Lisbon is a popular destination for tourists and good reason. During our recent trip, we felt we’d really discovered some of Lisbons hidden gems. Read on to discover the little spots that made our trip so special.
When people think of visiting Lisbon, Sintra’s famous Pena Palace is often high on the list—and for good reason. It’s colorful, dramatic, and perched high on a hill like something from a fairy tale. But here’s the truth: it’s also incredibly crowded. On our recent family trip to Lisbon, we decided to skip the chaos and found a much quieter, and honestly just as beautiful, alternative—Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira.
In this post, I want to share some of the Lisbon hidden gems we stumbled across during our three days in Lisbon. If you would like a 3 day in Lisbon Itinerary make sure to read my post here.
Lisbons Hidden Gems
Palace Fronteira
Tucked just outside the city, this palace is a hidden gem. With its peaceful gardens, intricate azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles), and gentle fountains, it felt like we had stepped into a secret garden. We wandered the grounds at our own pace, with no tour groups or long lines—just birdsong, sunshine, and space to explore. It’s calm, stunning, and ideal for anyone looking for a break from the crowds.
After soaking up some culture, we were ready for something more active and fun for our kids, so we headed to Hello Park, a family-friendly adventure park tucked into a green space in Lisbon. Getting there from Fronteira Palace was a breeze as we walked the 15 minutes between the two. Be warned you will need to walk along the road for approximately 1 minute before reaching the crossing through the woods. minutes. On your return to Lisbon city, I suggest taking an Uber (surprisingly cheap in Lisbon—most rides were under €7).
Hello Park Lisbon and Green House Cafe
Hello Park is a dream for kids. There’s a mix of climbing structures, slides, treehouses, and even a small zipline. It’s clean, thoughtfully designed, and just the right level of adventure to keep little ones happy without overwhelming them.
But the real surprise for us adults? Green House Café, right next to the play area. This outdoor café has plenty of shady tables and a relaxed vibe. The menu is a lovely mix of fresh, healthy dishes and kid-friendly staples. We ordered a quinoa salad with grilled halloumi, an excellent chickpea wrap, and fresh juice for the kids. There were vegan options, craft beers, and even iced coffee (which we needed!). It’s the kind of place you could easily spend a whole afternoon—kids entertained, adults fed and caffeinated.
Parks and Good Food – More Hidden Gems of Lisbon
On another day, we explored Parque Eduardo VII, one of Lisbon’s largest parks. It offers wide lawns, tree-lined paths, and stunning views back over the city. Later that evening we discovered a little oasis: PSI, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant set in the Jardim de Paz garden. It felt completely hidden from the city noise, with tables under trees and a menu full of flavorful dishes—lentil dahl, tofu curries, veggie burgers, and decadent vegan desserts. This truly felt like a hidden gem in Lisbon and one I would highly recommend.
Where to stay in Lisbon with families
For our stay, we booked the Moxy Lisbon City, and it turned out to be a great choice for families. The rooms were compact but modern and super functional, and the rooftop pool was a huge hit after long days exploring the city. It’s centrally located, with quick access to Uber and public transport, and has just the right balance of style and comfort.
For a longer stay, we might have booked an Airbnb in Lisbon, but the price, location, and added extras of the Moxy Lisbon City really sold it for us, and we were really happy with our choice. You can read our post on this hotel in Lisbon here.
All in all, what made our Lisbon trip special wasn’t just the big sights—it was the quieter, local places that felt like real Lisbon hidden gems. If you’re looking to do Lisbon a little differently—away from the tourist crowds but still full of beauty, flavor, and fun—these spots are well worth adding to your list.
We spent 1 week in Portugal, travelling down from Lisbon to the Algarve later in the week. You can find my post on what we did in the Algarve with kids here.
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