Lisbon · Portugal · Things to do
5 things to do in Lisbon with kids
The five best things to do in Lisbon with kids are riding vintage Tram 28, seeing Belém Tower with a pastel de nata, wandering the lanes of Alfama, watching sunset from a miradouro viewpoint and taking a day trip to Sintra. The city is hilly, so plan short days, use trams and lifts, and keep Sintra for a separate morning.
What to do, in order
- 1
Ride the vintage Tram 28
Tram 28 is a small yellow tram that rattles through the steep streets of Graça, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela. It is slow, crowded and charming, and children enjoy the clanging bell and the tight turns. It is also a favourite of pickpockets, so keep bags in front. Board at an end of the line early in the morning to find a seat, rather than joining mid-route when it is full. If the queue is long, Tram 12 runs a shorter loop through Alfama with fewer people.
- 2
See Belém Tower and eat a pastel de nata
Belém sits on the river west of the centre and holds the Tower of Belém, a small sixteenth-century fortress on the water, and the huge Jerónimos Monastery. The tower is photogenic from outside, and climbing it involves narrow stairs and queues, so many families only look. Pastéis de nata, the custard tarts, are the local treat, and you will find them at every bakery. The original shop near the monastery has long lines, so sit inside or choose a good bakery elsewhere. Take tram 15 or a train from Cais do Sodré.
- 3
Wander the Alfama lanes
Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district, a hillside tangle of lanes, stairs and tiny squares with laundry hanging from the windows. It largely survived the 1755 earthquake, which is why it looks so different from the grid-planned centre. In the evening, restaurants play fado, the melancholy Portuguese song. The steepness and cobbles make strollers a poor choice, so carry smaller children. Walk up to the Castelo de São Jorge for the view, then work your way back down through the lanes to the river.
- 4
Catch a miradouro at sunset
Miradouros are the city's viewpoint terraces, and Lisbon has dozens. Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol look over the rooftops of Alfama to the river. Senhora do Monte is higher and gets the widest view of the city. Go about an hour before sunset so you can find a spot, and bring snacks and a drink from a nearby kiosk. Children can run around while the light turns pink. Many terraces have a small cafe, and some have musicians in summer.
- 5
Take a day trip to Sintra
Sintra is a town in forested hills about forty minutes from Lisbon by train from Rossio station. It holds the colourful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and the gardens and tunnels of Quinta da Regaleira. Do not try to see everything, because the hills are steep and buses and queues add time. Choose one palace and one garden. Book Pena Palace tickets in advance, and go as early as you can. Wear shoes for walking, and bring a layer, as the hills are cooler and cloudier than the city.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to June and September to October have warm days and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and busy. Winter is mild and wet, with fewer visitors, and Sintra can be misty.
- How long
- Four days covers these five with room for a beach or a rest. Add a day if you want to add Cascais or the Oceanário.
- Getting around
- Use the metro, trams, funiculars and trains. A rechargeable card works on all of them. The hills are steep, so ride up and walk down where you can, and use ride-hailing for tired children.
Good to know
- Stay in Baixa, Chiado or Príncipe Real for the best transport links and the shortest walks.
- Cobblestones are slippery when wet. Wear shoes with good grip.
- Eat early. Many restaurants only get busy after eight, so families can usually walk in at six or seven.
Frequently asked
Is Lisbon good for kids? +
Yes. It is safe, sunny and full of easy food such as grilled fish, pastries and ice cream. The main challenges are steep hills and cobbles, which you can handle with trams, lifts and a baby carrier instead of a stroller.
How many days do you need in Lisbon with kids? +
Four days is comfortable for the sights here, with a separate day for Sintra. Three days is possible if you skip one of the districts, but the hills make it tiring.
How do you get from Lisbon to Sintra? +
By train from Rossio station, which takes about forty minutes. Buses and taxis then climb to the palaces. Go early to avoid queues and book palace tickets ahead.
Is Tram 28 worth it with children? +
Yes, for a short ride early in the morning. It is crowded later in the day and pickpockets operate on board. Board at the start of the line for a seat, or use Tram 12 for a quieter ride.
