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Lissabon
Built on seven hills in the estuary of the river Tagus, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. From the maze of steep streets of the Alfama quarter, the oldest part of the city, to the inescapable fado (traditional folk singing), you’ll soon fall under the charms of the Portuguese capital. Lisbon was the starting point of great maritime expeditions in the age of discovery, and it’s a city of traditions such as the azulejos: beautiful earthenware tiles used to decorate walls of houses. Cultural diversity and a gentle way of life: that’s Lisbon!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Lisbon.
Novotel Lisboa
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In 1998, Lisbon hosted the 100th Universal Exhibition, with the theme of ‘The Oceans’.
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At a little over 1,000 km the Tagus is the longest river on the Iberian peninsula, flowing out into the Atlantic.
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The fantastic Vasco de Gama Bridge which crosses the Tagus can withstand winds up to a speed of 250 kph!
Museums and exhibitions
Maritime Museum (Museu da Marinha)
Lisbon and the sea: a love story if ever there was one! And this museum is proof, entirely dedicated to the evolution of ship-building through the centuries. In the Hall of Discoveries you’ll see scale models of the caravels used for voyaging to the New World. And, like Vasco de Gama, you’ll see yourself sailing a ship, keeping an eye on the navigation instruments, and on the beautifully drawn maps. The 17,000 items on display will keep the whole family absorbed for hours.
National Coach Museum (Museo Nacional dos Coches)
Welcome to the world of horse-drawn carriages! Located where the royal riding school used to be, this museum is the most visited in Lisbon. State coaches, berlins, barouches, harnesses…the whole tradition of equestrian arts is on display. An opportunity to discover unbelievably luxurious vehicles, and a great day out for the family!
Praça Alfonso de Albuquerque – Tel: (+351) 213 61 08 50
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm
National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)
Azulejos – beautiful ceramic tiles – are part of the Portuguese and Lisbon landscape. This museum charts 500 years of azulejo history and offers a journey through one of the country’s great traditions. The chronological layout and the fascinating facts given make it a museum loved by children.
Rua da Madre de Deus 4 – Tel: (+351) 218 10 03 40
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm; and on Tuesdays from 2pm to 6pm
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
A short distance from Monsanto Park, Lisbon’s green lungs, this zoo has one of the largest collections of animals in the world. Children can enjoy no fewer than 2,000 animals – from five continents and over 400 different species. Dolphin Bay, a reptile house, aviaries: a must for the whole family. And all just a stone’s throw from the city centre!
Estrada de Benfica 158-1060 – Tel: (+351) 217 23 29 00
Open every day from 10am to 8pm (summer); and from 10am to 6pm (winter)
Botanic Garden (Jardim Botanico)
A real haven of peace in the centre of the city! Lisbon’s botanic garden is one of the biggest in Europe in terms of tropical plants. It’s ideal for a rest between sightseeing: unwind and cool down in the shade of the magnificent trees. A charming place to stroll with the children.
Rua de Escola Politecnica 58 – Tel: (+351) 213 921 800
Open every day till 6pm (October to April); and till 8pm (May to September)
Vasco da Gama Aquarium (Aquario Vasco da Gama)
The Vasco da Gama aquarium is divided into two parts: the museum and the aquarium. The museum’s collections of sea-shells, invertebrates, mammals and birds are particularly well displayed to inform youngsters about the treasures of the oceans. They can then move on to the 90 fresh- and saltwater aquariums, where they’ll marvel at fish from all corners of the globe, plus turtles and sea-lions.
Rua Direita, Dafundo – Tel: (+351) 214 196 337
Open every day from 10am to 6pm
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Lisbon’s Oceanarium (Oceanario de Lisboa)
A breathtaking marine jewel! Giant manta rays, sharks, jellyfish, plus penguins on an ice field and otters playing in their pool. Children will be captivated as they discover 450 species from all over the world. Dedicated to oceans and their preservation, the Oceanorium, shaped like a ship, also introduces visitors to the fragile balance that exists between man and nature. A million visitors a year can’t be wrong!
Esplanada D. Carlo1, Parque das Naçoes – Tel: (+351) 218 91 70 02
Open every day from 10am to 6pm (7pm in summer)
Line 28
Lisbon’s tramcars, as well being very handy, are a colourful way to get around. The most interesting route is that taken by line 28, one of the oldest, which crosses the superb Alfama quarter, up to the Upper City. Children will have fun in these little ‘trains’ which seem to defy gravity as they go up and down the hills of the city.
Monsanto Floral Park
Created in 1934, Monsanto Floral Park is the largest in the Portuguese capital and overlooks the whole city. It gives visitors a chance to take in superb panoramic views of Lisbon and its surroundings, all in a particularly peaceful space which lets you feel at one with nature. A great haven for a well-deserved rest while the children watch the squirrels, recently introduced into the park.
Open all day every day
Some good places for a family meal
El Gordo
The whole family will enjoy sampling the superb Portuguese cuisine in this small, friendly restaurant.
S. Boaventura – Tel: (+351) 342 42 66
Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm to 2am
Tasquinha d’Adelaide
Traditional regional Portuguese cuisine, in a convivial and original atmosphere. Thoroughly recommended, but book in advance as this small restaurant soon fills up.
Rua do Patrociono – Tel: (+351) 396 22 39
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30pm to 2am
Papagaio da Serafina
Located in a park in the suburbs of Lisbon, this restaurant offers excellent cuisine with creative dishes based on local produce.
Parque Recreativo Alto da Serafina, 1070-257 S. Domingos de Benfica – Tel: (+351) 774 28 88
Open every day from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and from 8pm to 11pm
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Lisbon.