Family Vacation with Kids in Lisbon on a Budget: Fun for Everyone!
Lisbon, the charming capital of Portugal, is a perfect destination for a family vacation—especially if you’re traveling with kids. Known for its colorful streets, stunning views, and rich history, Lisbon offers plenty of budget-friendly options that will keep both parents and kids entertained without breaking the bank. So, if you're wondering how to explore this beautiful city without spending a fortune, keep reading! We’ve got you covered with tips, the best places to stay, and fun activities!
Useful Tips for a Budget-Friendly Family Vacation in Lisbon
Public Transport is Your Friend: Lisbon's public transportation system is affordable and easy to use. A family pass for the metro, trams, and buses can save you money and make getting around the city a breeze.
Eat Like a Local: Try out the local pastelarias (pastry shops) for delicious pastries like pastéis de nata. Street food and local cafés are great options for tasty and affordable meals.
Book Attractions in Advance: Many popular attractions like the Oceanarium and Lisbon Zoo offer discounts for families when you book online in advance.
Pack Light: Lisbon’s cobblestone streets can be challenging with a stroller, so it’s best to pack light and wear comfortable shoes. If you need a stroller, you can usually find rentals.
Free Attractions: Lisbon offers plenty of free attractions, including beautiful parks, scenic viewpoints, and free walking tours. Don’t miss the Miradouros (viewpoints) for stunning views of the city.
Best Places to Stay in Lisbon for Families
Finding a comfortable and affordable hotel in Lisbon is easier than you might think. Whether you want a place with family-friendly amenities or somewhere central to explore the city, these hotels are highly rated and offer great value for money.
Residencial Horizonte
Rating: 4.0/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: A simple, no-frills hotel located in the heart of Lisbon. Families will love the spacious rooms and proximity to many restaurants and attractions.
Why it's great for families: The central location makes it a breeze to visit all the main attractions in Lisbon. Plus, it’s on the affordable side without compromising comfort.
Hotel Ibis Lisboa Saldanha
Rating: 3.8/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: Budget-friendly with comfortable, modern rooms, perfect for families. The location is convenient for sightseeing, and there's easy access to public transport.
Why it's great for families: Ibis hotels are known for being affordable and offering basic yet comfortable stays. This location is near a metro stop, making it easy to explore Lisbon on the go.
Novotel Lisboa
Rating: 4.0/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: Modern hotel with an outdoor pool, which is a huge plus for families traveling with kids during warmer months. Located in a quieter area but still close to the city center.
Why it's great for families: Novotel is known for being family-friendly with amenities like kids’ play areas and family rooms. Plus, the pool is a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Rating: 4.0/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: Located near Marquês de Pombal, this modern hotel offers family rooms, a great breakfast, and easy access to Lisbon’s most famous attractions. The Eduardo VII Park is nearby for kids to play.
Why it's great for families: Family-friendly amenities, spacious rooms, and close to public transport. It's also a quieter part of the city, making it great for families.
Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto
Rating: 4.2/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: A family-friendly hotel located near the airport, perfect for those with early or late flights. It has spacious rooms and a wonderful buffet breakfast.
Why it's great for families: With family rooms and a fantastic pool, it’s perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring Lisbon. It’s also convenient for airport access, making it ideal for short stays.
Hotel Afonso, Lisboa
Rating: 3.9/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: Affordable, clean, and comfortable hotel located in a quiet part of the city. Easy access to public transportation.
Why it's great for families: Spacious rooms and a budget-friendly price make it an excellent option for families. The location is also ideal for getting around Lisbon easily.
The 7 Hotel
Rating: 4.0/5 (Google reviews)Highlights: A trendy, family-friendly hotel located near the popular Rossio Square. The rooms are designed for comfort, and there’s easy access to the city’s major attractions.
Why it's great for families: It’s a great location to explore the city and offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. The central location means you’ll be close to many family-friendly restaurants and parks.
Holiday Inn Lisbon – Continental
Rating: 4.1/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: Situated in a central location, this hotel is a short walk from major attractions like Avenida da Liberdade and Bairro Alto.
Why it's great for families: Holiday Inn offers spacious rooms with all the essentials, and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for those with younger children. There’s also an outdoor pool for fun and relaxation.
Hotel Gat Rossio
Rating: 4.1/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: This contemporary hotel is located in the Rossio Square area, a central and lively part of Lisbon. It’s a great value for money and perfect for families.
Why it's great for families: Hotel Gat Rossio offers spacious rooms and an excellent location for sightseeing. It’s near a metro stop, so getting around Lisbon with kids is a breeze.
Hotel Mundial
Rating: 4.2/5 (Google reviews)
Highlights: A historic hotel located in the Baixa district, Hotel Mundial offers family rooms with views of Lisbon’s skyline and is close to popular attractions like Praça do Comércio and Rossio Square. It has a great rooftop bar for parents to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Why it's great for families: Great location in central Lisbon, family rooms, and proximity to major attractions. The hotel also provides easy access to the Tram 28 route, which is a hit with kids.
Fun Activities for Parents and Kids in Lisbon
Lisbon has something for everyone! Whether you're looking for outdoor fun, interactive learning, or just a relaxing day, here are some great activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Perfect for a family outing, the Lisbon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals. The zoo offers fun and educational experiences for kids of all ages. Don't miss the dolphin show!
Explore the Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium)
The Oceanarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe. It's a great place for kids to learn about marine life while seeing sharks, rays, and sea turtles up close.
Riding the famous Tram 28 is a must-do in Lisbon! This iconic yellow tram takes you on a scenic route through the city, passing beautiful neighborhoods and historic landmarks. Kids will love the adventure, and parents will enjoy the sights.
Perfect for a family picnic, Eduardo VII Park is a huge green space where kids can run and play. It’s also a great spot to relax and enjoy Lisbon’s beautiful weather.
For a more cultural experience, head to the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa). It’s an interesting and educational stop for the whole family with its impressive architecture and historical significance.
If you’re looking for an interactive experience, KidZania is an indoor city designed for kids. Here, children can role-play different careers in a fun and engaging environment.
Take a Boat Tour on the Tagus River
Families can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Tagus River. It’s a fun way to see Lisbon from a different perspective and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.
