Marquês de Pombal

Marquês de Pombal Square is the beating heart of modern Lisbon, best known for its vast roundabout and the majestic statue that stands proudly at its centre. This landmark marks the gateway to Lisbon’s downtown area and sits perfectly between Avenida da Liberdade and Eduardo VII Park, in the parish of Coração de Jesus. From here, several of the city’s most important avenues branch out, including Avenida da Liberdade, Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, and Avenida Duque de Loulé.

At the centre of the square, you’ll find the imposing monument dedicated to Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, famously known as the Marquês de Pombal, the statesman who led Lisbon’s reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake. Today, the area around the square is one of the city’s most prestigious and dynamic districts, surrounded by corporate headquarters, major Portuguese banks, and several of Lisbon’s most iconic 5-star hotels.

One of the best things about Lisbon is how effortlessly it blends peaceful green spaces with a cosmopolitan city vibe, and Parque Eduardo VII is the perfect example of that balance.

Located at the top of Marquês de Pombal Square, this is Lisbon’s largest central park and was named in honour of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, who visited Portugal in 1902 to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries. Before that, it was known as Liberty Park, because of its position just above Avenida da Liberdade.

As you stroll along the elegant calçada portuguesa paths and reach the upper viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most striking panoramas in Lisbon: the Marquês de Pombal monument, the Tagus River, the south bank, and even the distant Arrábida hills on clear days. You’ll also find the 25th of April Memorial, created by sculptor João Cutileiro.

Beyond its views, Parque Eduardo VII is also a lively venue for major city events, including the Lisbon Book Fair, seasonal festivals, and even a Winter Wonderland experience during the Christmas period.

Hidden away in the northwest corner of Parque Eduardo VII, Estufa Fria is one of Lisbon’s most charming hidden gems, a peaceful tropical garden escape right in the city centre.

Originally opened in 1930, this half-hectare horticultural wonderland is divided into three distinct areas: Estufa Fria, Estufa Quente, and Estufa Doce. The main greenhouse, Estufa Fria, is cleverly designed with wooden slats that keep the heat out while allowing natural airflow, creating a humid environment that stays pleasantly comfortable even during summer.

Inside, you’ll wander through winding pathways surrounded by lush vegetation: flowering shrubs, towering palms, tropical plants, waterfalls, and rare trees, some over a century old.

The smaller Estufa Quente is maintained under a glass dome, designed to preserve warmth for species that thrive in higher temperatures. Meanwhile, Estufa Doce offers a completely different atmosphere, showcasing hundreds of cactus species in a compact, desert-style greenhouse.

Often described as one of Europe’s most underrated cultural treasures, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates art, history, and elegance.

Located just northeast of Parque Eduardo VII, the museum is part of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and houses an extraordinary collection spanning centuries and civilisations, from Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artefacts to Islamic and Asian works, alongside beautiful pieces of European art.

The museum underwent a major restoration and modernisation in 2001, refining its exhibitions while maintaining its calm, sophisticated atmosphere.

A highlight in itself is the surrounding Gulbenkian Garden, one of the best examples of Portuguese landscape design. It’s a quiet and inspiring place to unwind, enjoy nature, and explore the diversity of flora while being surrounded by culture.

Elegant, iconic, and undeniably luxurious, Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s most prestigious boulevard and one of the most expensive streets in Europe.

Built in the 19th century and inspired by Paris’ Champs-Élysées, the avenue stretches for 1.6 km, connecting Restauradores Square to Marquês de Pombal Square, and spans more than 90 metres wide. Lined with trees, fountains, grand hotels, and stylish cafés, it’s an avenue where Lisbon truly feels international.

The sidewalk mosaics, designed in traditional Portuguese cobblestone patterns, are worth admiring on their own, but the real attraction is the atmosphere: upscale yet relaxed, perfect for a stroll, a coffee break, or a spot of luxury shopping.

Here, you’ll find flagship boutiques from some of the world’s most exclusive brands, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Tod’s, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Miu Miu, and many more.