Guide to Route 765: from Colégio Militar to Portas de Benfica, a tour of shopping, parks, and culture

Guide to Route 765: from Colégio Militar to Portas de Benfica, a tour of shopping, parks, and culture

Route 765 connects Colégio Militar Metro station to Portas de Benfica and follows one of the most interesting routes in northern Lisbon for combining shopping, traditional markets, green spaces, and cultural programming.

The route begins near Colégio Militar, in an area marked by the presence of Centro Colombo, the Metro, and major commercial and leisure facilities. Shortly afterward, it passes Hospital da Luz and enters a more residential area between Quinta da Granja, Estrada dos Arneiros, and Charquinho.

As it progresses toward Benfica, the route takes on a more local atmosphere, with street shops, sports facilities, cafés, and green spaces. The final section, served by the Cemitério de Benfica, Estrada de Benfica (Mercado), and Portas Benfica stops, brings passengers closer to some of the parish's most emblematic sights.

This itinerary considers both directions of the route, but the locations have mainly been associated with the stops closest to the provided itinerary. Distances are approximate and estimated from the route coordinates and the locations of the stops. According to the data provided, Route 765 operates with 52 departures in each direction on weekdays and has no departures on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Frequency, fares, and the operator should be confirmed before traveling.

Centro Colombo

Centro Colombo is the major shopping attraction at the beginning of Route 765. Located next to Colégio Militar Metro station, the complex brings together hundreds of stores, restaurants, a hypermarket, cinemas, and entertainment options in one place, making it a practical choice both for quick shopping trips and for spending several hours.

In addition to its selection of fashion, technology, services, and dining, the center has NOS Cinemas, an IMAX theater, and Bowling City. This variety makes the location particularly convenient for families, groups of friends, and passengers who want to turn a public transport journey into a complete outing.

• 📍 Location: Avenida Lusíada, next to Colégio Militar and Colégio Militar Metro station, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Colégio Militar (Metro), about 100 to 250 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Shopping center, dining, and entertainment.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: More than 300 stores, a large dining area, cinemas, IMAX, and bowling in the same complex.

Quinta da Granja Urban Park

In the Quinta da Granja area, Route 765 passes through one of the most pleasant parts of the journey for those who want to take a break outdoors. The park combines grassy areas, a children's zone, fitness equipment, a cycle path, a tartan track, picnic tables, and dining areas with outdoor seating.

It is an especially interesting option for families and for anyone looking to walk, exercise, or simply exchange the bustle of the avenues for a more relaxed environment. The nearby Qta. Granja stop makes a short visit easy, without requiring long walks.

• 📍 Location: Quinta da Granja area, Benfica, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Qta. Granja, about 100 to 300 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Urban park and outdoor leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Combines a children's playground, sports equipment, a cycle path, a tartan track, and picnic areas.

Silva Porto Park — Mata de Benfica

Known to residents as Mata de Benfica, Silva Porto Park is one of the area's most emblematic green spaces. Covering approximately 4.11 hectares, the park offers a wooded refuge in the middle of the city, with a children's playground, fitness trail, fitness equipment, picnic area, dining, and leisure facilities.

The space is also historically significant: it opened in 1911 and was named after the naturalist painter António Silva Porto. It is a good destination for a peaceful stroll, taking children, or combining with a visit to Mercado de Benfica and the shops along Estrada de Benfica.

• 📍 Location: Alameda Padre Álvaro Proença and Rua Doutor José Alberto de Faria, Benfica, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Cemitério Benfica or Estr. Benfica (Mercado), about 300 to 600 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Urban park and leisure space.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Historic green area with a children's playground, fitness trail, climbing tower, picnic tables, and dining.

Mercado de Benfica

Mercado de Benfica is a must-visit stop for anyone wishing to discover the neighborhood's more traditional side. Covering approximately 2,800 square meters and with more than 200 sales stalls, the market brings together fish, meat, fruit, vegetable, bakery, delicatessen, regional-product, grocery, and dining stands.

The space also includes a non-food shopping area with clothing, footwear, flowers, plants, household goods, toys, books, and other products. The visit is worthwhile for its variety, contact with local businesses, and the opportunity to experience a more everyday side of Benfica beyond the large shopping centers.

Attention: An improvement project involving temporary closure from August 2 to 31, 2026, has been announced. Since the route operates only on weekdays, check the market's status before planning your visit.

• 📍 Location: Rua João Frederico Ludovice, in the Estrada de Benfica area, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Estr. Benfica (Mercado), about 100 to 300 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Traditional market and local shopping.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A wide variety of food and non-food products while maintaining the character of a neighborhood market.

Fonte Nova Shopping Center

Fonte Nova Shopping Center represents another side of shopping in Benfica: a more compact space than Colombo, with stores, services, dining, and parking. Located on Estrada de Benfica, it is an alternative for those who prefer to shop in a more concentrated environment connected to the parish's traditional commerce.

The center has a long history in the neighborhood and continues to serve as a convenient point for residents and visitors. Its location makes it possible to combine it with a walk along Estrada de Benfica, a visit to the market, or a cultural program at nearby facilities.

• 📍 Location: Estrada de Benfica, 503, Benfica, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Estr. Benfica (Mercado), about 300 to 600 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Shopping center, services, and dining.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Neighborhood scale, integrated shopping, and a strategic location on Estrada de Benfica.

Baldaya Palace

Baldaya Palace is one of Benfica's main cultural hubs and an interesting stop for anyone wanting to exchange shopping for exhibitions, activities, and community programming. Housed in a historic building, the space includes a library, children's library, rooms for cultural activities, coworking, training, a garden, and a café.

Programming may include concerts, cinema, theater, exhibitions, workshops, and initiatives for different age groups. The garden and café help extend the visit, making the palace a versatile option for a quiet afternoon or for following the parish's cultural calendar.

• 📍 Location: Estrada de Benfica, 701A, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Portas Benfica, about 250 to 500 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Cultural center, library, and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Combines architectural heritage, cultural programming, a library, children's library, garden, and café.

Turim Cinema-Theater

Reopened in 2023, Turim Cinema-Theater revived the tradition of the old neighborhood cinema and once again became a cultural reference point in Benfica. The venue hosts cinema, theater, dance, music, stand-up, and other performing arts, with programming that seeks to bring artists, community groups, and local audiences together.

Its location on Estrada de Benfica makes Turim easy to combine with a walk through the area's shops or a meal before a show. For Route 765 users, it is one of the best options along the route for ending the day with a cultural activity.

• 📍 Location: Estrada de Benfica, 723, Benfica, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Portas Benfica, about 150 to 400 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Cinema, theater, and performing arts.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A renovated neighborhood cultural venue with diverse programming and a connection to Benfica's collective memory.

Portas de Benfica

One of the route's most distinctive historical curiosities is located at its terminal stop. Portas de Benfica were built in the 19th century and served as a tax-control point at the entrance to the city, when fees were charged on the movement of people and goods.

The complex was restored in 1996 and remains an urban landmark on the boundary between Lisbon and Amadora. The visit can be combined with a walk along Estrada de Benfica, an avenue known for its traditional shops, cafés, and pastry shops, creating an end to the itinerary with a genuinely local atmosphere.

• 📍 Location: Estrada de Benfica, 732, Lisbon, near the boundary with Amadora.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Portas Benfica, practically next to the site.
• 🏷️ Category: Historical heritage and urban promenade.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: The city's former tax entrance and a testament to Benfica's historical growth.

Pica na Praça

To finish the outing with food and a relaxed atmosphere, Pica na Praça focuses on beer-house fare, snacks, and meals to share. The restaurant is next to Alameda Padre Álvaro Proença, in an area defined by Silva Porto Park and neighborhood activity.

The concept is suitable for a late lunch, dinner, or group gathering, with tables designed for conversation and a menu centered on snacks and relaxed meals. It is an option that combines well with a visit to Mata de Benfica or a walk through the local shops.

• 📍 Location: Alameda Padre Álvaro Proença, 2A, Benfica, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: R. Pedralvas or Estr. Benfica (Mercado), about 300 to 600 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Restaurant, beer house, and snacks.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Informal atmosphere for groups, snacks, and a location near one of Benfica's main green areas.

Route 765 provides a direct connection between Colégio Militar Metro station, major commercial facilities, and the neighborhoods of Benfica. To make the most of the route, the suggestion is to start at Colombo, get off at Quinta da Granja for an outdoor break, and then continue to the Estrada de Benfica area, where the market, Fonte Nova, Baldaya Palace, Turim Cinema-Theater, and Portas de Benfica are located. Since the reported service is concentrated on weekdays, it is worth planning the return in advance and checking the schedules before setting out.

Sources

• Centro Colombo — information about shops, dining, and leisure
• Hospital da Luz Lisbon — location on Avenida Lusíada
• Lisbon City Council — Silva Porto Park
• Bairro Benfica — Quinta da Granja
• Bairro Benfica — Mercado de Benfica
• Fonte Nova Shopping Center — location and information
• Bairro Benfica — Turim Cinema-Theater
• Visit Lisboa — Portas de Benfica
• Pica na Praça — location and information