Family Fun on Lisbon Breaks

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There are so many places that I want to visit. A friend of my son’s is from Portugal and visited extended family there earlier this year. He really enjoyed himself. I’ve heard a lot about the country over the years and it is a place I’d be interested in visiting. Here’s a few suggestions that Joan shared with me on how to have some family fun while visiting there, which I am sharing with permission.

Portugal should be on the list of any family’s must-visit countries. The droves of tourists who visit the country each year can’t all be wrong in their choice! The inviting coasts of the southerly Algarve are a hit with sun-seeking travelers, but it is the capital city of Lisbon that offers history, culture and vibrancy in abundance. Let’s take a look at what you could find yourself doing when you’re on Lisbon break.

Wander around

Quaint houses sat with grand Gothic architecture and historic landmarks make for a city that needs to be explored. Stroll along the streets or catch one of the yellow trams that drive along the cobbled streets. The Castelo São Jorge dates back to Moorish times. Stroll along the walls and take in the amazing sights of the city. There are also museums galore around for you to learn about your surroundings. For something a little different, kids and adults alike will enjoy a couple of hours at Museu da Marioneta. This puppet workshop is home to classic characters such as Punch and Judy and kids can join in workshops to make their own puppets or watch performances.

Glorious food

Sitting down for dinner and reminiscing about the day’s events is something all families love to do on vacation. There are lots of choices when it comes to fresh and local food. BellaLisa Valmor is a comfortable place that welcomes kids and serves good food. Fussy eaters can order a pizza and fish lovers can take their pick from the fresh fish menu. For a tasty snack, treat the kids to the city’s famous custard tarts and pastries at Casa Pasteis de Belem — a famous culinary institution in Lisbon.

Beach time

Of course, it’s no family vacation without soaking up some of the sun on a beach. Lisbon is located right next to the coastline, with many beaches flying the European Union Blue Flag for cleanliness and excellence. From sheltered coves to stretches of dunes to watersports and sand sports, you can spend hours having fun. Praia da Conceição and Praia da Rainha are around 20 minutes from the center and are known for being great windsurfing spots. For serious sunbathing, head to Costa da Caparica or Troia, which are both south of the city.

Lisbon breaks are a wonderful opportunity to get the family together and enjoy the sights, sands and scrumptious food that the city has to offer. Other points of interest for the kids include the Botanical Garden, Interactive Science Museum and Colombo Shopping Center (complete with an indoor amusement park!) With so many activities and past-times for kids and adults to join in together, you’re probably wondering why aren’t you already there?

Images by Bengt Nyman, mu foo and Bev Trayner, used under Creative Commons license