5 Activities To Do With Kids In Lisbon

Are you planning a family trip but can’t decide where to go? Lisbon is the ideal destination for a city break with kids!

With its mild climate, large parks and green spaces, fascinating variety of neighbourhoods and superb selection of bars and restaurants, it also offers a number of cultural activities that are great fun for the whole family. Take a look at our recommendations for child-friendly options in the city of the seven hills and see for yourself why family holidays in Lisbon are unforgettable!

 

Oceanário de Lisboa

The Lisbon Oceanarium is considered the largest in Europe. Its gigantic main tank houses a breathtaking variety of marine creatures, including sharks, rays, penguins and jellyfish and there are four huge viewing windows for the kids to watch them as they swim by.

Photo: @pedroapina

 

Museu de Marinha

Lisbon’s world-famous Maritime Museum is located in the bustling neighbourhood of Belém and takes the whole family back in time. It’s a great place for the kids to learn more about Portugal’s seafaring history and the exploration and discoveries that changed western civilisation forever.

Photo: @jennyh_33

 

Pastéis de Belém

Another unmissable stop on your adventures around the city, especially if you’re travelling with kids, is the Belém neighbourhood and the emblematic Pastéis de Belém bakery. The recipe for its world-famous custard tarts was devised at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Heironymite Monastery). When it closed, the bakery began producing these delicacies that have gradually become known and loved everywhere.

Photo: @pasteisbelem

 

Tram 28

Lisbon’s iconic Tram 28 travels up some of Lisbon’s steepest cobblestoned streets towards the Barrio de Graça.  The kids will love riding on this yellow gem from bygone days as it clatters through the old town.

Photo: @dlanciones

 

Parque Eduardo VII and Parque Florestal de Monsanto

Eduardo VII Park is a fantastic place to have a rest during an intense day of sightseeing in the city. This oasis was named after King Edward VII of England, who visited Lisbon in 1903. Another highly recommended place to recharge the family’s batteries is the Parque Florestal de Monsanto, a large protected forest where visitors go to enjoy outdoor sports such as riding bicycles, hiking or even climbing.

Photo: @loretarocha

 

The cover image is from Wikimedia Commons.

Miradouros: 5 Breathtaking Views That Will Make You Fall In Love With Lisbon

Did you know that Lisbon was founded on seven hills? That is why when we think about this popular destination we always picture the spectacular views from its more than 20 lookout points. The singular contour of the land on which the city has flourished has given rise to the steep streets where these miradouros have been built and become meeting points frequented by visitors and locals on a daily basis. Here is some information about our favourite lookout points – the ones we think are the most attractive and offer the most postcard-worthy panoramas.

Get ready to fall in love with Lisbon and these views that will have you on cloud nine!

 

Santa Luzía

Located in the bustling Alfama district, this charming lookout terrace is possibly one of the most beautiful observation points in the city. With sweeping panoramic views over the River Tagus and the dome of Santa Engracia Church in the distance, its timeworn decorative tiles that mark the passage of the years against white walls, and beautiful vines and bougainvillea make this a uniquely romantic place! Photo by @lulu_bepi

 

Castelo de São Jorge

Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George’s Castle) sits atop the highest hill in Lisbon and offers the most panoramic view of the city. Originally built more than eight hundred years ago, this emblematic citadel rises up above the cobbled streets to offer not only spectacular views over most of the city’s neighbourhoods, but also gorgeous framed vistas like the one you can see in the image above. Photo by @designgipsy

 

Portas do Sol

These lookout terraces can be found near Castelo de São Jorge and offer a sweeping view over the rooftops of the old quarter of Alfama, the seafront and the River Tagus. There is also a trendy café with a terrace and a lounge bar where you can enjoy a drink or a snack as you take in the breathtaking scenery. Photo by @flaviamag

 

Senhora do Monte

This Lisbon belvedere (Our Lady of the Hill in English) is considered one of the best for watching the sun go down over the “The City of the Seven Hills”. It offers an almost 360º panoramic view over the city, including a great perspective of the Castelo de São Jorge, the Igreja da Graça church and the old quarter. It is very popular with both tourists and locals.  Photo by @americo.leitao

 

Graça

This loookout point’s official name is “Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen”, in honour of the renowned Portuguese poet, but locals refer to it as the Miradouro da Graça. You get a great view of the Castelo de São Jorge, the Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa lift) and the Convento do Carmo (Carmo Convent) from up here, along with several more of the city’s key monuments. Photo by @cinna_min

 

Lisbon possesses a magical quality that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. As you have seen, its many miradouros are part of this enchantment, so make sure you visit them on your next trip to Lisbon and let yourself fall in love with this beautiful, ancient city!

 

Did you miss TallerGat Spain?

From 12th to 13th March 2016, we celebrated in Gat Rossio our special event called TallerGat Spain, hosted by the well-known photographer and architect Nicanor García.

Nicanor Garcia proposed a workshop based on the city and what it can offer to a photographic eye, paying special attention to the architecture that conforms the city and people who give it life. This allowed us to establish narratives across the two issues and explore its links.  Continue reading “Did you miss TallerGat Spain?”