There are tons of reasons to love Lisbon. It offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views, incredible street art, wonderful museums, great food, and wine. There is one other thing that you will absolutely love about the city, its parks. Lisbon has some gorgeous public spaces to offer. These are places to sit back and relax either alone or with friends. They are places where you can enjoy the laughter of children and get to know both locals and expats alike. We’ve put together a list of the best parks in Lisbon, make sure to visit them when you come to the city of the seven hills.

Best Parks in Lisbon

Parque Eduardo VII (Avenidas Novas & Marques De Pombal) This is one of my favorite parks in the city. It is named after King Edward VII from England and starts off at Marques de Pombal square. It is the largest in the city and offers tons to do and see such as:

• The Estufa Fria & Estufa Quente greenhouses
• The 25 de Abril Monument & the miradouro’s panoramic view of the city
• Pavilhão Carlos Lopes: 
• Jardim Amália Rodrigues: which includes the Linha D’Agua cafe and its lake
• Eleven: a 1 star Michelin restaurant with incredible views
• And tons of sculptures if you’re into art
• Lots of places to eat
• A playground for the little ones

Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian I hate writing about this one because I want to keep it secret. This is a masterpiece of landscape architecture. The park feels like a complete escape, even when it is packed full of people. It offers the perfect combination of nature, modern architecture and art. Why will you love Gulbenkian’s Gardens:

• It houses the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
• It also houses the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the Center of Modern Art
• There are incredible sculptures throughout
• The amphitheater often has free or inexpensive music shows and theater
• There are three restaurants in the park and one offers some of Lisbon’s best ice cream

Jardim da Estrela (Lapa & Estrela) This is definitely a favorite for locals. You can go there any day of the week and see older Lisboetas walking and using the free exercise equipment in the park. You’ll see parents playing with their kids, people reading, lovers embracing. It is probably my favorite park for people watching. Why else will you love Jardim da Estrela?

• The duck pond
• The playground
• The exotic plants that are found throughout the park
• The cafe & restaurant
• Its sculptures
• The view of Estrela Cathedral

Jardim do Torel (Arroios) This tiny park is hard to find but so worth the search. It’s a 19th Century garden that has some of the best views in Lisbon and its Baixa neighborhood. Why you will love Jardim do Torrel:

• It’s “beach”
• The gorgeous mermaid that will keep you company
• The cafe
• Taking a ride there using the Lavra Elevator
• The nearby mansions

Campo de Martires de Patria (Arroios) This park was a complete surprise to me. It honors Gomes Freire de Andrade and his companions who attempted to overthrow the government of Marshal Beresford. They failed and were hanged in 1817. It also honors Doctor Sousa Martins who was a doctor who cared for people free of charge and was murdered. Why you will love Campo de Martires de Patria park:

• It’s got basketball courts (a rarity in Lisboa)
• The Fly Bar is a great place to grab a drink with friends
• There are ducks, geese, and roosters walking about

Tapada Das Necesidades (Estrela) This is a true Lisbon secret. Every time I have been there it has been pretty much empty and I have been the only non-Portuguese there. It is gorgeous and calm, it is the perfect spot to get away. Why you will love Tapada Das Necesidades:

• There are ducks, geese, cats, and PEACOCKS!
• There is a gorgeous pond
• The attached Palacio das Necesidades is stunning
• It is said Manet’s Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe was inspired by this park
• The architecture that is in ruins but still maintains its beauty
• The plant life in the park

Campo Grande (Alvalade) This is a good-sized park with tons to do. There are squash courts, there is a gorgeous lake and a wonderful place to go for a stroll on weekends. Why you will love Campo Grande park:

• Gorgeous restaurant on the lake
• Rent boats to enjoy a ride
• Check out the membership for the squash courts
• Plenty of spots to picnic

Have a suggestion for a park I should add? Have a question about Lisboa? Just leave it in the comments.