10 things for teens to do in Lisbon

 

The first thing my teen girls tell me as we start exploring Lisbon is how much it is like San Francisco! The parallels are striking. There’s a bright orange suspension bridge, street cars and hills to traverse. But most of all there is a vibrant youthful feeling. They’ve fallen in love, and so have I!

We’ve put together our suggestions of things for teens to do and see in Lisbon. Have a read and let us know what you think. And if you have any other suggestions, please leave them below.

 

10 things for teens to do in Lisbon

 

 

1. Take a Tuk-Tuk tour

A Tuk-Yuk is a 3-wheeled vehicle that is used as a taxi. This was super easy to organise, our hotel, Martinhal Chaido Family Suites, arranged the tour for us for a fixed price and they picked us up. Alternatively you can catch a Tuk-Tuk yourself (they hang out at tourist locations) and haggle for the price! We went for an hour to the areas of Lisbon we hadn’t yet explored. Our guide squeezed in a lot, and our tired feet were very thankful. This was a real highlight of the trip. Watch the video below!

 

 

 

2. Explore the city by foot

Lisbon is a great city to walk around. If you stay central like we did (Chiado) you can pretty much walk everywhere with the exception of Belem. Martinhal has a 1-day guide you can download with suggestions on what to do. Walk through Chiado, Alfama, Graca and Catelo. You can also take a walking tour with a guide (Martinhal can help you with this too).

 

 

3. Take the trams and elevators

Using the funicular system in Lisbon is a tourist activity in itself! Martinhal is near the Santa Justa Lift aka “Elevator of Carmo” which was built in 1901 by an apprentice to the architect who designed the Eiffel Tower. It connects the highest part of Lisbon – Rossio Square – with the lowest area, Barrio Alto district. The legendary “Tram 28” goes through Lisbon’s main tourist places an d historic neighbourhoods such as the Castle of São Jorge and Bairro Alto. 

 

 

My 12-year-old’s perspective

The Time Out Market has lots of really good food made by local chefs. Our favourite was the Asian Lab, where we ate twice because it was amazing! I especially recommend the Chow Mein. The market is really close to Martinhal in case you want a quick bite to eat.

 

 

4. Visit Lisbon’s food markets

Lisbon’s food markets are the trendiest places to eat or have a drinks with friends. They are home to a variety of kiosks that serve everything from ‘casual’ fine dining to ‘gourmet’ street food. The two most popular markets are Time Out Market Lisboa (in Cais do Sodré) and Mercado de Campo de Ourique (in Campo de Ourique). Teens will love the selection of food available!

 

 

5. Try Pastéis de Nata!

You can’t leave Lisbon without trying these sweet egg-custard tarts which are dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They are everywhere! The best ones are served warm so make a pilgrimage to Belem for Pastéis de Belém, which is famous for its namesake treat. Legend has it only three people in the world have the original recipe and tradition is that the tarts need to be eaten in pairs (we dare you to eat just one!) Just look for the long queue! (Tip: go inside and eat in the shop, it’s quieter). Alternatively, try the tarts at Manteigeria (there’s one in the Time Out Market). Some people think these are just as good, or even better than Belem! Watch our taste test video to see which is better!

 

 

My 15-year-old’s perspective

Pastéis de Nata, Portuguese custard tarts, were a definite highlight of our trip! Whether it was for breakfast at Martinhal or as a snack at a cafe, we had at least one every day. It’s now one of my favourite treats!

 

 

 

6. Indulge in Santini Ice Cream

Some people say Santini Ice Cream is a gift from the Gods, and we may have to agree. They’ve been around for more than 60 years and pride themselves for producing handmade ice-cream from the freshest ingredients. Try flavours like Blood Orange, Sweet Egg and Pinenuts, Tangerine, Raspberry, Pistachio, and  Dulche de Leche. If you’re lucky you can even to watch them make it! 

 

 

7. Go up to St. George’s Castle

Castelo de São Jorge, or St George’s Castle, St. George’s Castle is Lisbon’s most-visited tourist site! It was once the heart of the walled city that spread downhill as far as the river. It is now one of the most spectacular buildings in Lisbon, partly because of its position on top of one of the city’s hills! A series of gardens, walkways and viewpoints hidden within the old Moorish walls makes this a fabulous place to explore. It has the best views over Lisbon. 

 

 

 

8. Explore Belem

Belem is the only area that is just a bit too far to walk. Besides the tarts (:D) Belem houses two of Lisbon’s most impressive landmarks: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torres de Belem. The Monastery, built in 1501, celebrates Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its cloisters are amongst the most beautiful in the world. Torre de Belem is an impressive fortress but in 1515 to defend Lisbon’s harbour. The new MAAT museum of electricity is worth visiting, if just to see the stunning structure. My girls loved the Berardo Museum of Modern Art Museum.

 

 

My 13-year-old’s perspective

The Berardo Museum of Modern in Belem was really interesting. There were lots of different paintings and sculptures, all in different modern art genres. There were a few famous pieces, like Andy Warhol’s Tomato Soup and Judy Garland prints. My art teacher was really impressed I visited!

 

 

9. Explore Baixa

Bahia was born out of the 1755 earthquake which devastated Lisbon, killing tens of thousands and ending the city’s golden age. It’s a step back in time, with traditional shops, where items are still hand-wrapped. The neoclassical Rua Augusta Arch marks the entry to Baxia from Comércio Square. Rua Augusta, the main street of the Pombaline quarter, is pedestrianized and is a key shopping area. Rossio Square is the liveliest square in the city, where people stop to sit and relax, make the most of Lisbon’s sunlight and enjoy a drink at the several atmospheric cafes with outdoor seating. It is surrounded by beautiful post-earthquake façades, including the monumental D. Maria II Theatre. At the centre stands the statue of D. Pedro IV.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Walk to the statue of Jesus on the other side of the river

Cristo Rei is one of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments. The statue of Christ stands high above the southern banks of the Tejo Estuary, and depicts Christ with arms raised, blessing the city.

 

 

Where to stay:

Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites Rua das Flores 44, 1200-195 Lisboa, Portugal +351 218 507 788 https://www.martinhal.com/chiado/en/

 

 

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Disclosure: Our stay in Martinhal Chiado was provided for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.