Lisbon: The City Break That Changed Our Family Adventures
How Lisbon Rewrote Our Story as a Family
We booked this trip when I was about five months pregnant with our second, assuming it would be our last city break for a long time. We told ourselves, “Well, we better go now because once we have another baby, this kind of thing won’t be happening.” We’d stayed at resorts as a family before, but in our hearts we were craving the adventure and culture of a city break.
But Lisbon proved us completely wrong.
This was the trip that changed our whole perception of travelling as a young family. This was our first city break of many. It gave me confidence, reminded me how much I thrive on this kind of exploring and showed us that city breaks are real adventures – even with a little one in tow.
Sometimes, I just feel like life is far too short to stay on a resort and play it safe. Don’t get me wrong – we have enjoyed those trips in the past and there are times when that kind of trip is “needed”! But really, there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored and Lisbon was the perfect place to rediscover that…
Why Lisbon Was Our Ideal First Family City Break
We chose Lisbon because it’s one of Europe’s sunniest capitals. Back home it was cold and grey but by heading there in mid March we landed the perfect mix of warm sunshine, easy city exploring and even a few beach trips. The flight from Manchester is only around two and a half hours so completely doable with a two year-old. We stayed centrally (more on that later) while also hiring a car so we could explore beyond the city too.
March turned out to be a brilliant time to visit. The sun was shining, the crowds were lighter than peak season and it felt like the ideal setting for our toddler’s first real “adventure” trip. One thing that truly stood out was how friendly everyone was; the locals absolutely lit up when they saw him. The city felt clean, safe and genuinely welcoming.
When it comes to getting around, it’s really down to personal preference. We mostly explored on foot and relied on the car for trips further afield. Lisbon also has a metro and the iconic funiculars, but be warned: this is a city of hills. Beautiful, yes but definitely a workout, especially with a pram in tow. If steep streets don’t appeal, Lisbon might not be the easiest choice… but for us, the charm more than made up for it.
Exploring Further Afield: Our Hire Car Experience
Lisbon sits just a short drive from the Portuguese Riviera making it the perfect base if you want to explore further afield or fit in a few beach days while still enjoying the buzz of a city break.
Driving into the centre was pretty busy – the roads were busy and there was a lot of beeping – but we made it! It isn’t impossible and there’s more difficult places to drive but if you are feeling nervous, see if your partner is up for the task! For us, picking up the hire car straight from the airport and having a guaranteed parking space at the hotel made it feel convenient – it was all worth it. As well, having the car opened up some incredible day trips we’d have otherwise missed..
Here are a few you may want to try (with approximate driving time from Lisbon):
Cascais – 30 mins: A stylish seaside town with a beautiful marina, charming streets and family friendly beaches. This one is perfect for a relaxed day trip and an ice cream stop.
Sintra (Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira) – 35 – 40 mins: A fairy tale like town with colourful palaces, secret gardens and misty hills (it was SO foggy when we visited Pena Palace – we couldn’t take in the views at all but the Palace felt so mystical). Pena Palace is iconic and a must see though so maybe check the weather ahead of time.
Praia da Fonte da Telha – 25 – 30 mins: A long, golden beach south of Lisbon, ideal for walking, sandcastle building and soaking up the sun. We loved it here!
Costa da Caparica – 20 – 25 mins: A huge stretch of sandy beaches with plenty of beach cafés. This is great for a relaxed day near the city and ideal for some down time with little ones.
Sesimbra – 40 mins: A picturesque fishing town with calm waters, fresh seafood and a quiet, local vibe. Perfect for a peaceful seaside escape. We visited the beach here called Praia da Califórnia and it was breaktaking! We loved watching the surfers and paragliders.
Cabo da Roca – 40 – 45 mins: Dramatic cliffs and ocean views. This is the most westerly point on mainland Europe.
Parque das Nações – 15 mins: Lisbon’s modern waterfront. There’s cable cars and the impressive aquarium make it perfect for families (and rainy days!)
Cristo Rei – 15 – 20 mins: Lisbon’s iconic statue with sweeping views of the city and river.
Our Family Friendly Base: Hotel Lisboa Plaza
We stayed at Hotel Lisboa Plaza – Lisbon Heritage Collection. It felt grand yet welcoming. It was clean, spacious and with a warm, vintage style charm that made it feel like a real treat to stay there. Each morning we enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast to start the day the right way and there was a lovely rooftop terrace that proved ideal for a bit of downtime after a full day of exploring. We’d absolutely recommend it to anyone wanting a friendly, reliable base in Lisbon.
Why We Loved It
It was in a central, convenient location; it sits just off Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s main boulevards, which made getting around on foot easy and saw us a short stroll from major sights and transport links.
It was great for families with clean, spacious rooms, modern amenities and even a rooftop terrace to relax, it felt comfortable and child friendly – especially good with a toddler on their first city break!
Parking available – a must for us. There was a car park a few steps away, at the end of the street, which you can pay to have access to.
The transfer from the airport is a relatively quick one. From the airport to the hotel is about a 15 to 25 minute drive.
City Highlights and "Must See" Spots
Viewpoints
Miradouro de Santa Justa / Elevador de Santa Justa – This is the fastest way to get from Baixa to Bairro Alto. The top offers panoramic city views! This was only about a 15 minute walk from our hotel.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – One of Lisbon’s highest viewpoints offering breathtaking city views. It is accessible by tram, tuk tuk or a steep walk. We drove there and parked.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol (Alfama) – This overlooks Alfama’s rooftops and the river. It’s perfect for sunset photos or a peaceful spot for some downtime.
Rooftops and Restaurants
Park Rooftop (Bairro Alto) – A 6th-floor car park conversion with incredible views. We took our toddler but it did feel more adult focused. It would be ideal for couples or evening drinks.
Bairro Alto Restaurant Rooftop – A great spot for dinner with city views and a lively atmosphere.
Mama Shelter Lisboa – This is a trendy rooftop bar for drinks!
Lumi Rooftop – Perfect for lunch around midday with sweeping city and river views. Our toddler snoozed his way through this one!
Art Inn Rooftop – Dinner here is memorable; casual, stylish and with a relaxed vibe. We ate here during our first night!
Neighbourhoods and Squares
Alfama – The oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon full of winding streets and colourful houses.
Praca do Comercio – An iconic riverside square. Great for photos, riverside walks and enjoying the atmosphere.
Bairro Alto – This is a lively area with restaurants, bars and views over the city.
Family Friendly Attractions
Lisbon Aquarium – One of Europe’s best aquariums perfect for toddlers and older kids alike. A must see for families and a great “plan B” for a rainy day!
Estufa Fria – A tropical garden/greenhouse about a 20 – minute walk or 10 minute drive from where we stayed. It is peaceful, lush and pram friendly.
Dining and Food Highlights
Il Mercato Pateo Bagatela – Great for a relaxed evening meal.
Extra Recommendations for Families
Tram 28 – An iconic yellow tram that winds through many of Lisbon’s historic districts. Fun for kids and a great way to see the city!
LX Factory – A creative hub with shops and cafés. It’s a great place for them to stretch their legs freely!
Time Out Market – Central food hall with something for everyone. Perfect for a casual lunch stop!
Belém – A short drive (10 – 15 mins or so away). Visit Belém Tower and try a famous custard tart!
Quick summary:
Flight Duration from the UK to Lisbon
Approximately 2.5-3 hours depending on departure airport.
An easy direct flight makes Lisbon a convenient option for a 4-5 night European family city break.
Where to Stay in Lisbon with Kids
We stayed at Hotel Lisboa Plaza, located just off Avenida da Liberdade – one of Lisbon’s main boulevards.
Why it worked well for families:
Central location for sightseeing
Easy access to transport links
Rooftop terrace for family downtime
Calm boutique feel away from noisy nightlife
Staying centrally reduced long uphill walks at the start and end of each day.
Is Lisbon Pram Friendly?
Lisbon is beautiful but very hilly. This is important to know if you’re visiting Lisbon with toddlers or using a pram.
Things to consider:
Steep inclines throughout the city
Cobbled streets in historic areas
Some uneven pavements
We managed with a pram but there were moments where a carrier would have been easier. Lisbon’s iconic funiculars and trams are extremely helpful for navigating the hills and also a highlight for children.
If you plan to explore beaches or towns like Cascais or Sesimbra, hiring a car makes the trip much easier.
Is Lisbon Expensive for Families?
Lisbon was more affordable than we expected.
Compared to other cities, dining out and daily spending felt reasonable. It offers strong value for a European capital city.
Best Time to Visit Lisbon with Kids
We visited in March. The weather was warm enough for beach days but not too hot for sightseeing – ideal when travelling with young children. Visiting in spring or autumn helps avoid peak summer crowds and intense heat.
The One Experience That Made It Worth the Trip
Exploring the beaches just outside Lisbon. Our favourite was Praia da Califórnia with dramatic cliffs, golden sand, surfers and paragliders.
That flexibility between city and beach is what makes Lisbon such a strong family city break option.
Our Overall Family Score: 4/5
Lisbon scores highly for variety, value and atmosphere. The only reason it didn’t rank higher is the challenging terrain, which may be difficult for families travelling with heavier prams or very young toddlers.
That said, it’s absolutely a destination we would return to.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon is perfect if you want a combination of city culture and beach trips. Hiring a car makes it easy to explore further afield but the city itself feels safe, clean and welcoming. Yes, the hills are steep but embracing them, or using public transport or a hire car, is all part of the experience and shouldn’t put you off!
We loved the balance of sunshine, adventure and beach trips and it really showed us how exciting a city break can be with a toddler.
For more snapshots of our Lisbon adventure and family travel inspiration, follow us on @little_family_diaries_.