A central maze, cobblestone paths, an amazing greenhouse, and the best chocolate cake in town
Parque Eduardo VII
Marquês de Pombal
Always open
Lisbon’s most central park is a stately affair that manages to include a little bit for everyone and frequently hosts concerts and other events, including the city’s biggest book fair. Stretching up from Marquês de Pombal toward one of the highest points in Lisbon, Park Eddie 7, as it’s known among some English-speaking expats, is great for getting away from the city noise alone. The tree-lined paths on either side of a hedge maze are perfect for boulevarding in the shade, and there are plenty of benches for your tired poor old mother, too. Off to the sides, there’s ample space for a picnic on the grass, and if you can’t fathom putting your behind on the ground, there are several picnic tables on the southeast side of the park. On your way up, go ogle the graphic tiles of the newly restored Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, the 1920s pavilion now being used as an event space, on the east side about half-way up. And walk all the way to the top for a sweeping view of central Lisbon and the Tagus and a dip for your feet in the fountain.
Parque Eduardo VII also has one of the coolest playgrounds in the city, a sports complex with racquetball courts and a pool, a little pizzeria kiosk, and one of the city’s best hidden gems, Estufa Fria, a covered botanical garden that’ll transport you or your child to Jurassic Park for a little over 3€. Continue north and across the street to reach the small but charming Jardim Amália Rodrigues, which is home to one of Lisbon’s fanciest restaurants, Eleven, as well as the Atlas Lisboa 2015 winner of the best chocolate cake in Lisbon, Linha d’Água.
