Tucked away in the beautiful neighborhood of PrÃncipe Real, the Botanical Garden of Lisbon (Jardim Botânico de Lisboa) is one of the city’s best hidden gems and a true oasis if you’re looking to sit in a quiet place surrounded by green in the middle of the city. The €3 fee that you pay at the entrance keeps the park peaceful and calm all day long while also preserving the living museum of plants that brings together species from across the globe.
History
The Jardim Botânico de Lisboa officially opened in 1878, although its roots stretch back to the earlier ambitions of the Escola Politécnica de Lisboa. The goal was to create a garden that could support scientific teaching and research in botany. German landscape architect Edmund Goeze designed the upper part of the garden and planted a diverse families of trees and shrubs. His successor, the French botanist Jules Daveau, developed the lower section. He added winding paths, cascades, and the now iconic avenue of palms.
Over the years, the garden has become both a center for scientific study and a beloved natural retreat hidden in the middle of the city. Like many old gardens, it went through periods of neglect, but recent restorations have refurbished its paths, ponds, and infrastructure. In 2010, it was declared a National Monument as a recognition of its cultural and scientific importance. Today, there are still sections of the park undergoing refurbishment, but the majority of the park welcomes you with open leaves.
Why It’s Worth It
For anyone who loves plants and trees, this garden is an absolute treasure. Its collection is remarkably diverse and includes species from New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan, South America, and beyond. Ancient cycads, tall palms, succulents, and exotic flowering plants give visitors a sense of traveling around the world without even leaving Lisbon.
It is also a place of peace. While Lisbon is known for its energy and the sounds of honking horns and passing trolleys, the garden gives visitors shaded walks, empty benches, and swaying bamboo. And the best thing? You can’t even hear any planes passing overhead, which is a common source of noise pollution in many other parts of the city.
My Favorite Spot
I have to admit that it took me more than four years of living in Lisbon to finally visit the Botanical Garden in Lisbon, but I plan to visit again and again now that I have explored its quiet corners. The sheer mix of flora and fauna and plentiful beaches begging for a deep conversation or to support a long reading session are unique in the city. The winding paths and two ponds create a dreamy backdrop for a slow walk or quiet reflection. Looking down from the higher paths, Lisbon’s rooftops appear in the distance and remind you that this delightful garden exists right in the center of Lisbon.
If I had to pick a favorite spot, it would definitely be the Lower Pond. Walking around the perimeter and under the leafy branches growing around one corner felt like stepping into The Secret Garden, one of my favorite books as a child.
How to Get There
The garden is located at Rua da Escola Politécnica 58 in the PrÃncipe Real neighborhood. It is easy to reach by public transport. The nearest metro station is Rato on the yellow line, and tram 24E also stops nearby. Several buses connect to the area, and for those staying in central Lisbon, it is a pleasant walk from Chiado, Bairro Alto, or Baixa. Be prepared for a few hills on the way and also gentle slopes once you’re inside the park.
Tickets and Times
Admission is very affordable, with standard tickets around €3. Children can often enter for free, and, on Sunday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the entrance is free for everyone!
The garden is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the summer from April 1-September 30. From October 1-March 31, the garden is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last entry is typically half an hour before closing, and the garden is closed on December 25 and January 1.
