators can’t access the bridge, but can support near Oriente or riverside points as runners pass.
- Cais do Sodré – Perfect to catch runners in rhythm, surrounded by cafés and easy public transport.
- Ribeira das Naus & Praça do Comércio (Finish Line) – The final stretch and the best crowd energy of the weekend.
🕒 Key details
- Start: 09:20 — Vasco da Gama Bridge (access only by official buses from Oriente)
- Finish: Praça do Comércio, Lisbon
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Aid stations: 6 (water, isotonic drinks, fruit, gels)
- ⚠️ Time change: The switch to winter time happens early Sunday — clocks go back one hour overnight.
🚆 How to Get Around
- Public transport is essential — several main roads will be closed for the races.
- Metro: Cais do Sodré, Terreiro do Paço, Oriente (for bus access to the Half).
- Train: CP Cascais Line connects all coastal viewing points (Carcavelos, Oeiras, Belém).
- Walk or cycle: Perfect for moving between Belém, Alcântara and Cais do Sodré.
☕ Make a Day of It
Turn race day into a Lisbon experience:
- Have breakfast at Heim Café or Nicolau Lisboa before heading to Belém.
- Watch the runners pass along the river, then explore MAAT or Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
- Head downtown to celebrate the finish at Praça do Comércio — one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.
💫 In Lisbon, Everyone’s Part of the Race
Whether you’re running 42 km, 21 km, or just clapping from the sidelines, you’re part of the same energy.
The Lisbon Marathon weekend is a celebration of endurance, emotion, and connection — and the perfect reminder that every stride tells a story.
👉 Discover more running and endurance events across Portugal at racefinder.pt.
