Lisbon with Kids: Family Guide to Trams, Tiles & Beaches

Lisbon is sunny, safe and genuinely welcoming to children, with pastries on every corner and beaches a short train ride away. It’s also very hilly and cobbled, so pick your base and your gear wisely.

Where to stay in Lisbon with kids

• Parque das Nações: flat, spacious and modern, with the Oceanário, a riverside promenade and playgrounds. The most stroller-friendly part of the city.
• Baixa: central and on the flat valley floor, with the metro close by. Hills rise on both sides.
• Belém: quieter and riverside, with big monuments, gardens and the famous custard tarts.

The best things to do in Lisbon with kids

1. Oceanário de Lisboa. One of Europe’s best aquariums, with a huge central tank, sea otters and penguins. Fully step-free.
2. Pavilhão do Conhecimento. A hands-on science centre next to the Oceanário, with dedicated areas for little ones.
3. Belém. Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and riverside lawns, plus pastéis de Belém still warm from the oven.
4. Tram 28. Iconic, but very crowded and strollers must be folded. Ride it early in the morning, or try the quieter tram 24 or 12.
5. Lisbon Zoo. A good half-day, with a cable car over the enclosures.
6. Cascais beaches. A 40-minute coastal train ride to calm, sandy beaches and a seaside promenade.
7. Sintra. Fairy-tale palaces on a day trip. Steep and busy, so bring a carrier and go early.

Getting around Lisbon with a stroller

• Metro: clean and simple. Many stations have lifts, but not all.
• Trams and funiculars: historic and fun, but tight for strollers.
• Elevators: the Santa Justa lift and public lifts help you skip some climbs.
• Ride apps (Uber, Bolt): cheap and the easiest way up the hills with tired kids.

Where to eat with kids

• Pastel de nata: custard tarts, the obvious favourite.
• Frango assado: simple grilled chicken with chips, loved by kids everywhere.
• Soups: caldo verde and vegetable soups are mild and served almost everywhere.
• Restaurants are relaxed with children, and families eat dinner late.

Parent tips for Lisbon

• Spring and early autumn are perfect; summer can be hot and busy.
• Pharmacies (farmácia, green cross) are excellent for baby essentials.

Explore more of the country in our Portugal with kids guide.