Last Updated on September 3, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 26, 2018
They say Portugal is sunny 300 days a year, and in Lisbon, locals flock to parks and gardens any chance they get. Any day is a good day to visit these 6 parks and gardens in Lisbon and enjoy a relaxing time outdoors.
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Lisbon’s Parks & Green Spaces
- How Many Parks & Green Spaces Are in Lisbon? There are literally dozens of municipal parks and private gardens scattered throughout the city. This article shares 6 of our favorites.
- What Events Occur at Lisbon’s Parks? Anything can happen at Lisbon parks and gardens. From concerts, art performances and impromptu gatherings of old men playing cards, to seasonal street markets, weddings and kids’ birthday parties. They’re a venue, a pretty spot, and a family hangout all at once.
- Is Admission Free? Yes, most parks and gardens throughout Lisbon are free to enter. Only some private gardens charge an admission fee. Visiting parks is one of our favorite 6 free things to do in Lisbon!
- When Are Lisbon’s Parks Open? Many parks open early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) and close in the evening (anywhere from 5-6 PM up to 10 PM). Check the park’s or garden’s hours before going.
1. Parque Florestal de Monsanto
Parque Florestal de Monsanto is Lisbon’s beloved urban park, and is part of a lot of locals’ childhood memories. There’s a place for all kinds of outdoors enthusiasts, even if your idea of a perfect Sunday in Lisbon is tending to the barbecue grill. There are biking and hiking paths, two parks for kids (Serafina is the most popular), and designated areas for picnics and camping.
It’s also the home of Lisbon’s most famous abandoned building, Panorâmico de Monsanto. This 1960s former restaurant is both a viewpoint and a known street art location, although it is now closed to the public due to structural integrity issues.
📍 Location: This 900+ hectacre park spans multiple neighborhoods, and has multiple entrances. One entrance is located at Parque Florestal de Monsanto 19, 1500-068 Lisboa.
2. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian is a work of art. This garden surrounds the buildings of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which houses the founder’s private art collection. The landscape architects selected every tree and plant to fit an esthetic and teaching purpose, which is the mission of the foundation.
The lawns near the lake are the refuge of choice for the students of the nearby University, sharing the space with resident wobbling ducks. The outdoor auditorium welcomes concerts in the summer, and avid book readers all year long.
For the curious about landscape architecture, the foundation asked the garden’s architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles to design a set of itineraries. The light and shade, the pond, and the rim are the three itineraries available to all visitors who want to explore the park on their own.
📍 Location: Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa
3. Jardim Botânico da Ajuda
The minute you step through the gate of Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, the resident white peacock will most likely greet you. If you can’t shake the feeling that such a luxurious looking garden is missing something, you’re not entirely wrong. Shouldn’t there be an equally lavish palace to go with it?
King José commissioned the garden in 1768 for their children to learn more about plants. The Royal Family did live on the grounds at that time in an improvised wooden palace. After escaping from the palace closer to the river during the 1755 Great Earthquake, the king wanted something a bit sturdier as their family home. This was their temporary home while they built Palácio da Ajuda, a few meters up the street.
Their motto is “teaching science since 1768,” and the garden organizes a series of guided tours for all ages and learning stages.
📍 Location: Calçada da Ajuda, 1300-011 Lisboa
4. Jardim Botânico do Príncipe Real
This garden is difficult to spot unless you see it from the next garden on this list, and it’s easy to miss if you’re not actively looking for it. Jardim Botânico do Príncipe Real is a must-visit for wannabe botanists. For many tourists, it’s a nice addition to the visit to the Natural History Museum on the premises.
The plants, trees, pathways, and staircases follow the gentle slope of the hill. As you go down, you’ll feel more in touch with nature, and you’ll almost forget you’re in the heart of Lisbon’s city center.
As part of the University of Lisbon, the garden’s purpose is, since its inception, to teach through plants and trees from five continents. During the warmer months, the butterfly garden is the main attraction, where you can see all stages from caterpillar to cocoon to beautiful butterflies flying around you.
📍 Location:Praça do Príncipe Real, 1250-184 Lisboa
5. Jardim do Torel
Once a private gated garden, Jardim do Torel is still secluded in a way–except everyone has access to it now. It’s not completely secret, but it’s not overrun by tourists either. We could say it’s the sweet spot of Lisbon parks, at least that close to the Baixa-Chiado neighborhood.
It doesn’t provide the most open view to the Restauradores square, but yet you’ll spend quite some time identifying iconic buildings like the Rossio train station, the Carmo Convent ruins, and, if you pay attention, the previously mentioned Jardim Botânico do Príncipe Real.
The lounge chair-like benches make the garden a great spot for reading when the sun isn’t too bright.
📍 Location: R. Júlio de Andrade, 1150-122 Lisboa
6. Campo das Cebolas
When the City Council announced they were turning an ugly parking lot into a garden near the Tagus River, the locals rejoiced–but then the construction halted for what felt like forever. A team of archeologists took over the construction site, and removed tons (yes, tons!) of findings from the site. (Since Portugal survived a major earthquake in 1755, it’s not unusual to open a hole and dig up some historical artifacts!)
Even with the long wait, seeing the finished Campo das Cebolas garden was a like a breath of fresh air. Alfama’s beautiful light now stretches closer to the river, as the old Campo das Cebolas parking lot was replaced by a beautiful green lawn, trees, and playground equipment for kids.
As for the archeological findings left behind, you’ll see a 17th century stone staircase that led to a previously existent old harbor.
📍 Location: Rua dos Arameiros s/nº / Largo José Saramago, 1100-027 Lisboa
Taste Your Way Through Lisbon on Tour
Experience a slice of life in Lisbon on a fun evening out on our Best of Bairro Alto: Food & Wine Tour. You’ll get to eat and drink your way across the best bars, tascas, and pastry shops in the neighborhood.
Discover the most incredible wines, cocktails, and petiscos, and even make some new friends along the way in this colorful and cultural corner of the city.
Featured Review: Best of Bairro Alto Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Our Guide Eva was amazing! She is so friendly, she taught us so much about the history of Portugal and its foods and its culture. She has great rapport with the restaurant staff. We felt that this visit was like having your daughter take you on a tour of her favorite places. EXCELLENT! We felt she went above and beyond being a tour guide!”
– Stephen
Lisbon Parks & Green Spaces FAQs
Is Lisbon a good city for parks and outdoor spaces?
Absolutely. Lisbon has a surprising number of parks, gardens, viewpoints, and wooded green spaces where visitors can escape the busy city streets. Many of these spaces are enjoyable throughout most of the year.
Can you have a picnic in Lisbon’s parks?
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy Lisbon’s parks. Pick up bread, cheese, fruit, pastries, or other Portuguese specialties from one of Lisbon’s best local food markets and find a grassy or shaded spot. Just be sure to follow posted rules and to properly dispose of your garbage.
Are Lisbon parks free to visit?
Many of Lisbon’s public parks and gardens are free to enter, although some specialized gardens, attractions, or privately managed spaces may charge an admission fee. Check the garden’s current hours and entrance policy before visiting.
What should you bring to Lisbon’s parks?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen, and bring a reusable water bottle. Some of Lisbon’s parks are hilly or have uneven paths, and shade isn’t guaranteed, so sun protection is especially useful in warmer months. A small picnic blanket or towel can also be handy if you plan to sit on the grass.
What is the best time of day to visit Lisbon’s parks?
Morning and late afternoon are generally the most pleasant times to explore Lisbon’s green spaces, particularly during the warmer months. Early morning tends to be quieter, while visiting around sunset can give you beautiful light and cooler temperatures.
