Best Family-Friendly Things to Do In Belém With Kids
Travelling with kids can be one of the most complicated, messy and joyful experiences you can have. The key to less mess and more joy is planning!
If your family is travelling to Lisbon, you probably want to spend at least half a day, if not a full day, in the Belém neighbourhood. It’s where you can taste the most famed custard tarts (pasteis de Belém) and see several culturally significant monuments all in one small area.
However, getting the most out of your Belém visit with kids means knowing exactly what there is to see, do and eat, so you can pass the day with minimal stress and keep everyone happy.
In this guide, I’ll take you through my favourite things to do in Belém with kids, as both a certified local tour guide and parent of two small kids who’s lived in the area for many years.
Monuments
Let’s start with the stuff that’s usually fun for the adults and boring for the kids: historical monuments.
In saying that, Belém has some great ones that even kids often appreciate because they’re in glorious, riverside locations and have some interesting details to look at.
Jerónimos Monastery
Naturally, we have to start here: the beating heart of Belém and one of the country’s most significant symbols of the Age of Discoveries. Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most prominent examples of the late Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture. I won’t go into the history of it here, because that’s not what this post is for. What you really want to know is: can I take my kids?
The answer is yes: you might keep your visit shorter, but I’ve toured the monastery with many families, and there’s enough to keep even littler ones entertained for a good while. The impressively high vaulted ceilings (even grander to someone child-sized) make anyone pause in awe, and the intricate stone carvings contain many motifs that children find fun to spot – from mythical beasts and sea monsters to exotic plants to nautical motifs like ropes, chains, anchors, and coral.
Whether you go by yourselves or book a guided tour is up to you (I’ve written a detailed guide here about the best ways to buy tickets) – going independently lets you move at your own pace, while a guided tour avoids the long queues (you get skip-the-line access) and gives you deeper insights, so both have advantages. Either way, the Monastery should definitely be a key part of your family day in Belém.
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
Belém Tower is one of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks, and for kids, it has one big thing going for it straight away: it looks like a fairytale castle sitting right on the edge of the river. Even children who aren’t remotely interested in history usually light up when they see it.
From the outside, it’s a great stop. There’s plenty of space to walk around, watch boats go by on the Tagus, and point out details like turrets, balconies and stone carvings. It’s also an easy place to pause for a snack or ice cream, which already earns it points in my book.
Going inside the tower is a different story. The interior visit involves narrow spiral staircases, tight passageways and often long queues, which can be challenging with small kids (and basically impossible with a stroller). Older kids might enjoy the sense of adventure and the views from the top, but for younger ones, patience tends to run out quickly.
Our general approach has been to enjoy the tower from the outside as part of a riverside walk, and only go in if everyone’s energy and mood are aligned. If not, you’re not missing out — Belém Tower is just as impressive admired from the outside, and your kids will likely remember it as “the castle by the water” either way.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
This is one monument that tends to work surprisingly well with kids, mostly because of its sheer size and setting. The Monument to the Discoveries sits right by the river and is shaped like the prow of a ship, with a line of larger-than-life stone figures marching forward along the sides. It’s hard to miss, and kids usually enjoy spotting the different characters and guessing who they might be (including the one and only female, Queen Philippa of Lancaster).
At ground level, you get a nice, wide-open plaza with space to walk freely. In the centre of the square is a big marble map of the world, which is great for playing simple games like finding where you’re from or pointing out places you’ve travelled (or want to travel one day).
If you do decide to go inside, there’s an elevator that takes you to the top, which already feels like an event for most children. The views over the river, Belém and the bridge are genuinely great, and the visit is fairly short, which helps keep attention spans intact. That said, it’s still very much a monument rather than an interactive experience, so whether it’s worth going up depends on your kids’ ages and energy levels.
Even if you skip the interior, this is an easy, low-stress stop to include while walking along the river — one that balances out the more “quiet and serious” sights in Belém with a bit of space, light and movement.
Museums
Museums with kids are always a bit of a gamble. The key in Belém is choosing ones that either have strong visual appeal, plenty of space, or a clear theme kids can latch onto quickly. You don’t need to do them all, but if you do want to add a museum to your Belém agenda, I’d suggest one of the following.
Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum)
If you’re going to pick just one museum in Belém with kids, this would be my top recommendation.
The Maritime Museum is spacious, bright and full of things that are immediately understandable, even for younger children. There are historic ships, detailed ship models, royal barges and plenty of nautical objects that naturally spark curiosity. You don’t need to explain much: kids can simply look, point and ask questions as they go.
Another big plus is the layout. The rooms are large, so you’re not constantly worried about kids bumping into things, and you can move through at your own pace. It also pairs well with a visit to Jerónimos Monastery since it’s right next door, but without feeling like a repetition of the same information.
This is a low-stress choice for families, especially if your kids are even mildly interested in boats or the sea.
As a side note, there’s also a nice space outside the museum with grass and some maritime objects scattered about (like giant ancors and bells that our kids love to climb on) as well as a row of real boats you can peer into. The cafeteria is good for a drink/snack break, and the accompanying gift store actually has good stuff in it, including some nice books and educational toys for kids.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
Door Susanne Nilsson - The MAAT, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59601885
MAAT is one of those museums where the building itself is often more exciting for kids than what’s inside.
From the outside, the curving architecture and riverside setting make it a great stop during a walk along the Tagus. Kids love climbing up onto the roof and watching boats pass by.
Inside, the experience really depends on the exhibitions. Some are visually striking and immersive, while others are better suited to adults (aka, a bit too modern). My advice is to check the agenda beforehand so you can see what’s on and whether tickets are worth the investment.
It can be good rainy-day option, and the surrounding area works well for combining a museum visit with playground time (see SUD Kids, below) or a riverside break.
Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum)
Laurent de Walick from The Hague, The Netherlands, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Coaches sound sort of stuffy and boring, but this museum often surprises parents (in a good way).
The Coach Museum houses an impressive collection of ornate royal carriages, displayed in a large, modern space. For kids, the appeal is immediate: these are huge, decorative vehicles straight out of a fairy tale, with gold details, painted panels and dramatic shapes.
Because the space is so open, it’s easy to walk through without feeling rushed or cramped, and the visit doesn’t require a long attention span. You can see a lot in a relatively short amount of time, which is ideal when energy levels start to go downwards.
It’s not a museum you’d necessarily go out of your way for with kids, but if it fits naturally into your day, it’s an easy and visually engaging stop.
Places to Play
SUD Kids Playground. Image: TripAdvisor
If you have kids, especially small ones, it can help to know where the local playgrounds and green spaces are. Kids need to play and get their energy out!
Belém has a few playgrounds (playground = “parque infantil” in Portuguese), but unfortunately, none of them is particularly amazing. I’ll take you through them so you know what to expect.
Parque Infantil do Jardim Vasco da Gama (map)- This playground is located in the Vasco da Gama garden (Jardim Vasco da Gama) right in the center of the action of Belém. It’s on a big, grassy area opposite the main street where you’ll find the Pasteis de Belém bakery. It was completely renewed just a few years ago - but despite the prime real estate, the powers-that-be failed to do anything great with it. Instead, they put in a very sparse, simple playground that’s only really fun for small kids (ours much preferred the hazardous, half-broken climbing equipment of the old one!). Nonetheless, it’s a convenient, central place to stop and play for a bit, especially if you want to get your custard tarts takeaway and eat them sitting on a nearby bench.
Largo Marquês de Angeja Playground (map) - This playground has two swings and two slides connected by a bridge with a bit of space to climb. So, it’s not huge, but does offer some space to run around. It’s close to the Belém library, so we’ve spent many an hour here just playing tag. You wouldn’t go out of your way to visit it, but it’s a place to expend some energy if you happen to be nearby.
SUD Kids Playground (map) - This playground is right by the river next to SUD Lisboa (a somewhat fancy venue and restaurant), so it has the benefit of sunshine and river views. It has a couple of spiral tube slides (one smaller one, and one that’s a little daunting for very small kids) and some large, round swings. It’s a nice place to stop and play if you’re passing along the river or visiting the MAAT museum.
Those are the main playgrounds in Belém (others are slightly further out of the neighbourhood).
You also have parks and grass areas, like the aforementioned Vasco da Gama garden, and the Botanical Gardens and CCB, which we’ll talk about below.
Parks & Gardens
Tropical Botanical Garden Belém (Jardim Botânico Tropical)
Some photos I’ve taken in the Botanical Gardens of Belem - peacock and busts, Morton Bay Fig.
The Tropical Botanical Gardens of Belém are located right in between the Jeronimos Monastery and the Pasteis de Belém bakery. It’s peaceful and pretty and a really nice place to recharge. Expect to pay around €5 for a full-price ticket, unless you go on a Sunday morning between 9am and 1pm, in which case it’s free.
It’s worth a visit for several reasons:
It specializes in exotic flora and fauna. It has some truly spectacular Morton Bay Fig trees with networks of roots that are a playground in themselves: our kids have spent many hours with stick-swords in hand, pretending the roots are dragon tails, or using them as stepping stones to avoid the ground (which, of course, is lava). There’s also a garden of giant cacti, a coffee greenhouse, banana and loquat trees, and more.
It has some lovely architectural and decorative details. As you wander the paths, you’ll come across 18th-century marble sculptures by Italian artists Giuseppe Mazzuoli and Bernardino Ludovici. There’s a tiled fountain, the 17th-century Calheta Palace, and remnants from the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition, like the African busts that guard several of the interior gates.
It has some fun hidden secrets for kids! Pass through the Arch of Macau into the oriental garden, and you’ll find winding paths with narrow bridges you can cross (this part is not great with prams and strollers, FYI – best leave those at the arch). In the middle, you can find a set of stepping stones that crosses some shallow water. Kids love finding the courage to cross these alone (or with a helping hand, if they’re smaller!). You might need a change of socks. I did warn you. Outside the Macau garden is a pond with a stone grotto that you can pass through (perfect for when you’re going on a bear hunt).
There are ducks. And peacocks! There are also geese, and chickens, and water fowl, and various other winged creatures wandering all over the garden. In spring, this means you can barely get around without stopping to let hordes of cute, fuzzy ducklings cross the path. The peacocks are numerous and you might catch a male with tail fanned out trying to impress the ladies (my daughter is always quick to point out that they don’t seem too impressed). Overall, the bird life really adds to the beauty of the gardens.
Accessibility-wise, the gardens are really easy to get around with a stroller (exception of the Macau oriental garden), and there are many benches to rest on as you go around. Here’s the official site.
Olive Garden, CCB
Image: CCB
CCB (Centro Cultural de Belém) has a few interesting spaces to explore. One of our favourites has always been the olive tree garden (Jardim das Oliveiras - map location here), situated at the top on the side closest to the river.
There’s also another, slightly smaller free-to-access garden on the opposite side at the back of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture Centre (MAC/CCB) - it’s also pretty and has some seating for the museum cafe, so you can stop here for a coffee and snack. I would say it’s a little on the overpriced side, though, and service can be slow.
That’s why I suggest the Olive Garden. We’ve spent many hours here just sitting on the grass or playing hide-and-seek. While there’s not much to do, per se, it’s just a nice, calm space to take a rest or lay down a blanket to sit on and have an afternoon snack.
It’s also home to a restaurant called EsteOeste (a mix of Eastern and Western foods - mainly sushi and pizza/pasta. The food is ok, but better is just the opportunity to grab a drink or pizza and sit in the garden with it. They usually have some sun chairs and/or giant orange bean bags out on the lawn, which makes it a really nice place to unwind, especially on a sunny day.
The Gardens of Belém (Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque → Praça do Império)
One of the nicest things about Belém with kids is that so much of it is connected by green space. If you arrive by train at Belém station, you can walk almost the entire way to the main sights through gardens, rather than along busy streets, which already makes the day feel calmer.
Starting at Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque, just across the road from the station, you’ll find a small but pleasant garden with wide paths and plenty of benches. It’s a good place to regroup after the train ride.
From here, you can follow the landscaped walkway towards Praça do Império, passing fountains, lawns and shaded paths along the way. This stretch is very forgiving with kids: there’s space to walk at your own pace, stop whenever you need to, and let children wander a little without feeling like they’re in the way.
Praça do Império itself is a highlight. The large central fountain is almost impossible for kids to ignore, and the surrounding gardens feel open and grand without being overwhelming. It’s an easy place to pause, sit on the grass, people-watch, or just take a breather before visiting Jerónimos Monastery, which is right opposite.
There is one formal playground along this green route (Parque Infantil do Jardim Vasco da Gama, see above). It’s not something you’d go out of your way for, but it’s there if your kids are craving some playground time.
This path through Belem’s gardens is also stroller-friendly, flat, and dotted with places to sit, which makes a big difference over the course of a long day.
Place to Eat
And now we come to it, the ever-important places to fuel up those little bodies with food – because if your kids are anything like mine, they’re always hungry. No amount of snacks is ever enough!
Here are my suggestions.
Pasteis de Belém
Exterior of Pasteis the Belém. Image: pasteisdebelem.pt
It’s not one of those international stereotypes that turns out to be a myth: we Portuguese really do love our custard tarts. And the most famous place to get them is Pasteis de Belém, right here in this charming little neighbourhood.
If you were wondering, “pasteis” is the plural of “pastel” – so it would be one pastel de nata, two pasteis de nata (or seven, you’re feeding a family here). Pastel de nata is the general name for the custard tart you’ll see all over Portugal. Pastel de Belém is the specific version made using the bakery’s closely guarded recipe, and it’s only sold here.
Queues are almost guaranteed, but they move surprisingly fast, especially if you’re ordering takeaway. With kids, that’s often the easiest option: grab a box, find a bench in the nearby gardens, and enjoy them in the fresh air. If the takeaway line is long, it’s sometimes quicker to try for a table inside — the space is huge, and service tends to be efficient despite the crowds.
Either way, this is one stop in Belém that most families are genuinely happy to make. Just be warned: once kids have tried a warm pastel dusted with cinnamon, they may start asking for them everywhere else in Portugal too.
CCB (Centro Cultural de Belém)
Único CCB. Image: CCB
CCB is an easy place to eat with kids in Belém because it gives you options, space, and flexibility. Most tourists don’t really know what’s inside.
If you’re after ice cream, Gelato Davvero is our go-to. It’s excellent quality and (in my opinion) a nicer alternative to the more famous but often overcrowded Santini.
For a quieter break, especially on colder or rainy days, try Único, the café located inside the CCB complex (pictured above). It’s a social project focused on creating employment opportunities for people facing barriers to the job market, which already makes it worth supporting. It has a nice interior and is a good place to stop for a coffee/orange juice, or a simple snack without the usual tourist rush. Plus, they have crayons and paper placemats (always a godsend when you’re waiting for orders to arrive).
You also have the pizza-on-the-grass option mentioned earlier in the Olive Garden section, which is one of the most relaxed ways to eat in Belém with children: casual food, open space, no one minding if kids wander a little.
O Prado
O Prado. Image: TripAdvisor
If you’re looking for a proper Portuguese lunch that still works with kids, O Prado is a solid choice.
It’s a small, no-frills restaurant serving traditional Portuguese dishes made with care. The food is comforting and familiar — grilled meats, rice, vegetables — which makes it easier with children than more experimental menus. Portions are generous, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal.
It’s not a place for rushing in and out, but if you want to sit down for a real meal that feels local and unpretentious, this is a good option.
Snack & Easy Bite Stops Worth Knowing
Padaria Portuguesa (Belém)
Not exciting, but extremely practical. If you need a quick sandwich, bread roll, croissant or juice without thinking too hard, this is an easy win. Kids usually find something they like, and it’s fast.
Manteigaria
If you want a top-tier custard tart without the scale and chaos of Pastéis de Belém, Manteigaria is a great alternative. The tarts are made continuously throughout the day, so you can often grab them warm, and the experience tends to be quick and relaxed. It’s a handy option if the Pastéis de Belém queues feel like too much with kids in tow.
Pão Pão, Queijo Queijo
This is a reliable stop for a simple, quick lunch: baguettes, salads, wraps. It’s casual, fast and unpretentious, which is exactly what you want when hunger strikes suddenly and patience is limited. It’s also a good option for takeaway if you’re heading back to the gardens.
Practical Tips for Visiting Belém With Kids
Now that’s all covered, let’s go over some quick tips for visiting Belém with kids.
Toilets & Changing Facilities
Getting kids to a bathroom at the right time is half the battle, right?
Best spots with reliable toilets: CCB is a great one. There are clean, free bathrooms by the olive garden and it has a change table. MAAT and the museums (especially Museu de Marinha and Museu dos Coches) also have good bathrooms.
Jerónimos Monastery has facilities too, but queues for the bathrooms can build while the ticket line does.
Botanical Gardens has public facilities, but you can access these only if you buy a ticket (or go on Sunday moring when it’s free entry).
Outside public toilets near Praça do Império are available but less pleasant and sometimes locked; always check opening times.
Stroller & Accessibility Tips
Belém is mostly flat and stroller-friendly, with some exceptions.
The gardens, gardens walkways and the stretch along the river are easy with a stroller.
Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the narrow paths in the Botanical Garden’s Oriental section can be tight with prams or larger strollers. A lightweight, foldable stroller works best.
Cobblestones are common near monuments. They’re not terrible, but not perfectly smooth either.
Best Times to Visit
Timing makes a huge difference:
Morning (9–11am) is often the calmest — cooler, quieter, and easier with restless kids.
Sundays before 13:00 are great if you want to visit the Botanical Garden for free, but be aware it fills up earlier than you might expect.
Lunch time often clears the main walkways, so consider eating a bit earlier or later than peak (12:30–14:00).
Weather & Comfort
Belém gets very open and sunny in warmer months. Hats, sunscreen and water are musts.
There’s shade around CCB and near some of the garden paths, but many central spots (like Praça do Império) are wide open.
If it’s rainy or cool, MAAT and the indoor museums are good fallback plans.
Lines & Ticketing
Jerónimos and Belém Tower can draw significant queues in high season. If your kids get bored quickly, booking skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour can save your sanity.
Museum visits tend to be quicker once you’re inside — the lineups are often at the entrance, not the exhibits.
Eating Strategically
You’ll walk a lot in Belém, so having snacks on hand (or knowing where to get them) can save meltdowns mid-walk.
Try to eat outside of peak times if you want less crowds, or get something takeaway and picnic it out in the gardens.
Summing Up…
Belém is definitely worth a half-day or day visit if you’re travelling as a family with kids. Hopefully you feel a little more prepared after reading this guide – if you have any questions, leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help!
