Three Weeks in Lisbon

May 29, 2026
No Comments

Or Lisboa, as they call it in Portugal. 

Lisbon, Portugal — April 22,2026. The iconic Lisboa sign stands in Praça do Comércio, welcoming visitors to Portugal’s capital city.

After we finished sailing along the Douro River in northern Portugal, we headed down to Lisbon. A little perspective would be useful here. Portugal is a small country. The population is estimated at somewhere between 10.5 and 11 million people. And last year the tourist industry estimated that 32 to 34 million people visited the country–about 3 times the population. Tourism now accounts for about 20% of GDP.

A classic yellow-and-red Lisbon tram travels through Praça do Comércio in the heart of Portugal’s capital city. Surrounded by the grand arcaded buildings of the waterfront square, the iconic streetcar represents one of Lisbon’s most recognizable symbols and a popular attraction for visitors exploring the historic Baixa district.

There is a big difference between Lisbon and Porto. But that’s not too unusual for a country. There are, for instance, big differences among the cities of New York, LA, Des Moines, Iowa and Birmingham, Alabama. Lisbon however attracts a younger crowd. The median age of Lisbon is maybe 41 or 42, while the median age of people in Porto is closer to 46 or 47. That said, Portugal has one of the older populations in Europe. London, that clocks in at 35 is one of the youngest.

Our stay in Lisbon was marked by very good accommodations, and well, Cod. You just can’t get away from the stuff. 

A panoramic view over Lisbon’s historic Baixa district featuring red-tiled rooftops, the grand Praça do Comércio, and the Tagus River.

Anyway, the first place we stayed in was the very charming Pousada De Lisboa Hotel. The Pousada was located in the center of the city, and discovered by Mary Anne. Basically, Pousadas are converted monasteries, landmark buildings, manor houses or castles that now serve as boutique hotels that emphasize Portuguese history. 

After that we stayed 10 minutes away in an Altis Prime Hotel. The apartment /hotel  was roomy and clean, with daily maid service, and located in another very nice section of town. Tough to beat.

Lisbon, Portugal–May 5, 2026. Architectural photograph of the magnificent Basilica da Estrela in Lisbon, Portugal, showcasing ornate Baroque design, domes, and bright blue skies.

We did a lot of sightseeing in Lisbon proper as well as a number of side trips including Coimbra, Fatima and Tomar. More about those trips another time. We did get to visit a number of museums; a marketplace, a restaurant featuring Fado music and walks around the city led by an expert guide. And the wine was poured rather freely. 

Bright red strawberries overflow from market containers in a vibrant close-up display.

Lisbon is kind of laid back–not as laid back as the Douro Valley–but life there does have a slower pace. The people we met were very gracious and polite. There wasn’t even a hint of crime to be found anywhere, unusual for a big city. And everyone, and I mean everyone, spoke English. The net of it was that we had a very nice time. 

Elegant arches and hanging lanterns stretch into the distance along a grand historic corridor illuminated by warm sunlight. The repeating architectural lines create a timeless and sophisticated European atmosphere.
People move through a contemporary interior space featuring dramatic wooden staircases and warm lighting.

It is well worth putting on your list. 

JFB

Tags: ,