Relax and Recharge in Lisbon's Best Parks and Gardens
Explore Lisbon's Most Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
Despite being Portugal’s urban heartland, there’s a wealth and variety of parks and green spaces in Lisbon. There’s no better way to refresh the mind and body than to head into nature’s beauty, all without even leaving the city. Whether you enjoy hiking across the wilderness and scaling hilltops or would rather saunter casually around a stately formal garden, Lisbon has it all.
If exploring with kids, you’ll find every park equipped with great play areas and features designed to excite and amaze. If art, both old and new, is your thing, there are fountains and sculptures galore. So, grab your hiking boots and sunhat and join us on a tour of Lisbon’s best parks and gardens.
1. Jardim do Torel
A secret garden with fabulous views
Good for: Photo, Couples
Known as one of Lisbon’s best-kept secrets, Jardim do Torel provides incredible hilltop views over downtown Lisbon, including the Rua Augusta Arch by the waterfront. Originally privately owned by a nearby mansion, this lovely little garden was opened to the public in the 1960s. Surrounding the garden are plenty of glamorous 18th- and 19th-century houses to admire.
The garden is split into 2 levels. The top level is wonderful for relaxing on a hot day as there are plenty of trees providing shade, while on the lower level you’ll find a terrace cafe offering refreshments. The picturesque pond in the middle, complete with a mermaid statue, is sometimes opened for swimming in the summer months.
Location: R. Júlio de Andrade, 1150-122 Lisbon, Portugal
Open: April–September: daily from 7 am to 10 pm. October–March: daily from 7 am to 8 pm
Phone: +351 91 522 5592
Jardim do Torel
2. Monsanto Ecological Park
A vast forested landscape to roam
Good for: Adventure, Families
With almost 900 hectares of mature woodland to explore, the Monsanto Forest Park easily holds the title for the largest green space in Lisbon. It’s known as the “Green Lungs of Lisbon” and, despite its vast size, is only a few minutes’ drive from the city center. With areas set aside for camping, mini golf, swimming, and playgrounds, this park is ideal for visiting with family or friends.
Hikers and cyclists will find themselves spoilt for choice as the area is covered with trails that cater to all levels of experience. Spread across a hilly region, no matter where you stroll in this park, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views across the city.
Location: Parque Florestal de Monsanto 19, 1500-068 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 771 0870
Monsanto Ecological Park
3. Empire Square Garden
Nature with a refined symmetry
Good for: Luxury, History
As the largest city square in the Iberian Peninsula, there’s no doubt that Praça do Império, or Empire Square Garden, is impressive. With a magnificent fountain dominating the middle of the square, this park was created for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Portugal’s independence.
These majestic formal gardens are smartly laid out with a beautiful symmetry and grandiose feel. Differently planted areas represent the 32 coats of arms of the former empire’s provinces. A relaxing wander around the square will also provide great views of Lisbon’s architectural hotspots like the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, as well as the glittering Tagus River.
Location: Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: +351 91 522 5592
Empire Square Garden
4. Parque Recreativo do Alto da Serafina
A family-friendly park with added adventure
Good for: Families, Adventure
For those traveling with children and teens, there’s no better place for a day out than the beautiful Parque Recreativo do Alto da Serafina. With large open fields, wooded areas, and a lake, there’s plenty of space for a relaxing stroll or for kids to run off some energy.
The park features a classic carousel and wooden labyrinth, as well as multiple playgrounds to delight little ones. Or, if you or your kids are a little older and feeling adventurous, you can even clamber among the treetops on the park’s rope ways. When everyone’s tired out, enjoy a relaxing picnic in one of the picturesque designated areas.
Location: Estr. Serafina, Lisbon, Portugal
Open: October–March: daily from 9 am to 6 pm. April–September: daily from 9 am to 8 pm
Phone: +351 21 774 3021
Parque Recreativo do Alto da Serafina
5. Estufa Fria
A lush tropical jungle to explore
Good for: Unusual, Photo
Within Eduardo VII Park in the heart of Lisbon, you’ll find Estufa Fria, an exotic jungle-like habitat contained in a vast greenhouse. Considered the largest shade house in the world, it has three distinct gardens with an abundance of lush plant life benefitting from the greenhouse’s microclimate.
The walkways within take you along different levels and past waterfalls, ponds, and sculptures. In the Cold Greenhouse (Estufa Fria), enjoy azalea and camellia species from around the world, or head to the Hot Greenhouse (Estufa Quente) for tropical species like coffee plants. In the Sweet Greenhouse (Estufa Doce), immerse yourself in a world of cacti and succulents. Then, head outside to enjoy the ducks, geese, and peacocks.
Location: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisbon, Portugal
Open: April–October: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays). November–March: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +351 21 817 0996
Estufa Fria
6. Principe Real Garden
Vibrant markets beneath a monumental cedar
Good for: Budget, Couples
Principe Real Garden was inspired by the English Romantic period. Surrounded by elegant buildings, the park’s centerpiece is a 20-meter-tall, centuries-old cedar tree. Regular events are hosted here. If visiting on a Saturday, you can enjoy the local farmers’ market, or catch the crafts and antiques market on the last Saturday of each month.
As you take a leisurely walk around the park’s lake and fountain, you’ll discover various sculptures honoring 19th-century poets and writers. The park sits in the city’s gay district and, since 2017, a sculpture near the cedar tree acts as a memorial to the victims of homophobia.
Location: Praça do Príncipe Real, 1250-184 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: +351 91 205 4890
Principe Real Garden
7. Jardim da Estrela
A park fit for a queen
Good for: History, Photo
Right across from the ornate and beautiful Basilica da Estrela, Jardim da Estrela is a serene little park dating back to 1852. With several pretty duck ponds to amble around, it’s known to be one of the places Queen Maria II liked to take her children on a sunny day. The park is home to several exotic plant species, such as dragon trees from the Canary Islands.
In the summer months, the park hosts events like Lisbon’s Jazz Festival, using its historic wrought-iron bandstand, as well as regular craft markets and film festivals. Just outside the perimeter, you’ll find a cemetery dedicated to Lisbon’s British community, which is the resting place of the novelist Henry Fielding.
Location: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisbon, Portugal
Open: Daily from 7 am to midnight
Phone: +351 21 397 4818
Jardim da Estrela
8. Water Gardens
A soothing watery wonderland
Good for: Unusual, Families
For those who feel most at peace when surrounded by the shimmering sight and soothing sound of water, Lisbon’s Water Gardens are a must-visit attraction. Created during EXPO’98, this gorgeous park showcases all the ingenious devices and structures people have used over the centuries to utilize water.
The garden consists of three sections and is traversed by a long watercourse that represents the journey of a river from its source to the sea. The first section, Palm Garden, features tall palm trees and a fountain that merges into a lake. The next section is full of warm, Mediterranean tones and fruit trees, while the last section acts as an open-air museum showcasing the first hydraulic machines created.
Location: Passeio Ulisses, 1990-005 Lisbon, Portugal
Water Gardens
9. Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
A garden of art, science, and inspiration
Good for: Families, Photo
An oasis in the heart of Lisbon, the beautiful Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was created to improve people’s lives through art, charity, science, and education. The garden surrounds the foundation’s buildings and is a peaceful and inspiring place to stroll on a sunny day.
There are activities and surprises for all ages dotted around the 8-hectare plot, making it a lovely garden to explore with children. Then, head to the park’s ice cream parlor for a treat. Check online for details of regular open-air concerts, tours, and family-friendly workshops that are held here. The garden is also next to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which hosts exhibitions throughout the year.
Location: Av. de Berna 45, 1050-078 Lisbon, Portugal
Open: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Phone: +351 21 782 3000
Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
10. Parques das Nacoes
Waterfront harmony of nature and art
Good for: Couples, Photo
For something a little different, with a lovely blend of luscious green spaces and cutting-edge modern buildings, head to the Parque das Nacoes, or Park of Nations. Extending for five km along the Tejo Estuary, this former wasteland was transformed for EXPO’98 into a popular area, full of futuristic architecture, gardens, water features, and urban art.
As you walk along the waterfront, look out for the colossal Iberian lynx statue and the water volcanoes, great for cooling down on a hot day. For tired legs, there’s a cable car with incredible city and sea views. At the northern end of the region, you’ll find the Garden of the Sea Heroes, full of sculptures and monuments dedicated to Portugal’s nautical history.
Location: 1990-231 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 762 8200
Parques das Nacoes
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