Lisbon with children
We are not going to deceive you, taking the cart through the intricate streets of downtown Lisbon is quite a challenge **(as well as a very complete sport) **. And yes, there are certain areas where walking with children can be difficult, but don't be fooled by appearances. A complete and original range of attractions for the little ones, ways to visit the city perfectly adapted to them and the friendly nature of the Portuguese (who love children) make Lisbon a fantastic choice to start in the difficult art of traveling with our offspring.
WHERE TO STAY: I NEED A HOTEL WHERE CHILDREN ARE VERY LOVED!
Hotel Ritz Four Seasons Lisbon. One of the most traditional hotels in the city of Lisbon, located next to the central Plaza de Marquis of Pombal , it is the perfect option to stay with your offspring . The establishment offers a multitude of details specially designed for them: bathroom accessories, various sets (including the game console to appease them in critical moments) and different bedding sets for boys and girls.
Hotel Ritz Four Seasons Lisbon.
A gorgeous indoor pool is another feature kids will appreciate , and a lot. The hotel also has an always useful baby-sitting service (in case we are tempted by a romantic dinner without our little wild ones). Its attentive staff is always ready to help and offer information on what places should we visit . Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88, 1099-039 Lisbon, Portugal
Hotel Florida. Another Lisbon classic. This hotel also offers double rooms for families, cots for babies and baby-sitting service . A peculiarity: its Business Center has a space enabled for children to play while their parents check email, read the news or just want to have a relaxing moment . R. Duke of Palmela 34, 1250-098.
WHERE TO EAT:
Although you will be more than welcome, the typical Lisbon cafes are somewhat small and somewhat uncomfortable, especially if you go with a cart . The good thing is that you will find them on every corner and they are a very practical alternative with proposals adapted to hungry creatures (such as the classic tosta mista, a ham and cheese sandwich).
But if you want to enjoy a relaxed meal, without worrying that your offspring will alter the tranquility of the place , we offer you other options:
Sunday Brunch at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Brunch at the Ritz Hotel. A fantastic brunch in a stately room of one of the most emblematic hotels in the Portuguese capital can be a good idea; but yes also they offer us the possibility of leaving our children in a space with monitors and animations while we calmly enjoy the food, the idea becomes magnificent. This is the proposal that the Ritz Hotel makes us every Sunday from twelve to four in the afternoon: a succulent brunch that changes every week depending on the seasonal products and a children's club, Ritzlândia , where our children will have a wonderful time. Happy children and parents even more so. Price: €49 per person. Children up to 7 years old do not pay.
Cinnamon Bun . If you fancy something more casual, don't hesitate: go to this patisserie on Praça das Flores. Its terrace is located in front of a small kindergarten where our children can run around and jump . In addition, on weekends the house offers a free brunch for children under four (from ten to five in the afternoon). Praça das Flores, 25 to 29.
The Pão de Canela brunch: mmm...
**WHAT TO VISIT (THINKING OF THEM) **
Oceanarium. The second largest aquarium in Europe has an impressive collection of more than eight thousand aquatic species that will delight everyone , without exception (pay attention to the uninterrupted chorus of “ooooohhhhhhs” and “aaahhhhhs” when the seals or ferocious sharks appear) . With its architecture reminiscent of an aircraft carrier, this pavilion offers a variety of ways to explore it, such as the guided tour in several languages (four euros more on the price of admission) . For the most curious we recommend the so-called “ backstage tour ”: they will teach us, among many other things, how animals are fed or how the temperature of the more than five million liters of the oceanarium is maintained (five euros more on the ticket price and from 13 years old).
Do you already know the Doll Hospital in Lisbon?
** Doll Hospital .** For four generations, the Cutileiro family has run the Lisbon Doll Hospital, considered the oldest in Europe and practically the only one of its kind. Has your daughter's favorite doll lost a leg and you can't find someone who can fix it? Is your son Juan's super hero missing his head?
Do not hurry, in this unusual place the dolls are "cared for" and restored as if it were a real hospital: the "sick" toys are taken on a stretcher to the workshop floor where they enter the corresponding room: the transplant room, where lost legs or arms are recovered , or plastic surgery, where they are painted and combed…. The Doll Hospital also has a permanent exhibition of more than four thousand old dolls distributed in several rooms . Admission costs two euros and is located at: Praça da Figueira, 7.
Doll Hospital in Lisbon
**Fragata D. Fernando II e Glória.** One of the lesser-known attractions in Lisbon is, without a doubt, one of the best options to visit with children. Located on the opposite bank of the river we discovered this frigate from 1843 , which offers a fascinating perspective on the life and work on a ship in the 19th century. D. Fernando II e Glória is located in Cacilhas, right next to the ferry terminal. To get there you just have to take one of the boats that cross the Tagus from Cais do Sodré, which it will also be a fantastic adventure for the youngest.
HOW TO KICK THE CITY: FOR KIDS AND ADULTS
** HIPPO trip. The funniest way to visit the city.** A walk along the Tagus River or, better yet, a visit to the city on land? Why not both? The HIPPOtrip tourist circuits offer you the possibility of discovering the fluvial and terrestrial side of the city of the Seven Hills at the same time. The trick? An amphibious bus that takes you to the most emblematic places in Lisbon to end up transforming into a boat before the laughter and cries of astonishment of the little ones. They will be delighted to sail, suddenly, in the middle of the river, "but weren't we on a bus?" The entertainers ensure that the atmosphere does not drop for a moment during the 90 minutes How long is the visit? Ticket price for adults: €25; children: €15_
The funniest way to visit Lisbon with children: HIPPOtrip
The mythical “electric” number 28. A must for any self-respecting tourist is also a fantastic animation for children. Don't hesitate to get on this century-old tram with them to climb lazily up the hills of the city to its highest point: the popular neighborhood of Graça. Be amazed at the driver's skill in dodging obstacles in the winding alleys.
Make a stop along the way to visit the Sé Cathedral and the Church of Santo Antonio, the birthplace of the patron saint of Lisbon, and then be amazed at the Santa Luzia viewpoint : there the view of the Tagus River awaits you, and the dazzling monastery of São Vicente de Fora, from the 16th century.
Who dares?
**SOMETHING REALLY DIFFERENT: SLEEPING AMONG SHARKS**
Are you looking for a truly unforgettable experience for your children? Well, we have found it because the Lisbon Oceanarium offers us the possibility of literally camping overnight. before the fascinating panorama of clown fish, eels or… sharks, who dares? A unique experience for the whole family. Price: €60 per person.
SOMETHING FOR THE BABIES, PLEASE...
Wish granted! The Lisbon Oceanarium also offers something special for them: every Saturday at nine in the morning it is held in the Central Aquarium, a concert performed exclusively for babies (up to three years). Magical atmosphere and music to awaken the senses.
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A water concert for babies?