Portugal with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide to Lisbon, Porto & Beyond

15 Aug Portugal with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide to Lisbon, Porto & Beyond

Portugal has been tugging at our hearts for years. Back in 2022, it was soooo close to becoming our European home base (before Prague swooped in and stole the title). And after yet another trip, this time with Lisbon, Porto, and plenty of past travel memories in tow, we’re convinced it’s one of the best family-friendly destinations in Europe.

It’s got it all: sun-soaked coastlines, storybook towns, late-night sardine festivals, and enough Pasteis de Nata to keep both toddlers and parents happy for weeks.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for the fifth time, here’s how we’d explore Portugal with kids in tow, combining our recent adventures with a few favourite throwbacks.

Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids

Our advice? Stay in Alfama. You’ll be in the city’s oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood, with cobbled streets, historic trams, and tiny convenience stores around every corner (lifesavers for snacks and emergency nappies). If you visit in mid-June (like we recently did), you’ll also be right in the heart of the Sardine Festival, a street party like no other.

Below is a little list of must-sees, straight out of our own Google Map:

• National Pantheon: even if you don’t go inside, the exterior is stunning.
• Mercado de Santa Clara: just across from the Pantheon, this market is packed with local crafts.
• Copenhagen Coffee Lab: this was our daily breakfast stop in Alfama. Great coffee + flaky pastries = a happy family.

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia: panoramic views, blue-and-white tiles, and a casual drink spot that feels like the Lisbon postcard come to life.
• Parque Infantil do Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara: a small, family-friendly playground right next to one of Lisbon’s prettiest viewpoints. Perfect for letting the kids burn off energy while you enjoy the view.
• History of Lisbon Mural by Nuno Saraiva: a fun, illustrated walk through the city’s past.
• Miss Can: traditional tinned fish snacks and tapas (looked amazing…sadly, we were too late to go ourselves).
• Conserveira de Lisboa: a sardine shop that’ll take you back in time.

• Pastelaria Benard: locals, coffee, and heavenly pastries. Perfect after visiting the iconic Funicular da Bica.
• Jardim da Estrela: huge green space with a duck pond, café, and a fantastic playground.
• Praça Dom Pedro IV & Rossio Fountain: two must-see squares for people-watching and photos.
• Arco da Rua Augusta: walk the whole street for shopping and street performers.

• LX Factory: a hipster playground of shops, cafés, and street art.
• Pastéis de Belém: worth the tram ride for the city’s most famous custard tarts (probably the city’s tastiest too).
• Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery: arrive early to have them (almost) to yourself.
• If you happen to cross over the San Francisco Bridge look-a-like, Ponte 25 de Abril to see the Santuário de Cristo Rei continue along to the beaches, particularly Praia da Mata where there are some colourful beach huts to explore with the kids.

More Lisbon tips: We’ve got a whole post with 5 creative ways to explore the city right here.

Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon

A day trip from Lisbon will take you to Sintra, a pastel-hued fairytale village that feels straight out of a children’s storybook. Think romantic palaces, lush gardens, and misty hilltops. Even if you only have half a day, it’s worth visiting just to wander the winding lanes and marvel at Pena Palace. Also worth mentioning the Quinta da Regaleira Gardens, which are full of secret tunnels, towers, and stepping-stone paths that feel like an adventure playground, perfect for little explorers.

One Day in Porto with Kids

Our time in Porto was short but oh-so-sweet. We stayed right on the river in a simple hotel with big views, meaning everything was walkable (i.e. family-friendly) and stroller-friendly. Highly recommend doing the same!

Our Porto highlights:

• Castro, Atelier de Pastéis de Nata: quite possibly the best custard tarts in the entire country (but shhhh, don’t tell Lisbon we said so).
• Cais da Ribeira: the colourful riverside promenade buzzing with restaurants and street musicians.
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: sweeping views, shaded pathways, and peacocks wandering freely.
• If you have more time, walk across the Luís I Bridge, explore Rua das Flores, and maybe even squeeze in a port wine cellar tour (parents, you’ve earned it).

Exploring the Algarve as a Family

Our Algarve memories are a little hazy (we last visited in 2016) but unforgettable. The highlights?

• Benagil Cave: best explored by boat, this natural sea cave is pure magic.
• Farol de Alfanzina: a picturesque lighthouse with dramatic cliff views.
• Praia da Marinha: gorgeous family-friendly beach with calm water on the right day.
• Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve: the perfect family-friendly resort with great pools, beach access, and incredible food (we still dream about their cataplana).

Why Portugal is Perfect for Family Travel

Portugal is compact enough to explore multiple regions in a single trip, yet diverse enough to keep every day fresh. The food is delicious and kid-friendly, the locals adore children, and the pace of life (especially outside peak tourist zones) is wonderfully relaxed.

If you’re planning your own trip, you could easily spend:

• 4–5 days in Lisbon and Sintra
• 2–3 days in Porto
• 4–5 days in the Algarve

And if you fall in love and want to move here? Well…we get it. We almost did.

Chanel, Stevo, Elodie

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