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Family-friendly outings around Lisbon

Dolphins and flamingos in the Bay of Setúbal, a fairytale castle in Sintra or a dozen golden beaches in Cascais - families can really enjoy a day trip outside the city of Lisbon. There is a lot to see and do. We have outlined 3 child-friendly outings within an hour travelling time from the capital.

Family Fun

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Playful dolphins in the Bay of Setúbal

Setúbal: boat rides and dolphins

Setúbal is the 4th largest city in Portugal and is wedged between the beautiful nature reserves of Arrábida and Estuário do Sado. The city’s waterfront lies on a sheltered river delta, which locals refer to as Dolphin Bay. It is easy to see why as the bay teems with playful curious bottlenose dolphins. Setúbal offers a variety of dolphin cruises: choose a half day or full day boat tour in the bay with guaranteed dolphin sightings. Prices range from 25 to 50 euro; children pay half price.

Palácio Nacional de Pena in Sintra

Sintra’s fairytale castle

Although Sintra is a great day trip from Lisbon, this destination really deserves a whole weekend. For centuries, kings, nobility and artists have spent their summers in this stately town packed with castles, palaces and mansions - its UNESCO World Heritage status is well deserved. Sintra’s showpiece is the 19th-century Palácio Nacional da Pena, a fairytale palace on a mountain top with romantic turrets, merlons, magnificent tile tableaus, Moorish domes, Gothic arches, and a real drawbridge.

The golden beaches of Cascais

Royal sunbathing in Cascais

Cascais enjoys a privileged location with a nature reserve in its backyard and lovely golden beaches at the front. In 1870, Dom Luís I took a royal dive in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean and since then the beach resort has become a popular destination for wealthy Portuguese. Even when sunbathers lie cheek by jowl on the centrally located Praia da Ribeira, there is always a spot on one of the dozen sandy beaches of Cascais. Praia da Duquesa offers plenty of water sports fun for children.

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Culinary

Arts & Culture

Culinary

Bacalhau, sardinhas, feijoada and pastéis: Portugal is famous for its delectable cuisine. This is the perfect excuse to turn your weekend in Lisbon into a culinary expedition, with a visit to a 19th-century food market on Friday, a gourmet tour on Saturday and a Portuguese cooking lesson and culinary feast on Sunday. Just add a bottle of vinho verde and you are all set. Bom proveito!

Arts & Culture

The vast exhibition area that was built for Expo '98 to the east of Lisbon has now become a popular attraction for those enjoying art and architecture, fine dining, shopping and leisure. A visit to the expansive and futuristic Parque das Nações is a welcome respite from the bustling city centre.

Arts & Culture

The creaking yellow vintage trams of the Carris public transportation company look as if they belong in a museum. These are one of the best ways to get around the city. Tram 28 is famous, taking riders on a 40-minute trip up (or down) the hill through old neighbourhoods such as Graça, Alfama and Baixa, along many historical highlights, including the cathedral and the castle. Todos a bordo!

Arts & Culture

Although it is located just outside of downtown Lisbon, the Tower of Belém on the Tagus River is a must-see attraction for visitors. Built as a fortress to defend the nearby Hieronymites monastery, the tower is a proud reminder of the discovery voyages of Vasco da Gama and the grandeur of the former Portuguese colonial empire.

Arts & Culture

Laundry hangs from a wrought iron balcony. The melodious cries of a fado singer resound down the street. Colourful tiles adorn the façades of the tall houses. Alfama, the district between the Castle of São Jorge and the river Tagus, is perhaps the loveliest part of Lisbon.