10 Little-Known Reasons to Visit Lisbon With Kids

LISBONPORTUGALGUIDE
Written By Jocelyn Lee

Why a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, should rank as the ultimate destination on your family travel bucket List.

A toddler in Rossio Square in Lisbon

Is Lisbon worth visiting with kids?

Lisbon, Portugal, is a hidden gem for families traveling to Europe with kids. Not only is it one of the oldest cities in Europe, but it's also incredibly kid-friendly and easily accessible for families flying in from the West. Whether you're seeking things to do in Lisbon with kids, planning a trip to Lisbon with a toddler, or searching for family-friendly accommodations in Lisbon, I'm about to share all the details.

How many days do you need in Lisbon for kids?

If you're arriving from a nearby European country, I'd recommend dedicating at least three days to exploring Lisbon. However, if you're embarking on a long-haul flight from the West, it's wise to plan for a more leisurely stay of 5-7 days. Lisbon's compact size is a hidden advantage, allowing you to discover a substantial portion of the city's offerings in just one day.

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon for kids?

BAIXA/CHIADO | This neighborhood will place you in the center of the city with close proximity to major attractions. The area is also relatively flat and a little easier to walk. Check out the

Where to stay: Martinhal Chiado Family Suites offers a kids’ club, kid’s playroom, and childcare service.

Belem, Estrela, and Principe Real are also charming neighborhoods with nearby attractions.

 

What to do in Lisbon with kids, check out these guides perfect for families.

10 reasons to consider a family trip to Lisbon

 

01 | Lisbon is affordable

Planning a seven-day family trip to Lisbon, you can expect an approximate total cost of around $5,000, which covers accommodation, dining, and various activities. Notably, the expenses related to food and admission fees for attractions are quite budget-friendly.

 

02 | The undiscovered food scene

Lisbon is a culinary paradise for families who appreciate good food. Whether you're exploring Michelin-starred restaurants, cozy cafes, or charming seafood spots, the combination of quality and affordability in Lisbon's culinary scene will be a delightful surprise if you're accustomed to dining in cities like San Francisco, New York, or Paris. In Lisbon, you can savor royal-worthy meals for a fraction of the cost you'd typically encounter in other major urban centers.

A family dining in Lisbon
 

03 | Incredible indoor activities for kids

In Lisbon, families are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities with kids. From the enchanting 200-year-old zoo to the largest Oceanarium in Europe and the Contemporary Science Museum, you'll discover a wealth of attractions to keep your family entertained. In fact, the abundance of child-friendly options might make it a challenge to experience them all during your visit.

 

04 | Beaches are 20 minutes away

Lisbon is a city that offers easy access to beautiful beaches. The family-friendly beaches of Carcavelos, Oeiras, Cascais, and Estoril are conveniently reachable by train or a simple Uber ride. If you're visiting Lisbon with kids during the summer, consider adding beach day trips to your itinerary for a memorable experience.

Beach in Lisbon
 

05 | Subtropical-Mediterranean climate

Lisbon is renowned for its temperate climate, with summers that are pleasantly warm and winters that remain mild. The city's location along the Gulf Stream ensures an abundance of sunshine and contributes to its agreeable weather conditions. Parents can rest assured that they won't need to be overly concerned about extreme weather fluctuations.

The Botanical Gardens in Lisbon
 

06 | Getting around is easy

Lisbon boasts a substantial fleet of Uber drivers, resulting in remarkably short wait times, often less than 5 minutes. This convenience allows you to effortlessly shuttle between destinations, like zipping from the Oceanarium to the heart of Chiado in just 25 minutes, traffic permitting.

Additionally, Lisbon offers a secure and cost-effective metro system that's user-friendly. Beyond that, it's a city that encourages exploration on foot, although comfortable tennis shoes are advisable for tackling its hilly terrain.

Toddler in an Uber ride in Lisbon
 

07 | Lisbon is safe

Lisbon stands out as one of the safest cities in Europe. In the evenings, children can freely enjoy the plazas, and parents won't be plagued by anxious thoughts. The city walls contain a diverse mix of families, tourists, and locals. However, I would advise against solo night walks or allowing children out of your sight since, after all, it's still an urban environment.

Two sisters dancing in a plaza in Lisbon
 

08 | Azulejo - Lisbon tile art

The devastating earthquake of 1755 left downtown Lisbon in ruins, prompting the use of tiles as a cost-effective and durable means of reconstruction. Over time, tile art became an integral part of the city's modern aesthetic and architectural design. The mesmerizing Azulejo designs can be spotted throughout Lisbon, providing a delightful and colorful experience for both children and parents to appreciate together.

The tile museum in Lisbon
 

09 | The vibrant colors

The vibrant colors of Lisbon create unforgettable imagery that lingers in your memory. The city's buildings are adorned with hues carefully chosen to draw in and radiate light, such as white limestone and Portuguese lioz limestone. These stones have the remarkable ability to reflect and disperse light, intensifying the tones.

Moreover, Lisbon's distinctive location nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea infuses the region with an inherent luminosity.

Sunset in Lisbon
 

10 | Public playgrounds are all around

Lisbon with toddlers is made wonderful through the outrageous number of public parks. Vacationing in Lisbon offers a delightful perk – the abundance of playgrounds almost at every turn. The city boasts approximately 150 playgrounds and parks scattered throughout its charming streets. What makes it even better is that these playgrounds are often conveniently accompanied by cafes, allowing parents to savor a cup of coffee and a pastry while their children expend their energy.

One particularly enchanting spot for families to explore is the Principe Real Garden, nestled in the trendy neighborhood of Principe Real. This gem features a restaurant cafe, a public garden space, and a well-equipped playground. Additionally, it's conveniently located across the street from EmbaiXada, an 18th-century building transformed into a boutique mall. As if that weren't enough, the area is also surrounded by a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Playground in Lisbon
 

Where to eat in Lisbon with kids

From cafes to outdoor and fine dining, check out our tried and tasted list of places to eat in Lisbon with kids.

Final thoughts on Lisbon with kids

Families with toddlers or older kids will discover a wealth of options to keep everyone engaged throughout their stay. Lisbon's affordability, friendly locals, excellent transportation, and the allure of its magnificent beaches make it a question of when you should visit, rather than if.

 
 

More Lisbon Attractions

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Jocelyn Lee

Jocelyn Lee is full-time parenting a tween and toddler, dabbling in Duolingo, and preaching a clutter-free life despite any dismay from said, family members. You can follow her on Instagram.

https://apoppyplace.com
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