The Ultimate Family Vacation in Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon, the historical capital of Portugal, offers countless experiences for families who want to explore the city, relax, enjoy delicious meals, and much more. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with the kids or a week of activities and exploration, Lisbon has enough activities to keep the whole family entertained. Here are the top things to do on your family-friendly trip to Portugal’s greatest city.
What to See and Do in Lisbon
It doesn’t take long to discover why Lisbon has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is filled with vibrant alleys, ancient monuments and museums, stunning viewpoints, beaches and plenty of Roman ruins. Popular attractions for families include taking a tuk-tuk tour around the city, visiting bustling squares and markets, hopping on a tram for the ultimate perspective of Lisbon, and exploring some of the city’s historical monuments.
Lisbon is also home to some of the best restaurants in Europe, offering a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes. For those looking for a more unique experience, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore, such as the city’s many street art galleries and secret gardens. No matter what you’re looking for, Lisbon has something for everyone.
Explore the City on a Family Tour
One of the best ways to get to know Lisbon is by exploring it on a family tour. You’ll get an up-close view of the city while taking in popular landmarks and attractions like the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon Castle, and more. There are also great walking tours available that focus on gastronomy, culture and tradition in the city, as well as tours that focus on just exploring the local area. Tours are an especially great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can also book a private tour with a local guide. Private tours are a great way to get a more personalized experience and learn about the city from a local’s perspective. Plus, you can customize the tour to your family’s interests and needs. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more active adventure, there’s a tour for everyone in Lisbon.
Relaxing Activities for Families
The relaxed vibe in Lisbon will help your family decompress from your busy day-to-day lives. The many parks, gardens, and public squares in Lisbon are perfect for a picnic or just some time spent lounging around. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or just some time spent at a beach to soak up the sun, Lisbon has enough activities for everyone. Families can also spend some time taking part in experiences like cooking classes, wine tastings, historical reenactments, and more.
If you’re looking for a more active experience, Lisbon also offers plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, and hiking. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. No matter what your family is looking for, Lisbon has something for everyone.
If you’re looking to get out of the city, you can check out Sintra, 30 minutes northwest. Check out my guide to The Ultimate Sintra Day Trip Guide with Kids. If you want to go further south, you can visit the beautiful Algarve region. Check out my guide for the Algarve region.
Family-Friendly Hotels and Accommodations
There are plenty of great family-friendly accommodations in Lisbon if you’re looking to stay in the city during your vacation. You can opt for luxury hotels with amazing amenities, or even smaller guesthouses or airbnbs. Many hotels offer discounts and special packages for families travelling together, including discounts on meals and activities.
If you’re looking for a more unique experience, there are also plenty of boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts in the city. These smaller establishments often offer a more personalized experience, and can be a great way to get to know the city and its culture. Additionally, many of these smaller hotels offer discounts for families travelling together, so you can save money while still having a great time.
Delicious Dining Options for Everyone
You can find food options to please everyone in your family from casual tavernas to upscale eateries. The local cuisine is filled with seafood dishes and plenty of sweet treats like Portugal’s famous custard tarts, called pastel de nata. One of the most famous and tastiest bakeries is Pastéis de Belém. There are also plenty of shops that offer delicious artisan ice cream, as well as food markets where you can sample regional delicacies.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you can also find a variety of restaurants that specialize in traditional Portuguese dishes. From hearty stews to savory grilled meats, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. And don’t forget to try some of the local wines, which are known for their bold and complex flavors.
Shopping Experiences for All Ages
Take advantage of your time in Lisbon to shop ’til you drop! The city is filled with different shops offering souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, home decor items and more. Praca do Comercio Square is a great spot to wander through boutique stores or haggle at flea markets while kids can take part in art classes or workshops. There are also plenty of shopping centers around town with larger stores offering everything from kids clothing to luxury items.
Cultural Attractions to Visit
Lisbon is packed with museums and theaters that your whole family can enjoy. Not only can you explore works of art from famous Portuguese painters, you can also explore archaeological sites from days gone by. There are plenty of music venues to choose from too – from live jazz clubs to traditional Fado music venues – something the entire family will enjoy.
Fun Outdoor Adventures for Kids
If your kids need to let off some steam while in Lisbon, there are plenty of outdoor activities to get everyone active. You can enjoy Boating around Tagus River as your family watches sailboats drift past. For a truly unique experience, visit Monsanto Forest Park – a diversion from the busy city center that’s full of picnic areas and playgrounds. Be sure to take a stroll or bike ride along the city’s promenade or skatepark to enjoy fantastic views from either side.
Transportation Around Lisbon
Exploring Lisbon is easy with public transportation options like buses, trams, and metros for getting around town quickly. You can also hop in a tuk-tuk for a guided tour throughout the city or take advantage of rideshare services like Uber and Taxify if you prefer not to use public transportation. For those really looking for an adventure, renting a car during your stay is always a great option as you can travel throughout the region at your own pace.
Tips for Budgeting Your Vacation
Visiting Lisbon isn’t expensive but you still need to keep an eye on your budget. Staying in downtown Lisbon can be pricey, so why not rent an Airbnb outside of town or use hostels if you’re traveling with teens? Skip hotel breakfasts when eating out is an option- many restaurants offer great deals on morning meals. Shopping in markets can save you money instead of buying in fancy boutiques or souvenir shops. Lastly, instead of buying tickets for each attraction separately as you go, consider purchasing an attraction pass that covers everything in advance.
Preparing for Your Trip to Lisbon
To ensure your visit is as stress-free as possible make sure you plan ahead! Checklists simplified the process allowing you to check off items Amazon cardboard boxes one by one such as obtaining travel documents if needed (like visas), arranging transportation to your destination, packing correctly- including making sure you have enough snacks on hand if traveling with little ones. Researching health insurance policies specific to your destination is essential in case of emergencies- some credit cards may already include travel insurance coverage so double check before buying an additional policy. Last but not least: brush up on the local language and make sure everyone has downloaded maps offline (in case internet connection problems occur).
Closing
As you can tell Lisbon is the ultimate family vacation destination, offering a variety of activities and experiences to satisfy the whole family. From exploring historical landmarks and monuments, to lounging in parks, taking part in cultural activities, and dining on delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon.