23 nice issues to do in Lisbon with children
Lisbon is certainly considered one of my favorite cities in Europe with children. It’s vibrant, charming, walkable, boasts fantastic climate virtually year-round and the restaurant scene is prime notch.
The Portuguese capital is residence to some glorious museums in addition to historic websites that can please even probably the most culture-wary children. There’s an excellent aquarium, a vibrant palace (good day, Sintra!) and many enjoyable retailers, 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 truthful to say that every time I go to Lisbon I come residence with lots of pictures 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. Thankfully, shiny yellow and crimson trams ply the town streets to assist when little legs get drained.
Vibrant auto rickshaws are additionally plentiful and a tuk tuk journey is one other good choice for getting across the metropolis.
The slender cobbled streets and steep hills don’t, nevertheless, make Lisbon very pushchair-friendly. Should you’re travelling with infants and toddlers, contemplate a child provider as an alternative.
Lisbon itself is a warren of characterful neighbourhoods and vibrant streets; large plazas and dramatic lookout factors; glorious eateries and retailers that don’t seem to have modified in a whole lot of years (a few of them haven’t!).
Lisbon can be considered one of Europe’s sunniest cities – we visited on a household vacation over February half-term and loved per week of blue skies and sunny days. The opposite welcoming bit of reports is that Lisbon is very inexpensive.
Learn on to find the numerous enjoyable issues to do in Lisbon with children.
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Trip the Eléctrico 28
Taking a tram journey might be one of the simplest ways to get across the metropolis and is one thing that the entire household will get pleasure from.
You may bounce on any of the cable automobiles however for a tour via a number of the metropolis’s hottest neighbourhoods catch a journey on the hop on hop off tram Quantity 28.
Trolley quantity 28 rumbles and screeches via 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 significantly better choice 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.
Be certain to regulate your luggage whereas on the tram. No. 28 will get very busy and generally is a sizzling spot for pickpockets.
Go to the Praça do Comércio
The largest public sq. within the metropolis of Lisbon sits down by the waterfront and is a superb 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 the town’s rebirth after the earthquake. You may climb to the highest of the arch for a view over the Baixa neighbourhood and the river.
The Lisboa Story Centre
Should you’re searching 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, via to current day.
The 60-minute audio information is excellent and works nicely for each adults and youngsters because it follows the wars, quests, victories, creation, and destruction that formed the town. There are a handful of interactive displays too.
One room focuses on the 1755 earthquake and entails a movie that some kids would possibly discover overwhelming. You may select to skip this room in the event 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 in the present day however the different half of this historic market corridor has been taken over by the Time Out Market.
Positioned 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 likely one of the greatest locations to eat in Lisbon with children. You will discover all the pieces from sushi and salads to dishes by Michelin-starred cooks.
Go underwater on the Oceanário De Lisboa
Lisbon is residence to the most important aquarium in Europe, the Oceanário De Lisboa. We visited the Lisbon Oceanarium on our remaining morning and it was considered one of 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 cherished the 2 curious sunfish, some hypnotic dragon sea horses, mammoth Manta rays, lovable sea otters and rather more.
Notably mind-boggling is the enormous 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 concert events 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 Information in any other case often called the Lisbon Science Museum. This glorious hands-on museum is a superb factor to do in Lisbon for kids of all ages.
The museum is split into plenty of totally different worlds, together with one that’s aimed toward youthful kids.
A few of the children’ favorite actions included using a motorcycle – E.T. model – alongside a chunk of rope suspended throughout the principle corridor, studying concerning the digestive system, constructing marble runs and creating electrical circuits for robots.
Take a cable automobile journey
Additionally at Parque des Nacoes is the Telecabine Lisboa, a cable automobile journey that crosses the Tagus River providing views over the town and Vasco da Gama bridge. The cable automobile 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 carry first opened in 1902. In the present day, it’s a well-liked vacationer attraction and features to journey up the elevator could be very lengthy.
Even in the event you don’t take a journey, nevertheless, it’s price visiting to see the construction, which is constructed from wrought iron and is kind of lovely.
The polished wooden carriages journey as much as a viewing platform, which affords fantastic panoramic views over the town. The excellent news is that you may get this similar view with out ready in line; the terrace the place the elevator stops is open to the general public and could be accessed by foot.
Rides within the Elevador de Santa Justa are very fashionable 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 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 in the event 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, that means ‘sizzling fountains’. Lots of the residents residing right here in the present day have been right here for many years. Wandering round you’ll spot a couple of 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 hearken to some equally conventional fado music (you may as well get pleasure from fado performances in different elements of city together with Bairro Alto the place nightly fado performances are held at Laia Fado.
You will want to order and there’s a minimal 50 Euro order per buyer). If you wish to be taught 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 massive landscaped park sits in entrance of the Baroque Basilica da Estrela. It’s considered one of Lisbon’s greatest and greatest 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 could be discovered within the Jardim Botanico Lisbon (the Lisbon Botanical Gardens), which lie only a quick stroll from the town’s major thoroughfare, the Avenida da Liberdade.
The oldest bookstore on the planet
Admittedly, we have been somewhat underwhelmed by our go to to Livraria Bertrand however it’s nonetheless price stopping by this bookstore, the oldest working e book store on the planet.
Livraria Bertrand was first opened in 1732 as a hub for the town’s mental scene. Since then, it has witnessed two world wars, sixteen presidents and six coups. It’s additionally turn into the cornerstone for the Bertrand bookstore chain.
Regardless of its grand heritage, nevertheless, 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 drugs in Portugal and around the globe however sadly the displays have been somewhat dry for the children.
Should you do get the time, nevertheless, it’s price visiting this museum as they’ve an unbelievable assortment of medicinal lotions and potions relationship again a whole lot of years.
On show is the Apothecary Chest utilized by Henry Morton Stanley on his journey to Africa and the emergency medical package utilized by Ernest Shackleton. Additionally on show are some very painful-looking chastity belts for each women and men – which can immediate some fascinating discussions with children!
Exterior is the wonderful, Pharmacia Felicidade, a terrace cafe serving medicinal themed cocktails. There’s additionally a restaurant and the meals is meant to be excellent.
Make Portuguese bracelets at Missangas & Co.
Making bracelets at Missangas & Co is a extremely enjoyable factor to do in Lisbon with kids.
This jewelry retailer is residence to 1000’s and 1000’s of beads, which you need to use to create your personal bracelets or necklaces. There are Portuguese-inspired beads, glass beads, steel beads, vibrant beads, plain beads and anything that you can imagine. My children every created and made a bracelet within the store and wore it for the remainder of the vacation.
Trip on a Funicular
There are three funiculars in Lisbon, designed to assist locals and guests sort out the town’s steep slopes. All three, the Elevador do Lavra, Elevador da Glória and Elevador da Bica, have 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 a fantastic picture alternative! Tickets could be purchased on board.
See the views from the Castelo de São Jorge
The Castelo de São Jorge (Lisbon Fortress) sits excessive up on São Jorge hill, the very best hill in Lisbon. It’s a well-liked attraction and provides a few of nice views over the red-tiled roofs of the town.
The citadel has housed Visigoths, Moors, Christians, royals and convicts however in the present day welcomes guests from internationally. Little stays of life contained in the citadel, as an alternative you’ll must content material your self with the views.
There’s a digicam obscura within the Tower of Ulysses, which provides a 360-degree view of Lisbon. You should purchase your tickets forward of time and skip the road through Get Your Guide.
Lisbon’s coolest neighbourhood, the LX Manufacturing facility
You’ll discover Lisbon’s coolest neighbourhood in an previous 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 have been deserted as soon as the town’s golden age of business completed.
The buildings lay derelict till 2008 when some progressive locals determined to breathe new life into the world and created the LX Factory. In the present day it’s residence to retailers, cafés, bars, artwork areas, barbers, start-ups, tattoo studios and extra.
There’s nothing specifically for youths right here however it’s a enjoyable place to wander round; time your go to for the afternoon when all the pieces 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 spread of tasty flavours.
Take a tour with With Locals
We spent a day from Isabel, an area information from Withlocals and it was a wonderful 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 the town. Time your tour on your first afternoon and also you’ll be armed with plenty of native suggestions for the remainder of your loved ones trip in Lisbon.
We loved a non-public three-hour Lisbon Like a Local Family tour and cherished 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 excellent. 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 the town.
Day journeys from Lisbon
There are a selection of day journeys you possibly can take from Lisbon together with to see the large wave riders at Nazaré and the medieval city of Obidos.
There are additionally some lovely seashores inside straightforward every of the town middle; Praia do Guincho, Cascais, Praia dos Galapos and Parque Pure da Arrabida are all fashionable.
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 youths 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 likely one of the the explanation why Roman, Moorish and Portuguese royalty selected to construct their summer season properties right here.
Lisbon to Sintra solely takes 30-40 minutes on the practice with trains departing frequently from Rossio practice station.
Belem: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The Jerónimos Monastery, in Belem, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and one of the crucial visited websites within the capital.
It was constructed to commemorate the return of Vasco de Gama, a Portuguese explorer and the primary European to succeed in India by sea. Building started on January 6, 1501 and wasn’t accomplished till practically 100 years later as designs for the monastery grew to become increasingly elaborate and ornate because the nation’s wealth grew.
Regardless of being a vastly fashionable 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!
Should you do go to be sure to 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 may’t purchase tickets on-line however Get Your Guide do supply a skip the road ticket.
Pastéis de Belém
There’s loads to like about Portugal however there’s one factor that you just’ll most likely love somewhat bit greater than anything and that’s the pasteis de nata, custard tarts. You will discover pasteis de nata virtually wherever in Lisbon however for the actual deal, head to the world-famous Pastéis de Belém pastry store positioned very close to the Jeronimos Monastery.
The pasteis de nata really originated from the monastery itself; the story goes {that a} monk offered the recipe to a bakery within the Belém district in 1834, after the monasteries have 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 vital position 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 specifically will most likely desire the gargoyles, dungeons and cannons of the Belém Tower. They’ll additionally look out for the rhino carved in stone on the tower’s rampart. It’s doable to climb to the highest of the tower however the stairs are slender so watch out with little children.
Should 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 resort and this actually is the most effective kid-friendly resort in Lisbon.
Conveniently positioned within the space often called “Pombaline Baixa”, the place the historic previous city meets the newer enterprise space, it’s an excellent location for exploring Lisbon.
The resort has 37 residences (starting from studios to two-bedrooms) which have all the pieces you would possibly have to make a household metropolis break straightforward. Every residence has a kitchen full with a range, dishwasher, washer-dryer, fridge, crockery and plastic plates and bowls for youths.
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’s even a mini climbing wall for youths. Better of all, nevertheless, 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 accommodations and vacation leases.
The perfect time to go to Lisbon
Lisbon is likely one of the sunniest cities in Europe and is fairly fabulous at any time of yr. Nevertheless, summer season will get very busy so in the event you can time your go to between March and Could or September to October, you’ll get pleasure from nice climate however much less individuals. October half-term is a superb choice. We visited throughout February and had glorious climate with blue skies, sunshine and temperatures averaging 16C.
