đż A Peaceful Oasis in the Middle of Lisbon âïžâïžâïžâïžâïž (5/5) We stumbled upon Jardim da Estrela on a warm afternoon, and it turned out to be one of the most peaceful and refreshing places we visited in Lisbon. Itâs more than just a public park â it feels like a little urban sanctuary. The garden is beautifully maintained, filled with exotic plants, huge trees offering generous shade, and winding paths that invite you to slow down. What really stood out for me was the birdsong â there were so many birds, and their constant, melodic chirping made the whole place feel like a live sound bath. Itâs incredibly soothing. If you have the time, donât just walk through. Find a quiet corner, sit down, breathe, and maybe even meditate. This place is perfect for that. Itâs not just visually calming, it actually sounds calming too. There are also benches, fountains, a lovely gazebo, and a charming little cafĂ© nearby if you want to sit and sip something while watching the world go by. Families, joggers, solo readers, and locals chatting on benches all seem to coexist naturally here. It has a very authentic Lisbon energy â not overly touristy, just real life unfolding in a gorgeous setting.
Quick Ratings: Atmosphere: 10/10 Birdsong & Nature Vibe: 10/10 Relaxation Potential: 11/10 Accessibility: 10/10 Instagram View: 8.5/10 Highly recommend making time for it â especially if youâre feeling overstimulated by the city. Itâs the kind of place that quietly resets your mood.
If this helped, Iâd love a đ â and donât forget to breathe deeply when...
   Read moreIt looks nice on the surface, but itâs VERY badly kept (burned lawns, broken glass, dog feces and cigarette buds) literally everywhere. The layout is great, but it is really run down, and good luck finding any table at any of the very mediocre cafes in the park that wouldnât be engulfed in cigarette smoke. Pro tip: visit after 6pm on weekdays or else be prepared to not only hear an approaching overhead passenger jet every minute or so, but also incredibly intrusive construction work from the (many) huge neighboring building projects that seemingly never get finished and are dragging on since yearsâŠ
As a sidenote, the public restrooms close to the entrance are appalling; dirty, smelly, not exactly wheelchair accessible and sketchy at night.
Once the first excitement for Lisbonâs beauty has worn off, this park among many others revels itself to the visitor as a sad example of the state of things in Lisbon. Most invested money seems to go exclusively to gentrification related activities like high (over) priced luxury apartments, and international branded boring stores, and not into much improvement or upkeep of...
   Read moreI recently spent a peaceful afternoon at Jardim da Estrela in Lisbon, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots in the city. Located directly across from the grand BasĂlica da Estrela, this romantic-style park was inaugurated in 1852 and offers a refreshing blend of history, nature, and community life. The park spans 4.6 hectares and features winding paths shaded by exotic trees like jacarandas and ginkgoes, as well as beautifully maintained flower beds and small lakes with ducks and turtles. One of the standout features is the wrought-iron bandstand, originally built in 1884 and relocated here in 1936, which adds a touch of old-world charm. Families and locals gather here, especially on weekends, to enjoy the playgrounds, picnic areas, and the cafĂ© with outdoor seating that serves light meals and drinks. The park is free to enter and open daily from 7 am to midnight, making it an accessible and welcoming space for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax, take a leisurely stroll, or immerse yourself in a bit of Lisbon's history, Jardim da Estrela offers a serene and delightful escape from the city's...
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