Ahhh Lisbon, a city that oozes charm and vibrancy! With its colorful architecture, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, Lisbon is a European gem that families with kids should consider wandering around. We want you to wander well with some of the best things to do with kids in Lisbon.
Lisbon is a great introduction to Europe because of its shorter flights from the East Coast. It’s similar to traveling from New York to Los Angeles. English is spoken regularly which makes for an easier transition also.
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Traveling with a child can be challenging, but fear not! Our sample 3-day itinerary is the perfect answer to help you tackle the task of keeping your tiny travel tribe engaged and entertained. We’ve selected some of the best activities that cater to all ages, from exploring historic landmarks and wandering the quaint neighborhoods.
We recommend exploring Lisbon’s streets with the kids and do not miss the opportunity to take a walk down Rua Augusta to the Placa do Comercio. Yes, there are lots of hills and stairs, just pace yourselves. Stop and enjoy family moments in parks and cafes. Take time to experience thrilling boat rides and visit fascinating museums. Make your way along Pink street and treasure hunt a search for all of the beautiful azulejos on the buildings.
The one thing we do NOT recommend in Lisbon is a car rental. It will be very difficult to navigate and find parking. Besides, it is so much more exciting to be completely immersed in Lisbon’s culture by taking public transportation and walking. The metro and bus system is easy to use and you can get a daily pass ( the Lisboa card). It includes a few free attractions and lots of discounts.
The Portuguese eat later dinners, if you are a night owl, you will have no problem finding places to dine later in the evening. Don’t be surprised if you’re too tired to dine out after a day of exploring. It’s very easy to order delivery using Uber Eats or Glovo and have a great dining experience in the comfort of your own space.
If you’re ready to take on Lisbon with the family, let’s get moving! This itinerary is designed to keep everyone going on a full never-ending adventure. Get ready to immerse yourself in the local culture, taste delicious treats, and make lifelong memories with your family.
Day 1: Exploring Things to do with Kids in Lisbon – Attractions
Morning:
Visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery to see some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks.
If you’ve read how to find your flight to Lisbon, and have a great place to stay, then you are ready to wander. It would be a good idea to explore the Belém Tower and Jeronimos Monastery early. They are popular attractions, the earlier you get there to avoid crowds and long lines, the better.
Best Tips for Your Visit:
- Learn the rich history that spans several centuries by having a guided tour so you can hear some of the stories behind the architecture.
- Take photos: These are beautiful landmarks that will make for a great family photo to capture the memories of your visit.
- Explore the surrounding Belém museums: the Maritime Museum, the Museu de Arte Popular, and the Belém Lighthouse, see historic stagecoaches at the National Coach Museum or stroll along the riverside promenade.
- Calçada portuguesa is the traditional portuguese cobblestone pavement that you encounter in many parts of Lisbon. It is NOT fun in heels or on rainy days, so be careful and just enjoy the view and the art under your feet.
Afternoon:
Enjoy some sandwiches and pastries at Pastéis de Belém or a quick bite at Mister Tapas. Then, take a leisurely walk through Jardim Botânico da Ajuda and make your way to Quake – The Lisbon Earthquake Center. At Quake, you can walk through 1755 Lisbon for an immersive experience reliving the historic earthquake and learning about the ways Lisbon is better prepared for earthquakes today.
Evening:
Try Restaurante Comptoir Parisien for authentic french bistro cuisine in front of the Gardens of Belém. Alternate: For Highly Recommended Mediterranean cuisine nearby try Churrasqueira do Marques.
Day 2: Stroll Through History
Morning:
A fantastic follow-up to learning about earthquakes is to visit the Carmo Convent, a beautiful ruin from the 1755 Earthquake turned archaeological museum in the Biaxa/Chiado area. You won’t be far from the Santa Justa Lift. Skip the long line for it and take the nearby stairs for free or the secret elevator inside the Armazens do Chiado shopping center. To access the view at the Santa Justa Lift, you will need to purchase a ticket.
Lunch:
If you want vegan/vegetarian options nearby, there’s VeganBuffet, the Green Affair, or Organi Chiado. Breakfast lovers will want to stop at Dear Breakfast. You will find a plethora of restaurants to try including some familiar ones like McDonald’s. At McDonald’s, there is a nice surprise: a pineapple spear in the kid’s meal or those old-style fried apple pies we used to get in the U.S.
Afternoon:
Take a stroll through the Alfama district on your own. Alternatively, you can have a private kid-friendly guided tour that will take you to visit the São Jorge Castle as well and explore the charming narrow streets and alleyways. Be sure to see the view from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia hidden behind the Santa Luzia church. Must-see spots in the Alfama district:
- Largo José Saramago – the large plaza in front of Casa Dos Bicos museum
- Roman Theatre Ruins – 3 €* for entry
- Lisbon Castle – Castelo de S. Jorge
- Lisbon Cathedral – Sé de Lisboa
- Muralhas de Lisboa: Torre de São Pedro – defensive stone city walls
If you are interested in exploring Lisbon’s slave trade history, this is where you can tour and learn about the significance and impact of the slave trade. Another tour that we recommend is Naky at African Lisbon Tour.
Evening:
Time Out Market is the perfect one-stop shop for a meal where everyone is happy. With 24 restaurants, 8 bars, shops, a cooking school, and music, you can’t beat a night out with the best burgers, sushi, or steaks under one roof.
Day 3: Fun Activities for the Whole Family
Morning:
Parque das Nações is a stunning place to take kids in Lisbon. It was built for the 1998 World Exposition, so it has many unique attractions like an aquarium, cable car rides, an interactive science center, an observation tower, and more. You will be able to keep your kids entertained for hours.
- Ride the cable car above the park for views of the Vasco de Gama Bridge and the Tejo Estuary.
- Dive into a magical immersive experience (Fishanario), where your drawing comes to life in the ocean at Pavilhao do Conhecimento (the Pavillion of Knowledge Science Museum). This is another great place to put your (ASTC) membership to use and gain free entry as a reciprocal museum.
- Splash on the stepping stones of the Jardins da Agua outside the Oceanário de Lisboa.
- Inside the Oceanário de Lisboa, become One with the Ocean in a unique immersive journey. You can even experience Fado with Babies in a special event that combines traditional Portuguese music with ocean fantasy.
Lunch:
For a worry-free meal with real fresh, unprocessed foods, try Honest Greens nearby. Their market plates include choices for every dietary need with options like Homemade Falafel, Azores Tuna, Piri Piri Chicken, a Veggie Plate, or Sweet Chili Tofu. There are plenty more options from Garden Bowls to plant-based add-ons such as black trumpets and lentils. The full menu is packed with garden fresh goodness and even adventurous sweets to try.
Afternoon:
Go from land to water on a wild and hilarious adventure on the Tagus River aboard Hippotrip. Enjoy the scenic views of Lisbon’s skyline and the river while learning its history and seeing some of its top attractions. Your lively guides present an entertaining show while sharing myths and legends during your 90-minute ride.
Evening:
When you still don’t want the fun to stop and need one last thing to do, head to the Immersivus Gallery Lisboa Experience for a different take on art where classic art surrounds you. End the day savoring all the moments that you’ve had. Consider reliving one, visiting a missed attraction, or doing one of the following 26 more things to do in Lisbon.
26 More Ways to See More of Lisbon and Keep the Family Fun Going
- Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium
- Take a tram ride on the famous Tram 28
- Ride the cable car in Parque das Nações
- See the street performers in Rossio Square
- Enjoy a picnic in Jardim da Estrela
- Visit the National Tile Museum
- Have fun at Kidzania
- Go on a horse-drawn carriage ride in Alfama
- Take a day trip to Sintra
- Visit the MAAT Museum
- Play mini-golf in Park Eduardo VII
- See the Lisbon Story Centre
- Explore the Gulbenkian Museum
- Check out the Puppet Museum
- Watch a live performance at the Lisbon Coliseum
- Go on a Tuk-Tuk tour of the city
- Visit the Ajuda National Palace
- Play at the playground in Jardim do Torel
- Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
- Walk along the Tagus River
- Visit the Lisbon Zoo
- Explore the Bela Vista Park
- See the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora
- Play at the playground in Parque da Bela Vista
- Visit the Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira
- Check out the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum – Modern Collection
Fantastic FREE Things to Do in Lisbon
Walk and explore the historic neighborhood of Alfama, the Baixa district, the Graça neighborhood, and the Chiado.
Watch the street performers in Praça do Comércio (a large famous town square).
Visit 6 Lisbon museums:
National Archaeology Museum Rua Dos Correeiros Archaeological Nucleus (NARC) – FREE guided tour and it is advisable to book it in advance to ensure availability.
Address: R. dos Correeiros 9, 1100-061 Lisboa, Portugal
Money Museum Banco de Portugal – see the heaviest gold coin in Portuguese history, the first western coin from 7th century Lydia (Turkey), and a touch-accessible gold bar.
Address: Largo de São Julião, 1100-150 Lisboa, Portugal
Casa dos Bicos – Museu de Lisboa – built around 1522, this museum represents 16th-century renaissance period residential architecture and houses archaeological exhibits that are over 2000 years old.
Address: R. dos Bacalhoeiros 10, 1100-135 Lisboa, Portugal
Health Museum – Journey through 5000 years of pharmaceutical history and advancement in health care.
Address: R. Mal. Saldanha 1, 1249-069 Lisboa, Portugal
Luís Serra Museum Nucleus – explore a collection of clothing, tools, furniture, and artifacts that represent the cultural heritage and people of the saloia region from the late 19th to the 20th centuries.
Amália Rodrigues Museum – voyage into the late famous Fado singer’s life through her home. She lived there for 44 years and it has been crystalized in time with her original garden design, favorite flowers, decorations and furnishings.
Address: R. de São Bento 193, 1250-219 Lisboa, Portugal
Happy Wandering with Kids in Lisbon!
When you visit Lisbon with your family, you will find it is a great city to explore. There are many things to do and see, and the city has a wide range of family-friendly options for hotels and attractions. No matter which one of its amazing historic neighborhoods you choose to stay in, you’ll have nearby restaurants and tons of things to do with the kids.
You can make use of public transportation easily or use a ride-sharing app to get around the city quickly. You’ll walk through history with every step from the cobblestone roads to architectural views. Start planning your Lisbon adventure with the kids today.
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