Where to Find an English-Speaking Pharmacy in Lisbon and how to get there
- tscheiman
- May 4
- 3 min read
Where to Find an English-Speaking Pharmacy in Lisbon
And How to Get There Without Stress When Your Child Is Sick
There’s nothing like a baby fever on day three of your holiday to shift your priorities fast. That’s exactly what happened to us one warm evening in Lisbon. Our toddler was flushed and clingy, and we were out of baby paracetamol. It was past 8:00 PM, the local pharmacy had just closed, and we didn’t know where to turn — or even how to explain what we needed in Portuguese.
If you’re a parent traveling with kids, I highly recommend bookmarking this guide. Because when your child isn’t feeling well, what matters most is finding help quickly and calmly — and knowing how to get there.
Yes, There Are English-Speaking Pharmacies in Lisbon
Pharmacies in Portugal (called Farmácias) are reliable, clean, and well-stocked. In Lisbon, many pharmacists speak at least basic English, especially in tourist-friendly neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, and Parque das Nações. But if you’re looking for reassurance, it helps to go somewhere you know you’ll be understood — especially when asking for children’s medications or explaining symptoms.
Trusted Pharmacies That Speak English in Lisbon
Here are a few family-friendly options that we personally used or had recommended by locals and hotel staff:
Farmácia Internacional
📍 Rua da Prata 121, Baixa🕒 Open Mon–Sat, extended hours✅ Known for English-speaking staff💡 Close to Armazéns do Chiado shopping mall (good baby supply stop too)
Farmácia Barral
📍 Avenida da Liberdade 41🕒 Open late✅ Staff familiar with expat and family needs💡 Located in one of the most accessible, flat areas for strollers
Farmácia Oriente
📍 Avenida Dom João II, Parque das Nações🕒 Open daily✅ Convenient if you’re visiting the Oceanarium or staying riverside💡 Often used by families in the expo district
24H Options
Search “Farmácia 24h Lisboa” on Google Maps to find the nearest open pharmacy at any time. Most neighborhoods have at least one.
Common Children’s Medicines in Portugal
When our toddler had a fever, the pharmacist immediately handed us Ben-u-ron, which is Portugal’s version of paracetamol for children. Here’s a quick cheat sheet of commonly used baby and toddler meds:
Need | Portuguese Brand Name | What It Is |
Fever / Pain | Ben-u-ron (drops/syrup) | Paracetamol (Tylenol) |
Inflammation / Fever | Brufen | Ibuprofen |
Oral Rehydration | Pedialyte / Suero Oral | Rehydration salts |
Diarrhea | Enterogermina | Probiotic |
Constipation | Lactulose Bebé | Gentle laxative |
Teething Relief | Camomila Dentária / Aloclair | Teething gels |
Cough | Melilax Infantil (natural), or Actithiol | Baby-safe cough options |
⚠️ Note: You don’t need a prescription for these, but always say “É para um bebé/criança pequena” (It’s for a baby/young child) and show the age of your child. Portuguese pharmacists are generally very kind and helpful.
Getting There Without Stress: Why We Took a Taxi
When our child is sick or finally asleep after a long, hot day, the last thing I want to do is:
Haul a stroller up metro stairs
Navigate narrow sidewalks in Bairro Alto
Walk 25 minutes with a feverish toddler clinging to me
So we did what we’ve now done multiple times in Lisbon: we booked a taxi with a child seat from TaxiBambino.com.
It meant:
No panic navigating
A cool, air-conditioned ride
Our toddler stayed asleep on the way home
We had space for a diaper bag, shopping bag, and all our nerves
💰 Cost:
From Alfama to Baixa: ~€10
From Belém to Avenida da Liberdade: ~€15–20
From Parque das Nações to central Lisbon: ~€15
24h surcharge may apply if it’s late — but still worth every cent
Final Tips for a Smooth Emergency Run
Bring ID or passport — some pharmacies ask when buying medication
Have insurance details on hand for peace of mind (though not usually needed)
Use Google Translate's “conversation” mode if you’re stuck
Take photos of the packaging if your child has used the same medicine at home — pharmacists can usually find an equivalent
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Travel Smart
No one wants to visit a pharmacy on vacation — but when you need one, being prepared is everything. Lisbon is a family-friendly city, and once you know where to go and how to get there, you’ll feel confident handling whatever pops up.
🚖 Need to get to a pharmacy quickly and safely with your child?Book a trusted taxi with a child seat at TaxiBambino.com — and take care of your little one while we take care of the ride.
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