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If you haven’t thought about visiting Lisbon with kids, it’s time to rethink your family vacation plans. This city is a playground for curious children and adventurous parents. It’s got loads of history, stunning architecture, and divine cuisines – without the crowds of other European destinations.
And a highlight that can’t be overlooked: The flight to Lisbon from the United States East Coast is one of the shortest overnight flights to Europe, making it a great choice for parents dreading their first European red-eye. The family-focused vibes of Portugal, combined with a low-stress flight, make Lisbon one of the top destinations for a first-time European trip. (Fun fact: Lisbon is the city our Mango Tree founder picked for her first trip to Europe with kids.)
Your kids will light up as they explore landmarks like Pena Palace, use all sorts of Lisbon transportation options to avoid the city’s hills and dive into an ocean of fun at one of Europe’s best aquariums.
But it’s not just about the traditional sights – Lisbon is full of colorful murals and parks, with so much to see at a pace the young ones can keep up with.
And let’s not forget the food—a critical piece of every successful vacation. Lisbon has some amazing restaurants, and it’s common to see kids out to dinner with their parents. (And our favorite Lisbon hotel for families has built-in babysitting so you can enjoy some of those Michelin-starred fine dining experiences, too.)
So let’s dive in and start thinking about how to plan your trip to Lisbon with kids.
Arriving for Your Family Holiday in Lisbon
Several airlines offer direct flights into Lisbon from the U.S. East Coast, making traveling over the Atlantic to Lisbon with kids a manageable feat.
After a quick overnight flight, you’ll touch down at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). With only a 5-hour time difference from the eastern U.S. and these proactive travel tips for how to navigate jet lag, your kids will (hopefully) be ready to explore Lisbon.
Getting into the city is a breeze. Whether you prefer public transport, a quick ride-share, or a prearranged car service, you’ll be in central Lisbon in just about 30 minutes.
Just make sure to be patient with each other, as your moods and energy levels will likely be all over the place when you get off that flight to Lisbon!
Where to Stay in Lisbon with Babies, Toddlers & Kids
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Lisbon with kids, it’s all about location, convenience, and those little family-friendly touches that make traveling with children easier.
When visiting Lisbon with kids, staying central can make your trip much smoother. The Chiado and Baixa de Lisboa neighborhoods are ideal for families who want to be in the heart of the city, with easy access to restaurants and cafes. These central neighborhoods make it easy to live like a local, offering a quick return to the hotel for a rest between adventures.
Bairro Alto, a bit more upscale, is another great option near a fantastic park where kids can catch a break. It’s known for shopping and higher-end hotels, perfect if you want a touch of luxury while still staying close to key attractions.
For families seeking a quieter escape who don’t love being in the heart of the action, consider staying near the Lisbon Aquarium. This area is a bit farther from the hustle and bustle but offers lovely water views and quick access to the city via the train. It’s a great option if you want a peaceful base without sacrificing convenience.
RELATED POST: 10 Life Saving Tips for a Hotel Stay with Your Toddler
Getting Around With Kids: Lisbon Transportation Options
When it comes to getting around Lisbon, this city has a variety of transportation options that make exploring with kids fairly easy – if you know a few tricks. Lisbon is famous for its hilliness, which can be daunting with kids. But you can do it!
Think twice about using a stroller in Lisbon. This city is FULL of hills and stairs! And the older trams are narrow and can be tricky for strollers. If at all possible, a baby carrier is a lifesaver and the way to tackle Lisbon with babies or toddlers.
If you’re set on using a stroller, the metro in Lisbon is stroller-friendly, with elevators at most stations. Just be mindful of rush hour crowds! The Lisbon metro tickets are easy to purchase at machines in any station and are valid for buses and trams, too.
Beyond the metro and trams, you’ll want to try at least one funicular ride and one jaunt on a tuk-tuk, which can be hailed on many corners. These iconic modes of getting around Portugal cost a bit more but are a blast for everyone.
For more flexibility, taxis, Ubers, and Bolts are the most common rideshare options. Bolt was our favorite, but it’s worth downloading both Bolt and Uber apps to compare prices each time you need a ride. If you’re traveling with children, you might want to bring your own travel seat. It isn’t super common for rideshare options to carry a swath of options for children.
The Best Lisbon Neighborhoods to Explore With Kids
When thinking about tackling Lisbon with kids, it’s important to understand that Lisbon is broken into several smaller neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Although we’ve touched upon a few that were the best to stay in with kids, here is a look at a few of the best ones to explore with your family:
Alfama: The Old Soul of Lisbon
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, and wandering through its narrow, cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time. It’s full of history, winding alleys, and stunning miradouros (viewpoints) that overlook the city.
Kids will love exploring the São Jorge Castle, where they can run around and spot tons of peacocks. Keep in mind, though, that Alfama is super hilly and definitely not the easiest for strollers. A baby carrier is your best friend here!
Take advantage of the Kids’ Club or babysitting service at your hotel to enjoy a night out in the Alfama district for dinner and Fado music, a sad, traditional Portuguese music genre.
Baixa: The Heart of Lisbon
If you’re looking for a flat area that’s stroller-friendly and packed with things to see, Baixa is your go-to. This downtown neighborhood is Lisbon’s main shopping and commercial hub, with wide pedestrian streets, big plazas, and classic European architecture.
Wander through Praça do Comércio, an open square where kids can run around freely. It’s right on the riverfront, so you can take a stroll along the water or grab a bite at one of the many cafes. Baixa is the heart of Lisbon and perfect for taking it easy while still soaking in the sights.
Bairro Alto: Nightlife and Views
Known for its nightlife, Bairro Alto may not seem like the first pick for families but don’t dismiss it just yet. During the day, this neighborhood is full of charm, with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively squares. It’s a great spot for older kids who can handle some uphill climbs (it’s another hilly one!).
Bairro Alto borders the beautiful Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a lookout point with stunning views over the city. For an extra bit of fun, you can grab the infamous Gloria Funicular for a short but steep ride up to the top before grabbing your Lisbon family photo souvenir.
Chiado: The Elegant Side of Lisbon
For a mix of historic charm and modern shopping, Chiado is the place to be. This central neighborhood is full of life, with theaters, museums, cafes, and boutiques. It’s also home to Tram 28, which kids will love.
Chiado is a great neighborhood for families who want to stay central while still having easy access to the top things to do with kids in Lisbon. You’re close to everything – Baixa is just down the hill, and Bairro Alto is right next door. Plus, it’s much flatter than Alfama or Bairro Alto, making it easier for families with strollers to get around.
A few must-dos? Grab an espresso and a pastry at Café A Brasileira and enjoy the street performers before visiting Bertrand Bookstore, the world’s oldest operating bookstore (it’s bigger than it looks with a great children’s section!).
Top Things to Do With Kids in Lisbon
Lisbon is bursting with fun, family-friendly activities that kids (and parents) will love. There’s a great mix of specific Lisbon attractions for kids and simple things to enjoy while wandering around the city. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Lisbon with kids:
Hang out in a Lisbon Park: Lots of Lisbon’s parks have playgrounds and little cafes and bodegas to grab a glass – the epitome of offering something for everyone. Eduardo VII Park is one of Lisbon’s best, and is perfect for views and playground fun, with great shopping on the nearby boulevards (and an awesome gin bar, too).
We also love Jardim Dom Luis near the Time Out Market in Chiado – grab food at the market, a glass of wine at the park cafe, and let your kids run around at the playground in the evening.
Shopping: The Baixa district offers a mix of local shops and international brands. Its wide pedestrian streets make it stroller-friendly. Don’t miss the Lisbon-themed souvenirs for kids at A Vida Portuguesa.
Oceanário de Lisboa: Although a bit of a hike from central Lisbon, this world-class aquarium is worth the trek. It is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, and the playful otters will make all family members happy.
Castelo São Jorge: It might be a steep walk up to the hilltop castles, but kids will love exploring the ancient walls, climbing towers, and pretending to be knights defending the fortress. Parents will love the incredible views!
One of our kids favorite things to do there was spotting peacocks, which roamed inside the castle walls. Let me tell you, we got a show – lots of tailfeathers shaking!
Tuk-Tuk Ride: If your kids are up for it, consider seeing Lisbon in a unique way: on a tuk-tuk! Kids will love an open-air ride through Lisbon’s narrow streets. Tip: Choose a tour through one of the hillier neighborhoods, like Alfama.
Azulejo & Rooster Spotting: Another kid-favorite activity in Lisbon was finding different azulejo tiles and colorful galo de Barcelos roosters across the city – like their very own scavenger hunt in Lisbon’s streets.
Ride Tram 28 & Gloria Funicular: These unique modes of transportation are ways for kids to experience Lisbon’s steep hills in the most fun way possible.
HippoTrip: This amphibious bus tour lets families explore Lisbon by land and water. Kids love the splash into the river when the bus turns into a boat!
Santa Justa Elevator: The Santa Justa Elevator is a quick ride up with an amazing view at the top! While we didn’t think our long wait was worth the simplicity, if you go early and have a minimal wait, it is something the kids will think is neat.
Pink Street: Kids will love the colorful Pink Street in Cais do Sodré – it’s a fun spot to snap some photos and enjoy the vibrant street art. (Hint: If your kids love this, there’s also a short street that is painted blue. I challenge you to try and find it!).
Best Day Trips from Lisbon Portugal with Kids
When you’ve explored Lisbon’s charm and are ready for a change of scenery, there are a few nearby places that are perfect for family adventures. Here are three of our favorite day trip options that offer something for everyone in the family. Bonus: They are all only an hour away or less!
Belem
Just a short tram ride from the heart of Lisbon, Belem is a must-visit for families. We recommend heading to Belem Tower first and the Monument to the Discoveries second since they are both along the Tagus River and then heading into the town of Belem. Grab lunch at the Hot Dog Cachorro Lusitano hot dog stand and custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem before making your way to Jeronimos Monastery for the afternoon. Easy and kid-friendly, Belem is one of the best day trips from Lisbon Portugal.
Sintra
A train ride from Lisbon leads you to Sintra, a fairy-tale town nestled in the hills. For castle lovers, Pena Palace is like something from a storybook. The Moorish Castle has ancient walls for exploring and sweeping views of the countryside. The Quinta da Regaleira adds to the magic with enchanting gardens and hidden tunnels. While trying to visit all three in one day with your kids is a lofty goal, it can be done. But we’d recommend picking one spot for the morning and one for the afternoon, with a pit stop into the town of Sintra for lunch, pastries from Casa Piriquita, and a little ginjinha sampling (adults only for this one).
Cascais
The Lisbon transportation system makes a day trip to Cascais easy. Only a 40-minute train ride from the city, the town’s sandy beaches and clear waters are ideal for a day of sun with kids. For a fun family treat, don’t miss Santini for some of the best gelato in town – a kid-approved favorite! And if you want to break up time at the beach, you can visit the dramatic Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) with its crashing waves and rugged cliffs.
What and Where to Eat with Kids in Lisbon
Eating in Lisbon with kids is an adventure all on its own. There are truly so many flavors to explore, and tapas were a favorite way to try it all. Although there are so many delicious spots all over Lisbon, these family-friendly restaurants are a great place to start for little travelers:
Family-Friendly Restaurants for your Lisbon Trip With Kids
Time-Out Market (Cais do Sodré): Hands down, this is a foodie’s paradise and a fantastic place to eat with a variety of palettes. This bustling market offers tons of kid-friendly choices and Portuguese favorites – all under one roof. From pizza and burgers to prego sandwiches and octopus hot dogs, you can try a little bit of everything.
As Bifanas do Afonso (Baixa): This hole-in-the-wall is famous for its bifanas – juicy pork sandwiches that kids will love. The inside of the restaurant is tiny and filled with locals, but there’s a takeaway window in a square. You can grab them to go or find a small table or bench nearby. Quick, tasty, and wallet-friendly, it’s the perfect lunch stop in Baixa.
Head to Bifanas do Afonso to try Lisbon’s famous Bifanas – juicy pork sandwiches. Make sure you order one with queijo da montanha (cheese) and another with the spicy red sauce, and wash it all down with a glass of vino verde!
Leve Leve Tapas Bar (Alfama): For a more local experience, this small tapas restaurant in Alfama offers an authentic Portuguese dining experience with a family-friendly vibe. Elevated favorites like nachos and quesadillas sit on the menu alongside cod fitters, sardines, and prawns, small-plate style, so everyone can share.
Must-Eat Local Treats To Try In Lisbon
Lisbon has no shortage of delicious treats, and if your kids are like ours, the endless options make exploring a big city a little bit easier. For a local favorite, start with the famous pastéis de nata—crispy, flaky custard tarts you can find in bakeries all over the city. They say the best are at Pastéis de Belém, but I challenge you to try them all over, just to be sure.
If your kids love sweets, try queijadas, small, sweet cheese cakes from Sintra that are rich and delicious. For something lighter, a pão de deus fits the bill. It’s a soft, fluffy bread topped with coconut – a perfect snack for a day of sightseeing.
Don’t forget to try gelato at Santini in Cascais or Baixa. It is a beloved ice cream shop, and if you step inside, you’ll know why.
And while this is not quite on par with our other suggestions, you must try sardines. They’re a fun and unique Portuguese snack. Lisbon has colorful shops all over the city that will draw you in. You can pick out fun tins based on your birth year or opt for a boneless, milder variety (which our kids surprisingly loved!).
Practical Tips for Traveling with Kids in Lisbon
When traveling with kids in Lisbon, the key is to take it slow and enjoy the journey.
Let kids run around in the parks and squares and soak in the sunshine. Use the kids’ clubs at your hotel to your advantage to find that perfect blend of exploring and resting. There’s no rush here!
One of the best parts of jet lag? You’ll be up early, so take advantage of it! Head to popular attractions before the crowds and enjoy exploring with plenty of space for kids to roam.
Make sure to pack a variety of clothing options so that you are prepared no matter what the weather is like. Although Lisbon is known for it’s mild, sunny weather, our family experienced an unusual amount of rain when we visited. Our umbrellas and raincoats were our best friends. Not to mention, Lisbon mornings can be cool, while afternoons warm up. Layers are key, and so are comfy shoes to relieve your feet while you trek up and down all of the hills.
Lastly, make your adventure fun for your kids. A great way to keep the kids engaged is by diving into the city’s stories. Consider picking up Mission Lisbon, a fun activity book that turns Lisbon’s landmarks into a scavenger hunt adventure your kids will love.
Book Your Lisbon Family Trip
Whether you are looking to book your first European vacation with your kids or are trying to grab another stamp for your family’s passports, we couldn’t recommend Lisbon more. It’s got that perfect blend of history, architecture, food, and culture, while still being super easy to explore and engaging for kids. It might be miles and miles away, but you’ll still feel like you’re right at home.
Keep Exploring: Take a spin through our Portugal Destination Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
A family trip to Lisbon should last 4-5 days. This gives you time to explore all of the city’s highlights and book a day trip or two to explore other nearby areas. We suggest combining Lisbon with a countryside stay in Alentejo or a beach break in the Algarve for a well-rounded vacation in Portugal with kids.
Both cities are great and have many parks for kids to enjoy, but Lisbon and Porto offer families quite different experiences. Porto is perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, and a smaller footprint. For active families, you can’t beat all the kid-friendly activities at your fingertips in Lisbon –there’s just so much to do!
Spring (March to May) and early fall (September to October) are the best times to visit Lisbon with kids. The weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded than summer months.
