When you look at a Lisbon city map you see a rectangular green strip north of the city centre, just south of the ring road. This is the park Jardim do Campo Grande
It seems like an unusual place for such a park, but remember that this is the largest park in central Lisbon. The park is 11 football pitches large, with a circumference of 2.7 kilometers.
Passeio Público
Jardim do Campo Grande is located in the municipality of Campo Grande. In the 16th century the park was a Passeio Público (Public Promenade) and the park was called a garden: Campo de Alvalade.
In the beginning when Campo de Alvalade was built, it was inspired by the classic Romantic Promenades from the 19th century. The first horse races were held here in 1816 and traces of them can still be seen in the surrounding area in the form of a hippodrome for the hippique competition.
Renovation and a new name
The park was recently renovated and on 25 April 2018 the southern part was opened with the name Mário Soares: a tribute to a former president, especially known for his political role after the Carnation Revolution of 1974, the birth of modern Portuguese democracy.
Mário Soares lived nearby and died in early 2017.
Students and families
The park is located right next to the campus of the University of Lisbon and no matter what day you arrive in Campo Grande, there are always students out and about here. If the students are not studying, reading or chilling, you can also catch them playing drinking games in the park.
But this park is not only loved by students, it is also a very pleasant place for families. There are plenty of things to do here, such as having a picnic in the grass, or have lunch or dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants.
Our tip is to join in: have a cup of coffee and a snack, rent a rowing boat, walk with your dogs in the dog park. As the Lisboetas describe the park themselves: there is entertainment and activities that never end.
The mix of people and activities makes it one of our favourite parks when we want to chill out in Lisbon. Be sure to relax here and you’ll definitely recharge your batteries for the next hill to climb.
KCame to the park with an appetite and fancy a hotdog? Less than 10 minutes away you’ll find Frankie – the hotdog king of Lisbon. Even if you’re not a hotdog lover, you’re sure to find something you like here.
