In Lisbon, you’ll find green spaces of various sizes, with more or fewer facilities. Just choose the one that suits you best!
Take a deep breath, enjoy what nature offers, have fun, and relax outdoors without worries.
Jardim da Estrela
Praça da Estrela
Construction of Jardim da Estrela began in 1842.
Its fauna currently includes kingfishers, peacocks, swans, night herons, while its flora brings together a wide variety of plants such as plane trees, Australian rubber trees, tipu trees, banana plants, and palms. Visitors can relax on the lawns for a picnic, or enjoy a drink and snacks at the café or recently restored kiosk. The playground has long been one of its main attractions for families.
Tropical Botanical Garden
Largo dos Jerónimos, 1400 Lisbon
Located in Belém, next to the Jerónimos Monastery, this magnificent 7-hectare garden specializes in tropical and subtropical flora, featuring more than 500 species from different continents. Highlights include the lake with its “fruit tree island” and the Oriental Garden, inspired by traditional Eastern landscapes.
Ajuda Botanical Garden
Calçada da Ajuda, s/n, 1300-011 Lisbon
Inaugurated in 1768 and designed by Italian naturalist Domingos Vandelli, this was the first botanical garden in Portugal. It offers a fantastic view over the Tagus estuary and the picturesque houses of Ajuda and Belém. The garden is decorated with ponds and a central fountain (the Fountain of 40 Spouts), rich in stone carvings of marine animals. Visitors are also greeted by peacocks freely roaming the grounds with their striking plumage.
Monsanto Forest Park
Monsanto, Lisbon
Covering 900 hectares of diverse woodland, Monsanto Forest Park is known as Lisbon’s “green lung.” It is a favorite spot for walking, outdoor activities, picnics, or simply enjoying nature. The Monsanto Interpretation Center is the gateway for those who wish to learn more about the park. Facilities include playgrounds (Serafina, Alvito, and Moinhos de Santana), an amphitheater, picnic areas, fitness circuits, a climbing wall, bike trails, MTB paths, and even a campsite.
Estufa Fria (Greenhouse)
Eduardo VII Park, 1070-099 Lisbon
An important green space in Lisbon, inaugurated in 1933, Estufa Fria is located in Eduardo VII Park and consists of three distinct areas: the Cold Greenhouse, the Hot Greenhouse, and the Sweet Greenhouse. Legend has it that the garden began when the basalt quarry that occupied the site became inactive, and the spring found there provided fertile ground for plants from all over the world.
Campo Grande Garden
Campo Grande, 1700-162 Lisbon
Covering over 10 hectares, Campo Grande Garden is the largest green space in central Lisbon. A public promenade since the 16th century, it was planted in the 19th century and once hosted horse races. In 1945, it was redesigned by Keil do Amaral, but by the late 20th century, it was considered rundown. In 2013, major renovations improved its lighting, safety, and visibility. Its central lake features rowing boats for visitors, along with a pleasant café terrace.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Garden
Av. de Berna 45-A, Lisbon
Acquired by the Foundation in 1957, the gardens and terraces were designed by landscape architects Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles and António Viana Barreto. A remodeling in 2002 introduced new pathways, plants, and water features. The central lake remains the garden’s main attraction, and in 2010 the complex was declared a National Monument. To this day, it offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Jardim da Cerca da Graça
Calçada do Monte, 44, 1100-362 Lisbon
This garden emerged from a recent project linking Mouraria to Graça. Considered the second-largest green space in Lisbon’s historic center, it includes a large lawn, three viewpoints, a picnic area, an orchard, a playground, and a kiosk with a terrace.
Quinta das Conchas and Lilases Park
Quinta das Conchas, R. Ladislau Patrício, Lisbon
Dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the oldest estates remaining in Lisbon. Covering 24 hectares, it offers a stage for events, picnic areas, forest trails, a playground, and wide lawns. It’s ideal for outdoor activities and attracts people of all ages, making it an invaluable asset to the city.
Jardim do Cabeço das Rolas
Rua Corsário das Ilhas, Parque das Nações, 1990 Lisbon
Located on the highest hill in Parque das Nações, it offers wide views over the park and the river. Its name comes from the fact that it was once a migratory stopover for turtle doves.
Lapa Palace, Lisbon’s most exclusive garden
Hotel Olissippo Lapa Palace
A lush green oasis in the city center, this garden is exclusive to hotel guests and restaurant clients. It features ornamental fountains and water features, making it a peaceful and elegant retreat.
Pure nature around Lisbon
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
About 30 minutes from Lisbon lies the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which stretches along the coast between Cascais and São Julião Beach, covering the Sintra Mountains and the rural Várzea de Colares. This park combines an immense cultural heritage with stunning natural beauty.
