Date of publication 18/02/2026
Lisbon with the family: a journey of light, streetcars, and unforgettable memories
A hotel in Lisbon to enjoy with the family. A light-filled getaway you’ll remember for a lifetime. Visiting the Portuguese capital with little ones is always a great idea, especially if the goal is to introduce children to the fascinating world of cultural travel. Like something out of a fairy tale, the city and its corners welcome families with open arms. Choose it for the perfect balance of fun and relaxation in a destination that is comfortable, safe, and well-connected.
Below are some practical tips for traveling to Lisbon with children, along with ideas for activities, must-see sights, local cuisine, and accommodation.
Lisbon through a child’s eyes: a storybook city
Colorful streets and tiles: an open-air museum to explore
Often called Europe’s street art capital, Lisbon feels like an open-air museum waiting to be explored. Its streets and squares, lined with colorful houses, historic cafés, and stately palaces with iconic Portuguese tile façades, spark children’s curiosity about art almost without them noticing. For them, strolling through the historic center becomes an adventure into an exciting new world. Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta, and the Santa Justa Lift in the Baixa district, as well as Bairro Alto and its hidden corners, are essential stops.
For those looking for a distinctive family hotel in Lisbon with easy access to the city center, Iberostar Selection Lisboa stands out as one of the best options. This five-star property, located next to the bohemian Avenida da Liberdade and just a five-minute walk from Marquês de Pombal, features a spa and indoor pool, an outdoor pool with a solarium, several restaurants and bars, and a gym. Its modern, light-filled rooms and suites are designed to accommodate travelers of all ages.
The legend of the seven hills: an adventure for young explorers
According to legend, Ulysses, King of Ithaca and hero of Homer’s Odyssey, visited the Iberian Peninsula after the Trojan War and founded Lisbon under the name Olissipo or Olissipona. Portugal, for its part, was said to have been called Orphiussa, or “land of serpents,” after a sea goddess in the form of a serpent with whom the Greek hero fell in love during his stay. When Ulysses returned to Ithaca, his homeland, Orphiussa was so heartbroken that she lashed the shores of the Tagus River in fury, forming Lisbon’s seven hills.
Children love hearing this story while exploring the city’s viewpoints together. The Santa Luzia Viewpoint and the Senhora do Monte Viewpoint are especially impressive. These can be reached on foot, combining stretches of walking with rides on streetcars, elevators, and taxis, or by renting bicycles, since Lisbon is well-suited to exploring on two wheels.
Magical plans where fun takes center stage
All aboard. The thrill of riding the iconic Tram 28
From a hotel in Lisbon, the city reveals itself as vibrant and innovative, yet rich in cultural heritage. Public transportation is part of that legacy. Tram 28, in particular, follows a historic route through some of its most iconic neighborhoods: Chiado, Alfama, Baixa, Graça, and Estrela. Its yellow cars connect Martim Moniz and Campo de Ourique, known as Prazeres, on a journey lasting between 45 minutes and an hour. It is an ideal route to combine with different stops along the way at a relaxed pace. It is worth noting that this streetcar is often quite crowded, especially during high season from June to September and on weekends.
Belém: between explorers’ towers and the most famous pastries
Thanks to Portugal’s versatility as a destination and the proximity of major attractions, there is time for everything. Relaxing at a spa hotel in Lisbon can easily be combined with a family excursion to Belém. This district is located less than four miles from the city center, with convenient access by tram on route E15, train, bus, or taxi.
Belém Tower is a former military fortress located in the Tagus River estuary. From here, maritime expeditions once set sail for the American continent. In addition to serving as a defensive stronghold, it functioned over the centuries as a lighthouse, prison, and customs office. Today, it houses a museum with a viewpoint offering 360-degree views over the river’s mouth and the Atlantic Ocean. After a cultural visit, an afternoon treat would not be complete without the famous pastéis de Belém, which will be explored in more detail later on.
Sintra: a getaway to the land of princes and dragons
Sintra is a picturesque village built in the mountains, located about 19 miles from the city. One option is to take the train that connects the two destinations, a journey of around 40 minutes that offers some of the best views along the way at an affordable price. Another possibility is organizing a road trip from Lisbon with a private or rental car.
On the outskirts, Quinta da Regaleira is home to a palace worthy of princes and princesses, a lake, a greenhouse, mysterious secret passages, and even an initiation well associated with Freemasonry. Stone dragons watch over the Portal of the Guardians. After that moment of fantasy, the sound of flowing water and centuries of history guide the way back to a Lisbon hotel with a pool, where family relaxation continues.
Flavors and pauses: enjoying Portuguese cuisine with children
The sacred hour of the pastel de nata
Portuguese pastéis de nata are considered one of the best desserts in the world. They were created by chance in the 19th century at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, when resident monks devised a creative way to use leftover egg yolks after starching their habits with egg whites. In 1837, they sold the secret recipe to what is now the Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém, as they needed the income to survive.
This Lisbon specialty, shaped like a small tart, is made with whipped egg yolks, cream, sugar, and traditional puff pastry. Its contrast of textures, with a creamy interior and a golden, slightly crisp exterior, makes it a delicate treat. Those produced in the parish of Belém, known as pastéis de Belém, even hold a designation of origin. Tasting this and other delicious local recipes at a Lisbon hotel during the sacred afternoon snack becomes a ritual children will not forget.
Terraces and viewpoints: dining with the best views
Portugal’s cuisine is full of surprises and remarkable discoveries. Experiencing it as a family at a restaurant with a terrace and views is truly special. In this Iberian country, Atlantic influences blend on the plate with Mediterranean ingredients and techniques, along with touches from North Africa, Brazil, and India, creating a rich mosaic of flavors. Its apparent simplicity does not diminish its cultural depth.
No culinary journey would be complete without classics like bacalhau à portuguesa, slow-cooked salt cod with potatoes, peppers, and onions; frango, Portuguese grilled chicken, tender and flavorful thanks to its marinade; or cataplana, a traditional seafood stew made with clams and other shellfish. There is also a mixed version with different fish and seafood simmered in a homemade tomato sauce with garlic, onion, peppers, white wine, bay leaf, brandy, fresh cilantro, and a touch of piri piri, typically served with potatoes or a simple salad.
Tips for traveling parents: easy and comfortable Lisbon
Strollers vs. baby carriers: moving easily over cobblestones
The perfect suitcase for traveling with children does exist, and it is easier to pack than it may seem. For a vacation at a five-star hotel in Lisbon, lightness and practicality are better choices than “just in case” items. Checking the weather forecast and reviewing planned activities helps tailor packing to the season and type of stay.
It is also important to keep in mind that not all places are fully accessible for strollers or people with reduced mobility. The streets of the Portuguese capital, especially in the historic center, often feature cobblestones and uneven or steep surfaces. For this reason, baby carriers are generally more practical than strollers. If opting for a stroller, selecting one that is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to fold quickly can make all the difference.
Elevators and funiculars: the city’s secret shortcuts
There are many ways to get around Lisbon with children. If older kids are used to walking, exploring at least part of the city center on foot is a unique experience. The capital also offers excellent cycling infrastructure, with bike lanes and parking available throughout the main neighborhoods.
To avoid unnecessary fatigue, especially when heading to Bairro Alto, there is a transport trick that also serves as a shortcut: the city’s elevators and funiculars. They save time and energy when climbing hills or reaching viewpoints. The Glória Funicular and the Bica, Santa Luzia, and Castelo elevators are among the most famous and picturesque. This guide to Lisbon in 3 days includes even more tips for planning a family trip.
“Saudade” begins the moment the suitcases are packed
The Portuguese word saudade can be translated as “nostalgia” or “longing.” It describes a bittersweet feeling tied to home, to a place that feels like family and belonging all at once. It is the emotion of remembering something beautiful from a distance. It carries a sense of missing it, but also gratitude for having experienced it. There is no need to arrive in Lisbon to feel it. Simply packing suitcases with children often becomes the first happy memory of the trip.
Whether seeking exclusive experiences with loved ones in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities or planning an active vacation with a hint of adventure, Portugal’s most photogenic destination offers everything needed. Making it happen at the best hotel in Lisbon turns the idea into reality.
