Jardim do Principe Real is one of Lisbon’s most beautiful parks. It is a wonderful spot to relax with a friend or a book. You can enjoy coffee, wine, or a bite to eat, as there is a cafe in the middle of the garden, and a kiosk on two of the corners.
How to get to Jardim do Príncipe Real
In order to get to Jardim do Príncipe Real, from Baixa take the Ascensor da Glória How to get to Bairro Alto? (Hint: Take the Glória Funicular) up to Bairro Alto. Pass by the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara on your right, enter onto Rua Dom Pedro V, and continue straight until you see the park.
From Chiado, take tram 24E.
From Cais do Sodré, Praça Luíz de Camões, or Calhariz, take bus 22B (It is actually a van) or you can walk up the long incline until you eventually reach Rua Dom Pedro V.
GPS Coordinates: 38.71649650255252, -9.148706373406442
History of Jardim do Príncipe Real
Joäo Gomes da Silva Teles had planned to build a palace on this site, but his plans were never realized.
Years after the failed project, (300 years ago) the land became the Bairro Alto landfill.
A religious school was later built on the land, but that was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake.
A cathedral was also proposed for the site, as well as the national treasury – another project that ended up being too expensive to complete.
The land was destined to become one of the most tranquil spots in Lisbon to enjoy a cup of coffee or wine.
In 1830, the land was cleared and a plaza was created. By 1853, a garden was planted, and in 1859 it was named Garden of the Royal Prince, after the son of Queen Maria II.
In the center of the garden is a 100-year-old cedar tree, O Cedro do Buçaco. There is also a fountain and a small lake.
Below the park is a concrete water reservoir, which holds special events, and is open to the public on weekends. Also on Saturdays the Jardim do Príncipe Real hosts a farmers’ market, and there is a craft fair here on the last Saturday and Monday of each month.
Príncipe Real is a fashionable neighborhood, and it is also the center of Lisbon’s LGBTQ community with many gay bars and hotels that cater to LGBTQ travelers. This sculpture above, created in 2017, is dedicated to the victims of homophobia.
The Park of the Royal Prince also has monuments to França Borges, Antero de Quental, and Sousa Viterbo.
Hotels near Jardim do Príncipe Real
1869 Principe Real House
Travessa Abarracamento de Perniche 14
A chic, modern hotel with high ceilings and large windows, environmental principles, and a touch of vintage. A premium suite with a living room (fold-out bed) and a double bed starts at €279.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/1869-principe-real.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Memmo Principe Real
Memmo Principe Real
Rua Dom Pedro, 56J
Hotel Memmo Principe Real has an outdoor pool with a lounge and panoramic views of Lisbon.
Memmo Principe Real has an onsite restaurant – Cafe Principe Real, that provides breakfast, snacks, and cocktails throughout the day. Airconditioned, sound-proofed, Exclusive double rooms start at $430 per night. Guests are provided with bathrobes, slippers, and Hermes Toiletries.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/memmo-principe-real.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Principe Real Apartments
Rua de O Século, 196, first floor
Each apartment has wifi, heating, AC, a living room, a kitchen with a stove, a microwave, and a living room. Bedrooms have a double bed.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/o-seculo-196-i.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Independente Hostel and Suites
Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara 61
Originally designed to be the home of the Swiss Ambassador, it now houses 11 dorms and 22 suites.
There are two restaurants on-site, and a communal area where guests can interact and take in performances by local musicians.
The suites are decorated with vintage design pieces that convey the feeling of a 19th-century palace. Each suite has a double queen-size bed, WIFI, safe, coffee machine, AC, TV and a sofa bed.
The dorm rooms are 6, 9, or 12 bedrooms. There is also an all-female dorm. Each room has high ceilings with tall windows offering views of the city and the river. Lockers and air-conditioning are provided.
What else is near Jardim de Príncipe Real?
- Ascensor da Glória – How to get to Bairro Alto? (Hint: Take the Glória Funicular) This funicular will take you from the low-lying Baixa neighborhood up a long, steep, graffiti and mural-laden alley, dropping you off right next to the
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara, a park with scenic views of the Baixa, the river, and the castle on the opposite hill. During the month of June, this is the site of a nightly street party. São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint – How to visit and what to see
- Igreja de São Roque – I will go out on a limb and say that this is one of the most beautiful churches in the world. São Roque Church in Lisbon – What to know before visiting
- Bar Pavilhão Chines – Ring the doorbell at Rua Dom Pedro V, 89 in order to enter Lisbon’s most famous secret bar, featuring four rooms stuffed with collectibles and fantastic cocktails.
- A Cevicheria – This restaurant focuses on one thing – seafood, particularly ceviche, and they do it beautifully. Truthfully, their cocktails are also very good – especially the pisco sour, and the desert looks fantastic as well. Rua Dom Pedro V, 129. For more seafood suggestions, see my article, Finding the best seafood in Lisbon
- Embaixada – Located on Rua Dom Pedro V right across the street from the Jardim do Principe Real, this beautiful 19th-century mansion has been converted into boutique shops and also offers a beautiful gin bar.
If you are interested in other parks in Lisbon, see my post, Parque Eduardo VII | Lisbon’s Central Park – What you should know
Thank you for reading about Jardim do Principe Real – The Garden of the Royal Prince. If you book a hotel through one of the links on this page, I will receive a commission. That will not raise the price you pay. Thank you for your support!
