What to do in Lisbon with children, and how to save
A practical guide for families with the best child-friendly attractions, public transport tips and the Lisboa Card as a family money-saver.
Decided already? Buy the Lisboa Card now
Lisbon is a fantastic city for families. The mix of sea, hills, historic trams and interactive museums delights children of every age. With the Lisboa Card, a family holiday gets easier and a lot cheaper.
The card is also available for children aged 4 to 15, at a reduced price. Under 4s travel free on local transport and get free entry to most museums. In this guide we show you the best attractions for families, practical everyday tips and how much you really save with the Lisboa Card.
Lisbon is like an adventure playground
Few European cities are as child-friendly as Lisbon. The historic trams feel like a rollercoaster ride through narrow lanes. The funiculars carry little explorers steeply up the hills. And along the Tagus there are endless promenades for running around, cycling and rollerblading.
Add a world-class aquarium, museums with hands-on stations, castle walls to climb and one of Europe's safest big cities. The climate is mild, the food suits children, and the Portuguese are very family-friendly. Children are welcome everywhere, even at a late dinner.
The best attractions in Lisbon for children
Many of Lisbon's most popular sights are exciting for children too. Here are our recommendations, sorted by whether they are free or discounted with the Lisboa Card.
Oceanario de Lisboa
Europe's largest aquarium and, for many families, the highlight of a visit to Lisbon. Sharks, rays, sea otters and a huge central tank. Children under 3 get free entry.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Walkable castle walls, towers to climb, peacocks in the garden and a fantastic view over the whole city. Children love this castle, and entry is free with the Lisboa Card. One exception: free entry with the child card does not apply here to 13 to 15-year-olds.
Pavilhao do Conhecimento
Lisbon's science museum is a paradise for curious children. Hundreds of interactive experiments to touch and try, from physics to biology.
Cable car on the Tagus
The Telecabine glides along the Tagus at a height of 20 metres, with views of the river, the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the Expo site. Children love it.
Museu da Marinha
The maritime museum delights with real ships, huge galleys, historic globes and models of the explorers' fleets. The big hall with the original boats particularly impresses children.
Museu dos Coches
The world's largest collection of historic carriages. Magnificent gilded coaches from three centuries, like something from a storybook for children. In a modern new building with plenty of space.
Lisboa Story Centre
An interactive museum about the history of Lisbon, with an audio guide, multimedia stations and a vivid simulation of the 1755 earthquake. Exciting and educational at the same time.
Elevador de Santa Justa
The historic cast-iron lift of 1902 rises 45 metres in the middle of the city. The ride lasts only a minute, but the view from the top delights children and adults alike. The lift is currently out of service. The viewing platform at the top is not part of the Lisboa Card.
Quake, Lisbon Earthquake Centre
An immersive experience about the 1755 earthquake: simulators that shake the floor, interactive stations and a gripping journey through time. A highlight especially for older children. The Lisboa Card gives no benefit here.
Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa
Lisbon Zoo has dolphin shows, a cable car over the grounds, a reptile garden and a children's farm. A full-day outing for the whole family.
How to use public transport with children
Exploring Lisbon on foot is tiring with children. The hills are steep, the distances long, and after the third cobbled climb at the latest the little ones go on strike. The good news: with the Lisboa Card you travel without limit on the metro, buses, trams, funiculars (currently out of service) and suburban trains.
Metro
Fast, safe and air-conditioned. The four lines cover the main destinations. Pushchairs fit easily through the wide barriers and into the trains.
Tram 28E
The famous historic tram is great fun for children. Note: very crowded in high season. It is best to board before 9am or after 6pm.
Buses
Air-conditioned, with room for pushchairs. Bus 728 runs right along the waterfront from Belem to Parque das Nações.
Funiculars
The three historic funiculars (Gloria, Bica, Lavra) save you steep climbs. A short ride, a big experience for small passengers. All three are currently out of service.
Child-friendly districts and playgrounds
Not every district in Lisbon suits families equally well. These are the districts where you will have the most fun with children and also find the main sights.
Parque das Nações
Lisbon's most family-friendly district. Flat, wide pavements, waterside playgrounds, a cable car, the Oceanario and the Pavilhao do Conhecimento all close together. The water playground on the Tagus is a highlight in hot weather.
Belem
Wide promenades, a large park (Jardim de Belem), the Museu da Marinha, the carriage museum and the famous Pasteis de Belem. Everything is within walking distance and pushchair-friendly. Tram 15E or bus 728 takes you straight there.
Alfama and Castelo
The narrow lanes are a maze to explore, and the Castelo de Sao Jorge offers castle walls to climb and free-roaming peacocks. Note: steep, and a challenge with a pushchair. Take Tram 28E or a taxi up.
Jardim da Estrela and Principe Real
The Jardim da Estrela has a large fenced playground, a duck pond and a cafe in the middle of the park. Principe Real has an impressive cypress that feels like a green room, and an organic market on Saturdays.
Practical tips for families in Lisbon
Heat and siesta
In summer Lisbon gets very hot (35 °C and more). Plan a midday break between 1pm and 4pm. Outdoor attractions in the morning, an air-conditioned museum in the afternoon.
Eating with children
The Portuguese eat late, and dinner from 8pm is normal. Most restaurants are child-friendly. Tip: pasteis de nata (custard tarts) are the perfect snack in between.
Pushchairs
No problem in Belem and Parque das Nações. In Alfama and the upper town (Bairro Alto) the lanes are steep and cobbled, so a baby carrier is better. The metro has lifts at most stations.
Pharmacies and emergencies
Pharmacies (Farmacias) are in every district, and many are open on Sundays too. Do not forget high-factor sun cream, as UV radiation is much stronger than in northern Europe.
Taxi and Uber
A supplement to local transport. Cheap in Lisbon (starting fee about €3.50, journeys in the city rarely over €10). Uber works reliably. Child seats are unfortunately not provided. Under 3s may ride on a lap.
Safety
Lisbon is one of Europe's safest big cities. On Tram 28E and in tourist areas, though, watch out for pickpockets. Always carry valuables at the front.
Is the Lisboa Card worth it for families?
For adults, definitely. Children get free entry to many museums in Lisbon anyway (often under 12s), so the child card mainly pays off on stays of several days, when unlimited local transport and the discounts on the Oceanario, the zoo and so on add up.
Here is a realistic worked example for 2 adults with a 24h card on a full day: