Lisbon Brings Senior Visitors in Droves

I just discovered that after Barcelona, Lisbon is the European city attracting most tourists, especially the revered senior tourists. I would have guessed Paris or London to have that honor. Makes me want to go to Portugal. Lisbon, in Portuguese, Lisboa (pronounced “Lisbóa”), the capital of Portugal, is its principle port and business center, the see of an archbishop, and a university city. Lisbon lies some 17km/10.5mi from the Atlantic on the north bank of the Tagus River, which, at this place opens out into the Mar de Palha (“sea of straw”), 7km/4.5mi wide.

The city is teeming with attractions. Lisbon’s position on seven low hills beside a river once lured traders and settlers, and it’s still a stunning site. Add to that its cultural diversity, laid-back feel and architectural time warp, senior visitors will discover one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe – and also one of the most economical.

Another interesting stat: Lisbon is Europe’s second-oldest capital (after Athens), once home to the world’s greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator, becoming the first true world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America (Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China; Goa, India).

Reasons For Seniors To Visit Lisbon

Once you arrive in Lisbon you will soon note that it is one of the world’s great historical cities, abounding in a host of cultural treasures. Good old Wikitravel will provide senior travelers with a host of FAQs as well as specifics on where to walk, renting a car and more.

The city of Lisbon has undergone a series of transitions over the centuries, transforming from part of a Roman province in ancient times to a Moorish bastion in the 8th century AD and later falling under the control of the Christian Crusaders. Lisbon’s Romanesque and Gothic architecture dots the red-roofed cityscape, and the towering Cristo Rei monument standing on the banks of the broad Tagus River gives an immediate welcome to senior visitors coming into town. This Live Web Cam is fun for senior travelers to get the lay of the land.

Here is a listing of the major attractions in Lisbon that you will want to consider during your visit. There are some pretty cool maps on this site as well. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado, to mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.  Enjoy your  time in Lisbon.  jeb