I love the parks and gardens in Lisbon. Each one on my list holds a special place in my life when I visit.
Lisbon’s parks and gardens are more than spots of greenery —they are integral parts of the city’s cultural and social fabric.
From the majestic Parque Eduardo VII to Parque das Nações, you will find a place to enjoy nature, fitness, or peace.
1. Jardim da Estrela
I love this garden, which faces the Basilica da Estrela. When I lived in Amoreiras, I often went to this park in the mornings.
It has an incredible vibe, and I still visit it today because I love the area.
It is one of the most beautiful parks in Lisbon. You can sit on the lawn to enjoy a picnic. A cafe/kiosk also sells food and drinks and has outdoor seating.
You can find loads of picnic tables and can jog in the park. You can also find a municipal library kiosk in the park’s center.
If you love taking pictures, you can find some exotic plants and trees in the green space.
Hot Tip🔥: Check out some of the hot picnic spots in Lisbon.
2. Jardim do Principe Real
When I lived in Bairro Alto, I walked through the park and garden daily for work and loved it.
The park is located in the heart of a fashionable district, and the gardens are designed in an English romantic style. A centuries-old Bucaco cedar is more than 20 meters in diameter.
It is the pride and joy of the garden, and the buildings surrounding the park date back to the 19th century. At the end of the park, you find the EPAL Water Museum, built simultaneously.
You can see various statues, including the commemoration of the first century of the death of Antero de Quental by Lagoa Henriques. There is a cute pink kiosk called Quiosque do Refresco.
It is also an excellent place for kids to play in the playground. I love taking breaks in the park and listening to live music from the café today.
Hot Tip🔥: Read my detailed guide for more things to do with kids in Lisbon.
3. Monsanto Park
When I visit Lisbon, Parque Florestal de Monsanto is an activity park for me. Here, you can find the most scenic basketball court I have ever seen.
Multiple mountain bike courses are also available for all levels, which is impressive. Monsanto is more like a forest as it is the largest green park in Lisbon.
It is also three times the size of New York Central Park. You can enjoy the vast green field here, from young to old.
There is a playground for the kids, and you get a beautiful view of the city center. The park is also known as the city’s lung, with a blanket of trees and exotic species.
Hot Tip🔥: Head to the old Roman Aquaduct to find the adventure park with a picnic area and more.
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4. Parque Eduardo Vll
Parque Eduardo VII is a beautiful park and garden in Lisbon with long walking roads. It often hosts events, especially in winter, and I love to visit the Winter Wonderland.
It is the most extensive garden in the city center and provides beautiful views over the town and river. There is also a wonderful greenhouse with exotic plants. In winter, this park has a cozy vibe.
5. Parque das Nações (Expo Park)
Parque das Naçoes is where you used to find the old ’98 Expo park, still bustling with people. Here, I found some incredible views and lots to do.
You can visit the Ocenarium or enjoy delicious 😋 cuisine at the restaurants. You can also get a spectacular view over the Tagus River and exercise on the climbing wall.
There is a bird refuge you can visit with bike rentals, pedal-boat hire, and a train.
Hot Tip🔥: Did you know Lisbon is a very walkable city to see attractions? Yes, it is, and I have a complete guide and tips for exploring the city on foot.
6. Gulbenkian Garden
The official name of this garden in Lisbon is Parque Santa Gertrudes. Yet, everyone knows it as the Gulbenkian Gardens, home to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Museum.
António Viana Barreto and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles designed the gardens, and Pedro Cid e Ruy Athouguia and Alberto Pessoa designed the building.
The garden offers various spaces, including streams, lakes, meadow areas, an outdoor amphitheater, and more.
These days, the garden is home to many cultural events and an excellent place for a picnic.
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7. Parque do Tejo
To escape the bustle of city life, you can find plenty of space in Prague do Tejo. The Lisbon gardens you see in Parque das Nações.
It is, however, completely different from Parque das Nações that spreads along the waterfront. Here, you can enjoy outdoor activities in a riverside park. You can walk along the river to appreciate the view.
The last time I visited was with the Rock in Rio, which was hosted in Parque de Tejo. With the enormous amount of space and beautiful view, what’s not to like?
8. Lisbon Botanical Garden
To reach this park and garden in Lisbon, you find the entrance through an avenue of palm trees.
Here, you find plants from around the world dating back to the 18th century. One attraction not to miss is the butterfly greenhouse.
The garden provides an educational space to learn about tropical and subtropical plants.
The Lisbon Garden is home to 19th-century baroque to older-century sections. Explore the collection of trees, and you can find two sections here to explore:
- The bizarre Tim Burton-esque cactus garden
- The enchanting Macau Gardens
Hot Tip🔥: You can visit the Botanical Garden for free on Sunday mornings.
9. Amalia Garden
Amalia Garden is at the top of Eduardo VII Park, which is also the start of Monsanto Park.
The landscape design was done by architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, who designed the Gulbenkian Garden.
It is one of the beloved gardens in Lisbon, so be sure to stop at the top when walking to find a statue labeled Maternity.
Lisbon’s park and garden are great for afternoon strolls, hanging out with friends, or morning jogging.
Hot Tips🔥 Check out some of the most romantic things you can do in Lisbon.
10. Jardín Botánico de Ajuda
The Jardín Botánico de Ajuda was the first botanical garden in Portugal. It also served as a museum and nursery for the botanical species collected.
These days, the Instituto Superior de Agronomia manages the garden in Lisbon.
The center of the garden features a 40-spout fountain and many botanical collections. The Scent Garden has Braille tags for visually impaired visitors.
You will have a stunning view over the bridge and river, with many birds and peacocks. Read my full Vandelli Botanical Garden article here for more details on the botanical garden.
Wrap-Up
Lisbon’s parks and gardens offer diverse experiences, from scenic green spaces for relaxation to venues for cultural events and outdoor activities.
Each park is special in my heart, providing natural beauty, leisure, and community engagement opportunities.
Whether enjoying a picnic in Jardim da Estrela, exploring the expansive Parque Florestal de Monsanto, or strolling through the Gulbenkian Gardens, Lisbon’s green sanctuaries are integral to the city’s charm and appeal.
These parks and gardens are not just spots of greenery; they are essential components of Lisbon’s cultural and social fabric and are cherished by locals and visitors alike.
