Families are some of our favourite guests. Lisbon is genuinely wonderful with children — there’s space to run, things to touch, seafood to ignore, and gelado to demand — but it does require a little more planning than the average city break. Here’s what we’ve learned from hosting hundreds of families over the years.
Best Areas to Stay
Marquês de Pombal and Entrecampos — where our apartments are — are ideal for families. Wide pavements, flat walking around Eduardo VII Park, excellent supermarkets, and quick metro access to everywhere you need. Unlike Alfama or Bairro Alto, you’re not dealing with steep cobblestone hills with a pushchair and a tired six-year-old.
One thing to prepare for: Lisbon’s calçada cobblestones are beautiful and relentless. Bring a lightweight, nimble pushchair rather than anything bulky. Older children will find the hills part of the adventure.
Top Activities for Families
Oceanário de Lisboa
One of the best aquariums in Europe, full stop. The main tank is genuinely breathtaking — children and adults stand in front of it equally lost for words. Allow two to three hours.
Our tip: Book online to avoid the queues. Go on a weekday morning for the quietest experience.
Belém
The most child-friendly part of Lisbon. The Monument to the Discoveries is a giant sculpture children can climb on the steps of, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos has a lift, and the surrounding riverside gardens are perfect for running around. Finish with a pastel de nata at the original Pastéis de Belém.
Our tip: Take the tram 15E from the city centre — children love it. Allow a full half-day.
Cable Car (Teleférico de Lisboa)
A short cable car ride along the Tagus in Parque das Nações. Simple, gentle, and absolutely thrilling for small children. The Parque das Nações neighbourhood itself is flat, modern, and great for families — wide promenades, playgrounds, and the Oceanário is right there.
LX Factory Sunday Market
Every Sunday morning, the old industrial complex in Alcântara fills with food stalls, vintage clothing, and live music. Children enjoy the energy and the food options. The bookshop inside — Ler Devagar — has a wonderful children’s section worth a browse.
Eating Out with Children
Portuguese culture is genuinely welcoming to children at the table — expect late dinners, patient waiters, and no sense that your table is being rushed. Most tascas will happily make plain pasta or rice if nothing on the menu suits younger eaters.
Reliable family choices:
- Any cervejaria (seafood beer hall) — children love the energy
- Tasca-style restaurants with shared dishes for the table
- The Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré — enormous variety in one space, and children can choose independently
Getting Around
The metro is fast and fully accessible. Trams, while iconic, are crowded and not pushchair-friendly. For Belém, use the tram 15E or the ferry from Cais do Sodré — both are easy with children.
Taxis and Uber are plentiful and affordable. For a full day out (like Sintra), a taxi or rental car with a child seat is often easier than navigating busy trains.
Our Recommendation
Base yourselves near Eduardo VII Park — the largest green space in central Lisbon — and plan your days around the Oceanário and Belém. Don’t try to do too much. Lisbon rewards slow exploration, and children tire of monuments quickly. Build in time for gelado, playground stops, and sitting by the river.
We always have cots, high chairs, and children’s equipment available on request — just let us know when you book.
Travelling with family? Browse our apartments and book direct — we’ll make sure everything is ready for you.