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Top 12 Must-Do Activities in Lisbon for Families

Top 12 Must-Do Activities in Lisbon for Families

Last updated: October 27, 2026. This update checks current Lisbon attraction access, route, and age details while keeping the family stories in their original travel context. Date information added October 28, 2026.

First published July 26, 2024. This guide combines our earlier life in Lisbon, family visits and ideas for planning a trip. Check current attraction access, transport, prices and age conditions for your dates; our family stories and photos remain from those earlier visits.

When this article was first published in July 2024, we had been residing in Lisbon for nearly three years. Our anniversary of moving to Portugal was coming up. I was still falling in love with this place—the fresh food, beaches, culture, and people. There is so much to adore in Portugal! While many couples and backpackers visit Lisbon, there is much for families to enjoy. Kids may love the sunny days, outdoor cafes, and an ice-cream stop. We had been slowly 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.

Our earlier Lisbon Instagram clip: Sunny Lisbon (May 2024).

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*

Fun Things To Know about Lisbon

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

Lisbon’s long history is visible in its historic neighborhoods and landmarks.

• 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 is Portugal’s capital and sits on the Tagus estuary near the Atlantic. West-facing viewpoints around the city can offer sunset views.
• 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

• How long to stay depends on your pace and the day trips you want to include. For a quick orientation, you can consider tuktuk, tram tour, or tour guide ; choose what fits your family.
• Lisbon’s steep streets and cobbled sidewalks can make some routes challenging with a stroller. A baby or toddler carrier may work better for some families: toddler carrier. Check your planned route and choose what fits your child and equipment.
• Lisbon’s hills can mean plenty of uphill and downhill walking, so build in breaks that work for your family.
• Compare the current options and total cost for the Lisbon City Card against separate tickets for the attractions you plan to visit.

12 Things To Do In Lisbon With Kids

1.Tram No. 28

Carris lists route 28E between Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique (Prazeres). The Tram No. 28 tour is one option for seeing historic parts of Lisbon; check current service information and tour details for your date.

Route patterns, stops, and service can change. Check Carris’s current routes and service information before you travel.

Ticket prices and fare products can change. Check Carris’s current route and service information and compare fare options for your family and travel dates. The linked third-party page is an additional Tram 28 reference: Tram 28 information.

2. Splendid Pena Palace

Our family video: Pena Palace With Kids: Exploring Sintra’s Palace & Gardens.

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 has palaces, castles and historic estates to explore. Pena is a highlight, and 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.

The High Cross viewpoint is another option in Pena Park; check current park access and the route before walking up. Sintra feels like a completely different world to us: often mistier, cooler and wetter than Lisbon, with lush vegetation that reminds me of a tropical rainforest. Pack layers and check the forecast rather than assuming the same weather as the city.

3. Belém Tower

Belém Tower is a UNESCO-listed landmark on the River Tejo. For background, see This iconic tower. Use the official monument visitor information for current opening, admission and ticketing. The earlier guide’s 5 p.m. ticket-booth note should not replace the arrangements for your visit.

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

The Oceanário de Lisboa is home to a wide variety of marine life. We’ve been to dozens of aquariums around the world, and often the kids (or Dad) groan when I mention one. Even so, this aquarium is worth a visit.

We love the massive main tank in the middle. The Oceanário has exhibitions and a shop; check its visitor page for current details. Nearby, Telecabine Lisboa is a separate waterfront cable-car attraction. Check whether you are buying its ticket alone or a combined product; do not assume an aquarium ticket includes it.

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 zoo is another option to consider: Lisbon Zoo. Check its current animal exhibits, shows, opening details, and ticket information before planning a visit.

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’s narrow streets, colorful buildings and viewpoints make it a lovely neighborhood to explore on foot, with breaks for its steep hills. See this earlier Lisbon reference for further reading and the official Alfama overview for neighborhood information. Stop at viewpoints and local restaurants along the way.

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

The museum has a collection spanning different places and periods, with gardens nearby for a quieter break. For a future visit, check the museum’s reopening and visitor page and the current exhibition programme; the earlier closure-for-renovation pages are not a substitute for current visitor information.

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 bring you into the nearby historic area, followed by an uphill walk to the castle; check your stop and walking route.

Kids can get into make-believe on the ramparts, but keep little ones close and hold hands around exposed walls and steps. The castle lists free child admission; confirm the exact age eligibility and any documentation before booking: Castelo de São Jorge visitor information.

10. Go To The Beach

Lisbon has sandy beaches nearby, including Cascais, Carcavelos and Estoril along the train line from Cais do Sodré. We especially love Carcavelos and Santo Amaro. In our earlier guide, a McDonald’s by Santo Amaro beach was an easy option for grabbing food for an impromptu picnic with hungry kids. Check current transport, food options and beach conditions before setting out; swimming conditions and lifeguard coverage vary by beach and season.

For us, Costa da Caparica across the river has some of the best beaches: long stretches of soft, brown-sugar sand and small cafés by the beach for a sunny lunch. We found parking easier there than near Carcavelos on our visits, although it could still be tricky. Check the current road or public-transport route, parking and conditions for the specific beach you choose rather than assuming every beach has the same access.

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 Bairro Alto, one of the most touristy and cute places to walk around in Lisbon.

12. Explore Lisbon By Land And Sea

Hippotrip combines a city tour with a water segment. For current route and booking details, see Hippotrip; check departure point, age and accessibility requirements, and availability before booking.

Day Trips We Love From Lisbon

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

• Between Setúbal and Sesimbra, Parque Natural da Arrábida feels like another world to us. The clear water and beautiful beaches remind me of the Caribbean—minus the warm water! Parking was tricky on our visits. Seasonal road restrictions, shuttles and beach access can change; check arrangements for the date and beach you choose rather than assuming you can park beside the sand.

• The linked Obidos page is a starting point for a possible day trip to walled Óbidos, north of Lisbon. Check current events and transport before choosing a date.

• Visit the bone chapel in Evora at the Church of São Francisco. Its bone-lined walls remind us of the Paris catacombs, but this chapel is not underground. On the drive, look for the giant stork nests on power poles beside the highway. Check the chapel’s official visitor information for current visiting arrangements.

More To Love About Lisbon

Lisbon offers history, hills, food, museums, and riverfront neighborhoods. The notes below are broad orientation, not a ranking; the best fit depends on your family’s interests, budget, and travel dates.

• 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.

• Weather varies by season; check a current forecast when planning outdoor activities.
• 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.
• Costs vary by neighborhood, season, and family needs. Compare current prices for your dates; this linked Affordable cost of living overview is only a starting point.
• Lisbon has an airport and public-transport network; check current routes, service notices, and accessibility details for the places on your itinerary.

Where To Stay In Lisbon With Family

These are hotel options mentioned in the original guide, not places the family says it stayed. Room features, dining, pools, and rates can change; confirm current details directly with each property.

• The Emerald House Lisbon, Curio Collection By Hilton — see the hotel’s current page for location, room details, amenities, and availability.
• Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon — see the hotel’s current page for location, room details, amenities, and availability.
• Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa — see the hotel’s current page for location, room details, amenities, and availability.
• Pestana Palace Lisbon — see the hotel’s current page for location, room details, amenities, and availability.
• Hotel Bairro Alto — see the hotel’s current page for location, room details, amenities, and availability.

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

Xoxo,

Leslie

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