Lisbon is a city of seven hills, yellow trams and a river so wide it looks like the sea. Children here grow up between old stone and new glass, with a castle on one skyline and a ferry on the other.
Is Lisbon good for families?
Yes, if your family wants city life. Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city, with museums, parks, work and the airport close by, and it has schools from several national systems: British, French, German and Spanish, as well as bilingual and Portuguese options. The trade-offs are hills, traffic and smaller homes than on the coast.
The best things for kids in Lisbon
- The Oceanário de Lisboa, in the Parque das Nações by the river: a huge aquarium that children remember for years.
- Lisbon Zoo, with its cable car over the grounds.
- Monsanto Forest Park, a large green space inside the city for bikes, picnics and playgrounds.
- The castle of São Jorge, with views over the rooftops and the river.
- The ferry across the Tagus, a cheap boat ride that feels like an adventure.
- Belém, for the tower, the riverside gardens and the custard tarts.
Who Lisbon suits
- Families who want to walk, take the metro or tram, and drive less.
- Parents who work in the city.
- Families who want a particular school system, since Lisbon has the widest mix of any region we cover.
Things to weigh
- Live near the school. Most Lisbon international schools are inside the city, so the right neighbourhood saves hours each week.
- The commute can cross the city. A school in one district can be a long ride from another. Test the journey at 8:00.
- Space costs more. Gardens are rare. Parks do the work of a garden.
Schools in Lisbon
See the private and international schools in Lisbon, with curriculum, ages and fees side by side. Or compare with Cascais, Ericeira and the Algarve, or browse all schools.
