Senior travel: Lisbon
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 51 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Praça do ComércioStep-free: yes · about 40 minSteps to the river.
- Santa Justa LiftStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 40 minA spiral stair to the top platform.
- Sé de Lisboa (cathedral)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 45 minA few steps to the nave; more to the cloister.
- Carmo ConventThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 40 min
- Jerónimos MonasteryThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 60 min
- São Jorge CastleThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 80 min
- Tower of BelémStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 50 minAbout 100 steps in narrow stairs.
Getting around in Lisbon
Lisbon is hard going on wheels. Hills, cobbles and steps rule out much of Alfama and Bairro Alto; Baixa and Belém are flat. Newer trams and the metro are the accessible options.
- Pavements:
- Portuguese calçada is decorative and slippery; kerbs are cut at main crossings; steep streets have stairs.
- Metro:
- Most stations have lifts; check the station on the metro site before you go.
- Trams and buses:
- Tram 15 is a low-floor tram; the historic trams are not accessible. Many buses have ramps.
- Elevators:
- The Santa Justa lift and the funiculars are tourist attractions; the Glória and Bica funiculars are not step-free.
- Hotels:
- Older buildings have small lifts or none; ask for a photo of the entrance.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Portugal guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Heat:
- July and August pass 30 °C; drink water, wear a hat and rest from 13:00 to 17:00.
- Tap water:
- Safe to drink; many fountains in the old town.
- Sun:
- Strong from May to September; hats and cream on viewpoints.
- Falls:
- Wet cobbles and steps cause many injuries; wear shoes with grip.
- Medical cover:
- EU/EEA visitors carry a health card (EHIC or GHIC); others need travel insurance.
- Pharmacies:
- Farmácias with a green cross post the on-duty pharmacy; staff give advice for minor problems.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.