Did you enjoy Lisbon?

[Anonymous]

I am considering a trip there but with my children. Two friends felt it was absolutely like a fairytale, beautiful buildings, great tarts, and friendly people. Two other friends seemingly had opposite experiences - dirty, grimy, covered in graffiti with not a lot to do. Neither friend group knows the other.

[Anonymous]

I think every city is what you make of it. Ignore both sets of friends and do your own research.

[Anonymous]

We really liked it but it was pre-Covid. Did not find it dirty at all. I would not necessarily spend many days there, I'd rent a car and go explore the coast.

[Anonymous]

For me it was just alright. I didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. I’m vegetarian and had a hard time finding food.

[Anonymous]

We really liked the food (restaurants and food tours), but I wouldn't take kids.

[Anonymous]

I went and it was too hot to enjoy and I had to climb a hill to get to anything and in 104 degree temps, we left and went to the beach. Then we came back the day before our flight and LOVED it when the weather was pleasant. So be careful when you travel.

[Anonymous]

We were there a month ago with elementary aged kids. I think the city is beautiful (though there are definitely grimy parts), but it's not easy with kids. I had done tons of research and bought Rick Steve's 2024 guidebook. By the time we got there a lot of the things in the guidebook were already out of date--that's how fast things change in Lisbon. We also were unlucky with the weather. Out of 4 full days, it rained on 3 and scuttled our plan to go to Cascais. There were also various strikes during our stay. One day it was the funiculars and elevators. Another day it was the trains. We had to reshuffle our plans a lot. Lisbon does not have much green space in the main tourist areas and we did not see many kids. Our kids have the stamina to walk up and down the hills all day, but they need frequent pit stops. Once we waited over an hour to get on the famed tram #28, then had to get off 10 minutes later b/c one of them needed to use the bathroom.

But, when the weather is nice and things are working as they're supposed to, the city is magical. We had grilled fish everyday and loved every meal. Our day trip to Sintra was sublime (forget about the train, just take Bolt). The kids especially loved the Park at Pena Palace and the garden of Quinta da Regaleira because of the freedom to explore.

[Anonymous]

What's the best time of year to visit to balance the weather and crowds?

[Anonymous]

May? June? September?

[Anonymous]

I went in July and loved it. Check out Culinary Backstreets for a tour.

[Anonymous]

With kids, I’d probably to Algarve instead.

[Anonymous]

Do Algarve

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With kids, I’d probably to Algarve instead.

Isn't the water at the beaches really rough/cold though? Is it suitable for kids to swim in?

[Anonymous]

Lisbon is just ok. Porto is amazing!

[Anonymous]

How old are your kids, OP? We were in Lisbon and the Algarve in June w/ kids in late teens 19 and 18, we all loved it.
I do think Europe is lost on younger kids, not sure I would recommend if your kids are under the age of 12.
I do like Rick Steves but his guidebook on Lisbon and the Algarve are off IMHO. There are so many other expert guides on YouTube, do your research ahead of time. Lisbon has great Airbnbs not too close to busy downtown, day trip to Sintra a must. Lisbon has an amazing aquarium if your kids are into that and lots of other interesting sights. We shopped at local supermarket and made breakfast and a few dinners. We’re more of a laid back type of travelers- not too rigid just definitely took in a lot of local scenery, cafes and shops walking distance from our Airbnb.
The Algarve ocean is freezing, kids played soccer on the beach but they didn’t swim. We took a boat ride to see amazing caves, a must if you go.