One thing you need to know about Lisbon is that the sunsets are incredibly pretty. And that you’ll have the absolute best view from the other side of the river (the Tagus). In this blogpost we’ll take you on a little journey to Jardim do Rio, our favorite park at the other side of the famous red bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril), and show you why it’s worth the trip.
Exploring Lisbon across the river
If you visit Lisbon for the first time, you’ll probably be more likely to stay around the center. But, Lisbon has many more beautiful places that are only a short trip away and easily accessible with public transport – like a real tourist does ;-). We highly recommend to also explore the other side of the river, especially when you want to escape Lisbon’s busyness.
Jardim do Rio
One of our favorite places across the river is Jardim do Rio, from where you’ll have the best sunset view in Lisbon. Jardim do Rio is the perfect place for a sunset picknick with friends, but is also great for a romantic date – as you can imagine. And not only that, it’s also a budget friendly activity! Just bring a blanket, some homemade food and drinks and gather your friends.
You’ll have an amazing evening with your favorite people for sure, filled with laughter and good conversations.
Sunset dinner tip: Ponto final
If you want to go for a romantic sunset dinner, we recommend restaurant Ponto Final. They have a nice terrace right at the waterside (see picture above). It’s the perfect place to have dinner on a warm summer night! Since it’s a popular and Instagram worthy place, you’ll need to make a reservation. Especially in summer season, there’s always people lined up, waiting for a table.
When you don’t feel like waiting, just walk a little bit further to get to Jardim do Rio. Good to know: in summer there’s a cocktailbar in the park where you can get the most delicious drinks – or just a cold cerveja, as you prefer. Also there are toilets close to the park, but it’ll be smart to bring some toilet paper ;-).
The best sunset in Lisbon
Let’s be honest: watching the sunset from the other side of the Tagus river is breathtaking, especially on a clear summer day. Luckily Lisbon has these kind of days almost every day during summer season. Note that it’s always a bit colder at the other side of the river – due to the breeze of the Atlantic Ocean. It can be smart to bring a warm sweater or jacket for when the sun sets and the temperature drops, so you can enjoy the park for some more hours if you like.
If we tell you that the sunset from Jardim do Rio is AMAZING, we’re not lying! 😉
How to get to Jardim do Rio
Luckily Lisbon is super well connected to places at the other side of the bridge, like Cacilhas, Almeda and Trafaria.
Public transport: Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas. It’s a very short trip (about 15 min.) and then 15 min. walking at the waterside to Jardim do Rio. The ferries go every 20 minutes and a return trip costs about €3.
Did you ever go for a sunset picknick at Jardim do Rio?
