Lisbon, with its vibrant culture, historic charm, and family-friendly atmosphere is a fantastic place for a family vacation. Choosing the right place to stay is an important part of planning for your trip. Find out where to stay in Lisbon with family to have the best time possible.
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BAIXA
Baixa is centrally located in Lisbon’s downtown area and is a great place for families to stay. We liked that since it was so centrally located, you could reach numerous neighborhoods quickly and easily.
The famed neighborhood of Alfama is just up the hill, you can either walk or take the tram up. Popular spots like Rossio Square, Praca do Comercio, and the Santa Justa Lift are within walking distance. There are numerous family-friendly restaurants and cafes in the area as well as markets, which is great if you’re staying in a vacation rental.
While Lisbon is a hilly city, it is walkable and Baixa is relatively flat, so it’s less challenging for little legs and for pushing a stroller if you have one.
Even though Baixa is a central spot in Lisbon, during the night it’s quiet and calm and not popular for nightlife so your family can get a good night’s rest.
Click here to check out the awesome options in Baixa.
ALFAMA
This quaint and charming neighborhood is likely the most popular and if you prefer the atmosphere then this will be the place to stay. Alfama is known for its narrow streets, historic architecture, and Fado music.
Any visit to Alfama will be an intriguing experience. This neighborhood is also great for a laid-back experience. It’s easy to get lost in its many side streets.
Alfama has some amazing miraduouros and my favorite attraction in Lisbon is Sao Jorge Castle. It’s also home to the Lisbon Cathedral
CHIADO
Chiado is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood that’s the place to go for shopping, art, and culture. A stay in Chiado means that you’ll have immediate access to various cultural attractions, upscale shops, and theaters.
Unique spots like the Bertrand Bookstore and Carmo Convent are here as well. For families, it’s a great place to be close to the action, but not too close
BELEM
Most known for its beautiful Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, Belem is a unique location in Lisbon. Situated to the west of the main city center, on the river, Belem is a more relaxed, quiet neighborhood.
It’s great for families that enjoy history, museums, and waterfront activities. Since it’s a bit away from the city, you’ll have to take the bus or tram to the most popular tourist attractions.
You’ll lose one of the benefits of visiting Lisbon, which is that the city is fairly compact and walkable. But it may be worth it if you’re searching for a tranquil beautiful area to stay when in Lisbon.
PARQUE DAS NACOES
This neighborhood was developed recently so it has a much more modern feel than the other neighborhoods listed. This is the area to stay in if you want modern accommodations and amenities.
The area features an Oceanarium, cable car plenty of other family-friendly activities, green spaces, and a waterfront promenade.
The one drawback is that since it’s outside the compact city center, the commute by public transportation will be approximately 30-40 minutes each way and a trip to Belem will be over an hour.
BOOKING TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
When planning your trip, booking accommodations early is essential, especially during Lisbon’s busy spring and summer seasons. We booked our accommodations in November for our trip which was in June and we got an amazing deal.
Prioritize family-friendly options such as hotels with spacious rooms, interconnecting suites, or apartments with kitchen facilities for added convenience.
Neighborhoods like Baixa and Chiado offer a central location with excellent accessibility, while Parque das Nações is ideal for modern amenities and a quieter atmosphere.
Check for perks like complimentary breakfasts, on-site parking, or babysitting services to make your stay even smoother.
Use trusted platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb to compare reviews and prices, ensuring you secure the best fit for your family’s needs.
ENJOY YOUR STAY IN LISBON
Lisbon consists of an eclectic collection of neighborhoods each with their charms and attractions. This is one of the things that makes Lisbon the perfect place to visit for families.
Whether you prefer the historic atmosphere of Alfama, the central location of Baixa, or anything else, finding the perfect area for your family to stay will help make your visit special.
While you’re planning where to stay, find out what you need to know about Lisbon and make sure to start planning on what to do once you’re in there. Check out our practical Lisbon itinerary for families for an idea of all that you can enjoy on your trip. Safe travels!
