Lisbon is unquestionably one in all my favorite cities in Europe with children. It’s vibrant, charming, walkable, boasts fantastic climate nearly year-round and the restaurant scene is high notch.
The Portuguese capital is residence to some wonderful museums in addition to historic websites that can please even probably the most culture-wary children. There’s an excellent aquarium, a vibrant palace (hi there, Sintra!) and plenty of enjoyable outlets, cafes and – that household vacation important – ice cream.
In brief, there’s heaps to find in Lisbon with children whether or not you’re visiting for a fast metropolis break or as a part of an extended one-week Portugal itinerary.
Oh, and did I point out the tiles? It’s honest to say that every time I go to Lisbon I come residence with a whole lot of images of tiled buildings.
Lisbon with kids
Famously constructed on seven hills on the northern financial institution of the Tagus River, strolling round Lisbon requires some stamina. Happily, vibrant yellow and purple trams ply town streets to assist when little legs get drained.
Vibrant auto rickshaws are additionally plentiful and a tuk tuk journey is one other good possibility for getting across the metropolis.
The slender cobbled streets and steep hills don’t, nonetheless, make Lisbon very pushchair-friendly. In the event you’re travelling with infants and toddlers, take into account a child service as an alternative.
Lisbon itself is a warren of characterful neighbourhoods and vibrant streets; broad plazas and dramatic lookout factors; wonderful eateries and outlets that don’t seem to have modified in lots of of years (a few of them haven’t!).
Lisbon can also be one in all Europe’s sunniest cities – we visited on a household vacation over February half-term and loved every week of blue skies and sunny days. The opposite welcoming bit of reports is that Lisbon is very inexpensive.
Learn on to find the various enjoyable issues to do in Lisbon with children.
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Journey the Eléctrico 28
Taking a tram journey might be the easiest way to get across the metropolis and is one thing that the entire household will get pleasure from.
You’ll be able to soar on any of the cable automobiles however for a tour by means of among the metropolis’s hottest neighbourhoods catch a journey on the hop on hop off tram Quantity 28.
Trolley quantity 28 rumbles and screeches by means of the slender metropolis streets taking within the Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela neighbourhoods.
A single ticket bought on board the tram prices €3.00. A a lot better possibility is to purchase a 24-hour public transport ticket from any metro station, which can be utilized on all of the metro, tram and bus companies. This ticket prices €6.60.
Ensure to control your baggage whereas on the tram. No. 28 will get very busy and is usually a scorching spot for pickpockets.
Go to the Praça do Comércio
The most important public sq. within the metropolis of Lisbon sits down by the waterfront and is a good place to let children run round.
This sq. was the location of Portugal’s royal palace till the Nice Earthquake of 1755; the Arco da Rua Augusta – the spectacular Triumphal Arch – now stands there and was constructed to commemorate town’s rebirth after the earthquake. You’ll be able to climb to the highest of the arch for a view over the Baixa neighbourhood and the river.
The Lisboa Story Centre
In the event you’re on the lookout for a wet day exercise then head to the Lisboa Story Centre on the Praça do Comércio. This enjoyable and interesting centre charts the historical past of Lisbon beginning with Ulysses, who arrived on the website the place Lisbon was based on his return from the warfare in Troy, by means of to current day.
The 60-minute audio information is superb and works effectively for each adults and children because it follows the wars, quests, victories, creation, and destruction that formed town. There are a handful of interactive reveals too.
One room focuses on the 1755 earthquake and entails a movie that some kids may discover overwhelming. You’ll be able to select to skip this room should you like.
Eat on the Time Out Market
The Mercado da Ribeira first opened its doorways in 1892 promoting contemporary fruit and veg, fish and flowers. These stalls are nonetheless right here right now however the different half of this historic market corridor has been taken over by the Time Out Market.
Situated within the metropolis centre this indoor market is residence to greater than 40 eating places and bars, a handful of outlets and even a music venue. This actually is without doubt one of the finest locations to eat in Lisbon with children. You could find every little thing from sushi and salads to dishes by Michelin-starred cooks.
Go underwater on the Oceanário De Lisboa
Lisbon is residence to the biggest aquarium in Europe, the Oceanário De Lisboa. We visited the Lisbon Oceanarium on our last morning and it was one in all our favorite issues to do with children in Lisbon.
This huge underwater world sits on Parque das Nações (the Park of Nations) a redeveloped space on the Tagus River that was the location of the World Expo of 1998. Of the myriad variety of marine life that decision this aquarium residence we significantly beloved the 2 curious sunfish, some hypnotic dragon sea horses, mammoth Manta rays, cute sea otters and way more.
Notably mind-boggling is the big central tank that holds 5 million litres of seawater (sure, actually!). It’s divided into 4 marine habitats the place all method of vibrant sea creatures swim about. We additionally actually loved the “Forests Underwater” exhibition.
The aquarium holds classical music live shows for infants on Saturday mornings and in a single day Sleeping with the Sharks experiences for older children.
The aquarium is positioned 12 minutes from Lisbon airport and there are lockers on your baggage. We spent a number of hours right here the morning of our departure date and headed straight from the aquarium to catch our flight. There’s additionally a handsome cafeteria right here if you wish to seize one thing to eat.
Get hands-on on the Science Museum
Additionally in Parque das Nacoes is the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, the Pavilion of Data in any other case referred to as the Lisbon Science Museum. This wonderful hands-on museum is a superb factor to do in Lisbon for youngsters of all ages.
The museum is split into a variety of completely different worlds, together with one that’s aimed toward youthful kids.
A number of the children’ favorite actions included using a motorcycle – E.T. model – alongside a bit of rope suspended throughout the principle corridor, studying concerning the digestive system, constructing marble runs and creating electrical circuits for robots.
Take a cable automotive journey
Additionally at Parque des Nacoes is the Telecabine Lisboa, a cable automotive journey that crosses the Tagus River providing views over town and Vasco da Gama bridge. The cable automotive begins on the Oceanarium and travels simply over 1km to the Previous Vascso da Gama tower (Passeio das Tágides).
Journey within the Elevador de Santa Justa
Initially constructed to move passengers up the steep Carmo Hill, the Santa Justa elevate first opened in 1902. In the present day, it’s a well-liked vacationer attraction and features to journey up the elevator may be very lengthy.
Even should you don’t take a journey, nonetheless, it’s value visiting to see the construction, which is constructed from wrought iron and is kind of stunning.
The polished wooden carriages journey as much as a viewing platform, which affords fantastic panoramic views over town. The excellent news is that you could get this identical view with out ready in line; the terrace the place the elevator stops is open to the general public and may be accessed by foot.
Rides within the Elevador de Santa Justa are highly regarded so it’s a good suggestion to reach early if you wish to make a journey your self.
Wander across the Alfama Neighbourhood
Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood can also be its most charming; each one of many twisting, slender streets has a narrative to inform and you may simply spend a day right here wandering round getting pleasantly misplaced.
Alongside the way in which, see should you can spot the purple home, one of many few homes to stay standing after the 1755 earthquake.
This neighbourhood was based by the Moors; the identify Alfama comes from the Arabic Al-hamma, which means ‘scorching fountains’. Most of the residents dwelling right here right now have been right here for many years. Wandering round you’ll spot multiple enterprising native promoting Ginja (the native liquor) from outdoors their home.
That is the neighbourhood to go to if you wish to eat a conventional meal and take heed to some equally conventional fado music (you may as well get pleasure from fado performances in different components of city together with Bairro Alto the place nightly fado performances are held at Laia Fado.
You will have to order and there’s a minimal 50 Euro order per buyer). If you wish to study extra about this conventional Portuguese music style, there’s the Museo de Fado in Alfama.
Go for a stroll within the Jardim da Estrela
This huge landscaped park sits in entrance of the Baroque Basilica da Estrela. It’s one in all Lisbon’s largest and finest parks, residence to duck ponds and a kid-pleasing playground.
There’s a restaurant within the center that has a children’ space which, in the summertime months, is staffed with common child-friendly actions. Summer time weekends additionally see craft festivals spring up within the park and reside music performances.
Extra inexperienced area may be discovered within the Jardim Botanico Lisbon (the Lisbon Botanical Gardens), which lie only a quick stroll from town’s fundamental thoroughfare, the Avenida da Liberdade.
The oldest bookstore on this planet
Admittedly, we had been just a little underwhelmed by our go to to Livraria Bertrand however it’s nonetheless value stopping by this bookstore, the oldest working guide store on this planet.
Livraria Bertrand was first opened in 1732 as a hub for town’s mental scene. Since then, it has witnessed two world wars, sixteen presidents and six coups. It’s additionally change into the cornerstone for the Bertrand bookstore chain.
Regardless of its grand heritage, nonetheless, the shop does really feel like a modern-day bookstore. There’s a children’ part on the again and a small cafe.
Discover the Pharmacy Museum
One of many extra uncommon museums in Lisbon is to go to the Pharmacy Museum. I actually loved the discovering the historical past of medication in Portugal and world wide however sadly the reveals had been just a little dry for the youngsters.
In the event you do get the time, nonetheless, it’s value visiting this museum as they’ve an unbelievable assortment of medicinal lotions and potions relationship again lots of of years.
On show is the Apothecary Chest utilized by Henry Morton Stanley on his journey to Africa and the emergency medical equipment utilized by Ernest Shackleton. Additionally on show are some very painful-looking chastity belts for each women and men – which can immediate some attention-grabbing discussions with children!
Outdoors is the wonderful, Pharmacia Felicidade, a terrace cafe serving medicinal themed cocktails. There may be additionally a restaurant and the meals is meant to be superb.
Make Portuguese bracelets at Missangas & Co.
Making bracelets at Missangas & Co is a very enjoyable factor to do in Lisbon with kids.
This jewelry retailer is residence to 1000’s and 1000’s of beads, which you should utilize to create your individual bracelets or necklaces. There are Portuguese-inspired beads, glass beads, metallic beads, vibrant beads, plain beads and the rest that you can imagine. My children every created and made a bracelet within the store and wore it for the remainder of the vacation.
Journey on a Funicular
There are three funiculars in Lisbon, designed to assist locals and guests deal with town’s steep slopes. All three, the Elevador do Lavra, Elevador da Glória and Elevador da Bica, had been designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, the identical man who designed the Santa Justa Elevator.
They’re enjoyable to journey they usually additionally make an awesome photograph alternative! Tickets may be purchased on board.
See the views from the Castelo de São Jorge
The Castelo de São Jorge (Lisbon Fort) sits excessive up on São Jorge hill, the very best hill in Lisbon. It’s a well-liked attraction and affords a few of nice views over the red-tiled roofs of town.
The fortress has housed Visigoths, Moors, Christians, royals and convicts however right now welcomes guests from internationally. Little stays of life contained in the fortress, as an alternative you’ll should content material your self with the views.
There’s a digital camera obscura within the Tower of Ulysses, which affords a 360-degree view of Lisbon. You should purchase your tickets forward of time and skip the road by way of Get Your Guide.
Lisbon’s coolest neighbourhood, the LX Manufacturing unit
You’ll discover Lisbon’s coolest neighbourhood in an outdated industrial strip beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. This space was residence to a few of Lisbon’s most affluent cloth factories however they had been deserted as soon as town’s golden age of trade completed.
The buildings lay derelict till 2008 when some revolutionary locals determined to breathe new life into the world and created the LX Factory. In the present day it’s residence to outlets, cafés, bars, artwork areas, barbers, start-ups, tattoo studios and extra.
There’s nothing particularly for teenagers right here however it’s a enjoyable place to wander round; time your go to for the afternoon when every little thing can be open. Go to on a Sunday for LX’s very personal flea market.
Get your sweet repair at Papabubble
This enjoyable little emporium of all issues candy is one other one of many cool shops in Lisbon that we found. Arrive between 11am and 3pm and also you’ll see Lisbon’s reply to Willy Wonka creating rock sweet behind the counter. Papabubble sells lollipops and sweets on the market in a variety of tasty flavours.
Take a tour with With Locals
We spent a day from Isabel, a neighborhood information from Withlocals and it was a superb introduction to Lisbon. We’ve taken a few Withlocals excursions now and I’ve discovered them to be a good way to get a really feel for town. Time your tour on your first afternoon and also you’ll be armed with a number of native suggestions for the remainder of your loved ones trip in Lisbon.
We loved a personal three-hour Lisbon Like a Local Family tour and beloved it.
Stroll with the animals at Lisbon Zoo
We didn’t make it to the Jardim Zoologico on our Lisbon household journey however by all accounts it’s superb. Though not very giant, the zoo is residence to all kinds of animals has a powerful conservation ethos. The zoo is positioned within the north of town.
Day journeys from Lisbon
There are a variety of day journeys you may take from Lisbon together with to see the massive wave riders at Nazaré and the medieval city of Obidos.
There are additionally some stunning seashores inside simple every of town heart; Praia do Guincho, Cascais, Praia dos Galapos and Parque Pure da Arrabida are all standard.
The most well-liked day journeys from Lisbon are to Belem and Sintra.
Sintra: Pena Palace
Don’t miss a day journey to Sintra, well-known for the brightly hued Pena Palace and a enjoyable day journey from Lisbon for teenagers of all ages.
The UNESCO World Heritage city sits on the foothills of the Sintra mountains the place cooling breezes supply respite from the Lisbon’s summer season warmth. This is without doubt one of the the reason why Roman, Moorish and Portuguese royalty selected to construct their summer season houses right here.
Lisbon to Sintra solely takes 30-40 minutes on the prepare with trains departing frequently from Rossio prepare station.
Belem: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The Jerónimos Monastery, in Belem, is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and one of the vital visited websites within the capital.
It was constructed to commemorate the return of Vasco de Gama, a Portuguese explorer and the primary European to achieve India by sea. Building started on January 6, 1501 and wasn’t accomplished till almost 100 years later as designs for the monastery grew to become increasingly more elaborate and ornate because the nation’s wealth grew.
Regardless of being a vastly standard vacationer attraction the reality is that the monastery may not win many favours with younger children. Regardless of this, Belem is a beautiful day journey from Lisbon and you may all the time bribe them with Portuguese tarts!
In the event you do go to be sure you get there early as there’s all the time a protracted line. To attempt to keep away from standing in line for too lengthy, purchase your ticket from the Archaeology Museum as an alternative of the principle monastery entrance, your wait time can be a lot shorter. You’ll be able to’t purchase tickets on-line however Get Your Guide do supply a skip the road ticket.
Pastéis de Belém
There’s lots to like about Portugal however there’s one factor that you just’ll in all probability love just a little bit greater than the rest and that’s the pasteis de nata, custard tarts. You could find pasteis de nata nearly wherever in Lisbon however for the true deal, head to the world-famous Pastéis de Belém pastry store positioned very close to the Jeronimos Monastery.
The pasteis de nata truly originated from the monastery itself; the story goes {that a} monk bought the recipe to a bakery within the Belém district in 1834, after the monasteries had been closed by the state. The household went on to discovered the well-known bakery in Belem the place the unique tarts are nonetheless made – and the precise recipe stays a intently guarded secret!
For extra concepts on the place to get scrumptious pasteis de nata, check out this put up.
Torre de Belém and Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Close to the monastery are two landmarks commissioned to have fun Portugal’s important function within the Age of the Discoveries, together with Vasco da Gama.
Instantly reverse the monastery, on the financial institution of the river Tagus, is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is a monument that pays tribute to the 33 distinguished figures within the nation’s age of exploration.
Additional alongside the riverside is the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) that was commissioned by King John II to defend the coast from international invaders.
Each are very spectacular however youthful kids particularly will in all probability choose the gargoyles, dungeons and cannons of the Belém Tower. They will additionally look out for the rhino carved in stone on the tower’s rampart. It’s attainable to climb to the highest of the tower however the stairs are slender so watch out with little children.
In the event you’re trying to discover extra of Portugal with kids then this put up has some good concepts.
The place to remain in Lisbon with children
The primary time I visited Portugal was with the Martinhal hotel group that personal 4 family-friendly properties in Portugal; two within the Algarve one in Cascais and one in central Lisbon. I spent one evening on the Martinhal Chiado lodge and this actually is the most effective kid-friendly lodge in Lisbon.
Conveniently positioned within the space referred to as “Pombaline Baixa”, the place the historic outdated city meets the newer enterprise space, it’s an excellent location for exploring Lisbon.
The lodge has 37 flats (starting from studios to two-bedrooms) which have every little thing you may have to make a household metropolis break simple. Every residence has a kitchen full with a range, dishwasher, washer-dryer, fridge, crockery and plastic plates and bowls for teenagers.
As with all Martinhal properties it’s ery family-friendly; there are stair gates wherever wanted, stools so youthful kids can attain the sink, bottle sterilising gear, pushchairs – actually something you consider, they’ve.
There may be even a mini climbing wall for teenagers. Better of all, nonetheless, is the complimentary children’ membership that welcomes kids from the age of six months to early teenagers.
For extra concepts on the place to remain in Lisbon with children, check out the map under the small print motels and vacation leases.
One of the best time to go to Lisbon
Lisbon is without doubt one of the sunniest cities in Europe and is fairly fabulous at any time of 12 months. Nevertheless, summer season will get very busy so should you can time your go to between March and Might or September to October, you’ll get pleasure from nice climate however much less folks. October half-term is a good possibility. We visited throughout February and had wonderful climate with blue skies, sunshine and temperatures averaging 16C.
