Monsanto Forest Park Lisbon
Lisbon's largest green space, offering extensive hiking, biking, and stunning city vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Monsanto Forest Park Lisbon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lisbon's largest green space, offering extensive hiking, biking, and stunning city vistas.
"An underrated urban oasis perfect for escaping the city and enjoying nature."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven and rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views from Miradouro de Monsanto
Miradouro de Monsanto
Soak in breathtaking cityscapes from this elevated viewpoint. Perfect for sunset photos.

Adventure on Mountain Biking Trails
Various trails throughout the park
Explore miles of dedicated paths for thrilling mountain biking adventures.

Tranquil Picnic Spots
Designated picnic areas
Enjoy a leisurely meal amidst nature. Pack your own food and remember to leave no trace.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails: Your Monsanto Adventure
Getting to Lisbon's Green Oasis
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven and rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
Monsanto Hiking
Nature?
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities within the park.
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful park pristine by taking all your waste with you.
Parque Florestal de Monsanto in Lisbon
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven and rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities within the park.
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful park pristine by taking all your waste with you.
🚴♀️ Bike Rentals Available
Consider renting a bike to cover more ground and enjoy the dedicated trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Monsanto Forest Park for its vast green spaces, extensive trail network for hiking and biking, and stunning city views from its viewpoints. It's considered an underrated gem for escaping the urban hustle. However, some find access points confusing and wish for more amenities like cafes within the park.
"wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it the oxygen bank of Lisbon. In a city that has gradually transformed into a concrete jungle, Monsanto Park stands as a vital green lung, offering much-needed fresh air and tranquility to the residents of Lisbon. Sprawling across a vast area, this lush urban forest not only provides a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life but also plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance."
Aik Banjara
"Easy to get to by public transport. In our case Bolt was cheaper though. The park is huge and there is lots of different trails for hiking, mountain biking and so forth. Look your trail up beforehand and do not pick the one around 8km. It took us to see everything but it didn’t really feel like a cohesive route."
A
"Park with great views to the city. Offers many paths for mountain biking, hiking or running. We walked from the city center (5km) and had some 5-6km in the park with great views and nature connection."
Vesa Suontama
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Monsanto Forest Park via bus lines like 711, 729, or 758, which stop near various park entrances. Some Reddit users suggest using specific GPS coordinates for easier access points, like 38.7366069, -9.1726341.
Driving is also an option, with parking available at several locations.Yes, several bus lines serve the park. However, direct access to all trailheads might require some walking from the bus stop.
Absolutely! Neighborhoods like Benfica, Buraca, Alfragide, Restelo, and Ajuda offer direct walking access to the park.
The best entrance depends on where you want to explore. Some prefer the Sete Rios access for trails towards Benfica or the old restaurant.
Others find entrances near Alfragide convenient for picnic areas.The park has marked trails, but it's vast. Downloading offline maps or using a GPS device is highly recommended, especially for longer hikes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Monsanto Forest Park is a public space and entry is free for all visitors.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific facility hours may vary.
Some sports facilities within the park may have separate usage fees or require booking. It's best to check with the specific facility beforehand.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Monsanto Forest Park, but they must be kept on a leash in most areas.
While official guided tours are not widely advertised, local groups or individuals sometimes organize nature walks. Keep an eye on local event listings.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, bird watching, and exploring the various viewpoints and sports facilities.
Yes, there are many well-maintained trails suitable for beginners. Look for wider, flatter paths closer to the main entrances.
Definitely! There are open spaces for kids to play, picnic areas, and easier walking trails.
There are several designated picnic areas with tables and benches scattered throughout the park. Some are near the main entrances, while others are more secluded.
You might spot various bird species, squirrels, and other small urban wildlife. It's a great place for nature observation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited food and drink options directly within the park. It's best to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
The surrounding neighborhoods like Benfica and Alfragide offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets.
Barbecues are generally not permitted in Monsanto Forest Park to prevent wildfires. Stick to picnicking.
Potable water fountains are scarce. It's crucial to bring enough water for your entire visit.
Pack sandwiches, snacks, fruits, and plenty of water. Don't forget a blanket or mat to sit on and trash bags to take everything with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The Miradouro de Monsanto offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon. The winding trails and lush greenery also provide beautiful photographic opportunities.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful soft light for landscape and portrait photography.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in urban parks. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone.
Expect a mix of urban landscapes from viewpoints, dense forest scenes, and action shots if you're into biking or hiking photography.
Yes, the Miradouro de Monsanto is specifically designed for viewing and photographing the city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families include bringing plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Consider bringing a frisbee or ball for outdoor games. While there aren't dedicated playgrounds, the natural environment itself provides endless opportunities for imaginative play.
🚴♀️ Adventure Seekers & Cyclists
Tips for cyclists: Renting a bike in Lisbon is a great option if you don't have your own. Ensure your bike is in good condition and that you have a repair kit. Always wear a helmet and protective gear. Be mindful of hikers and other park users, and yield to them on shared paths.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Monsanto's Trails
Key to successful navigation is preparation. Cell service can be unreliable within the park, so downloading offline maps of the area is highly recommended. Some visitors suggest using specific GPS coordinates to find convenient access points or points of interest within the vast park. Always inform someone of your planned route and expected return time, especially if venturing on longer or more remote trails.
Remember to respect the natural environment. Stick to marked paths to avoid damaging vegetation and wildlife habitats. Carry out all your trash, leaving no trace behind, to help preserve this urban oasis for everyone.
Experiencing the Park's Vistas
Beyond the main viewpoint, numerous smaller clearings and elevated spots throughout the park provide unique vantage points. These less-known spots can offer a more intimate connection with the landscape and a quieter photography experience. Keep an eye out for these hidden gems as you explore the trails. The contrast between the dense forest and the sprawling urban landscape is a photographer's dream, offering diverse compositions.
For those seeking a more active way to enjoy the views, consider combining your exploration with a hike or bike ride that leads to these scenic overlooks. The effort is well worth the reward of seeing Lisbon unfold before you.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit