Lisbon with kids: the best things to do
Ideal for: Families
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In short: children love Lisbon: one of Europe’s largest aquariums, the Oceanário, a hands-on science museum, a cable car above the Tagus, yellow trams, a real castle on a hill and the pastéis de nata of Belém. The only challenge is the hills. Bring a baby carrier rather than a pushchair and alternate the old districts with big flat spaces.
The Oceanário
In the modern Parque das Nações district, the Lisbon Oceanário is built around a huge central tank where sharks, rays and shoals of fish swim, surrounded by habitats from every ocean (sea otters, penguins). It is families’ favourite visit: book ahead, especially at weekends.
Parque das Nações
Around the Oceanário, the former 1998 World Expo site is flat, airy and ideal for families:
- The Knowledge Pavilion (Pavilhão do Conhecimento), an interactive science museum.
- The cable car along the Tagus, with views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
- Gardens and water features along the river, for running around.
São Jorge Castle
At the top of Alfama, São Jorge Castle has everything of a real castle: ramparts, towers and views over the whole city. Peacocks roam the gardens. With young children, go up by tram or taxi rather than on foot.
Trams and the Santa Justa Lift
- Tram 28 winds through the old districts along narrow, steep streets: an attraction in itself, but packed. Board early in the morning, at the terminus.
- The Santa Justa Lift, a neo-Gothic iron tower, links Baixa with Chiado and offers views over the city.
Belém
Flat and open to the Tagus, Belém is perfect with children: the Belém Tower, a small fortress by the water, the Monument to the Discoveries and its navigators, and the big gardens in front of the Jerónimos Monastery. Try the pastéis de nata from the district’s historic pastry shop, still warm. The Navy Museum, with its royal barges and model caravels, is a hit with young sailors.
The beaches
- Cascais and Estoril, by the coastal train from Cais do Sodré: small sheltered beaches and a seaside promenade.
- Costa da Caparica, south of the Tagus: long sandy beaches, with bigger waves.
The Atlantic stays cool even in midsummer: follow the swimming flags.
A day in Sintra
Children see Sintra as a fairy-tale setting: the red and yellow Pena Palace on its rock, the ramparts of the Moorish Castle, and the initiation well of Quinta da Regaleira. Book a time slot for Pena and wear good shoes.
Practical tips
- Baby carrier in the old districts; a pushchair is fine in Belém and Parque das Nações.
- Good soles for everyone: the limestone cobbles (calçada) are slippery, especially when wet.
- Use transport to go up, and walk down: the metro, trams and lifts save the climbs.
- From the airport, the red metro line runs to the centre; with luggage and children, a private transfer is simpler.
Areas and month-by-month weather are on our Lisbon page. See also: Things to do in Lisbon, Where to stay in Lisbon and Lisbon in 3 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lisbon pushchair-friendly?
Not really in the old districts: hills, steps and slippery limestone cobbles make pushchairs hard work in Alfama or Bairro Alto. A baby carrier is more practical; Parque das Nações and Belém, which are flat, suit pushchairs well.
Which area should families stay in?
Baixa, flat and central, or Parque das Nações, modern and close to the Oceanário. All areas are covered in our guide Where to stay in Lisbon.
Can you swim near Lisbon?
Yes: the coastal train goes to the beaches of Cascais and Estoril, and the big beaches of Costa da Caparica are south of the Tagus. The Atlantic is cool, even in summer.