These recommendations are taken from Lisbon Encounter, which is Lonely Planet's short trip guide to the city.
Little things spark children's imaginations in Lisbon: from rickety rides on bee-yellow trams to traffic-light-bright pipocas (popcorn). Easygoing Lisboetas are geared up for families: expect half-price tickets for kids at attractions, half portions (uma meia dose) at child-friendly bistros and free transport for under-fives. Hotels often squeeze in cots for tots at no extra charge. Cobbles aren’t stroller-friendly, but whizzy funiculars make getting around child’s play.
First up for families should be Parque das Nações, where sharks give nippers a toothy grin at the eye-popping Oceanário.
Budding physicists launch rockets and become moonwalkers at the touchy-feely Pavilhão do Conhecimento, then cool off at the splashy Jardins d’Água. Head west to dig for nautical treasures in Belém’s bargestuffed Museu de Marinha. Back in the centre, Castelo de São Jorge is a surefire hit, as is the Museu da Marioneta, where children can try their hand at puppetry.
Even am-I-bovvered teens perk up shopping Bairro Alto’s way cool boutiques like Sneakers Delight and Agência 117. Phew, Lisbon too hot to handle? Children love making finned friends on dolphin-watching boat rides in Setúbal, burying dad in the sand in Cascais and fairy-tale play in the palaces and gardens of Sintra.
Image of Setúbal by Gustty
BEST ATTRACTIONS
- Oceanário
- Pavilhão do Conhecimento
- Museu da Marioneta
- Museu de Marinha
- Dolphin-watching in Setúbal
BEST OUTDOORS
- Jardins d’Água
- Parque Eduardo VII
- Jardim da Estrela
- Praça do Príncipe Real
- Jardim do Ultramar
Many more sights and activities can be found in Lonely Planet's Lisbon Encounter
