Find out the best family hotels in Lisbon in this guide to where to stay in Lisbon with kids. Family friendly hotels and neighbourhood guide to find the perfect base to discover Lisbon with family.
The first time we visited Lisbon with the kids, we had no idea where to even start looking for accommodation.
The list of family friendly hotels in Lisbon seemed long but we didn’t know the best area to stay in Lisbon with children: should we opt for the flat center or should we brave hilly yet charming Alfama?
Looking back at that time, now that we have been to Lisbon many times and the city has become familiar, I wish I had a shortlist of family friendly hotels I could pick from.
This is what this article is!
To help you find the perfect home away from home while visiting Lisbon, I have handpicked a limited number of establishments that are perfect for families in terms of location, facilities and welcome.
This is our guide to the best family hotels in Lisbon for all budgets chosen on our own experience, that of my parents (who came with us during our last family trip to Lisbon) and that of reliable friends.
Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Lisbon with kids: overview
Lisbon is a very family friendly city with a good network of public transport made of metro, trams and buses.
The system is clean and efficient and this means that there are several areas families can consider when looking for kid-friendly accommodation in Lisbon both in the centre and outside.
However, some areas are better than others for facilities, connection and overall family friendliness.
The biggest challenge families face in Lisbon is mobility.
Lisbon is built on 7 hills and the difference in altitude between the lower part of the city and the higher one can be significant!
This means that many roads are steep, something you want to consider if you have a baby or child of stroller age.
On top of this, some of Lisbon’s most ancient areas are cobbled and have steps: this is part of the undeniable charm of the city but again, something you need to be aware of if your family has any mobility challenges.
In this article, we have selected our favourite ares and family friendly hotels in Lisbon for families of all ages.
Best area to stay in Lisbon for sightseeing:Baixa and Chiado
Baixa and Chiado are two neighboring areas right in the centre of Lisbon.
Baixa is the flattest part of the city (the name means ‘low’ so this is the ‘valley’ between Lisbon hills) and has a grid layout that makes orientation easy.
Here is where you find elegant Praca do Comercio, famous Rua Augusta and the stunning Elevador de Santa Justa, a Lisbon icon.
Baixa is highly walkable; if you are staying in Lisbon with young kids, it is one of the easiest areas for strollers.
This is a great area to stay in Lisbon if you want a central location and good connections with pretty much everywhere in the city.
Just be aware that being a touristy part of town especially in the evening it can get noisy.
Chiado is the hilly area just beside Baixa and mixes a fantastic city centre location with a warm, local feel.
A famous theatre district, Chiado is a great place to stay in Lisbon if you want easy access to some of the city’s must see attractions and an urban feel, without renouncing family friendliness.
Best family hotels in Lisbon Baixa and Chiado areas
Our favourite hotels and apartments in Lisbon’s Baixa/Chiado area are:
Martinhal Chiado Family Hotel (5 star hotel)
A hotel specific for families and incredibly attentive to the needs of little ones and their parents.
The hotel offers family suites of generous proportions with well equipped kitchens, a restaurant onsite, kids club and even a baby concierge service! Notable services are:
- Kids club
- Baby concierge service
- Family rooms (several layout available, with kitchen, fully serviced)
- Restaurant on site
You can check photos, availability and priceshere(booking.com)
You can also read our full review in this post.
Lisbon Charming Apartments Chiado (self catering, family friendly apartments)
Clean, nice apartments located in the heart of Chiado, this is a n excellent choice if you want to stay in Lisbon city center and you don’t mind having to climb stairs to reach the upper floors. .
My parents stayed here and found the place nice, clean and comfortable. Communication during the booking process was excellent. Main services are:
- Family apartments with several configurations
- Free wifi
- Children under 2 go free in existing cots/beds
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine
You can check photos, prices and availability here
Hotel Santa Justa (4 star hotel)
Great hotel close to the lift by the same name in fantastic location to discover Lisbon on foot and close to the metro. Facilities include:
- Family rooms for up to 2 adults and 2 children
- Free wifi
- 24h front desk
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant on site
You can check rooms and availability here(Booking.com)
Lisbon short stay apartments Baixa (self catering)
Nice apartments in an enviable location in Baixa, these family friendly apartments in Lisbon city centre have:
- Lovely family space for up to 2 adults and 2 kids
- Wifi
- Common TV room/lounge area
- Restaurant on site
- Daily cleaning service
- Airport Shuttle
- Terrace
You can check availability and pricehere(booking.com)
Best area to stay in Lisbon with kids for transport: Avenida da Libertade
If you look on booking com you will see the vast majority of recommended accommodation is located around Avenida da Liberdade.
This street is wide, leafy and long. Depending on your exact address, you will find yourself either in a very elegant part of the city, with expensive designer stores or a more business-oriented district.
This is a good area for families in terms of connections and proximity to services and has some of the best family friendly hotels in Lisbon.
I stayed in this area on my first trip to Lisbon and found it convenient yet lacking charm and more if compared with the old center.
However, this is an excellent choice if you need facilities over charm and if you want the comfort of large, international hotels.
This is also the best area to stay in Lisbon with kids if you are tagging along a business trip!
Best family hotels in Lisbonnear Avenida da Libertade
Some of our selected hotels in the area near Aveninda da Libertade are:
Inspira Santa Marta Hotel and Spa (4 star hotel)
This is a fabulous 4 star hotel with really nice rooms decorated according to Feng Shui principles.
The hotel prides itself on being eco-friendly and has a good restaurant onsite offering allergy-friendly options such as a gluten free menu, vegan friendly menu and lactose free options. Facilities include:
- Family rooms
- Restaurant on site
- Wifi
- Spa
- Fitness centre
Check prices and availability at this family friendly hotel in Lisbonhere
Altis Hotel and Suites (4 star hotel)
Altis hotel and suites are a fantastic choice for families since they allow you to choose between a hotel sty and a stay in fully equipped family suites.
The location of this family hotels is excellent and the option of services makes it handy for families of all ages. Facilities include:
- Family rooms and family suites
- Private parking
- Free wifi
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant on site
You can check availability and prices of Altis family hotel Lisbonhere (booking.com)
Best area to stay in Lisbon with older kids: Alfama
The Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon is one of the most famous and charming areas in the city.
The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, Alfama is a maze of cobble streets climbing up a steep hill and culminates at the stunning Castelo da Sao Jorge.
The Alfama quarter is a must see in Lisbon but can be frustrating as a base.
While immensely charming, it is challenging for families or anyone with mobility issues (the roads are narrow and cobbled and there are often steps) and not particularity taxi friendly.
It has, however, some good accommodation options and overflows with charm.
This is one of the best places to stay in Lisbon with older kids.
Best family hotels in Lisbon Alfama
Hotel Convento do Salvador (3 star hotel)
In a fantastic location just few minutes from San Jorge castle, this hotel received regular great reviews from solo travellers, couples and families alike. Facilities include:
- Family rooms
- Wifi
- 24h front desk
- Wheelchair accessible rooms
- Kids’ TV Networks,Books, DVDs, Music for Kids,Board Games/Puzzles
You can check photos, availability and prices here (booking.com)
Santiago de Alfama Boutique hotel (5 star hotel)
This is a gorgeous hotel set in a historic building but with all modern comforts. Its family friendly facilities include:
- Interconnecting rooms for families
- Wifi
- Flat screen TVs
- Restaurant on site
- 24h reception desk
- Bar
You can check photos, prices and availability of this family friendly 5 star hotel in Lisbon here
Alfama Lisbon Lounge Suites
Well located apartments only a short stroll from Sao Jorge’s castle in the Alfama. Facilities include:
- 24h front desk
- Wifi
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Apartments of various sizes, some with garden
You can check photos, availability and prices of this family friendly apartments in Lisbonhere
Best area to stay in Lisbon with kids local feel: Belem
If you prefer quiet to the hassle and bustle of Lisbon city centre, it is worth considering Belem.
Famous Belem sits out of Lisbon city centre of the rivers of the mighty Tagus.
I like this area for families because it is really child friendly, flat beautiful and well connected to the centre albeit outside of the hassle and bustle of the city centre.
Best family hotels in Lisbon Belem
A fabulous hotel in Belem is hotel Palacio do Governador.
This 5 star hotel has great no smoking rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant on site, spa and offers family services such as baby sitting (extra charge) and it is a great address if you want to be based in this family oriented, green part of Lisbon.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to our favourite family friendly hotels in Lisbon. Safe family travels!
This post was written in 2018 and has now been fully updated.
FAQs
What area in Lisbon is best with children? ›
The best Lisbon neighbourhoods for families are Lapa, Avenidas Novas, Intendente, Mouraria, Campo de Ourique, Graça, and Belém. Parque das Nações, with its contemporary architecture, is also proving to be a good destination for families.
Is Lisbon good for families? ›Lisbon is a great city to visit with the whole family, as you'll find a variety of activities everyone can enjoy from theme parks to museums and more.
Is Lisbon worth visiting with kids? ›Never easy to narrow down but when it comes to cities, Lisbon always makes the top two – and with plenty of things to do in Lisbon with kids, it's definitely one to keep on your family travel radar.
Where is the best place to go in Portugal for families? ›The Algarve is one of the most well-known beach destinations in Europe and is one of Portugal's most attractive regions for families. It has been enjoyed by holidaymakers for many decades due to its beautiful coastline and pretty beaches.
Are there areas of Lisbon to avoid? ›There aren't any no-go areas in Lisbon, but the neighborhoods around Intendente, Martim Moniz and Anjos are best avoided at night.
What is the best month to visit Lisbon? ›The best time to visit Lisbon is in the shoulder seasons, between either March and May or September and October. In these months, you will have good weather, but crowds will be much lower than in the summer.
Where is the safest place to stay in Lisbon? ›Safest Areas of Lisbon
In particular, Chiado, Baixa & Rossio, and Avenida da Liberdade are very safe. Tourists should simply take the usual precautions, e.g. watch their bags and stick to busy streets late at night.
So, how many days to explore Lisbon? We always recommend that it takes three days to fully explore Lisbon. This is sufficient to visit all of the characterful districts, experience the nightlife and join a couple of unique activities.
How many nights in Lisbon is enough? ›3 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Lisbon. That will give you enough time to visit everything you want to see in the city center, and still have time to relax. If you only have 2 days, that would be enough to see Lisbon, but less time for coffee shops, lazy strolls, and activities.
Is Lisbon English friendly? ›The Language Spoken in Lisbon. The language spoken in Lisbon is Portuguese but English is widely spoken by all people who work within the tourist industry. There will be no language problems for tourists who are visiting Lisbon or the surrounding coastline.
How long to spend in Lisbon with kids? ›
Four to five days is a good amount of time to explore the city. Anything less and you will be missing out, especially in the spring and autumn month when the weather is good. If you are doing Lisbon with kids as part of a larger Portugal trip, be sure to check out our Portugal With Kids or Algarve post. What is this?
Where do rich people stay in Lisbon? ›Where do rich people live in Portugal? Santo Antónia, Misericórdia, Santa Maria Maio, and Avenidas Novas are the most expensive areas of Lisbon. Santa Maria Maior encompasses Baixa and Chiado, making these two of the most expensive neighborhoods in Lisbon to buy property.
Is it better to stay in Lisbon or Porto? ›Lisbon has more tourist attractions, sights, and museums
While Porto has some worthwhile cathedrals and sights (like the Harry Potteresque bookstore), Porto is more about enjoying the city, strolling the streets, taking in views, and tasting Port wine at the Port lodges. Lisbon wins the Lisbon vs.
Lisbon is famously surrounded by seven hills, but you don't have to be super-fit to explore. The city centre is level and easily walkable.
What is the most family friendly city in Portugal? ›The Algarve is the most popular location for families and most visitors stay within the western region between Albufeira and Lagos, which incorporates Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro and Praia da Luz. Within the region are many popular family activities including the Splash and Slide water park and the fantastic Zoomarine.
Where do Americans settle in Portugal? ›Most expats in Portugal live in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
What should I be careful of in Lisbon? ›Be alert, keep sight of your belongings at all times and beware of thieves using distraction techniques. Be especially vigilant on public transport (particularly the popular numbers 15 and 28 trams in Lisbon) and at busy railway and underground stations and crowded bus and tram stops.
What is the coolest neighborhood in Lisbon? ›Cais do Sodré in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, ranked not just as the second-coolest neighbourhood in the world, but the coolest in all of Europe. So why Cais do Sodré? Well, for starters the area is one of Portugal's buzziest nightlife hubs.
What is the rainiest month in Portugal? ›This statistic displays the average monthly rainfall in Portugal over the past 20 years. It shows that over the past twenty years the month with the highest average rainfall has been January, with an average rainfall of 171.5 mm. On average, August has been the driest month.
What is the coldest month in Lisbon Portugal? ›The weather in Portugal in January is never above 60°F, as this is the coldest month of the year. The further you travel up north, the colder it gets, with some smaller towns reaching minimum temperatures as low as 15°F.
What is the coldest month in Lisbon? ›
January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 52ºF (11ºC). It's rare for it to get colder than 41ºF (5ºC). In summer, the warmest month is July with average temperatures of 74ºF (24ºC). However, it can get much hotter with temperatures over 86ºF (30ºC) and lows of 62ºF (17ºC).
What neighborhood to stay in Lisbon for first time visitors? ›Baixais, or Downtown Lisbon, is the best area to stay in Lisbon for first-timers due to its super central location. Baixa district is the tourist center of the city, located betwen Alfama and Chiado. It is packed with historical sights, cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Do you tip taxis in Lisbon? ›In Portugal, on a regular basis, locals will typically tip taxi drivers and waiters at restaurants (not so much in cafes or bars, although it might happen), regardless if they're at one of the Michelin star restaurants in Lisbon or a family-owned eatery in a village in Alentejo.
Where is the best part of Portugal to stay? ›#1: The Algarve: Sunshine, Seafood, and Sandy Beaches
The Algarve is a coastal region in the southwest of Portugal. Home to incredible beaches, seaside towns, and relaxing resorts, locals say it's one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal.
U.S. citizens may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
What do I need to know before going to Lisbon? ›- 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Lisbon: A City Guide When It's Safe To Travel Again. ...
- Know what's the best time of the year to visit. ...
- Avoid bringing cars to Lisbon. ...
- Bring comfortable shoes. ...
- Know the Portuguese basics. ...
- Beware of pickpockets in public transport and crowded places. ...
- Avoid taxis, use Uber.
It costs around €40-€75 per day to visit Lisbon as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another €50-€80 per night depending on where you stay.
Is 7 days too much in Lisbon? ›If you want to stay around Lisbon, we recommend a seven-day-itinerary that allows you to take your time to visit the charming Portuguese capital city as well as the most famous cities in its surroundings, like Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril.
Is Lisbon Oceanarium worth it? ›In short, yes, the Lisbon Aquarium is worth visiting.
Perfect for all ages, the oceanarium is worth a visit for those who adore marine life and ocean conservation. See the otters play, watch penguins waddle, and get lost in awe at the size of the main tank and its variety of marine life.
If you are lucky enough to spend 5 days in Lisbon you have the chance to get to know the city in depth. And do it calmly, having plenty of time to see and enjoy its monuments and with the possibility of making excursions to the most interesting places around Lisbon.
Can I live in Portugal as a US citizen? ›
Can a US citizen move to Portugal? A US citizen can enter Portugal without a visa and stay there for 90 days. You will need to secure a visa and obtain a residence permit for a long-term stay. Different visa options are better suited to different people.
Where do most English speaking expats live in Portugal? ›The Algarve is the most popular choice for British expats living in Portugal and while this region on Portugal's southern coast is often known for busy tourist resorts, the stunning coastline is also home to quieter areas and idyllic countryside largely untouched by tourism.
How much money you need to retire in Portugal? ›You can comfortably retire in Portugal with an income between $1,500 – 2,000 per month. For some, the Social Security benefit alone is enough to cover the costs of living.
Can children go in bars in Lisbon? ›Bars, Clubs, Discos: Children are not allowed to stay in night clubs or bars.
How many days Porto vs Lisbon? ›How Much Time Should I Spend in Lisbon and Porto? The ideal breakdown is 2 full days in Lisbon and 2 full days in Porto. The remaining 3 days, you'll stop in several places of interest on your travel from Lisbon to Porto.
How can I spend 7 perfect days in Lisbon? ›- Day 1: Embrace your inner tourist.
- Day 2: Marvel at Calouste Gulbenkian.
- Day 3: Visit Belem.
- Day 4: Explore the town of Sintra.
- Day 5: Adventure with a picnic.
- Day 6: Stroll through Lisbon's Botanical Gardens.
- Day 7: Discover Lisbon's heritage.
- Related Articles.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, a country of southwestern Europe. The city lies on the Tagus River near where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
What are the best months to visit Lisbon? ›March, April, May, September and October are great months to head to Lisbon for sightseeing and touring around. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, but not too hot and temperatures typically range from 68ºF - 80ºF - sometimes warm and sunny enough to even sneak in a beach day or two!
How many days is ideal for Lisbon? ›Three days is the perfect length of time to fully discover Lisbon. Within these three days, you'll be able to explore all the main tourist attractions, experience the vibrant nightlife, sample some delicious foods and create wonderful memories of this amazing city.
How many days in Lisbon is enough? ›We always recommend that it takes three days to fully explore Lisbon. This is sufficient to visit all of the characterful districts, experience the nightlife and join a couple of unique activities.
Can you drink tap in Lisbon? ›
Drinking tap water in Portugal is considered safe in all regions and the water meets all EU standards. Lisbon tap water is of a medium hardness, rich in minerals and has chlorine added during treatment. It can have a strong taste, so most Lisbon residents drink bottled water and use tap water for most everything else.
Can kids drink in Portugal? ›Liquor Laws -- You must be 18 to drink in Portugal. In Lisbon, bars are open until dawn.
How strict are drinking laws in Portugal? ›Is Portugal strict with alcohol? Yes. In Portugal, hosts are not allowed to serve or sell any kind of alcohol (including beer and wine) to anyone under the age of 18. Those serving alcohol to others must be over the age of 16.
What is the wealthy city of Portugal? ›Where do the rich live in Portugal? Lisbon, Oeiras, Cascais, Sintra, Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia are the municipalities with the highest concentration of population with the highest income in the country.
Which city is beautiful in Portugal? ›Among all the cities in Portugal, Lisbon attracts the most visitors and attention. And rightly so! Without any doubt, Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
What religion does Portugal follow? ›Today, the vast majority of Portuguese identify as Roman Catholic (81%). However, most consider themselves as non-practising. For many, national and cultural identity is often linked to Catholicism, rather than purely a religious affiliation.
What is the most walkable area of Lisbon? ›- Cais das Colunas. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas. ...
- Waterfront Promenade Belem. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks. ...
- Rua da Bica. Neighborhoods • Architectural Buildings. ...
- Calcada do Duque. ...
- Parque do Tejo. ...
- Escadinhas Damasceno Monteiro. ...
- Escadinhas da Saude. ...
- Lisboa.
The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.