One of Lisbon’s best hidden quiet places is the park named Tapada das Necessidades. While Lisbon is known for it’s many small city parks, Tapada das Necessidades is actually huge! It’s the perfect place to wander around, get lost and enjoy the sun and the quietness. In this blog we’ll tell you more about this beautiful park and show why it’s definitely a must visit.
About Tapada das Necessidades
Tapada das Necessidades is a ten-hectare garden, found in between the areas Alcântara and Lapa/Estrela. We’re actually happy that popular travel bloggers don’t talk about this spot quite often, because it’s really a peaceful place! If you love the bigger parks where you can go for a walk without being bothered by loud traffic noises or if you want to spend some time alone, Tapada das Necessidades is definitely the place to go.
Although entering Tapada das Necessidades can be quite a struggle: however the park does have two entrances, it’s not immediately clear where to find them. The first time I (Anna) wanted to visit the park, I walked all the way around the park, climbing the hills in the heat, only to get confused and never make it inside!
So to help you prevent yourself from getting just as frustrated as I did, I included some screenshots of the entrances on Google Maps at the end of this blog.
The history of Tapada das Necessidades
The story of Tapada das Necessidades begins already in the year 1604(!), with a small chapel that was built dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Necessidades (Our Lady of Needs). The story behind this little chapel (that’s now completely worn out) is actually quite interesting.
The chapel was built by a couple of weavers who had sought refuge from the Black Death (bubonic plague) in Ericeira, who believed Our Lady of Health had protected them. As a way to show their gratitude for surviving, they built this chapel.
The view over Lisbon’s most beautiful bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) from Tapada is stunning!
It was only until 1742 that the surrounding farmland was acquired and used to build a grand complex that included a large chapel. King João V commissioned some Italian architects to build a convent for the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, and a palace for royal residence. Until this day the baroque-style design, which was typical for many catholic countries in the 16th century, is still very visible in Tapada das Necessidades.
What to do in Tapada das Necessidades?
If you love walking then you’ll definitely enjoy your time in the park Tapada das Necessidades. It’s actually amazing to walk all around the park from one entrance to another. If you want to walk down we can for sure recommend to walk from the North entrance (Rua do Borja all the way down to the South entrance. The other way around is a bit of a climb, but at least you can skip your booty work-out in the gym ;-).
Also if you’re a sun lover like me, Tapada das Necessidades is the place to go. Even in winter time there’s a lot of sun on the big grass field (closer to the southern part of the park). The best time to catch sun is between 13h-17h and 16h in winter time. Especially on sunny weekends you’ll see everybody chatting, picknicking, reading or playing games on a blanket on the grass.
Also the park offers picknick tables where you’ll see people celebrate birthdays and other events. But make sure to go early if you’d like to conquer a table.
Other than that: Tapada das Necessidades has a big cactus garden where you can eat your heart out if you’re a nature lover like us. Also Tapada das Necessidades is home to many beautiful peacocks, chickens, cats and even (sorry not sorry) rats – especially on wet winter days you’ll see them hopping around the little ponds.
One thing you really need to know is that Tapada das Necessidades doesn’t offer a kiosk and also the toilets are temporarily closed (which is Portuguese for most probably forever). So make sure to come with an empty blatter and bring some drinks and snacks.
Explore the best parks in Lisbon
Besides Tapada das Necessidades Lisbon offers many more beautiful parks where you can wind down and relax. Other parks that we regularly go to are Parque Eduardo VII and Jardim da Estrela. If you want to read more about our favorite parks, definitely check out our other blogposts.
Where to find Tapada das Necessidades?
Address: Calçada Necessidades, Lisboa
How to enter: Via entrance North (Rua do Borja) or entrance South (Calçada Livramento/Largo das Necessidades)
How to get there with public transport: Take bus line 727, 714 or 713 and get off at Praça Armada or at Alcântara
Opening hours: Tapada das Necessidades is open from 8-18h in winter time and from 8-20h in summer time. The entrance is free.
The two entrances of Tapada das Necessidades
Use the north entrance at Rua do Borja or the south entrance on the second screenshot (ingang is Dutch for entrance ;-)).
Did you already know about Tapada das Necessidades?
