LISBON CITY GUIDE
If you’re looking for a new destination known for its unique history, stunning architecture, and fantastic food, Lisbon is the perfect place to visit next!
This charming, family-friendly city will pleasantly surprise you.
Home to world-renowned Lisbon Oceanarium, the Jardim Zoológico, Hippotrips on the Tagus River, and rides on the vintage trams, this trip is certainly like no other!
Lisbon is unique in the way it carries its history with it.
As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, the region was home to many different people with evidence of Greek, Roman, Spanish, French, and North African influence.
Legend has it that the city’s founder was Odysseus, the infamous Greek hero.
Whatever the city’s origins, the benefit of having so many different cultures in one place is remarkable and makes it a place like no other.
Best Accommodations for Families
- Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites
Located in Lisbon’s city center, Martinhal Lisbon Family Suites pairs convenience with luxury.
Their apartment-style accommodations offer a number of bedrooms with a living room, PLUS, a fully equipped kitchenette, perfect for a family stay without the cramped hotel feel.
Easy access to cafes, theaters, and museums in the famous Chiado neighborhood, makes this a great family option.
Known for its baby concierge – a service offering bottle warmers, cots, and safety gates for little ones, they go above and beyond to make your stay the most stress-free.
They even offer a kids club for kids 6 months to 12 years old with various arts, crafts, and video games if the parents want to enjoy a night out alone!
- Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
For a classic hotel experience, the Four Seasons in Lisbon does a beautiful job making sure all your needs are met. They are located across from Parque Eduardo VII in the Marques De Pombal neighborhood, a great starting place for exploring the city. They go out of their way for kids, presenting a welcome gift upon arrival filled with activities and toys.
On Sundays, they host a kid-friendly brunch and offer local tours with the hotel’s guides. The hotel also has both an indoor and outdoor pool to keep little ones busy at the hotel or taking breaks in between daily adventures.
To make things fair and equal, busy moms and dads can spoil themselves with a massage, facial, or enjoy the use of the fitness center.
- Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel
Looking for something different?
The Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel will truly make you feel like royalty!
Constructed in the 19th century, this restored palace overlooks the Tagus River.
The palace has three main sections, the Palace Wing, the Garden Wing, and the Villa Lapa, where every room has a different theme. On-site, there is an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a playground for the whole family to enjoy themselves and relax. There is even a film library in the palace, perfect in case of rainy days!
- Memmo Principe Real
This luxury hotel is located on a quiet street corner in the Principe Real neighborhood, giving incredible views of the city from the hilltop. The terrace swimming pool is fun for kids, and complimentary breakfast makes starting the day easy. They also offer guided walking tours around Lisbon where you can experience the city like a local and see the best restaurants and landmarks.
Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Lisbon
1. Oceanario Lisboa
Home to over 500 different species including over 8,000 sea creatures, Lisbon’s Aquarium is world famous and a must-see family stop. Located in the Parque das Nacoes, where the only sea otters in Europe reside, along with sharks and coral reefs.
2. Beach day
If you’re looking to relax and unwind, there are plenty of beautiful beaches within a 30-minute drive to enjoy including; Cascais and Estoril where you can take the train along the seafront. Gelados Santini, a famous ice cream shop, is located in Estoril, the perfect way to end the day!
3. Telecabine Lisboa
Fly over the Tagus River in Lisbon’s cable car, built for the World Expo in the 90s and still runs for a mile over the river at Avenida da Liberdade. A great activity to tie in with the aquarium, you will see glorious views of the Vasco Da Gama bridge. The 10-minute journey is only 5.50 Euros for kids and 8 Euros for adults!
4. Hippotrip
Lisbon’s famous amphibious vehicles take you through the city center, leaving Belem, and diving straight into the Tagus River. A third of this 90-minute tour is in the water, with gorgeous views of the Praca de Comercio, the Belem Tower, and Monument to the Discoveries.
5. Maritime Museum
Lisbon is inseparable from its seafaring history, and a trip to the city would be incomplete without a stop at the Travel from the Age of Discoveries in the 1500s to the present, witnessing items belonging to Vasco Da Gama himself.
Displays also include royal barges and whole armadas of model boats, totaling 2,500 on permanent exhibition.
6. Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
Lisbon’s Planetarium, located right next to the Maritime Museum in Belem, is designed to project more than 9,000 stars onto its dome. Shows at the planetarium take you through the universe, and make you feel like you’re in another world.
7. Jardim Zoo
The Jardim Zoo is known for its rare white tigers and majestic mountain gorillas. Part of the global conservation project, the Lisbon Zoo is a great way for kids to see animals from different parts of the world. They have everything from the rainforest to the African Savannah, including Lemurs from Madagascar, South American birdlife and dolphins, and even smaller farm animals. The zoo offers shows throughout the day, a cable car through the forest canopy, and a zoo train that takes you past the reptile house.
8. Jardim da Estrela
One of Lisbon’s biggest parks, Jardim da Estrela is the perfect outdoor spot to enjoy the pleasant weather. Located in front of the Basilica da Estrela, there is much to see and do!
The park has a playground, duck ponds, and even a cafe that hosts a variety of child-friendly activities during the summer with live music. Estufa Fria, located just 10 minutes away and located in Edward VII, is a greenhouse worth visiting.
9. Adventure Park
Looking to burn off some extra energy? Take a trip to Lisbon’s adventure park at the Jamor National Sports Center. The park is located just before Belem and features an obstacle route in the trees designed for kids where you can climb rope bridges, zoom down a 200m slide, and explore tunnels that connect the wooden platforms in the trees.
For younger kids, the park also includes a playground and mini-golf.
10. Tram 28
A trip to Lisbon would be incomplete without a ride on the vintage trams that roam the city.
The trams take passengers on a scenic trip, starting at the city center and up through the narrow maze of streets toward St. George Castle. It’s a fun and stress-free way to explore the city!
Tips
- The late spring and summer seasons are the best times to visit Lisbon without having to worry about rain. The weather is pleasant, perfect for trips to the park!
- Cobblestone streets make strollers challenging; we recommend you bring a baby carrier and a lightweight stroller so you can carry it when needed. The older part of town, the Alfama, is one of the more difficult areas with strollers because of the steps, cobbles, and narrow lanes.
Get Excited Before You Go
A Map and a Mule: This charming tale is an episode in the life of Queen Isabel of Portugal. This short picture book incorporates historical facts to tell a story of peace, even in the face of hardship.
Its historical foundation travels through important Portuguese historic sites while the engaging writing will keep your little ones entertained and the core message of the story is one that stays with you.
The Miracle Dogs of Portugal: For younger readers, we recommend this powerful story set in the city of Sagres and the Atlantic Ocean. This fun book keeps readers on their toes as you follow 6-year-old Henry’s adventures at sea and some new friends he makes along the way.
Night Train to Lisbon: For more experienced readers, this exciting novel is full of deep insights into life, love, and literature.
An international best seller and now blockbuster movie, this novel follows a Latin teacher who leaves his job to follow his heart to Lisbon, where he experiences different obstacles in his investigation into the life of an author.
Who is Christina?
Christina Vieira is a Traveler, Planner, and Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too!
Christina specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families take magical vacations together that they will always remember.
She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle and some of her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
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