The Calouste Gulbenkian feels like one of Lisbon’s best kept secrets. Not only does it house one of the world’s finest private art collections – everything from Egyptian treasures to Old Masters and Impressionist paintings – but it has a fantastic outdoor space which is worth visiting on its own. The gardens are free and our favourite place for an al fresco lunch or to visit at the weekend – it’s a real go-to for locals. The gardens were created in the late 1960’s and as well as a lake and sculptures, there is an amphitheatre that holds open air concerts and an artisanal ice cream shop and cafe.
To get there, it’s a half an hour walk from The Vintage – head down the Avenida da Liberdade to the Parque Eduardo VII and the Gulbenkian is to the north of the park. Or an uber or taxi will get you there twice as quickly and will save the uphill walk on the way back! Ask for our map and directions at the front desk.
Check the full agenda for exhibitions and concerts of Calouste Gulbenkian here.
Two top tips while you’re there: Ground Burger, quite possibly Lisbon’s best burger restaurant, is round the corner so worth a visit. Also check out ‘Under the Cover’, a tiny mecca for bibliophiles that stocks only the best contemporary magazines and books from around the globe – think artful coffee table tomes and design favourites.