After joining the tours and walking all day through the busy streets of Lisbon, you might be ready to enjoy some relaxing time in a quieter place. Lisbon has many green areas to offer; where you can feel a little bit closer to the nature. Here we have collected our TOP 5 gardens and parks, for you to check out!
1. Eduard VII Park & Amalia Rodrigues Garden
Eduardo VII is the most famous and biggest park located in the center of the city. Originally, the park was named ‘Parque da Liberdade’ and it wasn’t until 1903, when the name was changed into Eduardo VII in the honor to Edward VII of England, who signed the agreement between both countries. In this park you will find two big attractions called “estufas”: the hothouse with more exotic plants and the greenhouse called ‘Estufa fria’ with some tropical plants, streams and waterfalls. Close to the Estufa fria there is a very nice viewpoint and above it you will find the Amalia Rodriguez garden as a tribute to the great Fado artist. As an interesting fact, Lisbon´s book fair is annually being held in the park.
Location: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa
How to get there: Metro – Parque or Marquês de Pombal Station
2. Estrela Garden
This park is called Guerra Junqueiro garden but everyone calls it Jardim da Estrela (Estrela Garden). It is situated in one of the best neighborhoods in Lisbon right next to the magnificent Basílica da Estrela. This is the perfect place to go for a stroll, as the park itself has a romantic feeling to it. Not only there are several paths surrounded by the giant banyan tree, but also open-air cafés, duck pones and a playground for the kids. No wonder this park is popular among the Portuguese families.
Location: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa
Opening hours: From 7am until midnight.
How to get there: Trams 25 or 28 (runs between Praca do Comércio and the Basilica da Estrela) The closest metro station is Rato but this involves a 10 minute walk.
3. Campo Grande Garden
Campo Grande is a historical garden that dates back to 1800 and it has recently been renovated. There are three notable statues: one rendering King Afonso Henriques, one depicting King João I, and the other one representing humorist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. The main touristic spot is a lake where boat rides are available, where you can relax as a break from the sightseeing. In the summer season, there are also many cultural events going on such as the ‘OutJazz’, where different DJ´s play live music.
Location: Campo Grande, 1700-162 Lisboa
How to get there: Metro Campo Grande (yellow and green lines)
4. Tapada das Necessidades
Since its inauguration for the 98’s Expo, this park is an example of the urban regeneration of Lisbon. It is definitely one of the best places to take a walk due to the full extensive grassy areas, read a book or have a picnic. Nowadays it is known as one of the most popular hipster hotspots of Lisbon, because of its concerts and sophisticated picnics.
Location: Calçada Necessidades, Lisboa
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am-6pm. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10am-6pm.
How to get there: Bus 773
5. Gulbenkian Park
Gulbenkian Park, also known as Glubenkian garden, is part of the cultural center that was created in 1969. This reference point is perhaps the perfect place for either starting the day or enjoying the afternoon in one of the most untouchable areas in Lisbon’s nature. You can find waterfalls, terraces, secret pathways and even outdoor amphitheaters where dance, music and drama events are being hosted. Inside the garden you might bump into some animals that you can feed! It is also recommended for the visitors to enter the museum inside the garden.
Location: Av. de Berna 45, 1050-078 Lisboa
Opening hours: Everyday from sunrise to sunset. Museum is open from 10:00 – 18:00 and it’s closed on Tuesday.
How to get there: Metro (blue and red lines) S. Sebastião and Buses: 713, 716, 726, 742, 746
Have you been to any of this parks? What is your favorite?
