Wondering how to turn your layover in Lisbon into an unforgettable family adventure? As a mom who recently explored this enchanting city with two young kids in tow, I'm excited to share our tried-and-tested itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Portugal's captivating capital.
TAP Air Portugal's Stopover Program
One of the biggest perks of flying with TAP Air Portugal is their Stopover Program! When planning our family trip to the Algarve, using TAP Air Portugal's stopover program was a game-changer. This clever option lets you extend your layover in either Lisbon or Porto for up to 10 days at no additional airfare cost. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to add the stopover when booking your flights on TAP’s website.
Since we had a short trip planned, we chose 24 hours in Lisbon—a quick visit, but so worth it! This was our second time visiting Lisbon, and here’s the itinerary I’d recommend for a fun and easy introduction to the city.
Quick Program Tips:
- When booking your flights on TAP's website, you'll see an "Add a Free TAP Stopover" option
- Choose between Lisbon and Porto
- Extend your stay up to 10 days at no extra airfare cost
- Access exclusive hotel deals and experiences
Grab my Google Maps List
- How to save your list: When you open the Google Maps List, you'll see a button that says "Save List"
- How to find your saved list: In Google Maps, click on your profile picture to the right of the Search bar. Then select "You places" and you'll see all of your Saved Lists there
6:00 AM - Airport Transfer
After an overnight flight from Toronto (YYZ), the last thing you want to worry about is transportation with tired kids. While Ubers and taxis are readily available, I highly recommend pre-arranging a car service with car seats if traveling with young children.
We booked with Martinhal Chiado, a family-friendly hotel, and our driver went above and beyond—making a stop at a 24-hour pharmacy when our daughter got sick during the flight and helping me translate to get her the right medication.
Transfer Tips:
- Book through your hotel for properly installed car seats
- 30 min drive depending on traffic
- Fixed price with no surprises
- Driver meets you at arrivals with a sign
- Direct door-to-door service
7:30 AM - Breakfast at Martinhal Chiado
Martinhal Chiado was honestly my favourite kid-friendly hotel I have EVER stayed at! From the moment we walked in, we felt at ease. When my daughter had an early-morning meltdown, the concierge calmed her with a surprise backpack featuring a Martinhal Fox plush toy and activities, which thankfully turned her mood around instantly.
The breakfast here is equally amazing, setting you up perfectly for a day of exploring. My son made a very specific egg white request ("flat with no brown spots"), and the staff happily obliged—understanding these little things really matter when traveling with kids. They also had kid-sized furniture and utensils, a dedicated children's coloring area, fresh-pressed juices and excellent coffee, along with an extensive buffet with all the kids faves in mind!
9:00 AM - The Famous Tram 28 Experience
Riding the historic Tram 28 is one of Lisbon's quintessential experiences. This iconic yellow tram winds through the city's steep hills and charming neighborhoods, making it a fun and easy way to explore Lisbon's oldest districts. Tram 28 does get quite busy though, especially during high season, so it pays off to start your day early and avoid the crowds! Tip: If the line is too long to board Tram 28, hop on Tram 12 instead! You'll still get the experience and it takes you to the historic areas as well.
From Martinhal Chiado, it’s just a 2-minute walk to the closest tram stop. Right across the street, you’ll find Manteigaria, where you can grab Lisbon's best pastéis de nata (custard tarts). They open at 8 AM, and getting them fresh from the oven is unforgettable. Trust me—get extras for an afternoon snack!
Tram 28 Ride Tips:
- Tickets: €3 per person (cash or tap your credit card)
- Hold on tight – it can be a bumpy ride and these historic trams can lurch around corners quite suddenly!
- 15-20 minutes to Alfama
My kids loved the tram ride! They opened the old-fashioned wooden windows that slide up and down and waved to people on the streets below as we climbed through Alfama's narrow alleys.
9:30 AM - Family Photos with Flytographer in Alfama
Portas do Sol offers those postcard-perfect views of Lisbon that you've seen all over Instagram – terracotta roofs cascading down to the Tagus River. We booked a 30-minute Flytographer session here, and while I was initially worried about how the kids would handle a photoshoot after a red-eye flight, it turned out great and the pictures are amazing!
Photography Session Tips:
- Book the shortest session with kids (30 minutes is perfect)
- Morning light is best
- Bring small treats as motivation (ahem, bribes)
We used Claudia and she was fantastic! We walked over to Miradouro San Luiza, which is right next to Portas do Sol and has gorgeous purple bougainvillea, columns and blue tiles. It’s an amazing place for those iconic Lisbon photos.
We book with Flytographer on every trip we go on to get incredible family photos! If you’d like to try it out, use this link to get $25 USD off your first booking (note: you'll see the discount applied at checkout after you create an account).
10:00 AM - Coffee + Playground Break
Just across from Portas do Sol is a narrow set of stairs that leads straight up to Castelo de São Jorge. But before starting your castle adventure, stop by LUDO - a charming coffee shop tucked away just around the corner. With its blue shutters and cobblestone surroundings, it’s a hidden gem. Great coffee, fresh pressed juice, an awesome vegan breakfast platter, cute outdoor seating and a signature pink dragonfruit drink. Plus, the kids were mesmerized by the peacocks roaming outside our table!
Secret Playground: Directly across the street from LUDO, through an unassuming gate, lies Miradouro do Recolhimento – a hidden playground paradise that most tourists would never find. Surrounded by orange trees and frequented by friendly peacocks, it has the most amazing views of the city and is a beautiful serene spot to let the kids burn off some energy before heading to the castle. (You could also grab your coffees to go from LUDO and drink them in peace under an orange tree while the kids explore the playground).
11 AM: Castelo de São Jorge
Perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill, Castelo de São Jorge is must visit on your Lisbon with kids itinerary! Built by the Moors in the 11th century, the castle has THE MOST spectacular views over Lisbon, but it's the peaceful gardens, roaming peacocks, and explorable fortifications that make it truly special for families. Safety note: The castle walls and towers have limited guardrails, so keep little ones close!
Family Priority Access Tip: This is huge – families with young children or pregnant women get priority entrance! Look for the "family priority access" sign or ask staff to skip the line. Last year we skipped a MASSIVE hour-long queue this way.
Castle Highlights:
- Epic city views from the walls
- Peacocks roaming freely (my kids were obsessed with following them around – I also think it’s super cool to also spot them in the trees!)
- Camera Obscura shows every 20 minutes (€5 extra) – best on a sunny day, this periscope-like exhibit that gives kids a unique view of Lisbon
- Underground archaeological site with interactive displays
- Ice cream and snack kiosks throughout
- Wine truck for parents so you can sip on an Aperol Spritz while the kids explore
12:30 PM - Lunch in a Hidden Square
2:00 PM - Convento do Carmo Ruins
The Carmo Convent is an absolutely stunning sight with its open-to-the-sky arches and gothic ruins, having been damaged in the 1755 earthquake. The entry fee is €5 for adults, and kids enter for free. The museum in the back room is home to an Egyptian mummy and various other cool artifacts (including a room with some pretty legit echos) – you don't need to stay long but we all enjoyed this stop!
For a quick refreshment break, head to the shaded courtyard in front of the main entrance where a kiosk offers snacks, drinks and a lively atmosphere. Alternatively, walk over behind the convent to Topo Chiado, where you’ll find beanbags, outdoor seating, and a pizza-and-drinks menu with a panoramic view of the city. From here you can also access the Santa Justa Elevator viewing platform for free!
3:30PM - Rest Time at Martinhal Chiado
At this point, we decided to head back to Martinhal Chiado to freshen up. This hotel is a dream for families—it’s designed with kids and parents in mind. Their kids’ club is a standout feature, offering a safe, supervised space where little ones can play, do crafts, and unwind while parents catch a much-needed break. There’s also a cozy family playroom, stocked with toys, books, and games for some relaxed, low-key bonding time. They even have the most adorable baby room for little ones to nap and play.
The thoughtful touches are what truly set Martinhal apart. We were so impressed at how seamlessly they blend luxury with kid-friendly design. The hotel is stunning, with vibrant, modern interiors that feel classy and elevated—perfect for adults—but with every detail integrated for families.
Their apartment-style suites are designed with families in mind, offering plenty of space to spread out and relax along with a fully-equipped kitchenette. The kids had their own room with bunk beds, complete with adorable child-sized bathrobes, slippers, and even tiny hangers in the closet. The main living space was stocked with essentials like orange juice, chocolate milk, and fresh fruit (which my kids devoured the moment we walked in). The bathroom came equipped with a potty and step stool, and the room had a highchair ready for us. And if you need anything else, their baby concierge has you covered with everything from bottle warmers and wipes to thermometers and baby baths.
Family-friendly resorts are one thing, but finding a hotel that nails family convenience and offers a gorgeous, luxury experience in the best location in the heart of a bustling city is rare. We were SO impressed. If you’re visiting Lisbon with kids, this is the place to stay.
5:00 PM - Time Out Market Dinner Adventure
Time Out Market is a vibrant food hall that is a must visit on your Lisbon with kids itinerary! You’ll find high chairs, family-friendly seating (although it can get quite busy), and diverse food stalls offering everything from pizza (ZeroZero) and kid-sized burgers (Ground Burger) to fresh seafood and dishes from Michelin star chefs. Don't forget to try a Port Tonic!
Across the street is Jardim Dom Luis, a lively little park with a kiosk, live music, and a small enclosed playground if you need a little more wiggle room before the day winds down. Time Out Market is the perfect low-key dinner option when everyone's tired from a day of exploring - plus it's loud, so if your kids have a meltdown, it's all good.
Tips on Getting to Time Out Market:
- Option 1 - Borrow free strollers from Martinhal Chiado (they have a whole bunch available to guests) and make the 10-minute walk downhill. We didn't bring our stroller on this trip, so this was incredibly helpful because my kids were so tired at the end of the day and had no intention of walking. My 6 year old ended up taking a much-needed nap while we ate at the market and my 3 year old happily enjoyed the ride.
- Option 2 - Take the historic Bica Funicular (kids love this!) – it’s just around the corner. This will also save your legs on the way back to your hotel.
7:00 PM - Book a Babysitter and Enjoy a Parents' Night Out
If you’re ready for a well-deserved break, I would highly recommend getting a babysitter and letting your kids catch up on some sleep while you enjoy a meal out! You can arrange a babysitter directly through Martinhal Chiado’s baby concierge service or use our favourite nanny agency Nanny Poppins, who has a roster of highly qualified and hand-selected nannies (we’ve used them 5 times now and it’s always an amazing experience!). Chiado comes alive at night, and having a chance to experience it child-free is a special treat.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon is such a cool city and even just 24 hours with kids can be magical. Whether it’s riding historic trams, spotting peacocks, or indulging in way too many custard tarts, Lisbon is a must visit for families! If you’re flying with TAP Air Portugal, their Stopover Program is a no-brainer as it lets you add up to 10 days for FREE in Lisbon or Porto enroute to another destination.
Traveling with kids? Check out our kid-friendly travel kits and toys to make your journey easier and more enjoyable. Shop now!