Portugal

Top 12 Must-Do Activities in Lisbon for Families

We’ve been residing in Lisbon for nearly three years now. Next month is our anniversary of moving to Portugal!  I’m still falling in love with this place – the fresh food, beaches, culture, and amazing people. There is so much to adore in Portugal! While many couples and backpackers visit Lisbon, there is much to be had for families! Kids will love the sunny days, outdoor cafes for an ice cream stop, and more.

We’ve slowly been exploring our home city after our first visit in 2019. Many of our fellow family travelers fall in love with Lisbon and Portugal in general. Of course, we don’t blame them! We were bitten by that bug long ago.

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8 Fun Things To Know about Lisbon

Aside from breathtaking views, lovely beaches, and mountains, here are some other things you should know about Lisbon:

The oldest city in Western Europe: Lisbon is considered one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, predating other major European capitals like Rome, Paris, and London. Its history dates back over 3,000 years.

• Lisbon is famously known as the “City of Seven Hills” due to its hilly topography. The city is built on seven hills, offering panoramic views and unique neighborhoods with winding streets and charming alleys.
• Lisbon’s iconic bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril, is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco due to its similar design. It was inaugurated on August 6, 1966 and originally named Ponte Salazar after the former Portuguese dictator António de Oliveira Salazar.

• Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre known for its melancholic and soulful melodies, originated in the streets and taverns of Lisbon. The Alfama neighborhood is particularly associated with Fado and has a Fado Museum, and visitors can enjoy live performances in numerous Fado houses throughout the city.
• Lisbon holds the distinction of being Europe’s westernmost capital city, situated on the western coast of Portugal along the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the only European capital with sunsets over the sea.
• Tram 28 is a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon. The historic tram line takes passengers on a picturesque journey through the city, passing through narrow streets, steep hills, and iconic neighborhoods such as Graça, Alfama, and Baixa.

• Lisbon is famous for its delicious custard tarts called Pastel de Nata. These sweet and creamy egg custard tarts with a crispy pastry shell are a popular treat among both locals and visitors. The most renowned place to enjoy them is the historic pastry shop Pastéis de Belém, which has been producing them since 1837.

Tips For Visiting Lisbon With Kids

• Lisbon can be enjoyed easily in 2-5 days. Taking a tuktuk, tram tour, or hiring a tour guide is recommended to get an overall feel of the city.
• Strollers are not a good idea in Lisbon or Porto (more north). The steep cobblestone sidewalks are sometimes barely wide enough for one adult, let alone a stroller. I recommend a baby or toddler carrier instead.
• On that note, prepare to get a workout! The locals say that they stay thin with the healthy food and the hilly walks!
• Getting a Lisbon City Card for 24, 48, or 72 hours  can save some money if you plan to visit several paid attractions.

12 Things To Do In Lisbon With Kids

1.Tram No. 28

Start your Lisbon exploration with a tram tour. While there are several trams, taking Tram No. 28 is the best route for sightseeing and views. Kids will love looking out the windows as you tram around the historic buildings!

It runs from Praça Martim Moniz and then goes clockwise to the end of Campo Ourique. It will take you along some of the city’s most beautiful streets and landmarks, including Lisbon Cathedral and the Thieves Market.

A single ticket costs €3.00, but they offer a much better option to purchase the 24-hour unlimited public transport ticket. You can check the complete details here.

2. Splendid Pena Palace

Also known as the Palácio da Pena in Portuguese, it is indeed a splendid and iconic palace located in Sintra, Portugal. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sintra hosts nine castles overall, but Pena is the most famous. Our other favorite is Quinta da Regaleira.

When visiting the palace, you can explore the palace’s interior to admire the opulent rooms and learn about its history, wander through the gardens and stroll through the winding pathways, discover hidden corners, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. The gardens are immense. In fact, our Harrison didn’t realize one of the thousands of small fountain ponds was covered in green moss instead of grass and stepped right into the water! A quick borrowed hoodie from his oldest sister solved the problem, but we laugh about it.

Don’t miss the Queen’s Fern Garden, the Valley of the Lakes, and the Chalet of the Countess.

You can also hike up to the High Cross viewpoint, located near the palace. From here, you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of the palace and the surrounding landscape, including the town of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.

Pro Tip: Sintra, while only about 30 minutes from Lisbon, feels like a completely different world. The weather is completely different, often rainy and misty and cooler, and the lush vegetation feels like a tropical rainforest. Prepare with layers as it can get wet and chilly.

3. Belém Tower

This iconic tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the River Tejo. Kids will love exploring the fortress-like structure and learning about its history. Visitors can go inside the tower with a ticket found on site, but note that the ticket booth closes promptly at 5 pm even if you are already in line!

It is easy to imagine the ancient Portuguese mariners sailing by this historic landmark, which once was the welcoming point for visitors.

While in Belém, you can also visit the Coach Museum, which houses dozens of the fairy-tale carriages of the past monarchies. It’s a quick museum and very fun with kids.

You also must try the most famous food in all of Portugal, Pasteis de Belem. Pastel de nata is a famous Portuguese egg custard with a flaky crust. It is best served warm. Each pastelaria (pastry shop) will have a slightly different flavor, but Pasteis de Belém is an experience in itself.

Pro Tip: The line to Pasties de Belém can be super long, but you can go to the pick-up counter on the side and grab some quickly. Alternatively, you can go inside and get a table, which often doesn’t have a line.

4. Oceanário de Lisboa

This large aquarium is one of the best in Europe and is home to a wide variety of marine life. Kids will be fascinated by various sea creatures like colorful fish and sharks. We’ve been to dozens of aquariums around the world, and, often, the kids (or the dad) groan when I mention an aquarium. However, this aquarium is worth a visit!

We love the massive main tank in the middle, but you can also enjoy the cable car over the river, interactive exhibits like the otter habitat, and a fun gift shop.

Pro Tip: Our favorite restaurant in Lisbon, Honest Greens, is steps away from the Oceanario. It’s packed full of healthy, fresh food and is worth a visit when in this area. Be sure to order the hummus to share.

5. Lisbon Zoo

The Lisbon Zoo is a fantastic place to spend a day with the family. It is home to a diverse range of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and monkeys. There are also shows and educational activities for children.

Similar to the aquarium comment with my family, they sometimes groan when I suggest a zoo. However, we all enjoyed the Lisbon Zoo. Large, open enclosures give the animals plenty of room and plenty of space for kids to wear off some energy.

6. Enjoy a day at Parque das Nações

This modern waterfront district offers a range of family-friendly attractions. You can visit the interactive science museum and Pavilion of Knowledge, take a cable car ride for panoramic views, or enjoy a walk along the riverside promenade.

7. Explore the Alfama Neighborhood

Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon and is known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, stopping by the viewpoints and enjoying traditional Portuguese cuisine in local restaurants.

The best light is sunrise or sunset when the golden light bathes Lisbon, and things slow down a bit. We love the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, especially at these two times of day.

8. Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

This museum houses an impressive collection of art, including Egyptian artifacts, European paintings, and contemporary art. It also has beautiful gardens where you can relax and have a picnic.

9. Castelo São Jorge

Exploring a historic castle is possible right in the middle of Lisbon. The grounds are full of peacocks (yes, peacocks!) that nest in the trees and are fun to spot. Tram 28 can take you up to the castle as well.

Kids can really get into make believe as you walk the ramparts above Lisbon, but watch out for falls with littles. In fact, hold hands at all times around the top of the castle. Bonus: kids under 10 are free.

10. Go To The Beach

Lisbon is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches nearby. Head to Cascais, Carcavelos (our fav) or Estoril, both easily accessible by train, and spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or even trying water sports like surfing or paddleboarding. These beaches are accessible by train from the Cais do Sodre train station in Lisbon. We love Carcavelos and Santo Amaro beach. For hungry kids, there is a McDonald’s right on the beach at Santo Amaro, where you can grab food and head to the beach for an impromptu picnic.

The best beaches exist across the river on Costa da Caparica. If you don’t have a car, you can use a taxi or Uber across the bridge, Ponte 25 de abril. There are over 30 massive beaches here with soft, brown sugar sand, with the first 8 to 10 accessible by public transport. There are many small cafes right on the beach, which is magical to enjoy an easy, sunny lunch. Parking can be a bit tricky, but it is easier than near Carcavelos.

11. Enjoy Portuguese Cuisine

Lisbon has a rich culinary scene, and trying traditional Portuguese dishes is a must. Sample pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), fresh seafood, and grilled sardines. Don’t forget to visit the Mercado da Ribeira, a food market with a wide variety of stalls offering delicious local treats.

We also love Time Out Market, although it can be very busy. It is a small food market near the main train station, Cais do Sodre, and near the waterline. Just uphill from here is Barrio Alto, one of the most touristy and cute places to walk around in Lisbon.

12. Explore Lisbon By Land And Sea

Lisbon offers a unique activity in the Hippotrip, an amphibious bus that will take you around the city and then drive right into the water near the Tower of Belém.

Day Trips We Love From Lisbon

For those visiting with a car, we’ve discovered some gems near Lisbon that we love.

• Located between Setúbal and the fishing town of Sesimbra, Parque Natural da Arrábida will transport you to another world. The beaches feel like you are suddenly in the Caribbean (minus the warm water) with crystal clear water and gorgeous beaches. Parking is tricky, so arrive early or late in the afternoon. During the busy summer months, parking is closed close by, and you must use a bus to visit.

• Walk through an ancient castle city, complete with a city wall, in Obidos. An hour north from Lisbon this cute town is worth the drive. Summer festivals are hosted here as well as Christmas markets and chocolate festivals.

• Visit a bone chapel in Evora! The bones from the church cemetery were used to create the walls of a room in the city’s main cathedral. It’s a throwback to the catacombs in Paris, but not underground. On the drive take note of the giant stork nests in the power poles along the side of the highway.

More To Love About Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. There are several reasons why the city is a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live:

• Lisbon has a fascinating history that dates back centuries. Its architecture showcases a blend of different styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish influences. Lisbon also offers numerous cultural attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters.
• Lisbon is built on seven hills, offering panoramic views of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean. Its picturesque neighborhoods include narrow streets like Alfama, colorful houses, and charming squares.

• Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The city receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and strolls along the waterfront.
• Lisbon is famed for its lively and welcoming atmosphere. It is also known for its vibrant street life, bustling markets, and energetic nightlife. From traditional Fado music to modern music festivals, Lisbon offers a diverse range of entertainment options.
• Gastronomic delights: Portuguese cuisine is celebrated worldwide, and Lisbon is an excellent place to indulge in its flavors. Don’t miss its fresh seafood, delicious pastries such as Pastel de Nata, and regional specialties like Bacalhau (salted codfish). There are also numerous cafes, restaurants, and food markets where visitors can savor local delicacies.
• Affordable cost of living: Compared to many other European capitals, Lisbon offers a relatively affordable cost of living. This affordability, combined with its high quality of life, makes it an attractive destination for both tourists and expatriates.
• Accessibility: Lisbon has a well-connected transportation network, including an international airport, making it easily accessible from other parts of Europe and the world. The city also has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro network, making it convenient to explore all that Lisbon has to offer.

Where To Stay In Lisbon With Family

Here are some of the top-rated hotels around Lisbon that welcome families. Check them out:

• The Emerald House Lisbon, Curio Collection By Hilton: Located in Lisbon Old Town and near a train station. Tagged as the most Instagrammable hotel in Lisbon by Expedia.
• Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon: Located in the upscale Avenida da Liberdade district, this luxurious hotel offers panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. It features elegant rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and fine dining options.
• Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa: Situated on Lisbon’s main boulevard, this iconic hotel combines classic charm with modern amenities. It features stylish rooms, a rooftop bar with stunning views, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
• Pestana Palace Lisbon: Housed in a 19th-century palace, this 5-star hotel is set in beautiful gardens and offers a tranquil retreat. It features opulent rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Hotel Bairro Alto: Located in the trendy Bairro Alto neighborhood, this boutique hotel offers a unique and stylish experience. It features individually decorated rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and a lively bar.

Portugal is waiting to welcome your family. Enjoy your adventure!

Xoxo,

Leslie

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