Is Portugal on your travel list?? If it’s not, it should be, and I’m about to tell you why! Nestled along the stunning western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a city that effortlessly marries history with modernity. With its charming neighborhoods, historic sites, delectable cuisine, and warm Mediterranean climate, it’s a perfect destination for a family vacation. Join us as we share our unforgettable family trip to Lisbon, where we discovered the city’s rich cultural tapestry, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Day 1:
Our adventure began with a late night flight in from Paris arriving into Lisbon Portela Airport. We were tired, but super excited to be in Portugal. We made our way to the Parque das Nações area to settle into our cute apartment rental. This apartment is perfect for large families like ours. There were three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. It’s located in a redeveloped and fairly new part of the city. The entire area was enhanced in the late 90s for a major expo that Lisbon hosted. So, keep in mind that you won’t get the historic buildings and architecture that Lisbon is known for in this part of the city, but don’t worry, it’s not far away.
After a night of resting, we woke up bright and early the next day and started our adventure.
Day 2: Historical Exploration
Our second day was dedicated to exploring Lisbon’s historical treasures. We started with a visit to the iconic Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which stands as a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. The kids were fascinated by the fortress-like structure and the panoramic views from the top. There is something so magical about all the historic buildings in Portugal. Exploring a land and structures that have lasted for literal centuries and generations is just awe-inspiring. Belem hits every box for my history loving, old building admiring heart.
Next, we visited the São Jorge Castle, a historic castle. The vast castle is completely open air and stunning. With views of Lisbon’s city center, and so many nooks and crannies to explore, the kids had a great time. Aside from the beauty and history of the castle, another highlight of our visit here were the peacocks…they were everywhere. In the trees, the dry mote, on the castle wall, and everywhere in between. It was beautiful to watch them just mill about.
Later that night, we headed to Clube de Fado, a family friendly restaurant that offers Fado performances every night beginning at 8pm. Have you ever heard of Fado? Fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor, and infused with a sentiment of resignation, fate and melancholy. This genre dates back to the early 1800s in Lisbon.
Before enjoying Fado, make sure the kids understand its history and some key tips to make it enjoyable. The biggest thing is keeping quiet during the performances. Silence makes the experience so powerful. Now, I understand that keeping kids quiet can be almost impossible, so I suggest leaving the toddlers and wiggliest littles at home.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra and Cabo da Roca
A trip to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Sintra, a fairy-tale town just a short train ride away. And the entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most of our time in Sintra was spent exploring the colorful Pena Palace, perched high on a hill and surrounded by lush gardens. We couldn’t get enough of the castle’s whimsical architecture and enchanting atmosphere. This is arguably the most popular stop on every Sintra itinerary.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you’re planning your trip:
1️⃣ Catch the early train: Start your day bright and early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time in Sintra.
2️⃣ Get your Lisboa Card: Consider purchasing the Lisboa Card for discounted train fares and entrance fees to major attractions in Sintra.
3️⃣ Check the train schedule: Trains depart regularly from Rossio Station, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
4️⃣Comfortable footwear: Sintra’s cobbled streets and hilly terrain demand comfortable walking shoes.
5️⃣ Once you arrive at the train station there will be several private tour options. Negotiate and you’ll find the prices are very reasonable.
6️⃣ Pena Palace first: Begin your journey with a visit to Pena Palace as it tends to get crowded later in the day. If you’re traveling with a small kids, you’ll be able to skip the extremely long line because Europe knows how to treat families well!
7️⃣ Enjoy local cuisine: Treat yourself to traditional Portuguese dishes at the quaint eateries in Sintra.
8️⃣ Mind the weather: Sintra’s climate can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for sudden changes.
9️⃣ Be respectful: Some attractions might have dress codes or specific rules, so ensure you are aware and respectful of local customs.
We also ventured further down to the Coast to Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point in Europe! It was windy and rainy, but the views and memories were still top notch!
End your day trip in CaisCais – a cute, small fish town with lots of opportunity for boutique shopping and yummy cafes. Definitely stop by NATA for the best pasteis de nata – Portugal’s famous custard tarts.
Day 4: Discovering Lisbon’s Neighborhoods On Tram 28
Lisbon’s neighborhoods each have their own unique character, and we dedicated our fourth day to exploring them by taking Tram 28 through the City and hopping on and off. If you want to cover a lot of ground in seeing the various parts of the City while also enjoying an iconic staple, take Tram 28. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to enjoy:
Tip 1: Get an Early Start! Beat the crowds and secure the best seats by getting on at Martim Moniz on the edge of Baixa. The lines will be long, but this is the only spot to get a guaranteed spot on the tram. Cost is 3€ per person.
Tip 2: Hold On Tight! Tram 28 navigates narrow and hilly streets, so be ready for a fun and bumpy ride!
Tip 3: Choose Your Stops Wisely! Hop off at historic spots like São Jorge Castle and Alfama for breathtaking views and cultural immersion.
Tip 4: Mind Your Belongings and your manners! Keep your valuables close, as the tram can get crowded, especially during peak hours. While this is a popular tourist adventure, it’s also an essential mode of transport for locals so stay courteous .
Tip 5: Embrace the Nostalgia! Tram 28 is a living piece of Lisbon’s history, so take in the charm and enjoy the ride!
At the end of the day, we headed over to Time Out Market, a cute food hall with various cuisines to choose from.
Day 5: Saying Goodbye
Our family trip to Lisbon was a blend of history, culture, adventure, and culinary delights. From the historical sites to the vibrant neighborhoods and the charming day trip to Sintra, Lisbon offered us a rich tapestry of experiences that we will cherish forever.
As we bid farewell to Lisbon, we left with hearts full of gratitude for the warm hospitality of the Portuguese people and a desire to return someday to explore even more of this enchanting city and other parts of the country too. Lisbon truly captivated our family’s hearts, leaving us with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Have you been to Lisbon? What other sights do you recommend?
Make sure to check out the next stop on our European Adventure – Rome, Italy!
Happy Travels!
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