Porto vs Lisbon

You can take a train between both cities. Have been to both recently - our preference is Lisbon, but both are beautiful. Porto is def hillier and may take some getting used to, but Lisbon is not exactly flat either. In Lisbon, we usually stay in the Mouraria neighborhood - beautiful area that is close to the Atlantic. In Porto, we stay in the Riberia, the historic district. Two days in either city will give you a lot to see and do. Train times vary, but you can travel between both in about 3 hours.

Both are great towns but Porto is smaller and little more laid back which may be better with kids.

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Both are great towns but Porto is smaller and little more laid back which may be better with kids.

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Porto being smaller and "prettier" have us leaning that way. Concern is that it is more hilly might be annoying with strollers.

Those pictures look amazing.

Appreciate all the feedback!

Probably easier to fly to Lisbon, then train north to Porto and from there head to Barcelona to start your Spanish adventure. Been living in Seville for the past 5 years so ask away re both countries.

Portugal has a family-centered culture that puts an emphasis on nice public attractions for kids. In terms of parks, zoos, kid museums, etc. Lisbon will offer more. Parque das Nações (The Modern District) in Belem is flat.

Cobblestone streets, plazas, and sidewalks of smaller stone are very common in Portugal. Get a stroller with the biggest wheels you can find.

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Concern is that it is more hilly might be annoying with strollers.

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I would say Lisbon is more hilly and the sidewalks are very narrow, not stroller friendly IMO. Porto is not as hilly unless you go down to the river front .....and you will go there at least once and that is a big hill. But there is a tram that goes down there and back up. I loved both cities but Lisbon is more of a high energy city and Porto a bit more chill.

We were there a couple of years ago.

Portugal is great for families, but Porto is usually the more relaxing choice with toddlers. It’s smaller, easier to walk, less crowded, and has flat, stroller-friendly areas along the river. Lisbon has more major sights but also more hills, heavier traffic, and busier streets, which can be tougher with a 3-year-old and a 1.5-year-old. For a low-key week or two, I would think most families would find Porto calmer and simpler to navigate.



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Good Article

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That article is super helpful! I appreciate it.

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AND..

Maybe Mom and Dad could squeeze in a day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley by boat. It's an easy, relaxing way to see Portugal’s wine country. You cruise upriver past terraced vineyards and small villages, then stop at a local quinta for tastings and views. It’s a slow, scenic escape from the city and one of the most memorable ways to experience the region.

Douro For Families

We stopped and toured at Sandeman for lunch and tasting their amazing wines and ports!

Well there ya go! Get working on it.

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