The Best Parks and Gardens in Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is widely recognised for its extensive network of parks and gardens, making it one of Europe’s greenest cities. The city’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and green living has earned it several distinctions, including the European Green Capital Award in 2020, presented by the European Commission. The award jury described Lisbon as an “inspiration and role model for many cities across the EU, demonstrating that sustainability and economic growth can go hand in hand”.

Across the city, green spaces range from small urban parks in the historic centre to expansive forested areas on the outskirts. Many of these spaces offer scenic views over the Tagus (Tejo) River and a peaceful atmosphere, providing a welcome escape from the pace of city life.

Lisbon’s parks and gardens play an important role in everyday wellbeing. Their open, green environments encourage walking, exercise and outdoor leisure, offering residents and visitors a chance to pause and recharge. Whether enjoying a quiet stroll, staying active or sharing a picnic with family, these spaces contribute significantly to the city’s high quality of life.

Parque Eduardo VII is one of Lisbon’s most attractive green spaces, located beside the Marquês de Pombal roundabout at the northern end of Avenida da Liberdade. Set on a hillside, the park offers sweeping views over the city centre and the Tagus (Tejo) River from its upper terraces.

The park features landscaped gardens, fountains, wide walkways and generous open areas, making it ideal for picnics and outdoor activities. Within the grounds is the Estufa Fria, a greenhouse complex displaying a diverse collection of tropical and subtropical plants, many originating from former Portuguese territories. This tranquil space provides a welcome retreat from the pace of city life.

Monsanto Forest is Lisbon’s largest green space, covering almost 10 square kilometres. Often referred to as the “lung of the city”, it is an extensive natural park filled with diverse vegetation and open landscapes, spanning an area roughly three times the size of New York’s Central Park.

The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including walking and hiking trails, running routes, cycling paths and picnic areas, as well as playgrounds for children. From various viewpoints, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over Lisbon’s city centre, the Tagus (Tejo) River and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Above all, Monsanto provides a rare opportunity to experience nature at scale, right within the city.

Parque do Tejo is located in Parque das Nações, a modern district of Lisbon that contrasts sharply with the city’s historic quarters in both architecture and urban planning. Much of the area was developed for Expo ’98, resulting in a waterfront zone defined by contemporary design and innovative public spaces stretching over five kilometres.

As one of Lisbon’s main riverside parks, Parque do Tejo offers scenic walking paths along the Tagus (Tejo) River, making it ideal for relaxed strolls and photography. The wide promenade is also popular with joggers and cyclists, yet its generous size ensures there is ample space for everyone to enjoy the area comfortably.

Tapada das Necessidades is one of Lisbon’s most inviting parks, ideal for sunbathing, picnics, reading or simply unwinding outdoors. Its expansive grassy areas provide a peaceful setting to relax, while ornamental ponds surrounded by exotic plants add to the park’s charm.

The grounds also feature a pink palace that once served as a royal residence, along with a viewpoint offering impressive views over the city. Thanks to its calm atmosphere and natural sun exposure, Tapada das Necessidades has become an increasingly popular spot for local residents looking to enjoy a quiet moment away from the city.

Jardim Botânico Tropical is a botanical garden located in Belém and is home to more than 500 perennial species of tropical and subtropical origin. The garden is also widely known as the “Colonial Garden”, reflecting its original purpose.

Established in the early 20th century, the garden was created for scientific and educational research, focusing on plant species from former Portuguese territories. Today, it remains a unique and atmospheric space, offering visitors a tranquil and thought-provoking setting in one of Lisbon’s most historic districts.

In recent years, Jardim da Estrela has become one of Lisbon’s most popular gathering spots, particularly among younger residents. Whether enjoying a drink at one of the kiosks or wandering through its shaded paths, the park has developed a lively and social atmosphere.

During the day, Jardim da Estrela also offers a calm and family-friendly environment. The park is pet-friendly and includes a designated area for dogs, making it well suited for visits with children and pets. Its open spaces allow children to play freely, while adults can relax at the kiosks and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Surrounding the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is the Gulbenkian Garden, a recognised landmark in Portuguese landscape architecture. Designed by acclaimed architects António Viana Barreto and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, the garden is considered a reference work in the field.

The garden is well suited to both leisure and cultural activities and is home to a wide variety of plant species. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll, attend open-air concerts, relax by the lake or simply watch the ducks that gather along the water’s edge.