You probably envision an all-inclusive resort along the Algarve coastline when you think “family holiday in Portugal”. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, may seem like a less ideal destination if you’re travelling with kids, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Lisbon has everything a family could need for a springtime mini-break – including some great beaches.
Janine at the Praça do Comérico - one of the most beautiful historic city squares she has ever visited. \ Janine Kennedy
About Lisbon
The city’s official name is a doozy: Mui nobre e sempre leal cidade de Lisboa, or the “very noble and ever loyal city of Lisbon”. Located on the River Tagus, the impressive Praça do Comérico (one of two main squares in the city) speaks to Portugal’s maritime history – it faces the open waters leading to the Atlantic Ocean where, in old times, tall ships carrying important political dignitaries would be docked.
If you’re a history buff, Lisbon is a great place to visit. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, highly cultured and offers visitors a vibrant blend of activity. The famous Castelo de Sao Jorge dominates the high ground of the city, while the downtown core’s steep, hilly neighbourhoods are an ocean of terracotta tiled roofs and pastel yellow walls.
Looking on such a vibrant vista, you realise that Lisbon isn’t just historic – it’s also one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe. That said, those hills aren’t for the faint of heart, and after a spring rain shower, they can be slippery and, frankly, treacherous. Comfortable shoes with good grips are recommended for the trip.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll be pleased to hear that this is a family trip which won’t break the bank. Lisbon is very affordable, with dining and activities all reasonably priced.
Getting there and around
Lisbon is a quick two-and-half hour flight from Ireland and is served by Lisbon International Airport, which is quite close to the city centre. Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly regularly to Lisbon, with rates for April looking as low as €50 one way. Once there, a car rental is unnecessary if you’re planning to stay within the city. Taxis are inexpensive and Lisbon is well connected: its tram system encircles the city centre and goes well past Belém, on the western outskirts of the city.
The famous Tram 28 is considered a great way to sight-see, as it encircles the downtown and takes you to many popular areas.
There are four main train stations in Lisbon, and each serves different locations
A taxi to the nearby seaside town (and beaches) of Caiscais will cost around €20 each way, or you can take the train (40 minutes). A limited subway line runs north and south along the city. The average tram ride costs around €3 (just tap your debit card once you’re on board).
There are also funiculars in Lisbon – like a tram, these cars go up and down the steep neighbourhood hills. In 2025, tragedy struck when the city’s most popular funicular (the Gloria line) crashed and 16 people lost their lives. The funiculars were all closed while the crash was investigated but have since reopened.
There are four main train stations in Lisbon, and each serves different locations. If you want to visit the historic town of Sintra (about an hour away), take the train from the Rossio station. If you want to go to the beach in Caiscais (40 minutes), head to the Cais do Sodré station.
Where to stay
Most hotels in Lisbon are family friendly. If you are travelling with more than two children, you may need to research hotels offering larger family rooms. Most include breakfast, and a Portuguese continental breakfast is delicious with trays of cured meats and cheeses alongside eggs, fruit and baked goods. Most also provide airport shuttle services. All of the prices listed are based on two adults and two children.
Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
This is a beautifully modern hotel with friendly staff, nice rooms and a great breakfast. A bit of a splurge, but its comfortable rooms, great location and delicious breakfast are worth it.
Prices start from €370 per night.
inspirahotels.com
Grape Harbor Prata Apartments
Located in Lisbon’s Old Town (and walking distance from all the action), this apartment-style hotel stay offers two pull-out sofa beds, a separate bedroom and a great breakfast. Just steps from Rossio city square, the location is ideal for sight-seeing, restaurant-eating and street shopping. Prices start from €228 per night.
grapeharbor.com
Convento do Salvador
Originally a convent, this hotel is located in the historic neighbourhood of Alfama – one of the only parts of the city to have survived the devastating 1755 earthquake. Also quite close to Castelo de Sao Jorge. The Number 28 tram stops right outside. Prices from €168 per night.
conventodosalvador.pt
Piri piri chicken hits different in Lisbon, where they serve the sauce on the side to ensure diners can manage their own spice levels. \ Janine Kennedy
Where to eat
Lisbon is home to some fantastic foods and not only are these foods iconic – they are crowd-pleasers. Chances are, even if you have a few picky eaters, they are going to enjoy the foods on offer.
Pasteis de Belém
Did you even visit Portugal if you didn’t indulge in their most famous pastry? Pastel de nata are a delicacy and nothing like the versions found in Irish supermarkets.
Pasteis de Belém have been making their egg tarts from a secret recipe since the 1800s, and if it’s your first visit to Lisbon, these are an absolute must-try. Take the tram to Belém and you’ll find this bakery right on the main street (just look for the queue going down the street).
A pack of six will cost €9.60.
pasteisdebelem.pt
As Bifanas do Alfonso
On the outside, this might look like any boring pork sandwich, but a traditional Portuguese bifana is so much more. It’s a taste of the city’s history and food culture. It’s affordable. It’s meant to be eaten outdoors, standing up, and among friends. It’s Lisbon on a paper plate.
The best in Lisbon are found at As Bifanas do Alfonso. The pork is braised until it’s so tender it melts on your tongue.
This sandwich is perfect on its own, and you hardly need to add anything else, but a bit of mustard will take it to God-level. Get a cold beer on the side for the perfect lunch al fresco.
You’ll find this popular spot in the Baixa neighbourhood and, like the pastel de nata, you will know you’ve arrived because of the queue. There is no website; one sandwich will set you back around €3.
Rua da Madalena 146
The steak at Café do Paço is perfectly cooked, meltingly tender and swimming in a delicious, creamy sauce. \ Janine Kennedy
Café do Paço
The Portuguese enjoy their beef, and their local style of steak is equal parts indulgent and experiential.
At Café do Paço, the menu is limited, the servers are impeccably dressed and this dark, cosy eatery often hosts Lisbon’s political elite.
Our server walked us through the menu and we started with beef croquettes before the main event – perfectly cooked fillet steak swimming in cream sauce, served with crispy fries and creamed spinach.
We ended with Farofias – a light-as-air custard and meringue dessert. One of our more expensive meals, prices are still very reasonable by Irish standards.
Expect to pay around €50 per adult for a three-course meal
and wine.
Reservations at thefork.com.
Restaurante Bonjardim
One taste of true Portuguese piri-piri and you’ll forget Nando’s ever existed. This is one for the chicken lovers: beautifully spit-roasted; with crisp, salty skin on the outside and the juiciest meat on the inside.
Bonjardim has always been a well-loved spot, but was made extra-famous by the late, great Anthony Bourdain who ate there while filming his No Reservations series. We loved our experience here, but also enjoyed the chicken at O Churrasco, which is located right around the corner.
Around €20 per person for a full chicken dinner and drinks.
bonjardim.menu-world.com
Things to do in Lisbon
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a full week, there is more than enough going on in Lisbon to keep you busy each moment of your stay.
Taking a beach day in nearby Caiscais is always a good idea. \ Janine Kennedy
Take a beach day
For a low-cost day trip with the kids nothing beats a train or taxi ride into nearby Caiscais – take in the sights of the colourful town, then walk the promenade along the coast. There are five beautiful beaches along this walk offering full amenities like changing rooms, umbrellas (for a price) and plenty of restaurants.
If the kids are up for it, you can do a full day tour of both Sintra (featuring the stunning Pena National Palace) and Caiscais through viatour.com (starting from €59 per person for an eight-hour day tour).
Immerse yourself in history
Take the tram to Belém. Learn about Portugal’s history of conquest and exploration at the Maritime Museum (cultura.marinha.pt €8 per adult).
Visit Belém Tower (€16 entry, torrebelem.com) which was built in the 16th century and served as a point of embarkation for Portuguese explorers. Just down the road you’ll find the Jerónimos Monastery (€24 entry, jeronimosmonasterytickets.com). Take a look around the beautiful grounds before heading back into the city to learn about the earthquake of 1755 at the Lisbon Earthquake Experience (€23.50 entry, lisbonquake.com).
Shop 'til you drop
Lisbon is a great place to shop, from outdoor clothing and jewellery markets in the city centre to the Feira de Ladra – a famous flea market which has been in existence since the 17th century. This market is only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays and you’ll find it around the Campo de Santa Clara.
Visit Next Memory Atelier which specialises in boutique perfumes in personalised cases (€40 per perfume).
nextmemory.eu
You probably envision an all-inclusive resort along the Algarve coastline when you think “family holiday in Portugal”. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, may seem like a less ideal destination if you’re travelling with kids, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Lisbon has everything a family could need for a springtime mini-break – including some great beaches.
Janine at the Praça do Comérico - one of the most beautiful historic city squares she has ever visited. \ Janine Kennedy
About Lisbon
The city’s official name is a doozy: Mui nobre e sempre leal cidade de Lisboa, or the “very noble and ever loyal city of Lisbon”. Located on the River Tagus, the impressive Praça do Comérico (one of two main squares in the city) speaks to Portugal’s maritime history – it faces the open waters leading to the Atlantic Ocean where, in old times, tall ships carrying important political dignitaries would be docked.
If you’re a history buff, Lisbon is a great place to visit. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, highly cultured and offers visitors a vibrant blend of activity. The famous Castelo de Sao Jorge dominates the high ground of the city, while the downtown core’s steep, hilly neighbourhoods are an ocean of terracotta tiled roofs and pastel yellow walls.
Looking on such a vibrant vista, you realise that Lisbon isn’t just historic – it’s also one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe. That said, those hills aren’t for the faint of heart, and after a spring rain shower, they can be slippery and, frankly, treacherous. Comfortable shoes with good grips are recommended for the trip.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll be pleased to hear that this is a family trip which won’t break the bank. Lisbon is very affordable, with dining and activities all reasonably priced.
Getting there and around
Lisbon is a quick two-and-half hour flight from Ireland and is served by Lisbon International Airport, which is quite close to the city centre. Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly regularly to Lisbon, with rates for April looking as low as €50 one way. Once there, a car rental is unnecessary if you’re planning to stay within the city. Taxis are inexpensive and Lisbon is well connected: its tram system encircles the city centre and goes well past Belém, on the western outskirts of the city.
The famous Tram 28 is considered a great way to sight-see, as it encircles the downtown and takes you to many popular areas.
There are four main train stations in Lisbon, and each serves different locations
A taxi to the nearby seaside town (and beaches) of Caiscais will cost around €20 each way, or you can take the train (40 minutes). A limited subway line runs north and south along the city. The average tram ride costs around €3 (just tap your debit card once you’re on board).
There are also funiculars in Lisbon – like a tram, these cars go up and down the steep neighbourhood hills. In 2025, tragedy struck when the city’s most popular funicular (the Gloria line) crashed and 16 people lost their lives. The funiculars were all closed while the crash was investigated but have since reopened.
There are four main train stations in Lisbon, and each serves different locations. If you want to visit the historic town of Sintra (about an hour away), take the train from the Rossio station. If you want to go to the beach in Caiscais (40 minutes), head to the Cais do Sodré station.
Where to stay
Most hotels in Lisbon are family friendly. If you are travelling with more than two children, you may need to research hotels offering larger family rooms. Most include breakfast, and a Portuguese continental breakfast is delicious with trays of cured meats and cheeses alongside eggs, fruit and baked goods. Most also provide airport shuttle services. All of the prices listed are based on two adults and two children.
Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
This is a beautifully modern hotel with friendly staff, nice rooms and a great breakfast. A bit of a splurge, but its comfortable rooms, great location and delicious breakfast are worth it.
Prices start from €370 per night.
inspirahotels.com
Grape Harbor Prata Apartments
Located in Lisbon’s Old Town (and walking distance from all the action), this apartment-style hotel stay offers two pull-out sofa beds, a separate bedroom and a great breakfast. Just steps from Rossio city square, the location is ideal for sight-seeing, restaurant-eating and street shopping. Prices start from €228 per night.
grapeharbor.com
Convento do Salvador
Originally a convent, this hotel is located in the historic neighbourhood of Alfama – one of the only parts of the city to have survived the devastating 1755 earthquake. Also quite close to Castelo de Sao Jorge. The Number 28 tram stops right outside. Prices from €168 per night.
conventodosalvador.pt
Piri piri chicken hits different in Lisbon, where they serve the sauce on the side to ensure diners can manage their own spice levels. \ Janine Kennedy
Where to eat
Lisbon is home to some fantastic foods and not only are these foods iconic – they are crowd-pleasers. Chances are, even if you have a few picky eaters, they are going to enjoy the foods on offer.
Pasteis de Belém
Did you even visit Portugal if you didn’t indulge in their most famous pastry? Pastel de nata are a delicacy and nothing like the versions found in Irish supermarkets.
Pasteis de Belém have been making their egg tarts from a secret recipe since the 1800s, and if it’s your first visit to Lisbon, these are an absolute must-try. Take the tram to Belém and you’ll find this bakery right on the main street (just look for the queue going down the street).
A pack of six will cost €9.60.
pasteisdebelem.pt
As Bifanas do Alfonso
On the outside, this might look like any boring pork sandwich, but a traditional Portuguese bifana is so much more. It’s a taste of the city’s history and food culture. It’s affordable. It’s meant to be eaten outdoors, standing up, and among friends. It’s Lisbon on a paper plate.
The best in Lisbon are found at As Bifanas do Alfonso. The pork is braised until it’s so tender it melts on your tongue.
This sandwich is perfect on its own, and you hardly need to add anything else, but a bit of mustard will take it to God-level. Get a cold beer on the side for the perfect lunch al fresco.
You’ll find this popular spot in the Baixa neighbourhood and, like the pastel de nata, you will know you’ve arrived because of the queue. There is no website; one sandwich will set you back around €3.
Rua da Madalena 146
The steak at Café do Paço is perfectly cooked, meltingly tender and swimming in a delicious, creamy sauce. \ Janine Kennedy
Café do Paço
The Portuguese enjoy their beef, and their local style of steak is equal parts indulgent and experiential.
At Café do Paço, the menu is limited, the servers are impeccably dressed and this dark, cosy eatery often hosts Lisbon’s political elite.
Our server walked us through the menu and we started with beef croquettes before the main event – perfectly cooked fillet steak swimming in cream sauce, served with crispy fries and creamed spinach.
We ended with Farofias – a light-as-air custard and meringue dessert. One of our more expensive meals, prices are still very reasonable by Irish standards.
Expect to pay around €50 per adult for a three-course meal
and wine.
Reservations at thefork.com.
Restaurante Bonjardim
One taste of true Portuguese piri-piri and you’ll forget Nando’s ever existed. This is one for the chicken lovers: beautifully spit-roasted; with crisp, salty skin on the outside and the juiciest meat on the inside.
Bonjardim has always been a well-loved spot, but was made extra-famous by the late, great Anthony Bourdain who ate there while filming his No Reservations series. We loved our experience here, but also enjoyed the chicken at O Churrasco, which is located right around the corner.
Around €20 per person for a full chicken dinner and drinks.
bonjardim.menu-world.com
Things to do in Lisbon
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a full week, there is more than enough going on in Lisbon to keep you busy each moment of your stay.
Taking a beach day in nearby Caiscais is always a good idea. \ Janine Kennedy
Take a beach day
For a low-cost day trip with the kids nothing beats a train or taxi ride into nearby Caiscais – take in the sights of the colourful town, then walk the promenade along the coast. There are five beautiful beaches along this walk offering full amenities like changing rooms, umbrellas (for a price) and plenty of restaurants.
If the kids are up for it, you can do a full day tour of both Sintra (featuring the stunning Pena National Palace) and Caiscais through viatour.com (starting from €59 per person for an eight-hour day tour).
Immerse yourself in history
Take the tram to Belém. Learn about Portugal’s history of conquest and exploration at the Maritime Museum (cultura.marinha.pt €8 per adult).
Visit Belém Tower (€16 entry, torrebelem.com) which was built in the 16th century and served as a point of embarkation for Portuguese explorers. Just down the road you’ll find the Jerónimos Monastery (€24 entry, jeronimosmonasterytickets.com). Take a look around the beautiful grounds before heading back into the city to learn about the earthquake of 1755 at the Lisbon Earthquake Experience (€23.50 entry, lisbonquake.com).
Shop 'til you drop
Lisbon is a great place to shop, from outdoor clothing and jewellery markets in the city centre to the Feira de Ladra – a famous flea market which has been in existence since the 17th century. This market is only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays and you’ll find it around the Campo de Santa Clara.
Visit Next Memory Atelier which specialises in boutique perfumes in personalised cases (€40 per perfume).
nextmemory.eu
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