Whether you’re staying one day in Lisbon or many, you’ll want to fit in as many amazing Lisbon activities as possible. We’ve created a list of fantastic and fun things to do in Lisbon to help you plan your Lisbon holidays. We also travel with three teens so our recommendations inevitably include great things to do in Lisbon with kids.
As you’re dreaming of your Lisbon holidays or creating the perfect itinerary, you can use this list to create your perfect vacation!
Our Recommended Activities for your Lisbon Holidays
1. Explore the winding streets of Alfama
The beautiful Alfama district is one of the ‘must see’
Lisbon destinations and is definitely one of the best Lisbon activities. If you
have only one day in Lisbon, this is one place that has to make it on your
list.
The maze of streets in Alfama was designed to deter
invaders. It’s the home of the Castelo de São Jorge, the Monastery de São
Vicente de Fora, beautiful look outs, picturesque narrow streets, churches,
fountains and stairways.
No matter how short your time in Lisbon, you really need to experience Alfama. Even if travelling as a family, visiting Alfama is one of the best things to do in Lisbon with kids. We’ve created a one day self-guided walking tour of Alfama to help you have the best experience!
2. Visit Praça da Comercio
We returned to Praça da Comercio time and time again
during our Lisbon holidays. It is a large, beautiful square surrounded by light
yellow buildings.
In the center of the square is a statue of King Jose
I. Look for the elephant. It represents the Portuguese empires in Africa and
India! When we visited, there was a dance group performing in the front of the
statue so you never know what you’ll find as you wander.
Around the edges of the square, you’ll find the Arch of Augustus, Martinho da Arcada (the oldest restaurant in Lisbon), Lisbon Story Center and next door to the Lisbon Story Center, Nosolo Italia, a great ice cream shop. The square rests on the Lisbon waterfront which is a wonderful place to spend some time wandering or relaxing.
As we were visiting Lisbon with kids, they really enjoyed the wide open space and the performers that we often saw as we were passing through.
3. Castelo de São Jorge
The Castelo de São Jorge sits high overlooking Lisbon. It is one of the most popular sights in Lisbon and definitely worth a visit even if you only have one day in Lisbon. Enjoy the views of Lisbon, see the beautiful peacocks, and explore the castle walls.
One of the castle courtyards 
Beautiful view over Lisbon 
Caiden was fascinated by the peacocks at the castle!
To find out all you need to know for a visit to the Castelo de São Jorge, check out our guide to one day in Lisbon’s Alfama district.
4. Monastery de São Vicente de Fora
The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is a short walk from the Castelo de São Jorge. The architecture is beautiful. You’ll find the crypts of kings and queens of Portugal as well as one of the most amazing collection of tiles in the world.
The monastery gets missed by many visitors but it really is one of the most unique Lisbon activities. We’ve explained the Monastery de São Vicente de Fora in more detail in our post on fun things to do in Alfama so check it out!
5. Funiculars (Gloria and Bica)
Lisbon is built on a series of hills which makes it
hard for some to get from one place to another. Like the Elevador Santa Justa
(see below), the city of Lisbon built several funiculars, or ascensors, to
assist in bringing people up and down the hills. The two funiculars remaining
in Lisbon today are the Ascensor da Glória and the Ascensor da Bica. You have
to ride one of these funiculars to experience one of the most truly unique
Lisbon activities. It’s also a fantastic thing to do in Lisbon with kids!
The Ascensor da Gloria can be found near the Praça dos
Restauradores. It connects the Baixa neighbourhood with the Bairro Alta. There
was a bit of a line to ride when we arrived but we learned quickly that we
could bypass everyone if we didn’t mind standing during the ride as they were
all waiting for this funicular to return so that they could sit during the
ride.
At the top of the Ascensor da Gloria is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara. We arrived during a festival. There was a stage with music and plenty of booths selling food and drinks.
The view of the city was beautiful but due to fencing, we were unable to see the tile map that guides visitors through the view ahead.
The festival was a fun surprise but I’d love to return to enjoy the miradouro without the crowds. We chose to walk back down the stairs along side the funicular and enjoy the street art along the way.
The Ascensor da Bica is closer to the Caix do Sodre train/metro station and connects Rua de São Paulo with Calçada do Combro and Rua do Loreto. The artwork on the nearby buildings isn’t as enjoyable as that of the Ascensor da Gloria but we enjoyed the artwork on the funicular itself much more!
We were told that artists could apply to paint a design along the side or on the funicular itself. Isn’t that a great way to get your artwork seen?!
6. Convento de Carmo
The great Lisbon earthquake of 1755 took place on one of the holiest days of the year, All Saints Day. That morning devout Catholics filled the local churches and cathedrals for morning mass. At 9:40am the great earthquake hit destroying most of the buildings in the area that is now the Baixa neighbourhood.
All those attending mass at the Convento de Carmo were killed. All that remained was the skeletal structure of the church. The earthquake was followed by a terrible tsunami and raging fires, many caused by candles left burning at home while families attended morning mass.
The Convento de Carmo is strikingly beautiful. This alone
makes it a wonderful Lisbon activity. As you enter, you’ll see the imposing
structure of the church and be able to explore many of the surviving interior
structures and art work. The outside is visible in many locations throughout
Lisbon but we highly recommend that you take a little time to visit the inside.
If you enjoy photography, it is a stunning location to practice. The curves and open sky are so beautiful. Sydney and I really enjoyed it and even the boys had fun exploring the ruins.
So hauntingly beautiful
If visiting Lisbon from May to July, you may also want to consider getting tickets for Lisbon Under the Stars which is a visual effects spectacle that uses the ruins of the Convento de Carmo as a three-dimensional screen to explain the history of Lisbon. It would make a great evening addition to your Lisbon holidays.
Have a look to the left of the Convento de Carmo to see officers guarding the headquarters of the National Guard.
7. Praça da Rossio
Due to its shape, it is believed that the Praça da Rossio was roman racetrack 2000 years ago. Today, you’ll find a column of Pedro IV in the center. Officially, the square is named for him but those from Lisbon still call it Rossio.
The Praça da Rossio is the center of everything Lisbon. It used to be headquarters for the inquisition and even today, all big events take place here. Make sure you notice the incredible tilework! The incredibly intricate detail makes it look like the ground is moving! Running around the square is one Lisbon activity that young kids just love!
8. Sé Cathedral
The Sé Cathedral is Lisbon’s oldest building. It was the built on top of a former mosque after Lisbon was taken from the Moors.
Unlike the Convento de Carmo, other than one tower, the Sé Cathedral survived the great earthquake and tsunami. It really is an incredible sight to visit, knowing that as parishioners left the cathedral, they were faced with a city filled with incredible destruction.
I just love old doors. 
The Se Cathedral really is beautiful.
Our guide told us a story about putting your hand on the cross on the outside of the doors as entering and leaving but for the life of me, I can’t remember it. It was a cool story and the kids and I enjoyed putting our hands on the cross each time we visited. I’ll update if I find out. Can anyone help?
In front of the cathedral, near where the tuktuks hang out, there is a public washroom. You need to go down the stairs to reach it. The lady working there was a wealth of information. Along side the stairs, is a glass-like wall with excavation on the other side. You can see where the former streets of Lisbon had been before the earthquake.
9. Church of San Antonió á Sé
St Anthony is the patron saint of Lisbon as well as
the patron saint of children and love. A small church exists near the Sé
Cathedral at the location where St. Anthony was born.
Just outside the church you’ll find a statue of St. Anthony holding a book. The legend has it that if you are able to toss a coin and have it rest in the opened book, you will find or keep your true love.
If you have kids, make sure to bring them here. Our kids had a great time tossing coins to try and have them rest in the book. It’s a great thing to do in Lisbon with kids!
10. Praça dos Restauradores
Praça dos Restauradores is not named for the nearby restaurants as we originally thought. Rather, the beautiful obelisk in the center of the square celebrates the restoration of Portuguese independence from Spain.
Unlike what many believe, Portugal existed prior to Spain and only during 60 years of history did Spain have control of Portugal. King Sebastian of Portugal died in battle without heir in 1580 at which time King Philip II of Spain took control of the country. In 1640, Portugal fought many battles and won its’ independence.
11. Praça da Figuera
Praça da Figuera is a transportation hub where
visitors can catch the infamous tram #28 as well as other trams and buses. The
statue of St. John stands in the middle of the square and if you’re lucky,
you’ll find a wonderful market selling delicious cheese, meats and wines!
On the edge of Praça da Figuera is the Confeitaria Nacional. It was originally the pastry maker for the king, being on call 24 hours a day in case he desired a treat. It has some of the best pasteis de nata around!
Tasting the many different pasteis de nata is a fantastic thing to do in Lisbon with kids. There are so many amazing but different recipes!
12. Try Ginjinha
Ginjinha, or Ginja, is a delicious sweet liquor made
with cherries and alcohol. It is often served in a dark chocolate shot glass
that you eat while or after drinking the ginjinha. It tastes like a delicious
cherry chocolate. I had read in advance that the best brands to try are
Espinheira or Sem Rival. We tried a few different ones that were offered for
free at the end of our meals so I’m not sure which brand they were. All were delicious!
One thing we learned… don’t think you’ll be able to purchase the best Ginjinha throughout Portugal!! We tried some delicious ginjinha during our daytrip from Lisbon to Sintra and I’ve heard that Obidos is known for its ginjinha but we travelled to the Algarve after Lisbon and planned to purchase it there, not realizing that the best ginjinha is really not available everywhere. This makes tasting ginjha the perfect Lisbon activity … for adults of course!
We were finally able to find Espinheira in a large liquor store in the Algarve but had to wait until until the end of our Lisbon holidays when we returned to Lisbon airport to find the chocolate cups.
The bottom line: if you can, purchase your ginjinha before you leave Lisbon! And even if you only have one day in Lisbon, you have to seek out and at least try ginjinha!
13. Shop for Cork
You will honestly find cork products everywhere. From
small corner stores/souvenir shops to exclusive boutiques, cork is everywhere.
I really had a hard time determining quality but we were looking for specific
items (a belt for Lucas, a fedora hat for Caiden and a purse for me) and over
time, it was possible to tell varying degrees of quality. Based on quality and
variety of availability, we found two stores in Lisbon that we really liked
(and a few more in the Algarve so if you’re heading that way, reach out to us).
After we left the Castelo de São Jorge, we found The
Cork Store at Rua Espirito Santo, 5. It’s a small little shop with beautiful
cork products. We left with a belt for Lucas, a purse for me, a few kitchen
items and some souvenir magnets.
In Chiado, while walking towards the Convento do Carmo, we found Cork & Co. at Rua das Salgadeiras, 10. Our guide had recommended the store so we made a point to drop in. They had beautiful bracelets, bags, and purses as well as household items.
14. Elevador de Santa Justa and Other Elevadors of Lisbon
Well, yes, an elevador is essentially an elevator but
the locations and purposes of these elevadors make them totally Lisbon! You may
have heard many times by now that Lisbon is the city of seven hills but in
reality, it rests on many more hills than that. To make life easier for those
living in the city, elevadors were built to bring people from lower elevation
to higher elevation. These elevadors range from historical ones such as the
Elevador de Santa Justa to the more modern elevadors such as the Elevador
Castillo on Rua dos Fanqueiros which brings locals and visitors to Rua da
Madalena.
Whether you take it or simply see it you have to
experience the Elevador de Santa Justa.
The Elevador de Santa Justa was built by a Portuguese apprentice of Gustav Eiffel. With the steepness of Lisbon’s hills, it was decided over 100 years ago that it would be a good idea to have a lift to help residents travel from Baixa (downtown) to the Largo do Carmo. It is definitely one of Lisbon’s icons but the lines are long and the ride is expensive. What many don’t realize is that you can enter the platform on the top without taking the Elevador! You can take a set of spiral stairs behind the Convento do Carmo and pay less than 2 euros to access the viewing platform.
15. Largo de São Domingos
Largo de Sao Domingos was the home of the Lisbon Massacre where in 1506, a three day massacre took place that left thousands of Jewish people killed. Today, in the center of the square, you’ll find a touching memorial to the victims of this tragedy.
The nearby São Domingos church was the center of the Inquisition and rumor has it that the church is cursed. Legend says the church must face four tragedies for the curse to be lifted. It has actually been ravaged by earthquake and fire three times so far; yet, it still stands. The interior is so unique. You can see the burn marks from earlier fires.
On a lighter note, seek out number 8 to find the oldest ginjinha bar in Lisbon, A Ginjinha. You’ll find the Espinheira brand of ginjinha here.
We visited at 10am and for us, it was a bit early so we didn’t try it but others happily lined up for a taste despite the early hour.
16. Belem
Belem is a short tram, bus or train ride away from central Lisbon. You really need to add Belem to your Lisbon holiday plan. We stayed near the Praça da Figueres so we hopped on Tram #15.
You can easily spend a full day in Belem. There is so much to explore! Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, the Church Santa Maria de Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and so much more. And don’t miss trying the delicious pasteis de nata at Pasteis de Belém, where the treat was originally created.
Visiting Belem is one of the best Lisbon activities and definitely one of the top things to do in Lisbon with kids. They will love exploring the parks, outdoor monuments and wonderful pastries.
For plenty of more details, check out our post on the best things to see and do in Belem.
17. Traditional yellow trams
If you’re planning a Lisbon holiday, I expect you’ve
heard about the wonderful Tram 28. This beautiful historic tram travels throughout
Lisbon hitting most of the key tourist destinations while giving visitors a
chance to experience the tram system that those living in Lisbon have come to
know and love. It is one of the most uniquely Lisbon activities to experience!
While the route that tram 28 travels is definitely
amazing, the entire route would take approximately an hour if you chose to stay
on the tram for the full one-way route. Further, most times we saw Tram 28 it
was filled to the rim with people. Unless you’re able to get a seat by being
one of the first on the tram, it can lead to a very uncomfortable voyage where
you get to see very little of those amazing sights on the route.
Since we were travelling with three kids, we decided
not to actually travel on the tram; however, we loved seeing these amazing
trams during our entire visit. They are traditional and I loved photographing
them as they passed. It really is incredible how they can squeeze down small
narrow streets with the simplest of ease.
If you do choose to ride, to have the best experience
with the smallest crowds:
- choose to ride very early or late in the day (the tram operates from 6:00 to 22:30)
- try to get on at the beginning of the route at Martim Moniz or at the end of the route at Campo do Orique
- at all times, beware of pick pockets
18. Eat amazing Portuguese food!
Whether you have one day in Lisbon or many, you have to try as much amazing Portuguese food as possible. Portuguese food is some of the most delicious food we’ve ever eaten during our travels. Both us and the kids tried to have something different at each meal just so we could try new dishes but most of us left Portugal with a few favourites.
From wonderful main meals like bacalhau á bras (cod
and shredded potatos) and cataplana (seafood stew) to fantastic treats like
pastel de nata (custard cups) and arroz doce (cinnamon rice pudding), you’ll
return home longing for these Portuguese dishes.
Check out our other posts to learn more about our favourite Portuguese food and our top restaurants in Lisbon.
19. Arco da Rua Augusta
The Arco da Rua Augusta is a stone arch, similar in style to the Arch de Triomphe in Paris. The arch is located directly on Praça da Comercio and is visible as the end of Rua Augusta.
Unlike the Parisien version, there are statues on top and you can get up close and personal for a minimal fee. These statues represent historical figures of Lisbon including the Marquis de Pombal and Vasco de Gama. The arch commemorates Lisbon’s recovery from the great earthquake of 1755.
The top of the arch provides a wonderful view over Alfama, the Praça da Comercio and along Rua Augusta.
A great view of Alfama
The kids actually enjoyed exploring each level of the Arch as there were exhibits on the floors leading up to the rooftop.
While we visited, there was a weekend crafters’ market running below and on each side of the arch. We didn’t realize it was just the weekend and planned to return but didn’t get a chance. They had so many unique items there.
20. Enjoy the views from the miradouros
Beautiful viewpoints abound in Lisbon. The numerous hills provide an opportunity to see the city from various locations. I’ve mentioned a few of our favourites already but these miradouros really do require a listing of their own on our favourite things to do in Lisbon.
- At the top of the Ascensor da Gloria, you’ll find the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara. (see the beautiful view above)
- Near the Ascensor da Bica, walk a short distance on Rua Marechal Saldanha to reach the Miradouro de Santa Catarina which looks over the harbour.
- Alfama is the home of the most beautiful miradouros in Lisbon. At the top of the elevador, just past the Restaurant Zambeze, you’ll find the Miradouro Chão do Loureiro.
- At the nearby at the Castelo de São Jorge, you’ll find the Miradouro de São Jorge.
- Don’t forget to wander Alfama. As you explore, visit the Miradouro Largo Santa Luzia and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
21. Lisbon Waterfront
The Lisbon waterfront runs from Praça da Comercio to the Cais do Sodre train station. We wandered the length late one afternoon but you can easily visit when you stop to see Praça da Comercio.
It’s a great place to have some downtime and view the 25th of April Bridge and the Cristo Rei statue.
At low tide you’ll see kids and adults alike exploring the rocky pools.
Cool sand sculptures! 
A few other sights to visit on your Lisbon holidays if you have more time:
Lisbon Story Center
The Lisbon Story Center is located in Prace da Comercio.
It is a walk-through experience that explains the history of Portugal from the early times of the Visigoths to the great earthquake in 1755. The walk through is interesting, but not thrilling. As it’s walkable, you can read as much or as little as you’d like. The film at the end is scheduled and if you arrive just after it starts, there will be a 10-15 wait for the next showing. We really enjoyed the film about the earthquake. Lucas, our older teen, was a bit bored but for Sydney and Caiden, our younger preteens, it was a good visual that helped them understand Lisbon’s history.
Museum of Lisbon, Roman Theater
The Museum of Lisbon has several locations. We were mainly interested in visiting the Roman Theatre as I’m always fascinated by Roman ruins located so far from Rome itself. The museum is small but interesting if you have a similar interest. You do have to have some imagination but the theatre itself is definitely recognizable.
Time Out Market
The Time Out Market is located across the street from the Cais do Sodre Train/Metro Station.
It’s a large enclosed building with an amazing array of incredible Lisbon based restaurants. Several of the best high-end restaurants in Lisbon have a satellite location here at the Time Out Market. There is also Manteigaria Silva, which has amazing charcuterie, as well as locations selling souvenirs and wine. The market is definitely worth seeing and many locals and visitors alike love it but we opted not to eat here. While the food options were plentiful, the place was incredibly busy and it was more than a little hectic for us.
Along with our recommendations, there are even more great sights to explore in Lisbon so you can easily spend a week or more in this amazing city.
If you’re looking to get out of Lisbon, there’s so much that makes Portugal a special place. Be sure to check out the amazing things to do in Carvoeiro, in Portugal’s Algarve region as well as the amazing sights between Porto and Lisbon.
56 Comments
Nadia · April 24, 2020 at 7:58 pm
What a great collection of activities! We have friends with kids who had to reschedule their portugal trip due to the pandemic…at least now they can reference your activity list!
Bree · April 24, 2020 at 7:05 pm
Reading what one can get up to in Lisbon makes me realize how little we saw when there in 2019. We were there 2 days. Thank you for sharing
Cendu · September 13, 2019 at 3:02 pm
What a wonderful trip! I can’t wait til my little guy is a little older so he can really appreciate traveling . I’ll be adding Lisbon to my mommy and son travel bucket list! So much to see and do! Your photos are so so stunning, makes me wish I was there right now 🙂
Joanne · September 13, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Hi Cendu. Thanks so much for the compliments. I really love photography. You and your little guy will love travelling together!
Beth · September 9, 2019 at 12:53 pm
This article is lavish with both photos and content. It was great to see what a family would enjoy rather than just adults. I’m so happy you explained the artwork on the trolley and walls! I lived in Spain for a year but never quite made it to Lisbon, so now I can see why I should go.
Joanne · September 13, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Hi Beth. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! You’re so lucky to have lived in Spain. We loved it there too!
Flossie McCowald · September 9, 2019 at 8:01 am
Your photos are stunning! Have never been to Lisbon, but it’s long been on my bucket list! 🙂
Joanne · September 13, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Thanks so much Flossie!
Tricia Snow · September 7, 2019 at 11:02 pm
Looks like an amazing trip! So much to do!
Joanne · September 13, 2019 at 3:11 pm
Hi Tricia. It really is a wonderful place to visit.
Shari L Eckstrom · September 7, 2019 at 10:30 am
Bookmarking this one and pinning too! What a great place to visit. On my Bucket list of places to go. Now you’ve given me plenty of ideas for what to do.
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:35 pm
So glad it was helpful! You’ll love Lisbon!
Coralyn · September 7, 2019 at 9:37 am
Such a beautiful city. Your post makes it look and sound like an awesome place to visit. I hope one day to see this and many other great cities.
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:35 pm
It is beautiful. I hope you get there too 🙂
Marla · September 7, 2019 at 9:11 am
Hi,
Interesting post. I don’t get to travel much but with your pictures which are gorgeous you make the trip come alive. I sure would love to travel to Lisbon – it sounds so exciting. Thanks for sharing your story.
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Hi Marla. Thanks for the compliments 🙂
Cherryl · September 7, 2019 at 8:39 am
Lisbon sounds like an interesting and beautiful place to visit – especially the Convento de Carmo. Love all your photos. Makes me want to renew my passport.
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Hi Cherryl. You should! You never know when that great travel opportunity may arrive.
Nicole · September 7, 2019 at 7:20 am
Fantastic overview of Lisbon. So many things to do there with the family. Those old churches are really stunning! I really love that picture with the castle too. Thanks for sharing this!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Hi Nicole. You’re welcome. Glad you liked it 🙂
Steve · September 7, 2019 at 6:52 am
I love all of your photos of such a beautiful city. I’m adding a trip to Libson my bucket list of travel destinations!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Thanks Steve! I just love photography so that means a lot.
Simone · September 7, 2019 at 5:44 am
So much to do & see… thanks so much for sharing all this!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Hi Simone. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
The Nail Chronicle · September 7, 2019 at 5:10 am
This looks like such a beautiful city! So much to see and do
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:39 pm
It is really beautiful. It’s a great place for solo travellers and families.
Sage Scott · September 7, 2019 at 2:27 am
While I have been lucky enough to visit Lisbon, I was only there for a work, and I only had about four hours to do anything outside of the hotel and office building. What a gorgeous city! I’d sure love to get back there one day!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:39 pm
Hi Sage. What a shame you were there and didn’t have a chance to really explore. That happens to my husband a lot when travelling for work. You’ll have to plan a trip back one day!
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions · September 6, 2019 at 10:57 am
I visited many of the neighborhoods and attractions you mentioned when I visited Lisbon last year, but I missed all of the churches and monasteries, including the Monastery de São Vicente de Fora and the Convento de Carmo. What a shame! But thanks for mentioning those; now I know what to see when I go back! Ginjinha was also so much fun to try, especially when served in those little chocolate cups. Yum!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Hi Kevin. It sounds like you had a great trip too!
Ketki · September 6, 2019 at 1:38 am
It is great to know that Lisbon is so family friends with so much to see and do. I love places which cater to all age groups and you have covered that in this blog, beautifully.
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Thanks Ketki!
Bernadette Jackson · September 5, 2019 at 4:16 pm
I can’t believe that in all the times we’ve visited, I still haven’t seen the peacocks! I didn’t remember the cherry drink until you mentioned it, although the natas were particularly fine. The strangest memory I have is that of the bridge (17 Avril?) and in particular the sound of vehicles crossing it with a rhythmic rumble. Plus all the beautiful tiles in the streets – possibly not the best place to wear my flattest shoes with no grip at all. I slithered around a lot!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Hi Bernadette. You’ll have to return for the peacocks! And you’re so right. This is definitely a place where you need good shoes.
Wendy P · September 4, 2019 at 9:25 pm
This is a place i have not been to yet. I think my family and I would love all of Lisbon but especially love Belem area, the Jeronimos Monastery and Santa Maria de Belem Church look beautiful. My husband and I would love the Sangria and the Ginjinha, with the cherries and alcohol would be a must have.
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Hi Wendy. Belem really is a special area. There is so much history there and it really jumps out for the kids. The Sangria and Ginjinha is especially good 🙂
The Holidaymaker · September 4, 2019 at 8:29 pm
What a great reminiscing read this was, as I was in Lisbon this past March and loved it too! It looks like you covered a lot of ground as a family. We saw and did a lot of the same things, but I think you did a bit more. We didn’t visit the Museum of Lisbon or Lisbon Story Centre, and missed seeing the Convento do Carmo. But I guess it leaves a reason to return!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Lisbon is such a great place for families. I’m glad you had a chance to experience it too 🙂
Maggie · September 4, 2019 at 2:37 pm
I only had one day to explore Lisbon when I was in Portugal earlier this year, so I missed most of these things! Definitely wish I’d had time to do more, especially the Carmo ruins! I didn’t see the Jeronimos Monastery on your list though – did you get there? One of the most beautiful buildings I’ve been in!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Hi Maggie. I mentioned it briefly in discussing Belem. We have another post on Belem that goes into more detail. The Jeronimos Monastery is stunning but we missed seeing the inside. Its definitely on our list for next time!
Tania Muthusamy · September 4, 2019 at 8:04 am
What a great list of fun things to do in Lisbon. I love the Praça da Comercio with the yellow buildings. It looks like a huge square. The architecture and historic monuments appeal to me too. And I would really like to taste Portuguese food. Hopefully I’ll get there soon.
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:50 pm
Hi Tania. You would love it. Yes, the Praca da Comercio is huge! It’s such a great open space in the middle of a bustling city.
Merry · September 2, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Such a thorough and great post. I’ve been to Lisbon but didn’t do many of the things on your list so this will be a great guide for the next time I go!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:50 pm
Hi Merry. Thank you! You’ll definitely need to return.
Kathryn Dickson · September 1, 2019 at 11:13 pm
My kids and I absolutely adored Lisbon as well. Isn’t it amazing how family friendly it is?
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Hi Kathryn. So true! We’d easily bring the kids back. There’s so much to do there for them.
Michael Hodgson · September 1, 2019 at 8:07 pm
Ironic isn’t it that a maze of streets in Alfama originally designed to deter invaders is now attracting hordes of tourist invaders. ;-). Lisbon is a place we have not yet been, but plan to. I will definitly take your advice to purchase my Ginjinha before leaving. I have always wanted to try the drink.
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Hi Michael. I do find that really ironic. It must be difficult for those living there to have so many people wandering around. Then again, we visited in summer and the winding streets of Alfama, outside the castle area, were relatively empty. I think a lot of visitor just stop at the main sight without exploring the amazing neighbourhood.
Sam Sees World · September 1, 2019 at 9:14 am
I LOVE Lisbon! When I visited Portugal it was one of my favourite cities. I can totally see why it would be the perfect holiday destination for those with kids. Great article, I feel like you really covered everything!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Thanks so much Sam!
Gabby · September 1, 2019 at 2:26 am
Fantastic overview of Lisbon – so much to see and do!
Joanne · September 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Thanks Gabby!
Family Holidays in Spain with kids? You Need this Amazing Spain itinerary! · December 5, 2023 at 9:53 am
[…] to visit Portugal (many people visit both during the same holiday!) be sure to read about our holidays in Lisbon, our day trip to Sintra and all the great things to do in La Carihuela including the great Algarve […]
Amazing Portuguese Seafood Restaurants in Lisbon - Sunsets & Roller Coasters · October 8, 2019 at 10:28 am
[…] of our favourite experiences in Lisbon was exploring the amazing local Portuguese restaurants. With seafood being included in so many […]
Absolute Best Things to do in Belem: A Day in Belem for the Whole Family · September 21, 2019 at 7:12 pm
[…] Are you wondering how to get to Belem and what to do in Belem once you’ve arrived? Well you’re definitely not alone. Along with a day in Alfama, a day enjoying all the great things to do in Belem is one of the top things to do in Lisbon! […]
An Amazing, Incredible Day in Alfama Lisbon - Sunsets & Roller Coasters · September 21, 2019 at 6:12 pm
[…] Alfama Lisbon and all the wonderful sights it has to offer. Don’t forget to check out our top things to do in Lisbon for other great ways to enjoy your vacation in this amazing city! And if you’re looking to […]