Always on the list

Lisbon with family: a trip worth taking every season

Portugal’s capital deserves to be explored in all its nuances, providing diverse experiences throughout the year for both adults, children and teenagers

By Natália Faria G. Viana

Lisbon has much to offer travelers seeking entertainment and new discoveries during all seasons of the year, with each bringing particularities that invite returning to Portugal’s capital several times throughout life to explore it in all its nuances. Regardless of when you have time available for the trip, Lisbon offers countless attractions and fun activities for families, making it always worth keeping on your radar as a destination option to consider.

With direct flights available from main airports, it’s possible to visit the city during an extended holiday or as a gateway to a longer European itinerary. Some stay only one or two nights, just to get a general overview of the Lusophone atmosphere and visit one or another of its most emblematic attractions, but for those who like to know a destination thoroughly – or calmly, as is usually most advisable for those traveling with children – it’s worth dedicating an entire week. And one thing is fact: no matter how many days you have to explore the Portuguese capital, you’ll likely leave already thinking about your next visit.

When to go to Lisbon with family? The best time is now, always

July vacation is by far the most popular period to travel to the Portuguese capital, especially for those wanting to escape winter here, since in Europe seasons are inverted in relation to ours. Summer in Lisbon, therefore, runs from June to September and is at its peak right in the middle of the year, when kids are on school break.

In the most vibrant of seasons, Lisbon shines under radiant sun, encouraging visitors to enjoy its river beaches and outdoor activities like family picnics and bicycle rides through urban parks. This time is especially inviting to enjoy the waters of the Tagus River, which cuts through the city, taking boat trips with panoramic views and practicing water sports like stand-up paddling. For those with enough days in the itinerary, it’s also worth taking a day trip to Cascais beaches or Costa da Caparica, to take a dip on the Atlantic side. On summer nights, historic and central neighborhoods become quite lively with music festivals, street fairs, and animated nightlife, with entertainment options for all tastes and profiles.

With autumn’s arrival, which occurs between September and December, tree leaves begin changing color, creating picturesque landscapes in parks and gardens. Lisbon then transforms into a cozy scenery of orange tones and mild climate, perfect for relaxed family walks. It’s one of the best seasons to stroll through the city’s historic neighborhoods, like Bairro Alto and Chiado, discover hidden charms of narrow alleys, and make various pit stops to taste one Portuguese delicacy after another – until electing each family member’s favorites. Additionally, autumn is harvest season, when regional wineries offer not only wine tastings for adults but also tours that enchant children.

In winter, from December to March, Lisbon assumes a special charm, illuminated by Christmas decorations and with a gentle cold that invites enjoying gastronomic delights without rush. This is the time to visit the most renowned restaurants and take your time to indulge from appetizer to dessert – and still pause between tourist visits to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate in one of the city’s charming cafeterias. Christmas markets are another great seasonal attraction. Guaranteed success with little ones, they have an abundance of local crafts and typical delicacies, wrapped in a playful atmosphere.

Even the most cold-sensitive needn’t worry: due to the region’s gentle topography and favorable ocean currents, Lisbon’s cold isn’t as intense as in other parts of the country or continent. During year-end festivities and January vacation, the city’s temperature rarely drops below 50 °F (10°C) during the day and 46 °F (8°C) at dawn. Not even in case of rain does the trip become less complete: there’s an enormous range of covered attraction options to linger at, like Lisbon’s Oceanarium and the Pavilion of Knowledge, an interactive science and technology museum that stimulates physical world exploration and experimentation. And those who think mild cold means absence of typical winter sports are mistaken. Despite no snow, every year the city has artificial ice skating rinks, most of them outdoors and quite spacious. Wonderland Lisboa, which is the most famous space, also has a Ferris wheel with panoramic views.

In Lisbon, the waters of March reveal spring, which lasts until June. The season’s arrival brings an explosion of colors from flowers adorning the city’s gardens, squares, and parks, like the Botanical Garden or Nations Park, where families can picnic, bike ride, or simply relax amid nature. These spaces become especially photogenic during this period, encouraging families to take even more pictures to eternalize travel memories. Finally, spring is the perfect time to take a day trip to explore Lisbon’s surroundings, like the charming village of Sintra, which becomes even more dazzling with the blooming vegetation surrounding its fairytale-worthy palaces and castles.