Mário Soares Garden

Mário Soares Garden (Jardim Mário Soares) is a long, narrow public park in Lisbon's Alvalade district. Until 2018 it was known as the Jardim do Campo Grande; the current name honours Mário Soares, the former Portuguese president. It is one of the capital's larger green spaces and a good place to slow down between sights.

Where is it and how is it laid out?

The park covers roughly 13.4 hectares. It is a strip up to about 150 metres wide that runs northwest for around 1.2 kilometres, squeezed between the two carriageways of Campo Grande avenue. It begins close to the Campo Grande metro station, so getting there from central Lisbon is easy without a car.

Avenida do Brasil crosses the garden and splits it into a northern and a southern section. That gives a walk a natural rhythm: explore one half, cross the busy road, then continue through the other.

Where does the name come from, and what is its history?

The garden was laid out in the 19th century and for a long time was simply the Jardim do Campo Grande. The Mário Soares name was adopted in 2018. Many local guides and residents still use the old name, so it helps to know both when searching maps or reading reviews.

Portuguese sources describe the Campo Grande area as historically significant going back to the Middle Ages. In 1869, under King Luís I, work began on the main lake, which became a spot for rowing-boat outings popular with nobles and the royal family.

What is there to see?

• The lake. The centrepiece of the garden. Rowing boats are available, and paths run along the water.
• Sculptures and monuments. Statues of kings Afonso Henriques and John I, busts of figures from Portuguese cultural life, and a monument to the caricaturist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.
• Shade. Tree-lined paths offer relief on hot days, which matters in Lisbon summers.
• Recreation. Playgrounds and sports areas nearby, plus plenty of space for a picnic.
• The kiosk. A distinctive red kiosk that may serve as an open-air cafe.

Who is it for?

The garden suits travellers who want a rest after monuments and museums, families with children, and joggers or casual walkers. The long, straight layout makes it easy to choose your distance: a short stroll by the lake, or the full walk from one end to the other, over a kilometre.

The park can be combined with other plans in Alvalade. Entry is open, as in most public city parks.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mário Soares Garden the same as Jardim do Campo Grande? Yes. Jardim do Campo Grande is the earlier name, changed in 2018. Both are still in use.

How do I get there? The simplest way is the metro to Campo Grande station, next to where the park begins.

How long does it take to walk the whole park? It is about 1.2 km long, so end to end is a matter of minutes. With stops at the lake and monuments, allow an hour or two.

Is the park divided? Yes. Avenida do Brasil separates the northern and southern sections.

Can I go boating? Rowing boats are available on the lake, but check hours and prices on site.