While it will take some time till the world returns to the normal we knew before Covid, there is nothing wrong with planning a vacation for once you feel save again to travel with your family.
Lisbon is perfect for a city and beach family trip. Around most corners something new is "hiding" waiting to be explored. Even better to know that there is a law that prioritizes pregnant woman, disabled, toddlers of up to 2 years and elderly people. If you fit into one of these categories, please ask for priority treatment and skip any queues at stores, supermarkets, restaurants, monuments and on the trams!
Take a note of our highlights and must does and sees on any family trip to Lisbon:#1 Ocenarium - frequently voted the best Ocenarium in the world by the TripAdvisor community, it really is nothing short of fun, learning and being amazed across all ages! Yes, this is not just something for toddlers or younger children, adults and older generations will likewise have fun!
#2 A trip or two to Sintra to explore the picturesque historic old town as well as Quinta da Regaleira with it's hidden wells and lush gardens that invite to play and explore. Be challenged walking "across water" and finding your way to the light ;-) There is also several castles, Pena Palace attracts the most visitors, though it is not as old as one may think. Palcaio National on the other hand has been home to the royals for centuries (and also happens to be in the middle of the old town not up on the hill!). We have a trusted partner for tours in and around Lisbon that are brilliant with toddlers and children, ask us for details if interested - preferential rates apply.#3 Picturesque Alfama and it is hidden alleyways as well as magnificent viewing platforms. The sunset from the castle is amazing and the alleyways invite to run around and explore. Needles to say some great photo shoot opportunities await! If easier, consider a tuck tuck for this neighbourhood. You may not see everything as some streets just can not be accessed motorized, however it may be handy if you do not want to get on Tram 28 and prefer transport to walking. If you want to live like a local, check our LD Apartments Alfama Castelo apartment, that is in the centre of action during the day, yet in a quiet oasis at night :)#4 Belem, try the original Pasteis de Belem from the Jeronimos Cloister monks. The recipe is a well kept secret and nobody to date could replicate it outside of the bakery's walls. It is passed on from generation to generation and yet one of Lisbon's best kept secret. Another secret many do not know, the queue outside is only for takeaways. We recommend passing the queue and instead enjoying minimum 3 at one of the tables inside.Do not forget to visit the Jeronimos Cloister or the Monument of the Discoveries. You can take a lift to have a view of the area. Rather small, though worth at least a look from outside our Belem Tower. There is something magic about this small fortress that once was in the middle of our river Tejo to collect tax from passing ships.#5 A boat tour, it could be an advertised one, it could be (sunset) sailing with your own Skipper of course (!) - ask us for details, we have trusted partners with preferential rates - or a commuter ferry trip across to Cacilhas the other side of Lisbon to have amazing views of our city with lunch at Ponto Final - reservations recommended!#6 A walking food tour - ask us for details on our trusted partners for these, too! Have gear to push the buggies or carry your little ones (latter option better if possible given the hills - provided you can carry for a considerate time). If your little ones are no fussy eaters, they will have all their snacks on the tour and even enjoy this for free when they are young!#7 Rua Augusta Arch at Praca do Commercio - climb a few steps to have an amazing view over Baixa, Alfama, Chiado#8 Treat your family for ice-cream at Santini (in Cascais royals used to go there, or in Lisbon - Chiado a more recent branch)#9 Cascais has a beautiful coastal line and dunes. Cascais municipal also provide free bike rental all you need to do is leave your ID in return while you rent the bike. The local park has an amazing playground and animals you would not necessarily find in your home park.#10 Lisbon's pavements and squares are an incredible artwork. Admire the stories pictured and find the special touches the artist left! Sometimes it is an additional ship, other times a crown. It is yours to explore and find out. There is hardly a place in our historic downtown that is not touched by this wonderful craft man skill. Our little one loves watching the art, following its paths and coming up with her own games with them!
#11 Convento Carmo and Largo do Carmo. Portuguese established democracy and overthrew their dictatorship on this magical place. It is just fun to hang out in the square and have some juice/coffee - our favourite square in Lisbon! Convento Carmo has music and light shows over summer, something you do not get to see everyday!#12 Playgrounds, they have not been plentiful in the past, though more are established in and around our historic areas. We love one a bit further away up the hill on Parque Eduardo VII. The one in Jardim do Príncipe Real is also not bad and around the corner from our LD Apartments - Chiado - Atalaia. And the playground in Jardim da Estrela has lion and giraffes to "play with", just hop on Tram 28 - which thankfully stops along our apartments (!) - and enjoy the ride, too!#13 Obidos, about 90 minutes drive from Lisbon, explore a small medieval town that turns into a medieval festivals a few weeks over summer, typically end of July/August. If visiting outside this time, do not worry, there is still plenty of stuff to see and explore!
#14 Beaches: Unless you go to the Algrave at the end of summer, the water temperature will be very similar in the Algarve compared to the water temperature near Lisbon. The good news: it gets decently hot temperature wise so a dip in the coldish water is very welcome and nice surprise! Guincho beach for kite surfing and if it is not windy a walk in the dunes! Costa da Caparica - any of the beaches will be great and you can take the small train connecting them in the summer. The closest beach and reachable by train is Praia de Carcavelos. Beaches around Setubal like Praia do Portinho da Arrabida, are just stunning, though you will need a car for this.
#15 Staying at our LD Apartments Alfama Castelo or LD Apartments Mouraria apartment and admiring the local artwork we have in the living room. Your kids as much as yourself can check if you managed to see and can name all our monuments pictured here :) Or staying at LD Apartments Chiado Atalaia and enjoying the large round table to plan your trips! While we have had families with young kids enjoying the apartment, the location of the apartment lends itself for families with teenagers or babies/toddlers that still nap as the area is super quiet during the day. Last but not least enjoy the black and white bathroom and kitchen floor tiles at our LD Apartments Cais do Sodre apartment and the secret passage from the couch to the bedrooms. Yes, this is based on guest feedback and what your little ones loved most! We are also adding various toys and children books to our apartments to ease your families transition between daily routine, play and exploring to complement the complimentary high chair and 2 x travel cots we already provide for your families and look forward to welcome you to your Lisbon home :)Any questions? Feel free to email us or just comment below and we will get back to you asap :)
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