Discovering Lisbon: a Kid-Friendly Day Trip Navigating the Historic Center
Lisbon is a city bursting with history, stunning views, and delicious food, making it a great destination for families with children. This itinerary balances sightseeing with kid-friendly activities, ensuring a fun-filled day for all ages and offers suggestions on how to navigate this hilly riverside city with children. Exploring the city of seven hills can be an adventure, but this guide can help you successfully navigate a kid-friendly day trip in Lisbon.
Morning: Exploring Baixa and the Riverside
Start your adventure at Rossio Train Station, a beautiful neo-Manueline building in the heart of Lisbon. From here, take a leisurely walk through the Baixa neighborhood, one of the city’s most historic districts, filled with grand plazas, tiled buildings, and bustling streets. If your little ones are soccer fans, consider stopping at a Força Portugal store along the way to pick up a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey—a perfect souvenir from Portugal.
As you make your way to Praça do Comércio, soak in the impressive architecture and open space, where kids can run around freely. The riverside views of the Tagus River offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s energy. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the scenery before heading along the waterfront toward Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré.
Lunch: Time Out Market
It’s no longer a secret that the Time Out Market is a fantastic option for families, offering a wide variety of food stalls curated by some of Portugal’s best chefs. The spacious dining hall makes it easy to find a spot for the family to sit, and with so many options, even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. Whether it’s fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes, or tasty desserts, everyone can enjoy their meal before continuing the adventure. Our top picks are Ground Burger, which offers a variety of hamburger combinations, and Cozinha da Felicidade, which serves up modern Portuguese dishes such as Bacalao confit with potatoes and cream.
Early Afternoon: Parks, Playgrounds, and Panoramic Views
After lunch, hop on a bus from outside the Cais do Sodré train station and head uphill to Príncipe Real, a charming neighborhood with boutique shops and green spaces. Jardim do Príncipe Real is an excellent stop, featuring a playground for the kids, a delightful kiosk café under an enormous banyan tree, and nearby coffee shops for the adults.
Once the kids have burned off some energy, take a short stroll to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This scenic overlook provides breathtaking views of Lisbon’s rooftops and landmarks. There’s often live entertainment, such as street musicians or performers creating giant bubbles, adding to the lively atmosphere. Parents can grab a cerveja (beer) from the kiosk and unwind on a park bench while the kids explore.
Late Afternoon: Tram Ride, Graca’s Stunning Lookout, and a Relaxing Brewery Stop
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a ride on one of its iconic trams. From Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara walk about 10 minutes down to the Praça de Luís de Camões. Take a route through the Bairro Alto neighborhood for wider pathways that are better suited for strollers. Once you’ve arrived at the Praça de Luís de Camões, hop on the famous 28 tram, which winds through Lisbon’s most picturesque streets. While this route can be busy, the experience of riding the vintage trolley past historic landmarks is worth the wait—kids will love the ride!
For a unique perspective, stay on the tram past Alfama (saving that charming district for another day) and head to the Graça neighborhood. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers the most spectacular panoramic view of Lisbon, making it a perfect spot for a family photo. Though there’s not much to do beyond admiring the view, the trip is well worth it.
From the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte walk down the hill and stop at 8 Colina, a family-friendly brewery taproom with a great selection of craft beers. The laid-back environment makes it a great spot to play a card game with the kids while enjoying a drink. Across the street, the views remain breathtaking, and you can take your cerveja outside to soak in the scenery.
Evening: Dinner with a View or a Classic Seafood Cervejaria
As the sun begins to set, hunger will kick in, and for a memorable dining experience, consider Via Graça. This upscale restaurant not only offers modern takes on Portuguese cuisine but also boasts stunning city views. Despite its elegant atmosphere, the restaurant was able to accommodate a large group (including four children aged 1-9) in a private dining room, allowing the little ones to move around freely without disturbing other diners. We had incredible versions of duck rice, feijoada, and a perfectly cooked steak that left our family fed and happy.
Alternatively, jump back on the 28 tram or consider walking down the hill to the Intendente neighborhood for one of our favorite restaurants Cervejaria Ramiro. This classic restaurant has a more casual vibe and some of the best seafood in Portugal. The menu mainly consists of freshly grilled shellfish, such as tiger prawns and carabineros, but their prego no pao, or steak sandwich, is a wonderful selection as well.
Try A Taste of Coastal Portugal at Home these Gambas Mozambique or Grilled Tiger Prawns Cervejaria Style recipe!
End of the Day: the Journey Home
After a fantastic meal, it’s time to head back to home. Depending on the kids’ energy levels, you can choose to walk, hop on another tram, take a bus, or call an Uber. Either way, this day in Lisbon will be one your family will cherish—filled with history, adventure, and plenty of fun for kids and adults alike.
Looking for more Lisbon travel ideas check these out:
- Discovering Lisbon: Wander, Eat, and Explore in Belem and Cascais
- Discovering Lisbon: Gardens, Markets, and Playgrounds Off the Tourist Path
- Lisbon for Families: A Kid-Friendly Travel Guide to Portugal’s Vibrant Capital
- Or check out nearby Sintra: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Sintra: Palaces, Beaches, and Foodie Adventures
