21 Cool Things to Do in Lisbon with Teens (2025)

Lisbon has a way of pulling in youthful travelers with easy adventures, a vibrant aesthetic, and a rich history that feels alive. Add fun and affordable food, walkable neighborhoods, and views that beg to be shared via Snapchat, TikTok, or Instagram. Of course, teenagers have diverse interests, so this story highlights finds for art lovers, shoppers, foodies, and more. My teenage son, Leo, and I rate each of these 21 cool things to do in Lisbon with teens on a one-to-five scale of must-see-ability based on our recent experience in Portugal’s capital city. Vamos!

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1. Pastéis de Nata

The number one priority upon arriving in Lisbon with teens? Eating pastéis de nata! These iconic Portuguese custard tarts were first created by monks in the 18th century to use excess egg yolks. All ages love their flaky crust, creamy caramelized filling, and perfect balance of sweetness and crispness. Note: one tart is a pastel de nata, whereas the plural is pastéis de nata. Also, Leo warns, “Once you have one, you’ll want to have 10 more. And once you have 10, you’ll want to have 100 more.”

The most famous place in the city for these craveable pastries is Pastéis de Belém, which cranks out 20,000 to 50,000 of these egg tarts daily. But my family loved trying pastéis de nata from different patisseries every day of our trip.

2. Monument of the Discoveries

Leo and I agree that Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is an absolute must-see when visiting Lisbon with teens and older kids. It’s fun to pose in front of this enormous attraction in Belém bairro that stands a striking 184 feet tall (56 meters) beside the Tagus River. For a nominal fee, you can climb to the top of the monument for views of Belém, including the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Tagus River stretching toward the Atlantic.

This landmark commemorates Portugal’s Age of Discovery, a time period that spanned from the 15th to the early 17th century when explorers set out to map new territories, establish trade routes, and expand their influence across the globe. Initially built as a temporary structure for the 1940 World Exhibition, the Monument of the Discoveries was reconstructed in 1960 as a permanent attraction using concrete, rose-tinted Leiria stone, and Sintra limestone to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator’s death.

Search for historical folks among the 32 figures sculpted into the bow of the monument’s caravel ship, most notably Magellan, Vasco de Gama, Prince Henry the Navigator, and the only woman represented, Queen Philippa of Lancaster.

3. Belém Tower

After exploring Monument of the Discoveries, it’s only a short walk to Belém Tower (Torré de Belém) along a riverfront path. Built in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was originally a fortress guarding Lisbon’s harbor. Admire the attraction’s intricate Manueline architecture from the outside, featuring maritime motifs like ropes, armillary spheres, and crosses that symbolize Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Tickets to enter are moderately priced if you’d like to wander through the interior, once used as a prison. You’ll gain access to the top terrace, where you can take in panoramic views of the Tagus River. However, be prepared for narrow spiral staircases and potential long wait times, especially during peak hours in summer months.

4. Time Out Market Lisboa

When traveling with a variety of ages and personalities, it can be hard to please all palates. Not so at Time Out Market Lisboa! This buzzing upscale food hall is located inside the renovated Mercado da Ribeira building in the Misericórdia neighborhood in Cais do Sodré bairro. You’ll find Portuguese specialties like my teenage son’s favorite, Arroz de Camarão (rice and shrimp), as well as international dishes like pizza, sushi, and burgers. Be sure to get a scrumptious pastel de nata from Manteigaria while you’re here, too. (In my opinion, they’re the best in the city!)

Unlike traditional markets that focus on fresh produce and groceries, this popular tourist attraction brings together top chefs from renowned restaurants, who showcase their best recipes under one roof. Beyond food stalls, visitors aged 18+ can pull up a stool at local bars serving craft cocktails and Portuguese wines.

5. Pink Street

Also in Cais do Sodré bairro, Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) was once the location of Lisbon’s red light district, home to brothels, gambling dens, and seedy bars. The road was renovated, rebranded, and painted a rosy hue in 2011. Now it is one of Lisbon’s trendiest nightlife hot spots, attracting locals and tourists alike with its street art, bars, cafés, and nightclubs. Adults aged 18+ can get drinks in plastic to-go cups to sip and stroll, since open alcohol containers are allowed until 2 am in Portugal.

It’s worth coming to Pink Street if only for the photo ops and a quick walk to soak up the lively atmosphere. Teenage Leo says, “I’d give five stars, but you can’t really do much unless you’re 18. Still, it was a really cool area to walk around.”

6. The Oldest Bookstore in the World

Opened in 1732, Bertrand Bookstore (Livraria Bertrand) is the world’s oldest operating bookstore. Browse the stacks at this historic, wood-paneled spot in Chiado bairro. Most books are in Portuguese, but there’s a small section of English titles, including some tempting cookbooks for those who fall as hard for Portuguese cuisine as we did. I highly recommend a visit, but Leo says, “It’s cool, but I’m not a big reader. If you love books, it’s a must-see. But otherwise, you can skip it.”

Psst…! Around the corner from Bertrand Bookstore, you’ll find A Vida Portuguesa, one of the best places to find authentic Lisboa souvenirs made by local artisans.

7. Príncipe Real Shopping District

For more shopping, just a 5-minute walk from Bertrand Bookstore is the bohemian Príncipe Real Shopping District in the Bairro Alto. Go here for trendy shops and vintage clothing. Leo says, “I felt like shopping here gave me some insight into Portuguese culture.”

EmbaiXada houses high-end boutiques selling cutting-edge fashions and luxe home décor in a pretty former Arabian-style palace. A few doors down from there, the REAL Slow Retail Concept Store is a hip collection of curated shop-in-shops selling housewares, handmade clothing, coffee-table books, and more.

As a wine lover, I was thrilled to taste Portugal’s famous Port wines at Solar Vinho do Porto in Príncipe Real. With a warm, modern ambiance, it showcases over 150 styles from the Douro Valley. Purchase a card for the self-service wine dispenser and sample tawnies, rubies, and white Ports. (Leo was less impressed than his mom.)

8. Príncipe Real Garden

In the heart of the Príncipe Real neighborhood sits Jardim do Príncipe Real (Príncipe Real Garden). With statues and lush landscape, this is the perfect spot to snap selfies for the Gram or Snap. A cedar tree in the center is so big, it’s held up by steel beams.

Pull up a seat at the kiosk in the park, one of more than 50 kiosks in Lisbon! Order a snack (like croquettes, empanadas, or pastéis de nata) and a coffee or other refresher.

On the last Saturday and Monday of each month, look for a flea market around the tiled park’s perimeter. The Príncipe Real Market sells handicrafts, jewelry, unique fashions, and more. Saturday’s market brings fresh local produce, too. Leo says, “It’s a cute little garden, but the flea market was really cool and that made it worth seeing.”

9. Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) is one of the city’s most famous and largest plazas. It was originally built as a symbol of Lisbon’s reconstruction following the devastation of the 1755 earthquake. Today, this square is a vibrant hub where locals and visitors alike gather to appreciate Portuguese history, enjoy waterfront views, and experience the lively cafés and shops that line its grand arcades.

The Rua Augusta Arch stands in front of the Tagus River at the entrance to the plaza and serves as a grand gateway to the historic Baixa bairro. In the center of Praça do Comércio is a statue of King José I on horseback, crushing snakes beneath his feet to symbolize Portugal’s resilience after the Great Lisbon Earthquake.

10. Rua Augusta

After admiring Praça do Comércio, you’ll step onto Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s main pedestrian shopping street, connecting Praça do Comércio to Rossio Square. Although touristy, it’s a bustling and entertaining place to walk and shop. Wander in and out of local stores as well as international brands like Zara and H&M.

Rua Augusta is a popular spot to people watch and take advantage of discounted drinks and petiscos (tapas) for happy hour in early evenings. The drinking age is 18 in Portugal, so older teens and young adults can order a sangria, beer, a glass of wine, or a creative cocktail if desired. Mocktails, juices, coffees, and sodas are available, too. “I thought having a snack here was really fun, and it made me feel like we were really experiencing the city,” says Leo.

Navegadoors gets high praise from Lisbon City Guide for combining art, culinary variety, discounted cocktails, and a DJ. Or, you can do as we did, and pull up a seat somewhere that strikes your fancy as you stroll down Rua Augusta.

11. Rossio Square

Teenage Leo says, “It’s nice, but it’s a square. I don’t know if you need to go out of your way to see it.” Fair enough, but it’s only a 7-minute walk from Rua August Arch to Rossio Square along the pleasant pedestrian-friendly Rua Augusta, and this plaza overflows with beauty and historic sites, so I think it’s well worth visiting.

According to SpottingHistory, Rossio Square has been an important part of Lisbon since the Middle Ages as a hub for royal celebrations, political movements, and even public executions. After the city’s 1755 earthquake, it was rebuilt in the Pombaline style, featuring its famous wave-patterned tiles and baroque fountains.

At the center of the plaza is a statue of Dom Pedro IV, King of Portugal and Emperor of Brazil, about which Lisbonguide.org says, “The pedestal of the statue is adorned with allegorical sculptures of Justice, Wisdom, Strength, and Moderation, reflecting the virtues associated with Dom Pedro’s reign.” Take notice of the beautiful Rossio Train Station, too, with its Neo-Manueline façade and horseshoe-shaped arches just off the square.

12. Oceanário de Lisboa

Lisbon’s Oceanário is one of Europe’s largest aquariums and is home to over 15,000 sea creatures, including sharks, rays, otters, and the rare sunfish. It’s located in Parque das Nações, a modern waterfront district about a 10-minute Uber or taxi ride from the city centre Baixa district, which includes Rossio Square, Praça do Comércio, and the elegant Avenida da Liberdade.

Oceanário de Lisboa was on our hope-to-see list, but with many aquariums under our belt and limited time, we had to skip it this round. Exploring its interactive exhibits would be a fun addition to a Portugal trip, especially for animal lovers. We’re giving it 3.5 stars because it has a strong reputation, but there are other experiences in Lisbon that seem more distinctive to the city.

13. Petiscos or Tapas

In Lisbon, petiscos are Portugal’s answer to Spanish tapas—small, flavorful dishes meant for sharing. Leo explains, “They’re local, they’re delicious, and it’s a fun shared experience.”

On menus, petiscos (snacks, in English) are often referred to as “tapas” even in Portugal since that term is internationally recognized. Look for our favorite, gambas à guilho, prawns sautéed in a scrumptious garlic butter that we ordered every time we saw it on a menu, which was often.

Portugal’s national dish is widely considered to be Bacalhau, or salted cod. It’s frequently served as a petisco. Leo and I give this dish 2.5 stars. It’s fun to try, but it was far from our top pick.

14. Santa Justa Lift

Today, the Santa Justa Lift (or Elevador de Santa Justa) is mostly a tourist attraction, often with long lines and a short ride. We skipped riding it, but I think it’s fun to see. Leo wanted to rank it only two stars because, according to him, “It’s a tourist trap.” I see his point, but it does have a fascinating history.

Inspired by Gustave Eiffel’s ironwork (ahem, the Eiffel Tower in Paris), this structure’s beautiful architecture makes it a striking neo-Gothic landmark. It was built between 1900 and 1902 as a practical and pretty solution to climbing Lisbon’s steep hills. It connects Baixa bairro to Largo do Carmo Square in the Chiado bairro.

15. Alfama District

Teens and other travelers will love the Alfama bairro, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, for its maze-like streets, colorful murals, and stunning viewpoints. Get lost in small alleyways as you explore on foot. As Leo says, “It’s beautiful. The views are great. It’s just a really cool area of the city.”

16. Igreja de Santa Luzia

Igreja de Santa Luzia (Church of Saint Lucia) in Alfama is a small but notable church with traditional azulejo tile panels (blue glazed Portuguese tiles) that illustrate Lisbon’s history. The adjacent Miradouro de Santa Luzia lookout point provides a panoramic view of the Tagus River and the city’s tiled rooftops. (See the photo at the top of this blog post!) The surrounding garden offers a peaceful break, while a reflection pool adds to its beauty.

17. Lisbon’s Electricos

Lisbon’s iconic street cars are famous for their bright yellow vintage design and ability to navigate the city’s steep, narrow streets, offering a nostalgic ride through historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. Although they look similar to the cable cars of San Francisco, these electric streetcars run on tracks powered by overhead lines. First introduced in 1873 as horse-drawn carriages, they later evolved into electric trams in 1901.

My family didn’t actually ride this form of public transportation, but it was fun to see them cruising up and down the city, so keep your eyes open and your camera ready! Learn more about Lisbon’s trams from PortugalExpert.com.

18. Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Complex

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is often touted as Lisbon’s best art museum due to its impressive private collection, which spans Egyptian artifacts, Islamic art, European masterpieces, and decorative arts. Right next to the museum, there is no charge to explore the Jardim Gulbenkian (Gulbenkian Garden), a peaceful garden with sculptures and walking paths. Since I love art museums and botanical gardens, I insisted we visit. There’s a lovely, bustling café with a garden view here, too.

About this attraction, Leo says, “I normally really like art museums, but this one had a lot of religious art, and that’s not really for me. I prefer more modern art.” Too bad we ran out of time before closing to visit the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian (CAM) next door, which showcases primarily modern and contemporary Portuguese art, spanning from the late 19th century to the present day.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Complex (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian) in Avenidas Novas bairro includes both art museums, the garden, and the Gulbenkian Orchestra & Auditorium. Get your skip-the-line Gulbenkian tickets now. Note: the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is closed for restoration through July 2026, but CAM remains open.

19. Lisbon Tours

If you want to easily check off a bunch of items from this list of the best things to do in Lisbon with teens, book a guided tour via our trusted partner, GetYourGuide.

Walking Tour

My family booked the Best of Lisbon Walking Tour: Rossio, Chiado & Alfama, which covers a lot of ground and the history of Lisbon with a knowledgeable guide in just three hours. You’ll see Rossio Square, the Santa Justa Lift, and the Church of Saint Lucia, plus Lisbon Cathedral, Restauradores Square, Castelo de São Jorge views, and more. Get a chance to taste a pastel de nata, green wine, and Portugal’s national dish, Bacalhau, too. You’ll be climbing lots of steep hills, so wear good walking shoes! As Leo says, “Our walking tour was very worth it. It gives you an understanding of the city’s history, culture, and its people.”

Tuk-Tuk Tour

Another fun way to see much of the city but without needing to climb Lisbon’s steep hills is via a tuk-tuk tour. Book the Lisbon: Private City Tour by Tuk-Tuk Tour to see such attractions as the Alfama district, Rua Augusta Arch, Pink Street, the Fado Museum, and more over the course of a couple of hours.

Food Tour

The deliciousness of Portugal’s cuisine blew us away during our family holiday. Taste a variety of authentic flavors while exploring the historic streets of Baixa, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré with a local guide during Lisbon: Tastes and Traditions Guided Food Tour.

20. Martinhal Chiado

Looking for a place to stay in Lisbon with teens? No hotel brand understands family travel better than Portugal’s Martinhal Resorts. This luxury hotel collection provides playful but stylish accommodations, kid-friendly amenities, and special touches for travelers of all ages.

Location

My husband, teenage son, and I had the pleasure of staying at Martinhal Chiado, located in the heart of Lisbon in the Chiado bairro. As Leo put it, “The location was perfect. We could walk to so many tourist attractions and restaurants.” From Time Out Market to Pink Street and Principe Real, some of Lisbon’s best finds are just a short stroll away.

Accommodation Options

Select among a variety of room options, from deluxe studios to two-bedroom, multilevel units with living spaces, full kitchens, and bunk beds. Our family’s multi-room apartment earned teenage approval. Leo says, “It felt very homey. I loved having a living room to chill after exploring. And I really appreciated having my own sleep space.”

Kids Club

For families traveling with younger children, Martinhal Chiado offers an adorable fox-themed kids’ club with toys, games, and craft projects for ages 6 months to 12 years. In-room babysitting is available, too.

Restaurant

Don’t miss the killer breakfast at the on-site Bar 1855 Gin Garden. Enjoy an impressive array of fruits, meats, cheeses, pastries, and made-to-order eggs and omelets. Leo sums it up perfectly: “That breakfast was great. Good service, good selection, good space. What more could you ask for?”

Read reviews of Martinhal Chiado and book your stay with Hotels.com now! Earn one free night for every 10 nights booked through Hotels.com.

21. Day Trips

Lisbon is packed with incredible sights and energy, but curious travelers may want to take a day trip or two to explore beyond the city. A popular choice is Sintra and Cascais, to view colorful palaces and stunning coastal views. Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to Arrábida Natural Park and Sesimbra to explore lush green landscapes and spend time basking on beautiful beaches. Meanwhile, active families will appreciate surfing lessons on Costa de Caparica Beach or nearby guided kayaking adventures.

Take a look at an enticing selection of GetYourGuide day trips from Lisbon and pick your perfect place!

Rather than doing day trips, my family took a road trip to Portugal’s gorgeous Algarve region to experience another one of Martinhal Resort’s offerings, Martinhal Sagres. Look for my full review coming soon!

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Save These Things to Do in Lisbon with Teens

For future reference and family vacation inspiration, keep this list of Lisbon experiences. Simply save the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Which of these teen-friendly things to do in Lisbon sounds best to you? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: Martinhal Chiado hosted two nights’ accommodations and breakfast for my family in Lisbon. I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this blog post.

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