Guide to Route 17B: parks, markets and culture on the circuit between Alameda and Desterro

Guide to Route 17B: parks, markets and culture on the circuit between Alameda and Desterro

Route 17B travels through one of Lisbon’s most diverse areas, connecting Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques to Arroios, Estefânia, Campo de Santana, Desterro, Anjos and Intendente on a circuit filled with gardens, markets, viewpoints and cultural spaces.

The route begins at Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques and follows important city arteries such as Avenida Guerra Junqueiro, Praça de Londres, Rua Ponta Delgada and the Estefânia area. It is a route marked by local shops, residential streets, public facilities and a strong university and hospital presence.

In the central section, 17B passes through Gomes Freire, Campo de Santana and Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, bringing passengers close to historic green areas and cultural facilities. It then descends toward Desterro, Anjos, Forno do Tijolo and Intendente, areas known for their gastronomic diversity, traditional architecture and cultural life.

The itinerary provided covers only the outbound direction, with 37 departures on weekdays and 23 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Since the route ends again at Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques, the line operates, according to the data provided, as a circuit service. The distances below are approximate and estimated from the route and stop coordinates, and do not necessarily represent the exact walking distance. The operator and fare were not provided.

Fonte Luminosa and Jardim da Alameda

Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques is one of the landmarks of Lisbon’s eastern-central area. The large garden runs alongside the avenue and is dominated by the Monumental Fountain, known as Fonte Luminosa, a work inaugurated in the 1940s featuring water displays, sculptures and a monumental composition.

It is a good stop for beginning or ending the outing, especially in the late afternoon, when the area takes on a more peaceful atmosphere. The area also serves as a meeting point, a neighborhood promenade and a setting for public events throughout the year.

• 📍 Location: Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: Alameda D. A. Henriques, up to 0.1 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Urban park and tourist attraction.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: Fonte Luminosa combines monumental architecture, sculptures and water displays in one of Alameda’s most emblematic public spaces.

Mercado de Arroios

Between Praça do Chile and Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques, Mercado de Arroios preserves the tradition of Lisbon’s municipal markets. The building, inaugurated in 1942 and later restructured, contains stalls selling fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, flowers, bread, groceries and various dining options.

In addition to everyday shopping, the market stands out for its mix of traditional commerce and international flavors. It also hosts cultural and social events, making it an interesting place to observe daily life in Arroios away from the better-known tourist circuits.

• 📍 Location: Rua Ângela Pinto, Arroios, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: Pç. Chile / Av. Almirante Reis, about 0.3 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Municipal market, commerce and gastronomy.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: The variety of products and restaurants brings together everyday supplies, tradition and gastronomic influences from different communities.

Jardim Constantino

Near Rua Pascoal de Melo, Jardim Constantino is a small green refuge in the heart of Arroios. Created at the end of the 19th century, it has a geometric design, flower beds, a pond with a fountain, a restored kiosk and tile panels inspired by Art Nouveau.

The garden also contains a statue of Prometheus and trees of public interest, including a melaleuca considered unique in the city. With a playground and resting areas, it is a practical option for a break during the journey or for those traveling with children.

• 📍 Location: Between Rua Passos Manuel, Rua Mindelo, Rua José Estêvão and Rua Pascoal de Melo, Arroios.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: R. Pascoal Melo, about 0.1 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Neighborhood garden and outdoor leisure.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: It is a compact, historic and tree-filled space with a pond, tiles, protected trees and a playground.

Jardim do Campo Santana

Officially called Jardim Braamcamp Freire, Jardim do Campo Santana occupies part of Campo dos Mártires da Pátria and offers one of the most pleasant breaks along the central section of 17B. The space has an organic layout, a pond, a terrace, a playground, a dog park and a multi-sports area.

The site’s history is particularly rich: over the centuries, the area has been a slaughterhouse, a bullring and the site of Feira da Ladra. Today, the garden is characterized by protected trees, shaded areas and the statue of Dr. Sousa Martins, opposite the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

• 📍 Location: Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: Campo Santana, about 0.1 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Historic park and leisure area.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: It brings together nature, facilities for different age groups and an unusual urban history in a central area.

Goethe-Institut Lisboa

Located in the historic Palácio Valmor, in Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, Goethe-Institut Lisboa is a cultural center dedicated to the German language and culture. It offers courses, exhibitions, debates, film screenings, concerts, literary activities and workshops.

The inner garden is one of its main attractions. Surrounded by tall trees and diverse vegetation, the space functions as a small urban oasis and can host open-air performances, film screenings and cultural gatherings. The program varies, so checking the schedule before visiting is recommended.

• 📍 Location: Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 37, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: Campo Mártires Pátria, about 0.2 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Cultural center, library and garden.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: It combines a historic palace, international cultural programming, a library, an auditorium and a secluded garden in the city center.

Miradouro do Torel

For those willing to take a short uphill walk, Miradouro do Torel offers one of the most charming views in the Sant’Ana area. Located in Jardim do Torel, the viewpoint overlooks the Avenida da Liberdade valley and the São Roque hill, home to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

The atmosphere is quieter than that of Lisbon’s other famous viewpoints. Surrounded by former noble residences and shaded areas, the garden is suitable for a leisurely break, a photograph or simply observing the city’s topography.

• 📍 Location: Rua Júlio de Andrade, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: Campo Mártires Pátria, about 0.5 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Viewpoint and historic garden.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: It offers broad views over Avenida da Liberdade from a relatively quiet and less crowded garden.

Mercado do Forno do Tijolo and FabLab Lisboa

On Rua Maria da Fonte, Mercado do Forno do Tijolo is a stop that combines traditional commerce with new innovation initiatives. The market includes fish, meat, charcuterie, frozen products, flowers, plants, wine, bread, a snack bar and other neighborhood services.

FabLab Lisboa operates next door, a municipal digital fabrication laboratory equipped with 3D printers, laser-cutting machines and prototyping tools. The area also houses BioLab Lisboa, associated with citizen science, creating an interesting contrast between the historic market and contemporary technological production.

• 📍 Location: Rua Maria da Fonte, 1170-221, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: R. Maria Fonte and R. Forno Tijolo, about 0.1 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Market, innovation and culture.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: It is one of the route’s most original sections, where traditional shopping coexists with digital fabrication and citizen science projects.

Largo do Intendente and the Viúva Lamego façade

Largo do Intendente Pina Manique is one of the areas of Lisbon that has changed the most in recent decades. The square brings together historic buildings, terraces, trees, a fountain and an informal program of activities that enlivens the neighborhood during the day and at night.

The main architectural highlight is the building of the former Viúva Lamego Ceramics Factory, whose façade is entirely covered with figurative tiles. Built between 1849 and 1865, the property is considered one of the most emblematic examples of Lisbon tilework and can be admired from the square.

• 📍 Location: Largo do Intendente Pina Manique, especially numbers 23 to 27.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: R. Maria Andrade, about 0.2 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Historic square, heritage and gastronomy.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: The square combines nightlife, restaurants, terraces and one of Lisbon’s most recognizable tiled façades.

Miradouro de Monte Agudo

Between Anjos and Graça, Miradouro de Monte Agudo is a more discreet alternative for those seeking a panoramic view without the activity of the most famous tourist spots. The space is located on Rua Heliodoro Salgado, beside a wooded area and near Escola Secundária Dona Luísa de Gusmão.

The viewpoint offers views toward the north and western part of Lisbon. The pergola, kiosk and shaded corners encourage a peaceful visit, especially in the late afternoon, when the light highlights the capital’s buildings and hills.

• 📍 Location: Rua Heliodoro Salgado, Arroios, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Closest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: R. Maria Andrade, about 0.6 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Viewpoint and leisure area.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: It is a wooded and relatively secluded panoramic spot, with a kiosk and broad views over less explored areas of Lisbon.

With 17B, passengers can transform an everyday journey into a tour through different sides of Lisbon: start with Fonte Luminosa, shop at the Arroios and Forno do Tijolo markets, relax in the gardens, visit cultural spaces and end the outing among the tiles, bars and terraces of Intendente. Since only outbound departures are provided and the line returns to Alameda on the same circuit, check the stop for the operating direction and plan the journey according to the day’s frequency.

Sources

• Lisbon City Council — Jardim Constantino
• Lisbon City Council — Jardim do Campo Santana
• Arroios Parish Council — Mercado de Arroios
• Arroios Parish Council — Mercado do Forno do Tijolo
• Lisbon City Council — FabLab Lisboa
• Visit Lisboa — Miradouro do Torel
• Visit Lisboa — Miradouro de Monte Agudo
• Goethe-Institut Lisboa — spaces and garden
• Visit Lisboa — Viúva Lamego and the Tile Route