Lisbon with Little Ones: Top 10 Unforgettable Experiences

Lisbon, the charming capital of Portugal, stole our hearts with its vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and family-friendly atmosphere. 

As a family of three, with our little Mila in tow, we discovered that Lisbon has something for everyone.

When we first started planning our trip to Lisbon, Guy and I were a bit apprehensive about traveling with a baby. We knew that navigating the city’s steep hills and narrow, cobblestone streets with a stroller would be a challenge. Upon arriving, we quickly realized that our concerns were valid – the uneven terrain and crowded sidewalks made it difficult to maneuver our stroller through the city. However, we didn’t let this setback dampen our spirits.

Instead, we adapted and took turns carrying Mila in her baby carrier, which allowed us to explore the city’s winding streets and hidden gems with ease. When one of us needed a break, the other would take over the carrying duties, ensuring that we could all enjoy the sights and sounds of Lisbon together.

Despite the initial struggles with the stroller, we soon discovered that Lisbon is incredibly welcoming to families. The locals greeted us with warm smiles and went out of their way to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. From the moment we arrived, we felt right at home in this enchanting city, and we were excited to explore all that it had to offer.

Here are our top 10 recommendations for an unforgettable family adventure in this enchanting city:

1. Explore São Jorge Castle. Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, São Jorge Castle is a must-visit. Mila was fascinated by the peacocks roaming freely within the castle walls, while Guy and I marveled at the stunning panoramic views of Lisbon’s red-tiled roofs and the Tagus River.
   
2. Ride Tram 28. Hopping aboard the iconic Tram 28 was an adventure in itself. As we wound through the city’s narrow streets and steep hills, Mila pressed her little nose against the window, captivated by the passing scenes of colorful houses and lively neighborhoods.
   
3. Indulge in Pastel de Nata. No visit to Lisbon is complete without savoring the famous Pastel de Nata, a creamy egg custard tart. We made it our mission to find the best ones in town, with Pastéis de Belém and Manteigaria being our top picks. Mila’s face lit up with each sugary bite!
   
4. Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa. The Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, was a hit with our family. Mila was mesmerized by the colorful fish, playful otters, and majestic sharks swimming in the massive central tank. The interactive exhibits kept us all engaged for hours.
   
5. Stroll through Alfama. Wandering through the winding cobblestone streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, was like stepping back in time. We admired the charming tile-covered buildings, listened to the melancholic sounds of Fado music, and stumbled upon hidden gems like the Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint.
   
6. Enjoy a Family Picnic at Parque Eduardo VII. Parque Eduardo VII, the largest park in central Lisbon, provided the perfect setting for a family picnic. We spread out a blanket on the lush green lawn, enjoyed some tasty local snacks, and let Mila crawl and explore to her heart’s content.
   
7. Discover the Belém Tower. The Belém Tower, a stunning example of Manueline architecture, offered a glimpse into Lisbon’s rich maritime history. As we climbed the narrow spiral staircase, Guy and I took turns carrying Mila, who was fascinated by the intricate carvings and the view of the Tagus River from the top.
   
8. Explore the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, with its extensive collection of ancient and modern art, provided a welcome respite from the midday sun. We took turns admiring the exhibits while the other played with Mila in the serene outdoor gardens.
   
9. Visit the Puppets Museum. The Puppets Museum, located in the Convento das Bernardas, was an unexpected delight. Mila was captivated by the colorful and whimsical puppets from around the world, while Guy and I appreciated the intricate craftsmanship and storytelling.
   
10. Relax at Costa da Caparica. Just a short drive from Lisbon, Costa da Caparica’s golden sandy beaches offered the perfect day trip for our family. We built sandcastles with Mila, dipped our toes in the cool Atlantic waters, and enjoyed fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.
    

Lisbon truly has something for every family, from historical landmarks to natural wonders, delectable cuisine, and kid-friendly attractions. Our adventures in this enchanting city have created lasting memories that we’ll cherish for years to come.

Wondering what is there to do outside of Lisbon? Find out in our new blog post!
Beyond Lisbon: Our Family’s Top 10 Adventures in Portugal