Family-Friendly Itinerary for 5 days in Lisboa

  • Day 1: Oceanário de Lisboa
    30 minutes (6.8 km) from Lisbon city center

    Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the most significant public aquariums in Europe, with over 8,000 varied aquatic animals. You and your family will enjoy a fascinating experience with a vast range of sea creatures, educational exhibits, and a shark tank.

  • Day 2: Castelo de São Jorge
    31 minutes (8.4 km) from Oceanário de Lisboa

    This fortified castle sits atop one of Lisbon's highest hills, offering a panoramic view of the city. This former palace serves as a cultural venue with art exhibitions, concerts, and themed dinners. Stroll along the castle walls, climb up a tower, and see peacocks walking around in the castle's gardens.

  • Day 3: Praia de Carcavelos
    30 minutes (20 km) from Castelo de São Jorge

    Visit Praia de Carcavelos, the largest and most beautiful beach in the Lisbon region. The family-friendly beach offers surfing, kite surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding lessons. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, relax under the sun, and enjoy the various restaurants and cafes around the area.

  • Day 4: Padrão dos Descobrimentos
    27 minutes (10 km) from Praia de Carcavelos

    The monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery and the country’s most famous explorers. Visit the museum inside to learn about past voyages and adventurers. Climb up to the top of the tower to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Rio Tejo estuary.

  • Day 5: Jerónimos Monastery
    13 minutes (5.7 km) from Padrão dos Descobrimentos

    The magnificent monastery was built in the 16th century, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and is a symbol of Portugal's greatness during the Age of Discovery. Walk around the intricate cloisters, view the king's room, and gaze at the royal tombs. Help your kids learn about history and culture while enjoying a visual feast of Manueline architecture.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Oceanário de Lisboa (2-3 hours, €15)
  • Castelo de São Jorge (2-3 hours, €10)
  • Praia de Carcavelos (4-5 hours, free)
  • Padrão dos Descobrimentos (1-2 hours, €6)
  • Jerónimos Monastery (2-3 hours, €12)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €43/person

Transportation

The best way to get around the center of the city is on foot. Public transportation, including buses, trams, and subway, is available for exploring farther areas, and it’s budget-friendly. A daily pass for public transport is €6.40 for unlimited rides.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider exploring the nearby towns of Cascais, Sintra, and Estoril, or visiting the Belem Tower, a fortified tower on the north bank of the Tagus River. Alternatively, if you only have three days, then you might combine days 2 and 3.

Airports

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the main international airport, located 7km from the city center. It is well-connected to the city by metro and public buses.

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