Lisbon, Portugal has long been known as one of Europe’s underrated gems. But, this has also been an advantage to visitors with lesser crowds and a cheaper overall destination. Lodging, attractions and food are generally cheaper than most of western Europe but free is always better. Here are five things to do in Lisbon with kids (or without too).
We loved Lisbon and everything it had to offer from the people, history, food, charm to its love of tiles. It was also family-friendly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get as much attention as the other bigger capitals. We highly recommend visiting this Portuguese capital.
1. Tour Belem
Located about 3 miles (5 km) from downtown Lisbon, Belem is the historic district and a must visit area. Most of Lisbon’s popular attractions are located here. While some attractions charge admission, it’s free to marvel at the San Jeronimos Monastery’s exterior, Church of Santa Maria de Belem (free to enter), Discoveries Monument and Belem Tower.
It’s full of interesting history and architecture that even kids will enjoy their time here. Portugal’s navigators left from Belem to explore the world.
Walk along the promenade to watch all the activities on the Tagus River. Read all about our visit to Belem here.
Don’t miss a stop at Casa Pasteis de Belem for some treats and the popular pasteis de belem or custard tart. It’s hard to resist just eating one. Kids will love watching the bakers make these treats.
2. Admire the Views
Lisbon was built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. One of the best ways to see Lisbon is from above.
There are several viewpoints or “miradouros” throughout the city with most of them, understandably, at each hill’s highest point. These hilltop terraces all offer some spectacular views, plenty of space, seating and even a cafe or kiosk at some locations for refreshments.
Stop here during day or night to get the best views of this colorful city. You can even bring your own beverage or picnic. These are also quite popular for viewing sunsets. Here are some popular ones and now the dilemma is which one to go to first.
- Miradouro das Portas do Sol – This is easily accessible with Trams 12 and 28 stopping across the street and offers one of the best sweeping views of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Located next door to the castle.
- Miradouo de Santa Luzia – This is located just a few steps from the Portas do Sol above on the way to the castle.
- Miraduoro da Graca – This offers wide, sweeping city views and located near Castelo de Sao Jorge
- Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara – Located in Barrio Alto, there are bi-level gardens here too which offers views of the popular St. George’s Castle and over Alfama.
3. Enjoy the Parks of Lisbon
Looking from one of Lisbon’s overlooks, it’s a bit hard to find the green spaces. But, the city actually has some gems for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
Eduardo VII Park is Lisbon’s largest park. The park is at 62 acres and named after British monarch, Edward VII, who played a part in the alliance between the two countries.
It is also centrally located and easily accessible from the popular Avenida da Liberdade (Lisbon’s version of Champs-Elysees). It’s on an incline providing great views of the Tagus River and the downtown area.
Visit the park for its three greenhouses. The two hothouses are for cacti and exotic plants and the cold one with a ton more plants and exhibits.
The park usually houses fairs and concerts so you never know what you’ll find during a pleasant stroll. There’s also a lake and plenty of interesting art pieces.
Jardim da Estrela or Estrela Garden is considered by some as the prettiest of Lisbon’s parks and also referred to as Lisbon’s “Central Park”. The park a beautifully landscaped in an English style with many mature trees and flowerbeds, fountains and ponds.
It’s also family friendly where kids will enjoy feeding the ducks and geese or exploring the playground while the adults enjoy concerts from the wrought-iron pavilion. The park is a wonderful place for picnics especially during the summer months. There’s even an open air library.
Jardim Botanico Tropical is located in Belem and by the Jeronimos Monastery. Portugal had many colonies throughout Asia and Africa. I guess it’s not surprising to find exotic trees and plants brought back here.
This garden has over 600 exotic tree and plant species. It also has a large lake, greenhouses, herbarium, interesting statues and ducks and peacocks to keep the kids entertained.
4. Visit Museums of Lisbon
Lisbon’s many museums reflect its unique and interesting history and culture. Where else can you find a Fado Museum based on Portugal’s music and creative expression or one dedicated to tiles? These great museums are free all the time:
- Coleccao Berardo is a modern gallery in Belem with contemporary art exhibits that include works from Picasso, Dali and Warhol.
- Nucleo Arqueologico – Archaeologist-led tours are held twice a week to explore tunnels and walkways that once housed a Roman sardine factory, a 5th century burial chamber and Medieval and Islamic ruins. There is a small museum with artifacts found here.
- Museu da Electricidade or Electricity Museum in Belem is located in a complex that was once Lisbon’s thermoelectric power station. Visitors can still see equipment and how this operated.
There are also exhibits on energy sources, sustainable resources and the process of electricity. It is also a cultural center with rotating exhibits o, art and photography. It’s quite an impressive building. If you’ve got a science lover in your travel party, this is a wonderful place to go and learn.
- Museu do Design e da Moda or MUDE Design and Fashion Museum – This is an ideal place to visit for the budding fashionista. There are over 2,500 gowns, dresses along with furniture and accessories owned by Francisco Capelo (a Portuguese design collector). There is also an area that showcases the history of fashion and design.
During the first Sunday of the month, places like the National Tile Museum, Muse Nacional de Arte Antiga, Museu Gulbenkianas well as Belem attractions like San Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower are all free.
Expect some crowds so go early or later in the day. Here is a list of the museums with monthly free entries.
5. Explore Parque das Nações
Lisbon is full of old and traditional buildings so it was a nice change to also see its modern side. Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), also locally known as Expo Park, was the site of the World Fair in 1998.
It’s a popular area for sites and many activities. One doesn’t really need to spend money to enjoy them or admire all the modern architecture and public art.
Many people’s point of entry, including us, was at the modern Gare do Oriente station. Take some time to look around this stunning station with roof made of glass and steel.
This led us to the Vasco Da Gama Shopping Center which made my teen very happy. This is a great place to people watch and window shop. If you need some cheap food souvenirs, there was a large grocery store here too.
The popular Oceanarium, a cable car ride, water gardens, marina and Lisbon’s tallest building (Torre Vasco da Gama) can be found here along with shops and restaurants. Walk along the waterfront to see the Vasco Gama bridge which is considered one of the world’s longest bridges.
There are also green spaces and benches to admire the river views. You can see the bridge up close at Parque Tejo.
Honorable Mentions of free things to do in Lisbon
One of the best ways to really see Lisbon is by getting lost along its streets and tiled sidewalks. But, another wonderful way to explore it is through a guided free walking tour. There are actually a few free Lisbon Walking Tours.
- Lisbon Chill-Out Free Tours offers tours twice daily and operates on tips basis. No reservations needed. Meeting point is at Praça Luís de Camões (Luís de Camões Square).
- Sandeman’s Free Tour also works for tips and offers three tours daily. Tours can be booked online.
- Discover Walks offers 90 minute tours of Belem and the Alfama District. Tours can be booked online.
*Are there other free things to do in Lisbon to add?
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Check out these other Lisbon tours!
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This is a part of a series called Five Free Family Friday which is a collective guide of free family-friendly attractions from places all over the world. If you’d like to contribute with the free attractions in your home city, I would love your guest posts. Thanks!
I agree with all your recommendations, however I don’t remember the parks! Well I do remember Expo Park, but how could I not – it was huge! But I don’t remember big green spaces. I love gardens too!
I would love to go to Lisbon. It seems to have so much character and color. I’m pinning this to find later when we’re planning to go. #wkendtravelinspiration
It is true! Free is better! Good to know that many museums are free in Lisbon. I am a bit surprised by that. I am in love with free walking tours. I got into the trend last summer and I do not want to get off. Learned so much about Prague and Krakow by doing them.
I would add taking the tram, well it’s almost free. Our toddler loves to ride trains, trams, and busses, quite a cheap way to spend an evening.
That is a giant tray of pasteis de belem. Great Shot. I’ve saved this post to the TPThursday Pinterest board.
This is great for adults too. We will be in Lisbon in a couple of months, so am going to use this as our guide. Thanks
I love Lisbon, and looking forward to returning next year. I love the Jeronimos Monastery and would love to go back to Belem again when it isn’t pouring rain and blowing a gale. The Tile Museum was also a high point for me. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
We always enjoy going to large public parks whenever we visit a city. The kids like the chance to let off some steam and not have to focus on something. That archaeological museum sounds interesting, too. I especially like the photo looking out over all the red tiled rooftops.
Lisbon is a magical city. I sure do love those tasty pasteis de belem! I didn’t know about the free Sunday museums, however, thanks for the tip! Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!
We only spent a weekend in Lisbon, but I agree it’s an underrated city. The hills and neighborhoods were fun to explore — the food was very good. I remember one of the hills had a great view and a stand of historic cork trees, which i’d never seen before.
We are going to be in Lisbon next week, with our two kids (5 and 6) and two grandparents…. These sound like activities all generations will love and how nice that we can see the pastry being made, I had no idea that was possible