Family-Friendly Itinerary for 3 Days in Lisbon

  • Day 1: Oceanário de Lisboa
    20 minutes (6.3 km) from Lisbon Airport

    The Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the biggest aquariums in Europe, home to 8,000 different marine species. It offers a unique opportunity to witness different habitats, including the Antarctic, Tropical Indian, and North Atlantic. Children can learn from interactive exhibits, and families can enjoy walking through the main tank.

  • Day 2: Belem Tower
    25 minutes (5.5 km) from Oceanário de Lisboa

    Located at the point where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Belem Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lisbon. Built in the 16th century, the tower was used as a fortress to protect the city from threats. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key place to visit for all guests in Lisbon, offering a great history lesson for children and adults alike.

  • Day 3: Sintra
    40 minutes (30.1 km) from Belem Tower

    The town of Sintra, just outside Lisbon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the variety of historical monuments found within its boundaries. The colorful Palácio da Pena is one of the main attractions in Sintra, which children tend to love as it looks like a castle from a fairy tale. The National Palace of Sintra and the Quinta da Regaleira are another two must-visit spots in this charming town.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Oceanário de Lisboa (2 hours, €19)
  • Belem Tower (1.5 hours, €6)
  • Sintra (5 hours, €15 for entrance to Palácio da Pena)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €40

Transportation

Travelers can take a combination of trams, buses, or trains to reach their destination of interest in Lisbon. For longer distances, it may be more convenient and faster to use a taxi or rental car. Expect to pay about €5-10 for public transport and €15-20 for a taxi ride within the city. It takes approximately 20 minutes by car or taxi to travel from Lisbon airport to the city center, where most hotels are located.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can extend your stay in Sintra to visit other sites that may interest you, including the outdoor museum of Park and National Palace of Pena. For travelers with less time, you can skip Sintra and spend an extra day exploring Lisbon. The medieval Alfama neighborhood, located in the historic city center, is a must-visit for its picturesque cobblestone streets and scenic views.

Airports

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is located 7 km from the city center. It's the main airport in Portugal, with connections to many destinations in Europe, North America, Africa, and South America. There are several transfer options available, including metro, bus, and taxi, and the journey usually takes around 20 minutes from the airport to downtown Lisbon.

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