If you suffer from agrophobia (fear of crowds) or simply wish to delve deeper, here is a guide to uncovering hidden Gems in Lisbon for the discerning visitor. In a country renowned for exploration, it is sometimes preferable to continue looking. Particularly if you’re up for some adventure.
Tapada das Necessidades
Unlike the majority of cities, Lisbon lacks a central green space. It has parks on the periphery, parks in passageways, and primarily concealed parks. Which only adds to the city’s mystery and romantic atmosphere. One of these is Tapada das Necessidades.
It’s one of the key green locations visible from afar for anyone entering Lisbon through the 25 de Abril Bridge. However, there is a problem of not knowing precisely where the entrance to this massive garden is.
It’s an incredible garden. It is close to Necessidades Palace, which houses the Foreign Ministry’s services today. However, since its inception in 1742, it has been a garden for the King and Queen, created in the British manner.
For many years, the garden was neglected, but is now restored to its former glory and is once again in the hands of Lisbon’s inhabitants. A lovely spot for a visit, a stroll, or a picnic. From the garden, there are spectacular views of the city.
Livraria do Simão
Lisbon is home to one of the tiniest and most wacky booksellers in the world, Livraria Simão. It is designed to fit only one person. Despite its small size, the library contains 4,000 volumes. While the majority are in Portuguese, there are a few in other languages. If you choose to browse, the proprietor exits and you enter.
Address: Escadinhas de S. Cristóvo 18, Lisbon 1100-119
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., and some Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Fonte Luminosa – Light, water and magic
Monumental 1940 fountain in a park, with sculptures of Triton & mermaids, plus evening light shows.
Have you ever visited Barcelona’s magnificent brilliant fountain or Rome’s lovely and bustling Fontana di Trevi?
Well, Lisbon’s Fonte Luminosa is a hybrid of the two, with the added benefit of being frequently less crowded. Normally, it’s just locals, children playing in the grass, people walking their dogs, and couples dating (it’s a particularly romantic spot), which all contribute to the tranquil, familiar ambience.
You can observe the play of light on water from a variety of vantage points. Additionally, there is an excellent view of the city from above.
Address: Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques, 1900-221 Lisboa, Portugal
Jardim do Campo Grande
A boat trip inside the city. The best alternative is to combine the boat journey with a stroll down to the patio and a cup of coffee at CASA do Lago’ bar/restaurant.
Formerly an area of isolation and manors with trees erected under the reign of Dona Maria in the nineteenth century. The current scene, which includes a lake and clusters of palm trees, was created in 1950 by Keil do Amaral. It is approximately one kilometre in length and features a variety of statuary, sports equipment, a playground, a picnic area, and a lake where small rowing boats may be rented.
Pool, WC, Tables & benches, Restaurant, Bar/snack-bar, Playground.
Escadinhas de São Cristóvão – Graffiti tribute
A tribute to the neighbourhood in which this work of art was created and to Portugal’s most popular song, the Fado, which was born in the same neighbourhood.
Located near one of the city’s countless small staircases, this wall was created by several artists to honour everything that contributes to the neighbourhood’s identity: the old ladies conversing at their doors, the guy with a glass of wine, the priest of the church of São Cristóvão, the saint himself – Saint Christopher (São Cristóvão in Portuguese), the fadistas (fado singers), and the musicians.
This work was curated by M.A.S.C. – Movimento os Amigos de São Cristóvão, a citizen project started by a group of friends who met on the same street when they moved to São Cristóvão.
AGUAS LIVRES AQUEDUCT
Walking through the Aguas Livres Aqueduct is like walking through history.
The 1755 earthquake largely damaged Lisbon’s historic centre. The Aguas Livres Aqueduct, constructed in 1748 to deliver water from nearby Sintra, 14 kilometres away, survived the cataclysm shortly after completion. Miraculously, it was one of the few magnificent structures that remained standing.
It is the largest, if not the most expansive, Lisbon monument visible. And, most likely, the oldest. And having the opportunity to walk in this historic place is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a massive architectural piece of history that remains exactly as it was nearly 300 years ago.
We get to see the vistas from both sides, as the path is divided in the middle by two paths. And down below, we see these extremely gorgeous tiny communities that are truly unique in comparison to the rest of the city. You get a fantastic view of the Alcantara valley, with Lisbon on one side and the Monsanto forest and the “25 de Abril” bridge on the other. The aqueduct’s pedestrian section connects Amoreiras to the Monsanto forest. Regrettably, the Monsanto exit is usually locked.
Water Museum – Mãe d´Água das Amoreiras Reservoir
Designed in 1746 by the Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel, this reservoir was built to receive and distribute the water carried by the Águas Livres Aqueduct.
While strolling through Lisbon, one cannot but notice the city’s 19-kilometre-long 18th-century aqueduct. What many people do not realise is that the aqueduct empties into a magnificently built reservoir known as the Mãe d’Água (Mother of Water).
With a depth of 7.5 metres, this reservoir stands out inside the structure. At the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic deck with views of Lisbon.
On the reservoir’s western side stands the Register House, which was used to regulate water flows to fountains, enterprises, convents, and noble mansions. Since 1910, it has been designated a National Monument.
Mãe D’Água Amoreiras Reservoir
Praça das Amoreiras, 10
Estrela District
Lisbon
Museum Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 to 17:30
Closed Mondays & Holidays
