Lisbon with children: Attractions, tips and potential savings
A practical guide for families - with the best child-friendly attractions, public transport tips and the Lisboa Card as a family savings helper.
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Lisbon is a fantastic city for families. The combination of sea, hills, historic streetcars and interactive museums will delight children of all ages. And with the Lisboa Card, family vacations are not only easier, but also much more affordable.
The card is also available for children aged 4 to 15 - at a reduced price. Children under the age of 4 travel free on local public transport and have free entry to most museums. In this guide, we show you the best attractions for families, practical tips for everyday life and how much you can really save with the Lisboa Card.
Lisbon is like an adventure playground
Few European cities are as child-friendly as Lisbon. The historic streetcars feel like a rollercoaster ride through narrow streets. The funiculars take little explorers up steep hills. And on the banks of the Tagus there are endless promenades for romping, cycling and rollerblading.
There is also a world-class aquarium, museums with hands-on stations, castle walls to climb and one of the safest cities in Europe. The climate is mild, the food is child-friendly and the Portuguese are extremely family-friendly - children are welcome everywhere, even at late dinners.
The best attractions in Lisbon for children
Many of Lisbon's most popular sights are also exciting for children. Here are our recommendations, sorted according to 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 pool. Children under the age of 3 are admitted free of charge.
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 admission is free with the Lisboa Card.
Pavilhao do Conhecimento
The Lisbon Science Museum is a paradise for curious children. Hundreds of interactive experiments to touch, try out and marvel at - from physics to biology.
Cable car on the Tagus
The telecabin glides along the Tagus at a height of 20 meters - a gentle experience with a great view of the river, the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the Expo site. Children love it.
Museu da Marinha
The naval museum delights visitors with real ships, huge galleys, historic globes and models of the explorer fleets. Children are particularly impressed by the large hall with the original boats.
Museu dos Coches
The world's largest collection of historic carriages. Magnificent, gold-decorated carriages from three centuries - for children like a glimpse into a real fairy tale. In a modern new building with plenty of space.
Lisboa Story Center
An interactive experience museum about the history of Lisbon - with an audio guide, multimedia stations and an impressive simulation of the 1755 earthquake. Exciting and educational at the same time.
Elevador de Santa Justa
The historic cast-iron elevator from 1902 travels 45 meters upwards in the middle of the city. The ride only takes a minute, but the view from the top is a thrill for children and adults alike.
Quake - Lisbon Earthquake Center
An immersive experience based around the 1755 earthquake: simulators that make the ground shake, interactive stations and an exciting journey through time. A highlight especially for older children.
Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa
Lisbon Zoo offers dolphin shows, a cable car across the grounds, a reptile garden and a children's farm. A full-day excursion for the whole family.
Out and about with children: how to use public transport
Exploring Lisbon on foot with children is exhausting - the hills are steep, the paths are long and after the third cobblestone climb at the latest, the kids go on strike. The good news is that with the Lisboa Card you have unlimited travel on the metro, bus, streetcar, funicular and suburban trains.
Metro
Fast, safe and air-conditioned. The four lines cover the most important destinations. Baby carriages fit easily through the wide barriers and onto the trains.
Streetcar 28E
The famous historic streetcar - a real experience for children. Caution: Very crowded in high season. It is best to board before 9 am or in the evening from 6 pm.
Buses
Air-conditioned and with space for baby carriages. Bus 728 runs directly along the waterfront from Belem to Parque das Nações - the best panoramic ride in the city.
Funiculars
The three historic funiculars (Gloria, Bica, Lavra) save you steep climbs. Short ride, great experience for little passengers.
Child-friendly districts and playgrounds
Not every neighborhood in Lisbon is equally suitable for families. Here are the districts where you can have the most fun with children and find the most important sights at the same time.
Parque das Nações
The most family-friendly district in Lisbon. Flat, wide sidewalks, playgrounds by the water, cable car, Oceanario and Pavilhao do Conhecimento in a small area. The water playground on the Tagus is a highlight when it's hot.
Belem
Wide promenades, large park (Jardim de Belem), Museu da Marinha, Carriage Museum and the famous Pasteis de Belem. Everything is within walking distance and suitable for baby carriages. Streetcar 15E or bus 728 will take you there directly.
Alfama and Castelo
The narrow alleyways are a labyrinth to explore, and the Castelo de Sao Jorge offers castle walls to climb and free-roaming peacocks. Caution: Steep and a challenge with a baby carriage - take streetcar 28E or a cab up.
Jardim da Estrela and Principe Real
The Jardim da Estrela has a large fenced-in playground, a duck pond and a café in the middle of the park. Principe Real has an impressive cypress tree that looks like a green room and an organic market on Saturdays.
Practical tips for families in Lisbon
Heat and siesta
In summer, it gets very hot in Lisbon (35 °C and more). Plan a lunch break between 1 and 4 pm. Outdoor attractions in the morning, an air-conditioned museum in the afternoon.
Eating with children
Portuguese eat late - dinner after 8 pm is normal. Most restaurants are child-friendly. Tip: Pasteis de Nata (custard tarts) are the perfect snack between meals.
Baby carriage
No problem in Belem and Parque das Nações. In Alfama and the upper town (Bairro Alto), the streets are steep and cobbled - it is better to use a stretcher here. The metro has elevators at most stations.
Pharmacies and emergencies
There are pharmacies (farmacias) in every district, and many are also open on Sundays. Don't forget sunscreen with a high sun protection factor - the UV radiation is much stronger than in Central Europe.
Cab and Uber
As a supplement to local transportation. Inexpensive in Lisbon (starting fee approx. 3,50 €, journeys in the city rarely exceed 10 €). Uber works reliably. Unfortunately, there are no child seats - children under the age of 3 are allowed to ride on laps.
Security
Lisbon is one of the safest cities in Europe. However, you should watch out for pickpockets on the 28E streetcar and in tourist areas. Always carry valuables in the front.
Is the Lisboa Card worthwhile for families?
For adults in any case. Children have free admission to many museums in Lisbon anyway (often under the age of 12), so the Children's Card is particularly worthwhile for stays of several days, when the unlimited local transport and discounts at the Oceanario, zoo and other attractions come into play.
Here is a realistic calculation example for 2 adults with a 24-hour ticket on a full day: