Looking for some shade on a hot summer day in Lisbon? There’s no better place to head to than Lisbon parks and green spaces with plenty of shade and space for a lovely picnic. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, Lisbon has plenty of parks that are worth a visit. Let’s take a look at the 5 best parks and green spaces in Lisbon.
1. Jardim da Estrela
Jardim da Estrela, also known as Guerra Junqueiro Garden, is a public garden located in the Estrela Parish in Lisbon. One of its entrances faces the Estrela Basilica, making it a silent retreat away from the city. The garden was designed in the style of English gardens, with a romantic influence. It covers an area of 4.6 hectares and is open to the public every day from 7:00 am until midnight.
The lake in the garden is home to ducks and carps, and visitors can feed them. There is also a café and beautiful flowerbeds in the garden. A notable feature of the garden is the green bandstand made of iron, where musicians perform during the summer months.
2. Parque Eduardo VII
Located at the northern end of Avenida da Liberdade, at the top of Marquês do Pombal Square, Parque Eduardo VII is the largest park in Lisbon. Initially named Parque da Liberdade, it was later renamed after the King of England, who visited Lisbon in 1903 to reaffirm the alliance between the two countries.
Covering an area of twenty-five hectares, the park is centered around a large avenue with a large grassy area.
In the northwest corner, you’ll find the Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse). Nearby, there is a lake with large carps and a children’s playground shaped like a galleon. On the eastern side, you’ll find the Carlos Lopes Pavilion, built in 1932, which hosts various events.
At the top, you’ll come across the Monument to the 25th of April, designed by João Cutileiro, followed by the Amália Rodrigues Garden and a monumental viewpoint that offers spectacular views.
3. Gulbenkian Gardens
The Gulbenkian Gardens surround the foundation of the same name and were built in the 1950s as a tribute to their founder, Calouste Gulbenkian. They provide a spacious leisure and cultural space, characterized by suspended gardens and a diverse flora.
The design of the park, interior gardens, and landscaped terraces were entrusted to landscape architects Gonçalo Ribeiro Teles and António Viana Barreto. In addition to the exhibition spaces and performance halls, there are cozy seating areas scattered throughout the gardens, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the serene ambiance.
4. Parque Florestal de Monsanto
Located a short drive from the center of Lisbon, Parque Florestal de Monsanto is a vast forested area that is a unique escape from the city chaos, once considered a sacred space in ancient times.
The park is a controlled wild forest adorned with eucalyptus, oak, and pine trees. It spans 900 hectares of greenery, crisscrossed by cycling paths, offering scenic viewpoints to observe the entire estuary of the Tagus River and inhabited by diverse forest fauna. Squirrels, rabbits, owls, bats, and many others find shelter here.
5. Lisbon Botanical Garden
Dating back to 1878, the Lisbon Botanical Garden belongs to the National Museum of Natural History and Science, but is open to the public. You need to pay to visit the Botanical Garden and tickets cost 5 euros.
However, the ticket is worth it as this is one of the best green spaces for a stroll in Lisbon. You will find a large diversity of species (between 1,300 and 1,500) and even huge trees. The remarkable diversity of palm trees, originating from all continents, adds an unexpected tropical touch to various areas of the garden.
