Itineraries for Your Trip to Lisbon
3 Days in Lisbon for Families
Editor’s note: The Belém Tower is currently closed for renovations.
Lisbon offers families so much, from plentiful restaurants to museums and castles around every corner. In my opinion, any visit to the Portuguese capital should start with a city tour, or simply walking around. My kids especially enjoy a food tour, as it gives them something to do while taking in the scene. If you have three days in Lisbon, I’d even recommend taking a half-day trip to the hilltop town of Sintra or the resort town of Cascais, if you'd like to venture beyond the city. This 3-day Lisbon itinerary for families includes plenty of kid-friendly things to do that also appeal to parents.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a food tour.
The weather is typically mild in Lisbon, with warm summers and rainy winters.
Lisbon is known as the “City of Seven Hills,” so hopping on a streetcar this morning will help kids navigate Lisbon’s steep streets. Alternatively, a private tuk-tuk tour lets your family sightsee in style. Guides can point out historical sites along the way and get you oriented to some of Lisbon's best neighborhoods.
This afternoon, learn about Lisbon's favorite treat, the pastel de nata. This custard-filled tart, which can be found throughout the city, is often featured in cooking classes. Making—and eating!—them is a fun way to get the kids involved.
Lisbon is full of history, so spend day two at some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. A small-group walking tour that includes the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is a family-friendly way to learn about Portuguese exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Traveling with kids can be taxing, so refuel this afternoon with a food tour. You'll stroll around town, sampling local specialties along the way. See street art and monuments, and even stop to listen to a Fado performance.
By your third day in Lisbon, your family may be ready for a change of scenery. It’s easy to take the train to Cascais or Sintra for the day, heading to the beach or visiting Pena National Palace (Palacio Nacional da Pena). A guided tour will simplify any day trip, as most include return hotel transportation, letting you avoid having to navigate the public transport system.
This evening, it’s time to get out on the water. Lisbon has many options, from traditional Portuguese fishing boats to sunset cruises with live music—fun for all ages and a great way to end your visit to Lisbon.
