I always miss the green of other cities when coming back home to sweet Lisbon. But looking for a garden in one of the oldest cities in the world (older than Rome!) can be challenging. Urban planning started late, and only as a consequence of the 1755 earthquake. Lisbon's gardens are usually "stone gardens". Particularly in the old town: A fountain in the middle of a tiny square, 5 trees surrounded by roses and 3 tables with old men playing dominoes and discussing last weekend's football results.
Lisbon grew in the 50s and a new residential neighborhood was born in a flat area near Campo Pequeno. A modern green park was also added to the "Avenidas Novas" area (literally meaning new avenues): Gulbenkian Garden. The park was created in 1969, with an area of 7.5 hectares designed by the landscape architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles. It's part of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Gulbenkian Museum and the José de Azeredo Perdigão Modern Art Centre, making it a cultural landmark.
There are two lakes built in the garden, the larger lake, located in the centre of the park is perfect for relaxing and taking a break from the city. There is a great coffee shop at the park.
The garden also has an open-air amphitheater. Check their agenda! With a bit of luck, you might step into any of the amazing free events ranging from dance to music. Every year during the first two weeks of August there's a Jazz festival held in the gardens!
Find your way with 206 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Choupana Caffe" in Lisbon makes some amazing brunch - in my opinion, the best in town. My favorites are the scones, the croissants & the fresh juices...
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"Linha d'Água" is a perfect park in Lisbon to relax, enjoy a book, sit in peace next to the fountain... Just be careful: the birds might steal your food!
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"Royal Café" is a nice, almost hidden place to have breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack in Lisbon. Their main specialties are natural, organic products.
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"Village Underground" Lisbon is a creative incubator space, a co-working community & an events destination. I just love the progressive vibe of the place.
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"RD's Restaurante" is THE Nepalese restaurant in the city. I love their momos in every version. Very tasty and great if you're on a budget!
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MAAT, a stunning modern building in Lisbon, offers a permanent exhibition on electricity and rotating art shows. Enjoy the river views and café afterward!
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Lisbon was sleeping while some of the new urban artists and graffiti artists were painting and drawing over vacant buildings in town...
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"Conserveira de Lisboa" Lisbon is a traditional grocery shop located in the city centre offering an excellent selection of local products and fresh stock.
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"Mercado de Alvalade Norte" Lisbon is a local market offering a selection of fresh live stock and delicious bites, featuring anything from fish to fruits!
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"Barbearia Campos" in Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest barber shops. Come here, get freshened up like the famous and start feeling the pulse of the city!
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"Caza das Vellas Loreto" Lisbon was founded on the same day of the French Revolution. They light their candles for all sorts of events and is beautiful...
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"The Amoreiras Wall" is a huge mural, perhaps the biggest graffiti wall in the Iberian Peninsula, and most definitely in Lisbon, an open-air museum!
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206 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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