Lisbon is one of those cities that instantly charms you, and we fell in love with this glorious city. All sunshine, tiled buildings, yellow trams, and delicious custard tarts. And on our recent family trip, we quickly realised that the best way to explore the city (and keep everyone happy!) is through guided tours. They’re fun, informative, and take the hassle out of navigating Lisbon’s famously steep hills with kids in tow.
We stayed at Martinhal Lisbon Oriente in a spacious two-bedroom apartment. The hotel is absolutely perfect for families, with a fantastic pool, brilliant family-friendly facilities, and excellent dining options that made our stay perfect.
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Here Are The Tours We Loved In Lisbon, Plus A Few We’ll Be Booking Next Time
Whether it’s a tuk tuk ride through Alfama, a river cruise at sunset, or a day trip to magical Sintra, these tours are ideal for families visiting Lisbon.
1. Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon,The Most Fun Way to See the City
If you’re visiting Lisbon with kids, a tuk-tuk tour is an absolute must! The city’s hills are steep, the streets are narrow, and walking everywhere can quickly become exhausting. These electric tuk tuks zip effortlessly between viewpoints, historic districts, and secret spots, making sightseeing fun and easy for all ages.
We loved seeing Alfama, Bairro Alto, and the famous viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Portas do Sol. Our guide Anna shared stories about Lisbon’s history, stopped for photos, and even detoured to show us her favourite restaurants.
Mini Travellers Tip: Book a private tuk-tuk tour in advance. It’s more personal, and the guide can adapt stops to suit your family’s interests, especially useful with younger kids who might need ice cream breaks!
2. Lisbon Food Tour, A Taste of Portugal for the Whole Family
A food tour is the best way to experience Lisbon’s culture through its flavours, and it’s not just for adults! We joined a small-group Lisbon food and wine tour, and got stuck in trying codfish croquettes, cheeses, and the famous cherry liqueur Ginjinha.
The stories behind the dishes were fascinating, and it helped us understand how deeply food and family are woven into Portuguese life.
Next time, we’d love to try a food tour further out, perhaps in Belém (home of the original Pastéis de Belém bakery) or Campo de Ourique, where locals go for authentic bites away from the crowds.
Mini Travellers Tip: Go hungry and wear comfy shoes, Lisbon’s cobbled streets are beautiful but uneven.
Plan Your Trip
Check out these handy links to help you booking your next trip.
3. Day Trip to Sintra, Palaces, Gardens, and Magic
If you’re planning a more extended stay in Lisbon, don’t miss a day trip to Sintra. Just 30 minutes by car or train, it’s like stepping into a fairytale. The colourful Pena Palace, perched on a hilltop, looks like something out of a Disney film, and Quinta da Regaleira is full of secret tunnels and enchanted gardens that kids will adore exploring.
Book a guided day tour from Lisbon so you don’t have to worry about public transport or parking (Sintra gets busy!).
Mini Travellers Tip: Bring layers, it’s cooler and mistier than Lisbon, and book your tickets early if you’re visiting in summer.
4. Tagus River Cruise, See Lisbon from the Water
A Tagus River cruise is the perfect way to see the other side of Lisbon. Whether you sail during the day or at sunset, the views are incredible. You’ll float under the 25 de Abril Bridge, spot the Cristo Rei statue, and see Lisbon’s skyline from a whole new angle.
We were recommended to take a sunset sail with snacks and drinks included, perfect for spotting landmarks and a relaxing end to a busy day.
Mini Travellers Tip: Evening cruises are magical, but they can get chilly. Bring jumpers and windproof jackets. Look for small, family-friendly groups or private options for more space and flexibility.
5. Electric Bike Tour of Alfama & Mouraria, Hills Made Easy
Lisbon’s hills can be tough, but an electric bike tour makes exploring a breeze. Join a small guided tour through Alfama and Mouraria, two of the city’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. The e-bikes make it effortless to climb up narrow, cobbled streets.
It’s a brilliant option for families with older kids or teens who are confident cyclists, and it’s a great way to cover lots of ground without tiring everyone out.
Mini Travellers Tip: Morning tours are quieter and cooler. Bring plenty of water and make sure helmets are available for the kids before booking.
6. Street Art & Tram 28 Tours, On Our List for Next Time
Lisbon has a fantastic street art scene, with murals tucked away in every district. A street art tour with a local guide is high on our list for next time; it’s a creative way for kids to learn about the city’s modern culture and history.
We’re also tempted by a Tram 28 guided tour, which takes you through Lisbon’s most iconic neighbourhoods in a vintage tram, with a guide to explain the history along the way. It’s a slower pace, perfect for families after a few days of sightseeing.
Mini Travellers Tip: Tram 28 gets busy! If you want to ride it, go early in the morning or book a guided version to skip the queues.
Family-Friendly Lisbon Tours You’ll Love
Lisbon is one of the best European cities to explore with kids and teens, compact, full of life, and bursting with things to do. These tours gave us a mix of fun, adventure, and history, and helped us experience the city like locals rather than tourists.
Whether you’re zipping through the streets in a tuk tuk, tasting your way through local markets, or gliding along the river at sunset, these tours are guaranteed to make your Lisbon family holiday unforgettable.
Have you tried any of these Lisbon tours? We’d love to hear your favourites, or tell us which one’s going on your list for next time!
