Lisbon has something to be discovered at every turn.   Once a grandiose epicenter for trade, it still boasts monumental style and character.

I’ll be honest, we didn’t expect Lisbon to be as kid friendly as we found it to be. Lisbon was an add-on to our Porto family trip and it exceeded all our expectations. If you plan to head toward Porto, check out our Lisbon to Porto road trip guide.

Here are 16 activities we highly recommend if visiting Lisbon with Kids.

Lisbon with Kids

Explore S Jorge Castle

Time your visit so that you can enjoy a sunset over Lisbon at the end of your time at the museum. They usher everyone off the castle walls at sunset because it is not well lit and the stairwells can be tricky in the dark.

If you bring a stroller, plan on parking it in the courtyard while climbing the castle walls. Consider a bike lock or retractable cable lock.

Soak in the Sunset

The Senhora do Monte viewpoint and S Jorge Castle were both excellent places to take in the city or enjoy a sunset with an adult beverage and snacks for the kids.  Another incredible sunset view was at the Miradoura de Santa Catarina. 

Lisbon Duck Store

If you’re seeking a unique souvenir or just want to visit for some smiles while in Lisbon with kids, check out the Lisbon Duck Store. I’d never seen such clever and unique duck shaped characters before. They cost approximately 9€ each.

They let us use their bathroom too which was much appreciated.

Ride the Santa Justa Lift

A necessary transportation feature in the city is an elevator that carries patrons from the lower streets of Lisbon with the highest ones, climbing seven stories. The lift is artfully crafted with iron and was built by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel.

Cost: € 6 per person or included with a 24-hour transportation pass (€6.45). Check Google for the heaviest traffic times, typically your best bet is to arrive with 1 hour of opening to avoid lengthy lines (45 minutes+). If you arrive during high time, I recommend hoofing it to the top and riding the lift down instead.

At the top, you’ll find a rewarding view of the city with the S Jorge Castle in the distance and the ruins of the Carmo Convent. Walking beyond the convent we found an open terrace where the kids could run out some energy.

Take the Iconic Tram Ride

Tram 28 runs along a 90 year old route and is one of the steepest inclines in the world for a tram making it feel a bit like a slow motion rollercoaster ride. The route officially starts in Praça Martim Moniz. We recommend boarding early in their route if you hope to grab a seat with little ones. By the time you get closer to the S Jorge Castle, it is pretty full.

During the day, you can hop on every 7-10 minutes or every 15 minutes late at night.

Cost: €2.90 per person or included with 24 hour pass. (More on this below)

Indulge on Gelato and Pastel De Nata

Tiny shops with sweet treats are sprinkled throughout the city. Indulge and reenergize yourself for more climbs through the hilly city streets.

Lisbon Science Museum

When we travel with our kids, we try to do a “one for us, one for them” cadence so the kids are a bit more patient when we want to take in more of the historic or architectural gems of the city.

The Lisbon Science Museum (geared toward kids 12 and under) is sure to captivate them! One of the coolest exhibits they have is a digital aquarium where kids can color in a fish, it gets scanned into the computer and then suddenly kids see their very own fish appear in the tank.

It is an excellent rainy day option too if the weather isn’t cooperating while you’re in Lisbon with kids.

Time Out Market

A foodie’s heaven and there’s something to please every palette. It’s a bit pricey, but the quality and ambiance is outstanding. On a nice day, take your food cross the street for a picnic while the kids play on the playground.

Walk the Waterfront near Belem Tower

Gaze upon the Ponte 25 de Abril which bears a striking resemblance to the San Francisco Golden Gate bridge and be sure to check out Belém Tower. Belem Tower was built in 1519 and was the gateway to Lisbon. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Don’t leave the area without stopping for bakery at Pastéis de Belém!

Also along the waterfront is the Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos). The figures carved into the monument are famous leaders (monarchs and explorers) and is a tribute to the fact that Portuguese were one of the earliest people’s to set sail on a discovery mission.

In the sidewalk you’ll find a massive in-ground map of the world to show the areas explored.

Catch a Fado Performance

Fado music is a considered the Blues of Lisbon and it dates back to the early 1800s. Fado performances take place all over the city in intimate venues, often restaurants where patrons cease conversation to enjoy the dinner show.

If you’re exploring Lisbon with kids, experience a family friendly Fado show at A Baiuca. It is more laid back than many of the restaurants hosting live Fado.|

Hunt for the Green Street

“Rua Verde” is near the waterfront, in the Bairro Alto district. It’s name comes from the fact that each private home’s façade is well decorated with greenery. We were there in the morning after stopping at the Duck Store and had it to ourselves.

Hire a Guide

We booked a tour with a local through withlocals.com to learn more about the Alfama, Graca, Bairro Alto, and Baixa neighborhoods.   To fully appreciate Lisbon’s grandeur and tumultuous history, book a free or private walking tour.

We booked a private guide in Lisbon just like we did in Porto and can assure others it is well worth the money to have timeline flexibility with your kids along.

Historic Tuk Tuk Tour

Most companies require minimum age of 5 or 6 years old. So while we had to opt for a walking tour with our 2 and 4 year olds, this would have been a lot easier and more efficient option to learn of the history of Lisbon as a family.

Use Public Transport

Not only does your public transport pass get you rides on some of Lisbon’s iconic vehicles (tram and lift), but it is a highly safe and efficient way to move about town. Your hamstrings will thank you.

As an added bonus, fun Lisbon experiences like the Santa Justa Lift (Elevator) and the historic Trams honor your transportation pass. Purchase a pass for the number of days you’ll have in Lisbon with kids.

Young children ride free if they can sit on your lap.

Day Trip to Sintra

Just a 40 minute train ride outside of the city you can step into a fairytale.  Tour the beautiful grounds and romantic castle of the Palace of Pena. Find out more in our roadtrip guide.

Add on: 2-4 Days on the Gold Coast

Lagos is a beach town primarily catered to Europeans on holiday.   We spent most of our stay exploring the cliffs along the coast and ‘discovering’ hidden beaches.

It is too far from Lisbon to do a day trip but if you have 2-4 days to spare, it is well worth the journey down.

Downtown Lagos has a number of small streets for shopping and dining.  When downtown, you’ll see a sprawling white sand beach just in front of the city, but if you hike a short way down the coast, you’ll find the secluded beaches surrounded by golden cliffs.

Make sure to pay attention to the tides if you are moving through the archways to find a secluded beach. If tide comes in you will not be able to venture back until it recedes again.

Our favorite hike started at Ponta da Piedade and followed the path north.  You’ll also find the Grotto at Ponta da Piedade.  A lot of people see it by kayak or boat as well.

Practice Proper Etiquette in Portugal

1. Pause your conversations at dinner during Fado performances.  Their sets are typically only 3-4 songs so enjoy the music!
2. Give up your seat on the train to your elders.  I couldn’t believe how many seniors were left standing on our 40 minute train ride to Sintra.
3. It is considered rude to point.  If you need to gesture towards something, use your whole hand.
4. Attempt Portuguese, it’s appreciated.