Aug 27 – Sep 1, 2026 · 5 nights

Lisbon

Hilltop castles, tram rides & pastéis de Belém

Lisbon at a glance

Attractions, hotels and restaurants — all on one map.

Attractions Hotels Restaurants

The itinerary

Day 6 Aug 27

Arrival & Waterfront

  • Arrive by train from Porto, check in
  • Praça do Comércio & Tagus River waterfront stroll Map
  • Dinner: El Clan (Portuguese cuisine near the cathedral) Map
Day 7 Aug 28

Castle & Old Town

  • Castelo de São Jorge — 360° city views, museum, and roaming peacocks Map
  • Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) — Romanesque landmark dating to 1147 Map
  • Wander the Alfama lanes, ride Tram 28 Map
  • Lunch: Floresta das Escadinhas (fish platters, lunch only) Map
Day 8 Aug 29

Oceanarium & Parque das Nações

  • Oceanário de Lisboa — otters, puffins, sharks, and a freshwater tank by Takashi Amano Map
  • Walk the modern waterfront district of Parque das Nações Map
  • Brunch: LUDO'S café (arrive early — tiny and popular) Map
  • Dinner: Come Prima (best Italian in Lisbon — book 2 weeks ahead) Map
Day 9 Aug 30

Sintra Day Trip

  • Train to Sintra (~40 min from Rossio station) Map
  • Pena Palace — fairy-tale palace on a hilltop, iconic family photo spot Map
  • Moorish Castle ruins and forest walks Map
  • Return by evening, local dinner near your hotel
Day 10 Aug 31

Belém

  • Jerónimos Monastery — UNESCO World Heritage Manueline masterpiece Map
  • Tower of Belém and riverside walk Map
  • Pastéis de Belém — the original custard tart bakery (est. 1837) Map
  • Optional: Monument to the Discoveries and 25 de Abril Bridge views Map
🚆

Sep 1 — IC train to Aveiro (~2 hrs 20 min). Arrive midday.

Hotels in Lisbon

Four options across budget ranges — from splurge-worthy waterfront stays to excellent value picks.

Martinhal Lisbon Chiado

4.7 (194)
€€€ · Splurge Best for familiesKids' clubBabysittingChiado

The single best family hotel in Lisbon. Kids' club, babysitting, child-sized robes and flip flops, training potty, step stools in bathrooms — they've thought of everything. Complimentary breakfast, apartment-style suites, central Chiado location. Worth every cent for families with young children.

Best for: Families with children under 10 — this is your pick, full stop

Vincci Alfama

4.9 (363)
€€€ · Splurge Alfama old townSuperb breakfastBoutique

Stylish boutique hotel deep in Alfama with one of Lisbon's best breakfasts. Authentic old-town experience with outstanding staff recommendations. Note: request a conventional room — some rooms have an open-plan shower not suited for family sharing.

Best for: Families wanting an authentic Alfama neighbourhood feel

My Story Hotel Tejo

4.4 (1.7k)
€€ · Mid-range Near AlfamaTram 28Blackout curtains

Excellent value hotel steps from Alfama, Tram 28, and the Tagus waterfront. True blackout curtains make a big difference for kids' sleep. Good breakfast variety and very helpful staff. Request a family room — standard rooms are on the smaller side.

Best for: Families on a mid-range budget near the old town

Pestana CR7 Lisboa

4.5 (2.4k)
€€ · Mid-range Praça do ComércioRiver viewsGym

Right by the Praça do Comércio with excellent river views from corner rooms. A fun pick if your kids are football fans. Good breakfast and central location. Request a family room and crib in advance when booking.

Best for: Football-loving families wanting the waterfront address

Restaurants in Lisbon

Family-tested picks from formal dinners to the best value lunches. Ratings from verified reviews.

El Clan - Restaurante Português

4.7 (4.3k)
€€ Family-friendlyOpen lateBig portions

A lively, generous Portuguese restaurant near the cathedral. Big portions of seafood rice, picanha steak, and bacalhau. The padron peppers starter is exceptional. Open all day until midnight — one of the most family-friendly hours in Lisbon.

Floresta das Escadinhas

4.6 (3.3k)
Lunch onlyBudget gemBest fish platters

Exceptional value for lunch — the mixed fish and meat platters are enormous and beautifully fresh. One platter easily feeds two adults. The sardines and cod are outstanding. Arrive by 12:30 as it fills quickly. Closed Sundays.

Come Prima

4.9 (10k)
€€ Book ahead Best Italian in LisbonHandmade pastaBook 2 weeks ahead

The finest Italian restaurant in Lisbon. Handmade pasta, rustic candlelit ambiance, and impeccable service. A special occasion dinner for the family. The wood-fired mushroom starter and trio of pasta are exceptional. Closed Sundays.

LUDO'S

4.9 (1.3k)
€€ Brunch & caféHidden gemBeautiful food

A tiny, charming café hidden in the Alfama lanes — perfect for a slow family breakfast or brunch. Beautifully plated food, legendary dragon fruit drinks, and top-quality coffee. Closes at 5pm. A lovely way to start a sightseeing day.

World of Heroes

4.2 (2k)
€€ Kids love itMarvel & animeFun dinner

A Marvel and anime-themed restaurant with costumed characters, thousands of collectible figures, and an in-house shop. The food is solid casual fare — not a foodie destination — but the experience is a massive hit with children. Great for a relaxed, fun family dinner night.