What You Should Not Miss While Exploring Lisbon with Kids!
Lisbon with kids is a must if you are planning a family trip to Portugal. The city is colorful, lively, and full of little surprises that instantly pull you in with its joyful energy. Yellow trams rattle through steep streets, around the next corner a viewpoint suddenly opens up over the Tagus, and somewhere there is always the smell of freshly baked pasteis de nata.
What we especially love about Lisbon with kids is this mix of energy and ease. You walk through narrow old town streets, discover small squares, ride the tram across the hills, and somehow always end up somewhere with a view of the water. Despite all the famous sights, the city never feels overwhelming, but more like one big urban adventure.
Portugal is perfect for city trips with kids. Besides Lisbon, we were also very impressed by Porto with kids. The city on the Douro feels a bit more compact and creative, yet surprises you with relaxed riverside spots and small discoveries just the same. Combining a visit to Lisbon with kids and Porto is ideal anyway. In between, you can simply take a break by the ocean. You will find tips for great places to stay further below.
Where to Stay in Lisbon with Kids
If you want to experience Lisbon with kids in a relaxed way, it helps to choose a place to stay that sits right in the heart of the city while still offering a sense of calm. That is exactly why we love Baixa House.
These stylish apartments are located in a historic building in the Baixa district, the elegant center of Lisbon. From here, many sights are within walking distance, you can quickly stroll down to the Tagus, or stop at one of the nearby cafés.
What makes Baixa House so special is the blend of Portuguese architecture, thoughtful details, and the feeling of staying in a private apartment rather than a hotel. The apartments are spacious, which makes them perfect for families with kids.
One small highlight is the breakfast service. In the morning, a basket filled with fresh bread and pastries is hung on the door, allowing the day to begin slowly and comfortably in your own space. If you decide to go out for breakfast instead, you will quickly notice that Lisbon is full of beautiful breakfast cafés where families with kids are warmly welcomed.
An Insider Tip for the Best Breakfast in Lisbon
One of our favorite breakfast spots in Lisbon is Café Comoba. Lisbon is famous for its cozy cafés that are perfect for brunch, and this one definitely belongs among them.
The small terrace at the back of the café is especially lovely. There is plenty of space, the atmosphere is relaxed, and kids feel comfortable right away.
The breakfast is fantastic. Fresh smoothies, moist banana bread, cinnamon rolls, and muesli make for a perfect start to the day. Our personal highlight is the matcha pancakes with berry topping, which taste absolutely heavenly.
Many families have tried this tip and later told us how much they loved it. We can hardly imagine a better way to start a day in Lisbon with kids.
Taking the Tram Through Lisbon
Conveniently, the tram stop is almost directly across from Café Comoba. With a two hour ticket, we hop on and head toward the Castelo de São Jorge.
After one quick transfer to the historic tram line 28E, the tram begins to wind its way through the lively Alfama district all the way to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
This part of the city is vibrant, colorful, and full of small shops. Old art stores, tiny cafés, and narrow alleyways make you stop again and again to discover something new around the next corner.
The View from Miradouro de Santa Luzia
With the historic tram line 28E, we continue winding through the Alfama district until we reach the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon.
From here you can look out over the red rooftops of the old town all the way down to the Tagus. Bougainvillea climbs over the walls, street musicians play softly in the background, and people sit on the steps simply enjoying the moment. The kids gaze out over the rooftops of the city while we take in the view across Lisbon and plan the next part of our route.
Through the Streets of Alfama
The Alfama district is one of the oldest parts of the city and feels a bit like a labyrinth of narrow streets. Laundry hangs between the houses, cats nap on windowsills, and around every corner you discover another small square.
It is especially fun to explore this area with kids by simply setting off and wandering. You never quite know where the next staircase will lead or which view might suddenly open up.
Exploring Castelo de São Jorge
After already admiring the city and the Tagus from above, we walk the last few meters through the narrow streets up to the fortress.
A visit to the complex is definitely worth it. The view over the rooftops of Lisbon alone is impressive and easily justifies the entrance fee of about 10 euros per adult. Children can enter free of charge.
For our kids, the visit quickly turns into an adventure. They run excitedly along the old castle walls and keep spotting peacocks wandering freely through the gardens.
Lunch at Pateo at Bairro do Avillez
After some time at the castle, our stomachs start to remind us it is time for lunch. So we head to Pateo at Bairro do Avillez, another real insider tip in Lisbon.
The restaurant was founded by a Portuguese gourmet chef and presents classic Portuguese dishes in a modern way. Fish lovers in particular will be very happy here.
For families, the restaurant works especially well because kids will easily find something they like. If fish is not their first choice, there is also homemade pizza, which is always a hit with the little ones.
Belém: Pasteis, History, and Plenty of Space
Well fueled, we then make our way to Belém, one of Lisbon’s most famous districts.
We take the tram to the Torre de Belém, one of the city’s iconic landmarks. The medieval tower was originally built as a strategic defense point and is now one of the most famous sights in Lisbon.
A large green park stretches around the tower, making it perfect for a short walk.
The Famous Pasteis de Belém
From there we walk about ten minutes back to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, an impressive monastery.
Right across the street you will find the famous bakery Pasteis de Belém. This is where the original recipe for the well known custard tarts was first sold around 200 years ago.
Of course we pick up a fresh batch of pasteis de Belém. We simply take the still warm pastries with us and sit down in the park with a playground just across the street. In the shade of the large trees we take a short break and enjoy this delicious Portuguese treat.
A Foodie Break at the Time Out Market Kiosk with Playground
After so many impressions, we eventually need a small break and something to eat. One place we especially love for that is the Time Out Market Kiosk at the Mercado da Ribeira.
In recent years, the historic market has been transformed into a large food hall where some of the city’s best restaurants and chefs are represented. Under one roof you will find everything from Portuguese specialties to international dishes.
We usually grab a small bite at the Time Out Kiosk, sit down at one of the large wooden tables, and watch the lively atmosphere around us. Right next to it there is a fenced playground. For families, this is one of the easiest and most relaxed places to stop and it still feels wonderfully authentic.
Dinner with a View at Pharmacia
In the evening we head back toward the center. After a long day full of impressions, we love ending the day at a restaurant that offers not only great food but also a special atmosphere.
One of our favorite spots for this is the Restaurant Pharmacia. The restaurant sits just above the Miradouro de Santa Catarina and is one of the most charming places for dinner in Lisbon.
The walk there is already worth it. You stroll through small streets, arrive at the square by the viewpoint, and take one more look across the Tagus as the evening light slowly settles over the city.
At Pharmacia, Portuguese cuisine is interpreted in a modern way. Many dishes are served as small plates, which makes it easy to try several different specialties. For families this works perfectly, because everyone can find something they enjoy.
A Few More Days by the Ocean
After a few days in Lisbon with kids, it is worth heading a little farther along the coast. Portugal is perfect for combining city life with time by the ocean.
One place we especially loved is the Noah Surf House north of Lisbon. Located right on the beach, everything here feels relaxed and carefree, with bare feet, Atlantic air, and laid back surf vibes.
A completely different atmosphere awaits at Areias do Seixo. This boutique hotel sits in the middle of nature and combines design, sustainability, and tranquility in a truly beautiful way.
