Traveling to a new city for a half marathon always ends up being a fight between what you should do (rest your legs), and what you want to do (see the city). After running a half marathon every month last year in a new city, I know this struggle well. I want to see everything, who knows when the next time I will be back is? But, I recognize that I also need to save my legs because they are going to be working hard on Sunday.

If you’re looking for someone to plan a vacation around the Lisbon Half or Full Marathon for you, look no further. I offer trip consultations, tailored travel itineraries, and end-to-end trip planning. I even support running clubs traveling in large groups.

Having lived in Lisbon for several years, I built this guide to help runners traveling for the Lisbon half marathon, or anyone who just has to fit a long run into their trip to Portugal. This guide has something for everyone. Those who love nature will see plenty of options for parks and gardens, and people who want to learn more about history can also visit the castle via the secret route to the top.

Lose Yourself in a Park

One of the best parts of Lisbon is the amazing variety of parks, gardens, and greenhouses. Most of these are free and will also have kiosks for you to grab a bite to continue your carbo-loading.

Jardim da Estrela

Located near the downtown, and along the 28 tram line, this garden has two kiosks and multiple water features. I highly recommend grabbing a seat in the sunshine and people-watching. If you can make it there near noon, you will also be treated to the bells at the Basilica da Estrela. These are some of the nicest in the city, and the gorgeous church provides a lovely backdrop for the park.

Gulbenkian

If you aren’t sure if you want to look at art or enjoy nature, this is your park. Stepping inside the Gulbenkian feels like you are stepping into a whole new world. With high walls around the perimeter to block the sound of traffic, this park is filled with unique water features, winding paths, and ducks. In the center, you will also find the Gulbenkian Art Gallery, one of the largest collections of fine and contemporary art in Lisbon. Find a seat in this park and rest your legs before your half marathon on Sunday.

Estufa Fria

Unlike the other two locations mentioned, the Estufa Fria does have an entry fee. That being said, it is worth the small price to go in. This garden was created accidentally in the 20th century. Originally a quarry, mining work had to stop when they discovered a freshwater source in the rocks. After being abandoned it was used as the staging ground for the redesign of Avenida Liberdade. Unfortunately, work on the avenue was halted during World War One. Double unfortunately, the trees and plants did not get the memo that this was not their long-term home and started to grow into the grounds of the quarry. Eventually, the city embraced the new area and put a partial cover over the area, gaining the name Estufa Fria, or cold greenhouse.

I don’t often feel like a princess, but when I walk around this greenhouse I do. The paths are gorgeous, with plenty of secrets hidden in plain sight. I highly recommend every visitor to Lisbon take a trip here and sit. Take time out of your day to listen to the birds, the frogs, and the wind blowing through the plants.

Sit at a Cafe

If you are visiting Lisbon to run, this is one of the best ways to feel like a local. Grab a seat at one of the many cafes or kiosks and enjoy the scenery and the people that pass you by. Orange juice is almost always freshly squeezed and a great way to sneak more carbs into your diet. I would give you a recommendation, but any kiosk in a park will be perfect for sitting and watching the world go by.

Visit the São Jorge Castle

I can hear it now, “Sadie, why are you recommending something at the top of a hill? That won’t save my legs”. Rest easy runners, I know how to get to the top of São Jorge Castle with a minimum number of hills and a maximum number of elevators. The first elevator is called Elevador do Castelo on Google Maps, and the second one is located inside the Pingo Doce which is one block from the exit of the first elevator. I’ll throw in another secret – use the Baixa/Chiado metro station to climb to the top of Chiado using escalators (it’s free).

Once at the castle, enjoy the amazing views of the city and the many, many peacocks that cover the grounds. This is also a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.

Ride the Lisbon Hills Red Tram Tour

This is the official tram for tourists in Lisbon that starts in Praca do Comercio. I think it’s the best choice for visitors because the hour-long ride takes you everywhere the 28 tram goes, plus it offers a free audio guide of the city. You also gain access to all the funiculars in the city for free (fewer hills = happier legs). As a bonus, you won’t be pickpocketed, the 28 tram cannot make that promise.

Even after living in Lisbon and studying history, I still learned new things while riding this tram. Every rider is guaranteed a seat, and I highly recommend you check it out.

Visit a Church

I am not a very religious person, but sometimes my marathon training does not go according to plan. If this has happened to you then maybe it is time to say a few prayers. Lisbon has so many beautiful churches across the city, but my favorite is Igreja de São Domingo right next to Rossio. This church has been burnt down multiple times and survived a few earthquakes. You can see its history in the cracked columns and burnt frescos that adorn its walls. It is free to enter for anyone interested.

I wish you the best of luck on your Lisbon Half or Full Marathon, and I hope you enjoy your stay in the city.

If you are looking for new areas to run in the city, I highly recommend that you check out this list of my seven favorite running locations across Lisbon.