In the middle of Lisbon, but not downtown, is a stretch of greenery called Parque do Campo Grande that runs from Entrecampos Station to Campo Grande (where you’ll find another metro station and the Sporting Stadium). If you are staying nearby or find yourself in the area, it’s worth walking through this little oasis, which has some little hidden gems for locals and visitors alike.
So what is there to see and do in this park?
Row boats on a small lake. To me, this was the highlight of Parque do Campo Grande. It was just such an unexpected thing to find between two busy roads. Apart from the noisy airplanes that fly pretty low due to the close proximity to the airport, you would never actually know you were in the middle of the city. The trees and bushes surrounding the lake shield you from the sights and sounds of traffic. You can rent a row boat for 1-3 people for 30 minutes for €7, but you can also go for longer for a few more euros, if you wish. Overlooking the small lake is a bar/restaurant called Casa do Lago, which I have yet to try, but I know they serve breakfast, brunch, and other meals (and yes, they even have happy hour).
Playground for kids & a kiosk for the adults. Further down towards Entrecampos is a cute little playground for kids featuring a cool jungle gym. It’s fully-enclosed for peace of mind, and right next to it is a cute kiosk (quiosque) for the adults to sit, relax, and hydrate while the kids play.
Sports and fitness. The park features tennis courts and paddle tennis courts. For more information, check out the Padel Campo Grande website (it’s in Portuguese only, but you can always call up for more information in English). There’s also an indoor gym (GO fit) with pools, gym classes, and various exercise rooms.
Food. If all the sight-seeing has made you hungry, stop in for a bite at one of the restaurants and bars in the park. Aside from the idyllic Casa do Lago mentioned above, there is also BarNeário: a gorgeous, almost hidden converted bathhouse that is now a gastro bar (image below) that boasts indoor and outdoor seating. There’s also an Italian restaurant called Tutti a Tavola.
A dog park. If you happen to be traveling with your four-legged family members, take them along to the dog park in the Campo Grande park so they can mingle with the local dogs off leash and burn off some canine energy.
Hidden gems. I stumbled upon this little pond in the the Parque do Campo Grande with some fun swirly walkways. Your inner child will be very happy running along these. There are also statues, old and new, waiting to be admired by passersby.
Next time you happen to find yourself in this part of the city, take a little time to drop into this park – a place you might otherwise have overlooked. It is just one of many unexpected finds that Portugal’s beautiful capital has to offer.
At the beggining of the park, i really suggest that you visit Palacio Pimenta, which includes inside the exquisite Jardim Bordallo Pinheiro
That one is worthy of its own dedicated post! I’ll add it to my list!