The best things to do in Lisbon with kids

Travelling with kids may sound frightening, but with these suggestions in your pocket and a curious mindset it can turn out to be the greatest idea ever! Let’s find out some of the best things to do in Lisbon, with your toddlers.

10 THINGS TO DO IN LISBON WITH KIDS

Welcome the city of the seven hills! Do you want to be an “alfacinha” for a few days? That is how the people who were born in Lisbon are called. It means “little lettuce” and the reason behind it is still unknown.

Some people say that once upon a time the hills of Lisbon were filled with this vegetable. But the word came from a 19th century Portuguese writer, Almeida Garrett, and now it is part of the local’s identity. Now that we have started, let's get to now the best things to do in Lisbon with kids!

1. Oceanário | Surprise your kids with the best aquarium in the world

Location: Oceanário de Lisboa, Esplanada Dom Carlos I, 1990-005 Lisboa

Everybody loves Oceanário and its surrounding area, Parque das Nações. Do you know that it is the most visited cultural venue in Lisbon and one of the best Aquariums in the world? Visit the four marine habitats holding more than 5 million litres of seawater and introduce your kids to 8 thousand plus animals belonging to 500 different species. Say hello to the funny sea otters and discover which Portuguese personalities are behind their names! Buy your tickets!

2. Pavilhão do Conhecimento | Release your inner child

Location: Pavilhão do Conhecimento - Centro Ciência Viva, Largo José Mariano Gago, nº1, Parque das Nações,
1990-073 Lisboa

Right in front of the aquarium you can find another place to learn and play: Pavilhão do Conhecimento. This building was another success story buit for the Expo 98 (1998 Lisbon World Exposition). Forget what you know and explore, with your toddlers, the concepts of light, vision, perception, waves and (extremely) complex systems. Rediscover windpipes and electrical circuits at the Dóing workshop (projects in the field of programming and robotics). And let the kids play endlessly at Tcharan exhibition, about the circus world. Save time for the Unfinished House, one of the kids’ favourites! Buy your tickets!

3. Jardim da Estrela | Take a break from the city

Location: Praça da Estrela 12, 1990-073 Lisboa

This Public Park is fantastic place to play, run about or just take a nap in the shadow. Take your picnic basket or get some snacks at the local café while you watch the kids having fun at the playgrounds. There is one with a giraffe and a lion (not real ones!) that might be their new favourite. If you are lucky enough you might assist a yoga class or listen to live music playing at the bandstand, as it happens during Out Jazz Festival, in the summer. More about this garden

4. Elevador de Santa Justa | Time travel

Location: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa

The Elevador do Carmo (an elevator in downtown Lisbon known today as Elevador de Santa Justa) began operating in 1902, bringing Bairro Alto (lit. Upper Neighborhood) and Baixa (Lit. Lower) neighbourhoods closer together. It ran on steam and could carry 24 people at a time. Today, running on electricity, it takes 20 people to the top but only 15 can go down at one time. If there is a big queue to enter and the family does not feel like waiting, discover Largo do Carmo instead. Soak up the history, from Convent that resisted the Earthquake of 1755 to one of the iconic places in Carnation Revolution (a peaceful Revolution that led to the end of the longest dictatorship in Europe). More about Santa Just Lift

5. Tram 28 | Ride the tram like Fernando Pessoa

Location: Largo Luís de Camões, 1200-243 Lisboa

From here you can walk to Largo Camões or Rua da Conceição (in Baixa) and take the famous 28 tram. Soaking up the scenery, on the way to Largo das Portas do Sol, you are riding what was the most used means of transportation by Fernando Pessoa (a great Portuguese poet and one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century). Beware of pickpockets! Tram 28 timetable

6. Castle of São Jorge | Look for the peacocks

Location: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa

At the top of the hill let yourselves be delighted by the wonderful view of Lisbon, in a castle (it has since been renovated many time) conquered to the moors by the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1147. Inside the castle, do not miss the guided tours and workshops that take you back in time. Challenge the kids to look around for the peacocks and try and identify the tree species from the Iberian Peninsula. Buy your tickets!

7. Pastelaria Santo António | Taste another custard tart

Location: R. do Milagre de Santo António 10, 1100-351 Lisboa

It is almost impossible to dislike Portuguese custard tarts, or Pastéis de Nata! As soon as you leave the castle walk two minutes to Pastelaria Santo António. Before going up to the second floor, where the pastries begin to be produced, look at the downstairs kitchen, where the dough extends. Create a family contest and let everybody decide the best Pastel de Nata in town. Is it the one from Pastéis de Belém, the one from Manteigaria or this one? Read the reviews

8. Cacilhas | Cross the river by boat

Location: R. do Ginjal 46 2800, Almada

Once at Cais do Sodré, take the boat to Cacilhas and give the kids a different perspective of the city, form across the river Tagus. Drink a coffee at Cais do Ginjal or discover the nooks and crannies of Quinta da Arealva, where one of the scenes of the TV series "La Casa de Papel" was filmed. At sunset or at any other time, the trip is always worth it! Take a look at this trail

9. Monsanto | Take a deep breath surrounded by nature

Location: Serafina Park - Estr. Serafina, Lisboa

When in town, keep up with the relaxing mood and visit the Parque Florestal de Monsanto, a huge green area, also called “the lungs of the city”. Get the family moving and explore one of the many trails, ride a bike or have a picnic and play football. Climb up to the abandoned Monsanto Panoramic building and watch the sunset. Before the kids start asking for parks again, surprise them with visit to the marvellous Serafina Park with Indian tents and lots of fun! Check these kid friendly trails

10. Sintra | Take a magic trip to the Portuguese Narnia

Location: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra

If there is any time left, you must take the family to Sintra, a World UNESCO Heritage Site. There are so many palaces to choose from, but we recommend a visit to Palácio da Pena and Quinta da Regaleira, with an Initiation Well (also called initiatic well or inverted tower), a lake and caves to explore. Take the tram to the beach and try out the cold waters of Praia das Maçãs. Don’t forget to taste the regional sweets, queijadas de Sintra and travesseiros, that you can also find at the Time Out Market in Lisbon. Buy your tickets here!

Is the North of Portugal on your list as well? We have got you covered. Find the best things to do in Porto with kids, right here!