Lisbon with Kids: the Greatest 4-Day Itinerary for Families
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Lisbon is a beautiful, family-friendly city. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do here for the whole family to enjoy. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon has an incredibly rich history and culture. All the numerous historic sites are of great interest to young and old alike.
The Portuguese capital is also particularly picturesque. The view over the Tagus, the castles, palaces and architectural gems are all more impressive than the last. Finally, you’re sure to fall in love with Portuguese cuisine (and its sweet delights) when you visit Lisbon with kids.
To help you plan your next family trip to Lisbon, we’ve put together this 4-day itinerary that includes the best family-friendly activities to do. It’s inspired by our most recent visit to Lisbon, which we made with our children as part of a 17-day family trip to Europe that also took us to Porto and Paris.
We have included periods of rest and/or free time – which we feel are essential when travelling with young children. This itinerary will allow you to visit all the main tourist attractions of Lisbon with kids.
Mini Guide to Lisbon with Kids
Planning a family trip to Lisbon and don’t want to read a million blog posts? Here is what you need to know before visiting Lisbon with kids:
Best things to do in Lisbon with kids
– Lisbon Card: get it if you plan on doing many attractions in Lisbon – it will help you save money!
– Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: this is a really fun way to discover the city of Lisbon with kids!
– Jeronimós Monastery: when visiting Belém, add this place to your Lisbon itinerary!
– Plan an easy family-friendly day trip from Lisbon.
Where to stay in Lisbon with kids
– Martinhal Lisbon Chiado: One of the best hotels for families in Lisbon, perfectly located in the heart of the city.
– Radisson Blu Hotel: a perfect option for larger families as they have room that can sleep up to 6 persons.
– Tivoli Lisboa (Avenida Liberdade): an affordable 5-star hotel equipped with an outdoor pool that families will LOVE during summer months.
– For more details, check out our other post on where to stay with kids in Lisbon
To make the most of your family trip, find out when is the best time to go to Portugal with kids.
Is Lisbon a good destination for kids?
Lisbon is an excellent family destination that will appeal to children and adults alike. Portugal’s capital has a number of activities and attractions that are suitable for kids and toddlers (including the magnificent Lisbon Oceanarium). You’ll have no trouble finding something to occupy your days!
The city is lively and safe. You’ll find plenty of grocery shops, pharmacies and restaurants nearby, no matter which district you stay in during your trip. These are all important factors when visiting a new city with your family.
The only thing to bear in mind when travelling to Lisbon with kids (and even grandparents) is the sheer number of hills and stairs. Depending on the age of your kids, bring along a good, comfortable baby carrier to carry your child easily from one place to another. A stroller can also be essential when visiting Lisbon with babies and toddlers. Young children tire more quickly and find it hard to keep up with the pace of going up and down all those hills.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that the city not only has a lot of steep streets, but also a lot of stairs… which isn’t ideal for strollers. Since maps of Lisbon don’t always clearly indicate where the steep hills and staircases are, we sometimes had to carry the stroller up and down the stairs. In some places, you can take a lift, saving you the physical effort!
As an indication, we frequently used the stroller for our 4-year-old daughter while our 18-month-old son was in the baby carrier.
Despite this little geographical challenge, Lisbon remains one of the best European cities to visit with kids.
Where to stay with kids in Lisbon?
Lisbon has a number of picturesque and lively districts that are perfect for families. We’ve written a comprehensive guide to help you choose where to stay with kids in Lisbon. In this article, you’ll find out what’s special about each of these family-friendly neighbourhoods, so you can assess which one best suits your family’s needs and expectations.
To explore the best accommodation options, we recommend you use the Booking.com website.
➡️ Read Next: Where to Stay with Kids in Lisbon
When is the best time to visit Lisbon with kids?
Spring and early autumn, from March to May, and September and October, are the best times to visit Lisbon with kids. The weather is generally mild and there are fewer tourists visiting during these periods.
During the summer, Portugal is often hit by heatwaves. Intense heat waves are not particularly good times to visit with kids. What’s more, many tourists from all over the world converge on Europe’s most family-friendly cities during the summer holiday period. As a result, tourist sites are much busier and prices for flights and hotels tend to rise. To avoid the crowds and the heat, we advise you to avoid visiting Lisbon with kids during the summer.
Finally, winter is considered the low season. Nevertheless, there are plenty of family activities to do in Lisbon in winter.
➡️ Read Next: 7 INCREDIBLE DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON BY TRAIN FOR FAMILIES ?
Getting around with kids in Lisbon
Lisbon is an easy city to visit. There are several options, depending on your needs and where you want to go: walking, taxi (and Uber/Bolt), metro, train, tram and bus.
On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, despite the fact that Lisbon is an excellent family destination, the city is not well suited to strollers. To get from one attraction to another, you’ll have to climb several hills and stairs. What’s more, many cobblestoned streets are not exactly stroller-friendly.
Still, for the most part, we walked to visit the attractions – Lisbon is a fairly walkable city. If you have young children who are tired of walking the steep streets, or if you want to avoid walking the cobbled streets with a stroller, you can use the public transport network to get from place to place.
If you take the tram, tram 28 is the most popular. Its route takes you past a number of major tourist attractions.
The train is also easily accessible, providing a quick connection to the surrounding towns.
Lisbon with kids: a 4-day itinerary for families
Here’s a simple and fun itinerary that allows you to visit all the important sites and make the most of your family trip to Lisbon.
Lisbon has several interesting districts to visit. We recommend that you focus on one area at a time and visit the attractions there, rather than constantly moving around for a day. That way, you’ll be able to see more and be more relaxed (remember the steep streets and lots of stairs!).
If you plan on visiting several tourist sites during your stay in Lisbon, we recommend that you get a Lisbon Card. This is a flexible tourist card that gives you free entry to the best attractions and discounts at many sites. The card also includes free and unlimited access to the various modes of public transport. You have the option of taking a Lisbon card valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours – depending on your itinerary and needs.
day 1 – 4 days in Lisbon with kids
Arriving in Lisbon
We arrived in Lisbon mid-morning at Humberto Delgado airport. The airport is about 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Lisbon. We took a taxi to our accommodation in the tourist district of Baixa.
Depending on the time you arrive and if you are affected by jet lag, we recommend that you do not plan too many activities when you arrive. Delays and fatigue could have an impact on your ability to visit everything you had planned – thus affecting your travel itinerary.
On the first day of your 4-day itinerary in Lisbon, you can take the opportunity to check in, settle into your accommodation, make a quick trip to the grocery shop to buy a few essentials for the family and familiarise yourself with the neighbourhood.
Here’s what our first day in Lisbon looked like as a family:
Rossio Square (Baxia)
As it was too early to check in at our accommodation, we dropped off our luggage and set off to explore the surrounding streets.
Rossio Square, also known as Don Pedro IV Square, is a great place to make your first stop in Lisbon with children. It’s a beautiful public square where locals and tourists alike usually gather.
Sometimes there are people playing music to keep the crowd entertained and dancing. Sometimes a market selling fresh produce and handmade items (such as jewellery and bags) sets up in the square.
We really enjoyed this place. After several hours on the plane, our children took the opportunity to stretch their legs by jumping over the ceramic tiles laid out on the ground in the shape of a wave.
Here you’ll find two magnificent Baroque fountains and a huge monument to Dom Pedro IV, a former Portuguese king.
Rua Augusta
We then headed for Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street renowned for its many shops and restaurants.
This is where we had lunch. We opted for a lovely terrace to enjoy the view and the bustle of the street.
Rua Augusta is located between Rossio Square and Praça do Comércio. As soon as you arrive on Rua Augusta, you can see the famous triumphal arch in the distance, which marks the entrance to the Praça do Comércio.
It’s the perfect place to shop for the souvenirs you’d like to take home – or to enjoy a gelato!
Praça do Comércio
After completing our check-in – and taking a much-needed family nap after almost 20 hours of travelling and waiting – we headed for the Praça do Comércio (Trade Square), at the other end of the Rua Augusta.
Here you can take a closer look at the splendour of the Portuguese triumphal arch. It was built in memory of the earthquake that shook the city and caused catastrophic damage in 1755.
The Praça do Comércio is Lisbon’s largest and best-known public square. Many tourists gather here to admire this jewel of Portuguese architecture.
The square’s vocation has changed considerably over the years. At first, it was the gateway to Lisbon for the ships that docked there. At one point in its history, it housed the royal palace. In 1755, the square was rebuilt following earthquake damage. In the 1980s, the square was even used as a car park! Today, it is a symbolic gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Various events are held here throughout the year, including open-air concerts.
In the evening, the triumphal arch is lit up to its full beauty.
Finally, at the end of the Square, you’ll find the banks of the Tagus. A pretty square has been laid out, with benches and a tiny sandy beach, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Lisbon Bridge and the sailing boats.
If you’re travelling to Lisbon with kids, the Praça do Comércio is a great place for them to hop around and stretch their legs. On the other hand, the waterfront is the perfect place for a well-deserved snack break!
For dinner, we returned to Rua Augusta to stay close to our accommodation.
day 2 – 4 days in Lisbon with kids
Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most picturesque districts. It is also the capital’s oldest district. It’s particularly renowned for its pretty narrow cobbled streets, attractive facades, and numerous cafés. You’ll see some very old buildings – indeed, Alfama is the only district to have survived the great earthquake without damage.
It’s worth noting that this district is particularly steep and has several staircases. Put on your most comfortable shoes and plan your day accordingly!
São Jorge Castle
We began our day with a visit to São Jorge Castle, one of Lisbon’s most important tourist attractions. This is one of the must-sees on your 4-day itinerary in Lisbon with kids.
The original castle, which belonged to the Moors, dates back to the 10th century. Much of the castle has been destroyed over the years, not least as a result of the earthquake that struck Portugal in 1755.
However, it is still possible to see walls that have survived the years, as well as parts that were refurbished during the 20th century.
At the heart of the castle, there are several places from which you can enjoy impressive views of the Alfama district, the Tagus and Lisbon in general.
A visit to São Jorge Castle is one of the best things to do with kids in Lisbon.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia (viewpoint)
Once you’ve finished visiting the castle, take a stroll through the surrounding streets to discover the magnificent Alfama district.
Just a 5-minute walk from São Jorge Castle, you’ll find one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the whole of Lisbon: the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It’s a beautiful place, full of flowers and with a typically Portuguese tiled facade. From here, you’ll have an incredible view of the Tagus and the city of Lisbon. It’s the ideal place to take a few family photos.
There are a number of miradouros (viewpoints) in the neighbourhood from which you can enjoy magnificent views of Lisbon. Nearby are the Miradouro do Recolhimento, Santo Estêvão and das Portas d’Sol.
Lunch
There are several family-friendly restaurants in the Alfama district. On the way back to your accommodation, you’ll come across several restaurants from which you can choose where to stop and refuel the troops.
You can also stop off at one of the grocery shops and buy a few items to eat at one of the nearby miradouros. These are excellent places for a family picnic in Lisbon. You’ll be able to eat in peace while enjoying a magnificent view of the Tagus and the Lisbon landscape.
Points of interest in the Alfama district
As well as São Jorge Castle and the miradouros, the Alfama district boasts a number of heritage buildings with a rich history and impressive architecture. These include Sé Cathedral and the church of São Vincente de Fora. If time allows, we suggest you add a visit to these sites to your itinerary. If you don’t have time to visit them, you can still plan a stop in front of these churches to admire the splendour of their architecture.
Rest period at your accommodation
We always plan a rest period during our days of sightseeing on family trips. This is because when children (and parents) are too tired, they tend to become grumpier and more impatient as well as less co-operative, affecting morale and the overall experience.
We suggest that you include this type of rest period in your itinerary, especially if you’re travelling with young children. This kind of break allows the whole family to recharge their batteries and be in better shape for the visits planned for later in the day.
Belém
After your rest period, head for the Belém district. This district is located on the banks of the river, around 9 kilometres from the centre of Lisbon.
This is where you can admire and visit the famous Belém Tower. The famous Belém Tower, built at the mouth of the Tagus to defend Lisbon from attack during the war, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A large green area surrounds the Belem Tower. It’s the ideal place to let your children stretch their legs, while enjoying the view over the Tagus.
Across the street is the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic building, built in 1502, is a symbol of wealth and power. It was built as a tribute to Vasco da Gama’s famous voyage to India in 1498. The Gothic architecture is particularly impressive.
This is where the day’s visit ends.
For dinner, we returned to the heart of the city, on Rua Augusta. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and terraces all along the main street and in the surrounding areas.
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day 3 – 4 days in Lisbon with kids
Day trip: Cascais or Sintra
For the third day of this 4-day itinerary in Lisbon with kids, we recommend a day trip outside Lisbon. There are several extremely interesting options available to you. Among the most popular and accessible choices are Cascais and Sintra.
We had the chance to visit both towns and were completely charmed in both cases. Both offer completely different experiences: a relaxing day at the beach in one of the most picturesque towns and a visit to castles of impressive splendour.
Here’s what both cities have to offer for a family day trip from Lisbon:
Option 1: Cascais with kids
Cascais is just a short train ride away from Lisbon. The journey takes around 40 minutes and borders the river and the ocean at times, allowing you to enjoy some lovely scenery along the way.
This Portuguese seaside town is a very popular destination for tourists visiting Lisbon, so we took an early morning train to arrive before the crowds. Once we arrived at the Cascais train station, you can easily visit the town on foot. What’s more, Cascais is suitable for strollers. Unlike Lisbon, the streets are flat and, for the most part, not cobbled.
We began our visit by going to the Mirador Praia da Rainha to get our first real view of the picturesque landscape of Cascais.
➡️ Read Next: 11 Absolutely Great Things to do in Cascais with Kids
Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
We then headed for the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães. This magnificent palace, now converted into a museum, was built in 1900.
The palace belonged to Count Manuel de Castro Guimarães, who bequeathed the entire estate, including its immense garden, to the people of Cascais with the aim of building a museum there.
We enjoyed the tour of the palace, which is fairly quick. It should be noted that strollers are not allowed when visiting the museum. So we swapped the stroller for a baby carrier for the duration of the visit. We were able to leave it at reception without any problem.
The tour of the gardens is very impressive. During our walk, we spotted several colourful peacocks. There’s also a children’s play area – our kids loved this little break and had lots of fun.
Casa de Santa Maria viewpoint
Before heading back to the centre of Cascais for lunch, a stop must be made! Cross over to the other side of Museum Street and, just before crossing the bridge, you’ll come to the Mirador Casa de Santa Maria. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the whole of Cascais and one of the most photographed in Portugal.
Afternoon at the beach
After lunch in the centre of Cascais, we headed to the Praia da Ribeira for an afternoon at the beach. Equipped with our beach essentials, we had fun playing in the waves and building sandcastles.
By the end of the afternoon, our kids were tired, so we took the train back to Lisbon.
If you have more time (or less time at the beach), you can walk along the promenade between Cascais and Estoril. All along the way, you’ll be walking beside the ocean and admiring the enchanting scenery. You can also take the train to Lisbon from Estoril.
➡️ Read Next: The Ultimate Family Guide to Cascais Beaches ?️
Option 2: sintra with kids
Sintra is packed with history sites, each more impressive than the last. It’s a truly different town from anything you’ve seen before.
The best way to get to Sintra is by train. This destination is extremely popular and, depending on the time of year you visit, its streets become extremely crowded with tourists.
We recommend taking an early morning train to avoid the crowds when you arrive in Sintra. This will make getting around with children much easier. Finally, Sintra is not suitable for pushchairs – opt for a baby carrier for your day trip to Sintra.
Sintra is not easy to visit on foot, so plan to use taxis, Uber/Bolt or tuks tuks (depending on the age of your children).
Pena Palace
Pena Palace is one of Portugal’s most emblematic sites. If you have to choose just one site to visit when you’re in Sintra, this is the one to choose. It’s a completely unique castle – the vibrant colours, traditional Portuguese tiles and huge gardens will impress young and old alike.
Pro tip: make sure you buy your entrance ticket online in advance, otherwise you won’t be able to visit the castle and will only have access to the gardens.
Castelo dos Mouros (Moors’ Castle)
Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, the Castelo dos Mouros is the oldest castle in Sintra. Here you’ll find a museum showcasing some of the archaeological discoveries that have been made on the site over the years.
The main feature of the visit is the climb up the stone walls of the castle fortifications. At the top, you’ll have incredible views over Sintra – all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
At the end of the day, you can catch the train back to the centre of Lisbon for a well-deserved meal and rest!
day 4 – 4 days in Lisbon with kids
Given the busy day the day before, the children are more tired and less keen to visit.
For this last day of the four-day itinerary in Lisbon, we opted for attractions that were of great interest to them and easily accessible.
Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is an interesting attraction for families: simple and accessible.
Located in the heart of the Baixa district, the lift takes passengers over 45 metres above the ground. At the top, you’ll reach an observation platform from which you’ll have a lovely view of Lisbon.
Our accommodation was just a few steps from the lift and we noticed that the queue was often very long. We therefore recommend that you get there as soon as it opens – the queue is usually shorter then.
Entrance to Santa Just lift is included in the Lisboa Card.
Chiado
Just off the lift is the Chiado district. We went for a walk to admire the architecture and just enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the best things to do with children in Lisbon. It’s the perfect place to spend your last afternoon of a four-day Lisbon itinerary. The Oceanarium is set back a little from Lisbon city centre. We took an Uber to get there quickly.
To avoid queuing, we bought our tickets online in advance.
The Oceanarium, located on the banks of the Tagus, has over 8,000 marine creatures from four different ocean habitats. Our children particularly enjoyed exploring the different zones that represent the reality of the North Atlantic, the Antarctic, the temperate Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
If you have bought a pass to visit the city of Lisbon by hop-on hop-off bus, the Oceanarium is one of the stops served at which you can disembark.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lisbon with Kids
1. Is Lisbon stroller-friendly?
Lisbon’s beautiful streets are often steep and paved with cobblestones, which can make pushing a stroller a bit challenging in some areas. However, many attractions and public spaces are accessible, and you’ll find ramps in larger places like museums and parks. A lightweight, foldable stroller or a baby carrier can be helpful for getting around more easily.
2. What’s the best way to get around Lisbon with kids?
Lisbon’s public transport system is very kid-friendly. The famous trams are a hit with children, and the metro and buses are easy to navigate. For shorter distances, walking is a great way to explore the city—just be mindful of the hills! If your kids get tired, taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available.
3. Are restaurants in Lisbon family-friendly?
Yes! Lisbon has a family-friendly dining culture. Many restaurants welcome kids with open arms and offer high chairs and kid-sized portions. Try to eat a little earlier than the locals, as most families in Lisbon eat dinner later, around 7:30 PM or later.
4. What are some must-have items when visiting Lisbon with kids?
Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around Lisbon’s hilly streets. Also, don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and water bottles—especially in summer, when it can get hot. Snacks and entertainment for the kids (like small toys or games) can help when you’re waiting at restaurants or taking public transport.
5. Are there any kid-friendly day trips from Lisbon?
Yes! Sintra is a fantastic, magical day trip with its colorful castles and beautiful gardens that kids will love. Cascais, with its beaches and scenic waterfront, is another excellent family-friendly option.
6. What’s the best time of year to visit Lisbon with kids?
Lisbon is great to visit year-round, but spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer the best weather for outdoor activities without the summer crowds. These seasons are perfect for exploring the city’s parks, zoos, and other family-friendly spots.
Wrapping Up Your 4-Day Lisbon Itinerary with Kids
Lisbon is a fantastic city to explore with kids, offering a great mix of history, fun, and adventure. With this 4-day itinerary, you’ll cover all the family-friendly highlights—from riding the iconic trams to exploring castles, parks, and the stunning waterfront. The best part? You can do it all at a kid-friendly pace without feeling rushed.
Remember, it’s okay to be flexible. If your kids need more time at a particular spot or a spontaneous pastry break, embrace it! Traveling with kids is about making memories, not just ticking off a checklist.
So, grab your comfortable shoes, plenty of snacks, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Lisbon!
Planning a family trip to Lisbon? Don’t miss these interesting posts:
– WHERE TO STAY WITH KIDS IN LISBON
– The Best Time to Go to Portugal: Your Family-Friendly Guide
– 7 INCREDIBLE DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON BY TRAIN FOR FAMILIES
– 11 Absolutely Great Things to do in Cascais with Kids
– The Ultimate Family Guide to Cascais Beaches
– 15 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN PORTO WITH KIDS
– 9 AMAZING DAY TRIPS FROM PORTO WITH KIDS
