Parque Eduardo VII

Parque Eduardo VII is the big park at the top of Avenida da Liberdade, right in the centre of Lisbon. It’s about 25 hectares of lawns, paths and trees rising up the hill from the Marquês de Pombal roundabout, and from the top there’s a view straight down the avenue to the Tagus. For children, the reason to come is the playground, whose centrepiece is a wooden pirate ship.

The park was first called Parque da Liberdade. It was renamed in 1903 after King Edward VII of England visited Lisbon, a visit meant to reaffirm the old alliance between the two countries. The architect Francisco Keil do Amaral finished its layout in 1942, with a long central lawn edged by Portuguese cobbled paths.

The playground sits behind Clube VII and next to the Estufa Fria greenhouse, on the side of the park. It’s a sand playground rather than a rubber-floored one, and Time Out, KidsToGo and Wikipedia all describe its main feature as a wooden pirate ship, or galleon. Around it are swings, slides and climbing equipment, and there’s shade from the trees.

KidsToGo suggests it for roughly ages 3 to 10. Toddlers tend to spend most of the time in the sand, while older children use the ship for pirate games and climbing. Bring a bucket and spade if your toddler likes digging, and expect to empty shoes afterwards.

Time Out gives the playground’s hours as 09:00 to 20:00. KidsToGo lists different hours, so if you’re planning an early or late visit, check on the day.

Close to the playground there’s a lake with ducks and large carp, which is usually enough to keep a small child happy for a while. Elsewhere in the park you’ll find:

• The Estufa Fria, a greenhouse garden of plants from around the world, with separate paid entry.
• Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, an ornate pavilion built in the style of the 18th-century King João V.
• The viewpoint at the top of the park, looking down Avenida da Liberdade to the river.
• The monument to 25 April by the sculptor João Cutileiro, which commemorates the 1974 revolution.

The park climbs the hill from Marquês de Pombal to the viewpoint, so walking the length of it with a buggy is hard work.

The Beca Beca kiosk beside the playground sells meals, drinks and snacks, and there are picnic tables nearby. Visit Portugal also mentions a picnic area near the pavilion. We couldn’t find reliable information on public toilets by the playground, so plan around the kiosk or a café nearby.

Parque Eduardo VII is Lisbon’s main events ground. The Lisbon Book Fair (Feira do Livro de Lisboa) fills the paths with stalls each year, and at Christmas the park hosts Wonderland Lisboa, a winter fair with rides and lights. Both are listed on our What’s on page. They make the park very busy, and the playground gets crowded on those days.

• The Jardim Gulbenkian, a calm garden with ducks and turtles, a short trip north.
• Sandcastle in Avenidas Novas, a family-friendly café.
• Manga Ramen near Marquês de Pombal for noodles.
• The Museu da Marioneta, Lisbon’s puppet museum, for a rainy afternoon.

Is there a playground in Parque Eduardo VII?

Yes. It’s a sandy playground with a wooden pirate ship, swings, slides and climbing equipment, behind Clube VII and next to the Estufa Fria.

Is the Parque Eduardo VII playground free?

Yes. The park and playground are free. Only the Estufa Fria greenhouse charges for entry.

What time does the playground open?

Time Out lists 09:00 to 20:00. Check on the day if you’re going early or late.

Is it good for toddlers?

Yes. The sand area suits toddlers, and the ship and climbing frames suit older children. KidsToGo suggests it for roughly ages 3 to 10.

Is Parque Eduardo VII buggy-friendly?

The playground area is manageable, but the main lawn and paths climb steeply from Marquês de Pombal to the viewpoint, which is hard work with a buggy.