Planning a trip to Portugal with kids? This 7-day Portugal itinerary covers Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, and the Douro Valley—with exactly what to do, where to stay, and how to plan a smooth, memorable family trip.
From tuk-tuks and castles to river cruises and vineyard views, this ended up being one of our favorite trips ever—and it’s surprisingly easy to do with kids.
Portugal with Kids: Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Lisbon (tuk-tuk tour + viewpoints)
Day 2: Day trip to Sintra (Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira)
Day 3: Arrábida coast + beach + soccer match
Day 4: Travel to Porto + river cruise
Day 5: Douro Valley wineries
Day 6: Porto → Lisbon
Day 7: Lisbon + cooking class
Day 1: Exploring Lisbon by Tuk Tuk
After a quick 7-hour flight from Philadelphia, we stayed near Pink Street—a lively, central location that made it easy to explore.
We started our trip with a private tuk-tuk tour through Alfama, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
Before the tour, we grabbed the famous pastel de nata—a must-do in Lisbon.
👉 You can read our full experience here:
http://capitalcookingshow.blogspot.com/2026/03/seven-hours-to-lisbon-our-tuk-tuk.html
Is a tuk tuk tour in Lisbon worth it?
Yes—especially with kids. It’s the easiest and most fun way to cover a lot of ground without exhausting little legs.
Day 2: Sintra Day Trip
We took an Uber from Lisbon to Sintra—simple, fast, and ideal with kids.
We visited:
Pena Palace
Moorish Castle
Quinta da Regaleira
In between exploring, we stopped for lunch, ice cream, and even tried Ginja.
Is Sintra worth it with kids?
Absolutely. Between castles, tunnels, and gardens, it feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
👉 Tip: Book tickets in advance and start early.
Day 3: Arrábida Coast + Soccer Night
We headed to Arrábida for a relaxing day along the coast.
Lunch at Restaurante Farol was unforgettable—fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
That night, we experienced an electric game watching Sporting CP in a packed stadium—an unforgettable cultural experience.
Day 4: Porto + River Cruise
We traveled north to Porto, a charming city known for its riverside views and colorful buildings.
We loved the 6 Bridges Boat Cruise—a relaxing way to see the city from the water.
We ended the day with a special dinner with one of my clients.
Day 5: Douro Valley Day Trip
We drove into the breathtaking Douro Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of Portugal.
We visited:
Quinta do Seixo
Quinta das Carvalhas
Lunch at Cozinha da Clara was a highlight—amazing food paired with incredible views.
Day 6: Porto to Lisbon
We spent a relaxing morning swimming before heading back to Lisbon.
This was the perfect reset day after several busy travel days.
Day 7: Lisbon + Cooking Class
On our final day, we explored Lisbon at a slower pace—shopping, wandering, and enjoying the city.
We wrapped up the trip with a Portuguese street food cooking class, which was a fun and memorable way to end our time in Portugal.
Where to Stay in Lisbon with Kids
We stayed near Pink Street, which was:
Central and walkable
Close to restaurants and attractions
Full of energy
👉 Just note: it’s lively at night, but great if you want to be in the middle of everything. We opt for renting apartments over hotels when traveling with kids for kitchens and laundry.
Getting Around Portugal with Kids
Uber works extremely well in Lisbon and Sintra
Driving is best for Porto and the Douro Valley
Travel distances are short (a huge plus with kids)
Uber vs Train to Sintra
Getting Around Portugal with Kids
Uber works extremely well in Lisbon and Sintra
Driving is best for Porto and the Douro Valley
Travel distances are short (a huge plus with kids)
Uber vs Train to Sintra
Uber is often easier and faster with kids, especially if you want flexibility.
Lisbon vs Porto with Kids
Lisbon: More activities, bigger city, great for first-time visits
Porto: More relaxed, scenic, slower pace
Lisbon vs Porto with Kids
Lisbon: More activities, bigger city, great for first-time visits
Porto: More relaxed, scenic, slower pace
Cost of a Portugal Trip with Kids (Approximate)
Tuk tuk tour: €350
Sintra tickets: €10–20 per site
Uber Lisbon → Sintra: €30–50
Meals: €15–30 per person
Portugal is one of the more affordable destinations in Western Europe, especially for families.
Final Thoughts: Is Portugal Good for Families?
Yes—Portugal is one of the best family travel destinations in Europe.
It’s:
Easy to navigate
Affordable
Safe and welcoming
Full of variety (cities, beaches, countryside)
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal with kids, this is the exact itinerary we’d follow again.
FAQ: Portugal with Kids
Is Portugal good for kids?
Yes—Portugal is extremely family-friendly, with welcoming locals, great food, and easy travel logistics.
How many days do you need in Portugal with kids?
7–10 days is ideal to explore Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley comfortably.
Is Sintra worth visiting with kids?
Yes—Sintra is one of the highlights of any Portugal trip thanks to its castles and magical atmosphere.
What’s the best way to get around Portugal?
Uber for cities, driving for longer distances. We didn't try the train or tram, but that's an option too.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Spring and early fall offer the best combination of weather and fewer crowds.
What’s the best way to get around Portugal?
Uber for cities, driving for longer distances. We didn't try the train or tram, but that's an option too.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Spring and early fall offer the best combination of weather and fewer crowds.
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