Jardim da Cerca da Graça is a public garden in Lisbon's Graça neighbourhood, opened in 2015 on the grounds of the former walled enclosure (cerca) of the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Graça. For centuries this land was inaccessible to the public; the conversion of the neglected conventual garden into a large urban park was one of Lisbon City Council's most acclaimed urban regeneration projects of the decade. The garden descends in terraces down the hillside, offering one of the best elevated views over the Mouraria district, the São Jorge Castle, and the Tagus River in the distance. Native and fruit-bearing trees shade the upper terraces, and a small café-kiosk operates a wooden terrace near the summit with an outlook rivalling the nearby Miradouro da Graça. The garden's authenticity lies in its clientele: it is used almost exclusively by residents of the surrounding neighbourhood — elderly men playing cards, parents with children, teenagers on benches — rather than tourists, giving it a local atmosphere rare in central Lisbon. A children's playground and several flat open lawns make it popular with families on weekends. The garden is free, open daily, and accessible by Tram 28 at the Graça stop. A visit takes 45–90 minutes, more if using the café. The neighbouring Miradouro da Graça is 150 metres away and makes a natural combined stop.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 09:00–20:00
- Best time
- Weekend mornings when the café is busy with locals
Location
Calçada do Monte, 1170-256 Lisboa
38.7185, -9.1284 View on map
Highlights
- Terraced hilltop garden with castle and Tagus panorama from a peaceful neighbourhood setting
- Former 16th-century convent enclosure opened as a public park in 2015
- Café-kiosk terrace with views comparable to the nearby Miradouro da Graça
- Authentic local atmosphere — used by residents rather than tourists
- Children's playground and open lawns in a central Lisbon hilltop location
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a Saturday morning when the café terrace is busy with locals and the atmosphere is most lively
- Combine with Miradouro da Graça 150 metres away for a paired hilltop view experience
- The upper terrace offers the widest view — walk to the highest point first before descending
- The garden has no ticket or entry fee — bring a picnic or buy drinks at the kiosk
- Tram 28 stops directly below at the Graça stop — convenient from Alfama or the Baixa
When to visit
Weekend mornings when the café terrace is at its most lively. Clear mornings in spring and autumn provide the best views of São Jorge Castle and the Tagus.
Accessibility
The upper terrace and café area are largely accessible via paved paths from the main entrance at Calçada do Monte. Lower terraced sections involve steps and are not fully wheelchair accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Jardim da Cerca da Graça free?
Yes — the garden is free to enter and open daily. The café-kiosk charges normal bar prices for drinks and snacks.
How does this garden differ from the nearby Miradouro da Graça?
The garden is larger, has more green space and walking paths, and is used primarily by residents rather than tourists. The miradouro has a more open belvedere format with a more tourist-facing café.
Is the garden accessible for wheelchair users?
The garden has a mix of paved and unpaved paths. The upper terrace near the café is flat and accessible; the lower terraces involve steps on some routes.