Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Lisbon for first-timers and car-free travelers (I will put the links to them at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Lisbon for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Lisbon for families, along with a map and areas to avoid. I’ll also share where I stayed in Lisbon and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for all budgets.
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, located on the western Iberian Peninsula along the Atlantic Ocean. Situated on the hilly terrain overlooking the Tagus River, Lisbon offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the river.
Some notable landmarks in Lisbon include the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle. The city is also famous for its traditional Fado music, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere.
Lisbon is divided into various neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Alfama is the oldest district and is known for its narrow streets, Fado music, and the São Jorge Castle. Bairro Alto is famous for its nightlife and eclectic atmosphere.
The city has efficient trams, buses, and a metro network. The iconic yellow tram 28 is a popular way for tourists to explore some of Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
Is Lisbon a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Lisbon is a great destination for families. The city offers a diverse range of activities and attractions that can appeal to both adults and children.
Your family can explore historic sites, take a tram ride to experience the city’s unique charm, visit family-friendly attractions such as the Oceanarium, Jardim Zoológico, and Parque das Nações; and enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes like pastéis de nata and bacalhau.
Compared to some other European cities, Lisbon is often considered more affordable. This can make it a budget-friendly option for families looking to explore a European capital.
Where to stay in Lisbon for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Lisbon for families with kids are Baixa, Av. Liberdade, and Chiado. These areas offer easy access to major sights and easily get around on foot and by public transportation.
If you are traveling with young kids, I recommend avoiding staying in Amalfi, Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré, and Belem. This is because Amalfi is very hilly; Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré are known for their vibrant nightlife, which can be noisy and crowded; Belem is a bit farther from the city center.
Baixa is one of the most popular areas to stay in Lisbon with kids. It is the downtown area of Lisbon, known for its grand squares, historic architecture, and central location. It’s close to major attractions like Praça do Comércio and the riverfront. It has a lively atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Avenida da Liberdade is a wide, tree-lined avenue with upscale shops, theaters, and hotels. The area is well-connected with public transportation.
Chiado is a bohemian and cultural district known for its theaters, historic cafes, and trendy shops. It’s also centrally located, making it easy to explore other parts of the city. Some parts of Chiado have hilly terrain, which might be a consideration if you have young children or strollers.
During my trip to Lisbon, I stayed at Hotel da Baixa, a good value for money hotel in the very heart of the city. I was able to explore most sights and popular neighborhoods on foot and metro. It is also a family-friendly hotel, featuring comfortable family rooms and delicious breakfast.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Lisbon for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Lisbon, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Lisbon have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Best areas to stay in Lisbon with family:
1. Baixa
Baixa, without a doubt, is one of the best areas to stay in Lisbon for families with children, both young and older ones. It is best suited for families looking to experience the heart of Lisbon with easy access to cultural attractions and convenient transportation options.
Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown area, providing easy access to major landmarks like Praça do Comércio, Rossio Square, and the historic Alfama district. You’ll be within walking distance of many attractions, which is convenient for families.
Baixa is characterized by its grand squares, traditional architecture, and historic buildings. Strolling through its streets gives you a sense of Lisbon’s rich history.
Baixa offers a mix of traditional shops, international brands, and local markets. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Portuguese cuisine. The area has a vibrant atmosphere during the day.
Best places to stay in Lisbon in Baixa with kids:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Santa Justa, 4-star child-friendly hotel in a pedestrian street in central Lisbon, close to everything, a short walk from Santa Justa Elevator and Augusta Street shopping area. Easy access to metro and bus stations. It has 24-hour reception, airport transfer, live Fado music nights every Tuesday and Thursday. The family rooms can accommodate up to 5 family members.
Mid-range ($$): Residentas Arco do Bandeira, 4-star good value for money, family-friendly condo hotel in a prime location, good base to explore the city, close to Rossio Square and Dona Maria II National Theater. The hotel welcomes children of all ages, children 15 and above will be charged as adults. The Two-Bedroom Apartment is a comfortable option for families of 5 and 6.
Budget ($): Grape Harbor Prata Apartments, great child-friendly accommodation centrally located in Lisbon’s Old Town, close to Rossio, Commerce Square, lively Bairro Alto, and the trendy Chiado with many shops and cafés. Two-Bedroom Apartments are spacious and comfortable for families of 4, come with a fully equipped kitchenette.
Budget ($): The 7 Hotel, Suites, Studios & Apartments, 3-star kid-friendly accommodation in the heart of the historic downtown, only a few mins walk from Rossio Square, Chiado, and Baixa/Chiado Metro Station. The hotel has soundproof rooms, a paid airport shuttle, 24-hour front desk, and good breakfast.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BAIXA / CHIADO2. Avenida da Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade is an ideal choice for families seeking a more upscale atmosphere in the heart of Lisbon. This area is known for its wide boulevard, lined with high-end shops, luxury hotels, and elegant architecture.
The avenue is home to some of the most prestigious international and local brands, making it a great spot for shopping enthusiasts. There are also fine dining restaurants, cafes, and pastry shops along the avenue, providing diverse culinary experiences for your family.
It is relatively close to cultural attractions. You can easily reach areas like Baixa, Rossio Square, and even the historic Alfama district with short walks or public transportation.
The avenue has several public gardens and green spaces, such as the Eduardo VII Park at the northern end. These can be pleasant places for family strolls or picnics.
Best places to stay in Lisbon in Av. Liberdade with kids:
Luxury ($$$): TURIM Boulevard Hotel, 5-star family-friendly hotel located in the center of Lisbon, 10 mins walk from Rossio Square. It has a 24-hour front desk, a tour desk, luggage storages, parking, and good breakfast. Metro station is just beside the hotel. Good base for families to explore the city on foot and by metro.
Mid-range ($$): BessaHotel Liberdade, beautiful 4-star kid-friendly hotel in a very safe and convenient area, very close to the metro and downtown’s attractions. It has a wonderful breakfast, comfortable rooms with soundproofing windows, and a nice indoor swimming pool.
Budget ($): HF Fenix Music, 3-star family-friendly themed hotel, located within a short distance from the posh Avenida da Liberdade where you can find many high-end shops and boutiques. Close to Marquês de Pombal Metro Station, the botanical gardens, and Eduardo VII Park. It has an outdoor pool, delicious breakfast, and 24-hour front desk
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN AVENIDA DA LIBERDADE3. Chiado
Chiado is a great base for families who appreciate a lively atmosphere and want to be centrally located for easy exploration of Lisbon’s cultural and culinary delights.
Chiado is a historic and bohemian district known for its theaters, historic cafes, and artistic vibe. It strikes a balance between history and modernity, making it an engaging area for families.
This area is home to cultural landmarks such as the São Carlos National Theatre and the Bertrand Bookstore, which is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest operating bookstore.
Chiado is known for its eclectic mix of shops, from traditional stores to trendy boutiques. There are also numerous cafes, restaurants, and pastry shops where you can enjoy Portuguese delicacies.
Considerations: Some parts of Chiado have hilly terrain, so if you have young children or require strollers, be mindful of the topography when exploring the area.
Best places to stay in Lisbon in Chiado with family:
Mid-range ($$): Lisbon Rentals Chiado, 4-star modern apartments in the trendy Chiado district, easy walking distance to Baixa/Chiado Metro Station and the Bairro Alto district where you can find many bars and restaurants. The hotel has bike rental, babysitting, and luggage storage services. The Three-Bedroom Apartment is a great place for a family of 5 and 6.
Luxury ($$$): Martinhal Lisbon Chiado, 5-star family-friendly hotel in Chiado/Baixa area, 5 mins walk from Cais do Sodré metro and train Station. It has comfortable apartments with equipped kitchens. You can find lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Mid-range ($$): Ouro Grand by Level Residences, great apartment perfect for 2 to 6 people. It is located in the old town, easy access to the main square of Lisbon and the waterfront area. Easy access to trams and trains.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BAIXA / CHIADOIn conclusion, Baixa, Avenida da Liberdade, and Chiado are the best places to stay in Lisbon for families with kids. These areas offer plenty of child-friendly accommodations for all budgets, and easy access to major sights on foot and by trams/buses.
You can continue reading about Lisbon in these articles:
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Lisbon. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.