Lisbon has a approach of pulling in youthful vacationers with straightforward adventures, a vibrant aesthetic, and a wealthy historical past that feels alive. Add enjoyable and inexpensive meals, walkable neighborhoods, and views that beg to be shared through Snapchat, TikTok, or Instagram. In fact, youngsters have various pursuits, so this story highlights finds for artwork lovers, consumers, foodies, and extra. My teenage son, Leo, and I price every of those 21 cool issues to do in Lisbon with teenagers on a one-to-five scale of must-see-ability based mostly on our latest expertise in Portugal’s capital metropolis. Vamos!
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1. Pastéis de Nata
The primary precedence upon arriving in Lisbon with teenagers? Consuming pastéis de nata! These iconic Portuguese custard tarts had been first created by monks within the 18th century to make use of extra egg yolks. All ages love their flaky crust, creamy caramelized filling, and ideal stability of sweetness and crispness. Observe: one tart is a pastel de nata, whereas the plural is pastéis de nata. Additionally, Leo warns, “After getting one, you’ll wish to have 10 extra. And after getting 10, you’ll wish to have 100 extra.”
Probably the most well-known place within the metropolis for these craveable pastries is Pastéis de Belém, which cranks out 20,000 to 50,000 of those egg tarts every day. However my household liked attempting pastéis de nata from totally different patisseries daily of our journey.
2. Monument of the Discoveries
Leo and I agree that Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is an absolute must-see when visiting Lisbon with teenagers and older children. It’s enjoyable to pose in entrance of this monumental attraction in Belém bairro that stands a putting 184 ft tall (56 meters) beside the Tagus River. For a nominal price, you possibly can climb to the highest of the monument for views of Belém, together with the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Tagus River stretching towards the Atlantic.
This landmark commemorates Portugal’s Age of Discovery, a time interval that spanned from the fifteenth to the early seventeenth century when explorers got down to map new territories, set up commerce routes, and increase their affect throughout the globe. Initially constructed as a brief construction for the 1940 World Exhibition, the Monument of the Discoveries was reconstructed in 1960 as a everlasting attraction utilizing concrete, rose-tinted Leiria stone, and Sintra limestone to commemorate the five hundredth anniversary of Henry the Navigator’s demise.
Seek for historic people among the many 32 figures sculpted into the bow of the monument’s caravel ship, most notably Magellan, Vasco de Gama, Prince Henry the Navigator, and the one lady represented, Queen Philippa of Lancaster.
3. Belém Tower
After exploring Monument of the Discoveries, it’s solely a brief stroll to Belém Tower (Torré de Belém) alongside a riverfront path. Constructed within the sixteenth century, this UNESCO World Heritage Website was initially a fortress guarding Lisbon’s harbor. Admire the attraction’s intricate Manueline structure from the skin, that includes maritime motifs like ropes, armillary spheres, and crosses that symbolize Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
Tickets to enter are reasonably priced in the event you’d prefer to wander by way of the inside, as soon as used as a jail. You’ll acquire entry to the highest terrace, the place you possibly can absorb panoramic views of the Tagus River. Nonetheless, be ready for slim spiral staircases and potential lengthy wait occasions, particularly throughout peak hours in summer time months.
4. Time Out Market Lisboa
When touring with quite a lot of ages and personalities, it may be onerous to please all palates. Not so at Time Out Market Lisboa! This buzzing upscale meals corridor is positioned contained in the renovated Mercado da Ribeira constructing within the Misericórdia neighborhood in Cais do Sodré bairro. You’ll discover Portuguese specialties like my teenage son’s favourite, Arroz de Camarão (rice and shrimp), in addition to worldwide dishes like pizza, sushi, and burgers. Remember to get a delicious pastel de nata from Manteigaria when you’re right here, too. (In my view, they’re one of the best within the metropolis!)
In contrast to conventional markets that target recent produce and groceries, this fashionable vacationer attraction brings collectively prime cooks from famend eating places, who showcase their finest recipes underneath one roof. Past meals stalls, guests aged 18+ can pull up a stool at native bars serving craft cocktails and Portuguese wines.
5. Pink Avenue
Additionally in Cais do Sodré bairro, Pink Avenue (Rua Nova do Carvalho) was as soon as the situation of Lisbon’s crimson gentle district, dwelling to brothels, playing dens, and seedy bars. The highway was renovated, rebranded, and painted a rosy hue in 2011. Now it’s considered one of Lisbon’s trendiest nightlife scorching spots, attracting locals and vacationers alike with its road artwork, bars, cafés, and nightclubs. Adults aged 18+ can get drinks in plastic to-go cups to sip and stroll, since open alcohol containers are allowed till 2 am in Portugal.
It’s value coming to Pink Avenue if just for the picture ops and a fast stroll to absorb the energetic environment. Teenage Leo says, “I’d give 5 stars, however you possibly can’t actually do a lot except you’re 18. Nonetheless, it was a very cool space to stroll round.”
6. The Oldest Bookstore within the World
Opened in 1732, Bertrand Bookstore (Livraria Bertrand) is the world’s oldest working bookstore. Browse the stacks at this historic, wood-paneled spot in Chiado bairro. Most books are in Portuguese, however there’s a small part of English titles, together with some tempting cookbooks for many who fall as onerous for Portuguese delicacies as we did. I extremely suggest a go to, however Leo says, “It’s cool, however I’m not an enormous reader. Should you love books, it’s a must-see. However in any other case, you possibly can skip it.”
Psst…! Across the nook from Bertrand Bookstore, you’ll discover A Vida Portuguesa, top-of-the-line locations to search out genuine Lisboa souvenirs made by native artisans.
For extra buying, only a 5-minute stroll from Bertrand Bookstore is the bohemian Príncipe Actual Purchasing District within the Bairro Alto. Go right here for fashionable outlets and classic clothes. Leo says, “I felt like buying right here gave me some perception into Portuguese tradition.”
EmbaiXada homes high-end boutiques promoting cutting-edge fashions and luxe dwelling décor in a fairly former Arabian-style palace. A number of doorways down from there, the REAL Sluggish Retail Idea Retailer is a hip assortment of curated shop-in-shops promoting housewares, handmade clothes, coffee-table books, and extra.
As a wine lover, I used to be thrilled to style Portugal’s well-known Port wines at Photo voltaic Vinho do Porto in Príncipe Actual. With a heat, trendy ambiance, it showcases over 150 types from the Douro Valley. Buy a card for the self-service wine dispenser and pattern tawnies, rubies, and white Ports. (Leo was much less impressed than his mother.)
8. Príncipe Actual Backyard
Within the coronary heart of the Príncipe Actual neighborhood sits Jardim do Príncipe Actual (Príncipe Actual Backyard). With statues and plush panorama, that is the proper spot to snap selfies for the Gram or Snap. A cedar tree within the heart is so huge, it’s held up by metal beams.
Pull up a seat on the kiosk within the park, considered one of greater than 50 kiosks in Lisbon! Order a snack (like croquettes, empanadas, or pastéis de nata) and a espresso or different refresher.
On the final Saturday and Monday of every month, search for a flea market across the tiled park’s perimeter. The Príncipe Actual Market sells handicrafts, jewellery, distinctive fashions, and extra. Saturday’s market brings recent native produce, too. Leo says, “It’s a cute little backyard, however the flea market was actually cool and that made it value seeing.”
9. Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio (Commerce Sq.) is likely one of the metropolis’s most well-known and largest plazas. It was initially constructed as a logo of Lisbon’s reconstruction following the devastation of the 1755 earthquake. In the present day, this sq. is a vibrant hub the place locals and guests alike collect to understand Portuguese historical past, take pleasure in waterfront views, and expertise the energetic cafés and outlets that line its grand arcades.
The Rua Augusta Arch stands in entrance of the Tagus River on the entrance to the plaza and serves as a grand gateway to the historic Baixa bairro. The statue within the heart of Praça do Comércio is the Equestrian Statue of King José I on horseback, crushing snakes beneath his ft to represent Portugal’s resilience after the Nice Lisbon Earthquake.
10. Rua Augusta
After admiring Praça do Comércio, you’ll step onto Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s most important pedestrian buying road, connecting Praça do Comércio to Rossio Sq.. Though touristy, it’s a bustling and entertaining place to stroll and store. Wander out and in of native shops in addition to worldwide manufacturers like Zara and H&M.
Rua Augusta is a well-liked spot to folks watch and make the most of discounted drinks and petiscos (tapas) for glad hour in early evenings. The ingesting age is eighteen in Portugal, so older teenagers and younger adults can order a sangria, beer, a glass of wine, or a artistic cocktail if desired. Mocktails, juices, coffees, and sodas can be found, too. “I assumed having a snack right here was actually enjoyable, and it made me really feel like we had been actually experiencing the town,” says Leo.
Navegadoors will get excessive reward from Lisbon Metropolis Information for combining artwork, culinary selection, discounted cocktails, and a DJ. Or, you are able to do as we did, and pull up a seat someplace that strikes your fancy as you stroll down Rua Augusta.
11. Rossio Sq.
Teenage Leo says, “It’s good, but it surely’s a sq.. I don’t know if it’s good to exit of your strategy to see it.” Truthful sufficient, but it surely’s solely a 7-minute stroll from Rua August Arch to Rossio Sq. alongside the nice pedestrian-friendly Rua Augusta, and this plaza overflows with magnificence and historic websites, so I feel it’s properly value visiting.
Based on SpottingHistory, Rossio Sq. has been an vital a part of Lisbon for the reason that Center Ages as a hub for royal celebrations, political actions, and even public executions. After the town’s 1755 earthquake, it was rebuilt within the Pombaline model, that includes its well-known wave-patterned tiles and baroque fountains.
On the heart of the plaza is a statue of Dom Pedro IV, King of Portugal and Emperor of Brazil, about which Lisbonguide.org says, “The pedestal of the statue is adorned with allegorical sculptures of Justice, Knowledge, Energy, and Moderation, reflecting the virtues related to Dom Pedro’s reign.” Take discover of the attractive Rossio Prepare Station, too, with its Neo-Manueline façade and horseshoe-shaped arches simply off the sq..
12. Oceanário de Lisboa
Lisbon’s Oceanário is considered one of Europe’s largest aquariums and is dwelling to over 15,000 sea creatures, together with sharks, rays, otters, and the uncommon sunfish. It’s positioned Parque das Nações, a contemporary waterfront district a couple of 10-minute Uber or taxi trip from the town centre Baixa district, which incorporates Rossio Sq., Praça do Comércio, and the elegant Avenida da Liberdade.
Oceanário de Lisboa was on our hope-to-see checklist, however with many aquariums underneath our belt and restricted time, we needed to skip it this spherical. Exploring its interactive reveals can be a enjoyable addition to a Portugal journey, particularly for animal lovers. We’re giving it 3.5 stars as a result of it has a robust repute, however there are different experiences in Lisbon that appear extra distinctive to the town.
13. Petiscos or Tapas
In Lisbon, petiscos are Portugal’s reply to Spanish tapas—small, flavorful dishes meant for sharing. Leo explains, “They’re native, they’re scrumptious, and it’s a enjoyable shared expertise.”
On menus, petiscos (snacks, in English) are sometimes called “tapas” even in Portugal since that time period is internationally acknowledged. Search for our favourite, gambas à guilho, prawns sautéed in a delicious garlic butter that we ordered each time we noticed it on a menu, which was usually.
Portugal’s nationwide dish is broadly thought-about to be Bacalhau, or salted cod. It’s often served as a petisco. Leo and I give this dish 2.5 stars. It’s enjoyable to attempt, but it surely was removed from our prime choose.
14. Santa Justa Elevate
In the present day, the Santa Justa Elevate (or Elevador de Santa Justa) is usually a vacationer attraction, usually with lengthy strains and a brief trip. We skipped using it, however I feel it’s enjoyable to see. Leo needed to rank it solely two stars as a result of, in response to him, “It’s a vacationer lure.” I see his level, but it surely does have an enchanting historical past.
Impressed by Gustave Eiffel’s ironwork (ahem, the Eiffel Tower in Paris), this construction’s stunning structure makes it a putting neo-Gothic landmark. It was constructed between 1900 and 1902 as a sensible and fairly answer to climbing Lisbon’s steep hills. It connects Baixa bairro to Largo do Carmo Sq. within the Chiado bairro.
15. The Alfama
Teenagers and different vacationers will love Alfama Bairro, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, for its maze-like streets, colourful murals, and beautiful viewpoints. Get misplaced in small alleyways as you discover on foot. As Leo says, “It’s stunning. The views are nice. It’s only a actually cool space of the town.”
16. Igreja de Santa Luzia
Igreja de Santa Luzia (Church of Saint Lucia) in Alfama is a small however notable church with conventional azulejo tile panels (blue glazed Portuguese tiles) that illustrate Lisbon’s historical past. The adjoining Miradouro de Santa Luzia lookout level supplies a panoramic view of the Tagus River and the town’s tiled rooftops. (See the picture on the prime of this weblog publish!) The encompassing backyard affords a peaceable break, whereas the reflection pool provides to its magnificence.
17. Lisbon’s Electricos
Lisbon’s iconic road vehicles are well-known for his or her vibrant yellow classic design and skill to navigate the town’s steep, slim streets, providing a nostalgic trip by way of historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. Though they appear much like the cable vehicles of San Francisco, these electrical streetcars run on tracks powered by overhead strains. First launched in 1873 as horse-drawn carriages, they later advanced into electrical trams in 1901.
My household didn’t really trip this type of public transportation, but it surely was enjoyable to see them cruising up and down the town, so hold your eyes open and your digital camera prepared! Study extra about Lisbon’s trams from PortugalExpert.com.
18. Calouste Gulbenkian Basis Advanced
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is usually touted as Lisbon’s finest artwork museum on account of its spectacular personal assortment, which spans Egyptian artifacts, Islamic artwork, European masterpieces, and ornamental arts. Proper subsequent to the museum, there isn’t any cost to discover the Jardim Gulbenkian (Gulbenkian Backyard), a peaceable backyard with sculptures and strolling paths. Since I really like artwork museums and botanical gardens, I insisted we go to. There’s a stunning, bustling café with a backyard view right here, too.
About this attraction, Leo says, “I usually actually like artwork museums, however this one had loads of spiritual artwork, and that’s probably not for me. I favor extra trendy artwork.” Too dangerous we ran out of time earlier than closing to go to the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian (CAM) subsequent door, which showcases primarily trendy and modern Portuguese artwork, spanning from the late nineteenth century to the current day.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Basis Advanced (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian) in Avenidas Novas bairro consists of each artwork museums, the backyard, and the Gulbenkian Orchestra & Auditorium. Get your skip-the-line Gulbenkian tickets now. Observe: the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is closed for restoration by way of July 2026, however CAM stays open.
19. Lisbon Excursions
If you wish to simply examine off a bunch of things from this checklist of one of the best issues to do in Lisbon with teenagers, ebook a guided tour through our trusted associate, GetYourGuide.
Strolling Tour
My household booked the Better of Lisbon Strolling Tour: Rossio, Chiado & Alfama, which covers loads of floor and the historical past of Lisbon with a educated information in simply three hours. You’ll see Rossio Sq., the Santa Justa Elevate, and the Church of Saint Lucia, plus Lisbon Cathedral, Restauradores Sq., Castelo de São Jorge views, and extra. Get an opportunity to style a pastel de nata, inexperienced wine, and Portugal’s nationwide dish, Bacalhau, too. You’ll be climbing plenty of steep hills, so put on good strolling footwear! As Leo says, “Our strolling tour was very value it. It provides you an understanding of the town’s historical past, tradition, and its folks.”
Tuk-Tuk Tour
One other enjoyable strategy to see a lot of the town without having to climb Lisbon’s steep hills is through a tuk-tuk tour. E-book the Lisbon: Personal Metropolis Tour by Tuk-Tuk Tour to see such points of interest because the Alfama district, Rua Augusta Arch, Pink Avenue, the Fado Museum, and extra over the course of a few hours.
Meals Tour
The deliciousness of Portugal’s delicacies blew us away throughout our household vacation. Style quite a lot of genuine flavors whereas exploring the historic streets of Baixa, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré with a neighborhood information throughout Lisbon: Tastes and Traditions Guided Meals Tour.
20. Martinhal Chiado
On the lookout for a spot to remain in Lisbon with teenagers? No lodge model understands household journey higher than Portugal’s Martinhal Resorts. This luxurious lodge assortment supplies playful however trendy lodging, kid-friendly facilities, and particular touches for vacationers of all ages.
Location
My husband, teenage son, and I had the pleasure of staying at Martinhal Chiado, positioned within the coronary heart of Lisbon within the Chiado bairro. As Leo put it, “The situation was good. We might stroll to so many vacationer points of interest and eating places.” From Time Out Market to Pink Avenue and Principe Actual, a few of Lisbon’s finest finds are only a brief stroll away.
Lodging Choices
Choose amongst quite a lot of room choices, from deluxe studios to two-bedroom, multilevel models with residing areas, full kitchens, and bunk beds. Our household’s multi-room condominium earned teenage approval. Leo says, “It felt very homey. I liked having a lounge to relax after exploring. And I actually appreciated having my very own sleep area.”
Children Membership
For households touring with youthful youngsters, Martinhal Chiado affords an lovable fox-themed children’ membership with toys, video games, and craft tasks for ages 6 months to 12 years. In-room babysitting is offered, too.
Restaurant
Don’t miss the killer breakfast on the on-site Bar 1855 Gin Backyard. Take pleasure in a formidable array of fruits, meats, cheeses, pastries, and made-to-order eggs and omelets. Leo sums it up completely: “That breakfast was nice. Good service, big choice, good area. What extra might you ask for?”
Learn evaluations of Martinhal Chiado and ebook your keep with Lodges.com now! Earn one free night time for each 10 nights booked by way of Lodges.com.
21. Day Journeys
Lisbon is full of unbelievable sights and vitality, however curious vacationers could wish to take a day journey or two to discover past the town. A well-liked selection is Sintra and Cascais, to view colourful palaces and beautiful coastal views. Nature lovers will take pleasure in a visit to Arrábida Pure Park and Sesimbra to discover lush inexperienced landscapes and spend time basking on stunning seashores. In the meantime, energetic households will recognize browsing classes on Costa de Caparica Seashore or close by guided kayaking adventures.
Check out an attractive collection of GetYourGuide day journeys from Lisbon and choose your good place!
Moderately than doing day journeys, my household took a highway journey to Portugal’s Algarve area to expertise one other considered one of Martinhal Resort’s choices, Martinhal Sagres. Search for my full evaluate coming quickly!
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Save These Issues to Do in Lisbon with Teenagers
For future reference and household trip inspiration, hold this checklist of Lisbon experiences. Merely save the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll observe Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Which of those teen-friendly issues to do in Lisbon sounds finest to you? Share your ideas and questions within the feedback under!
A Observe from Colleen: Martinhal Chiado hosted two nights’ lodging and breakfast for my household in Lisbon. I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this weblog publish.