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Beautiful plants and flowers in the Botanical Garden in Lisbon
If you’re looking for a quiet moment in the bustling city, visiting a park is the answer. The Botanical Garden in Lisbon is located in the heart of the city centre and is worth a visit during any season. It’s one of my favourite places to sit down and relax for a while. I often bring a book and sit between the trees, but there is also a lot to see!
The Botanical Gardens in Lisbon are located in a lovely part of town called Príncipe Real. It’s easy to get to, and there are many places nearby that are worth seeing. Let me share my favourite spots with you in the park so you have an idea of what to expect during your visit to the Lisbon Botanical Garden.
Botanical Garden Lisbon, an oasis in a busy city
Where is the Botanical Garden in Lisbon
The Botanical Garden of Lisbon, or Jardim Botânico de Lisboa in Portuguese, is located in the neighbourhood of Príncipe Real. You can access the garden from the entrance at Praça do Príncipe Real, which is easy to reach by public transport.
Tram 24E and bus 758 stop right at the park’s front door. Metro station Rato is also nearby, and this road is pretty flat, making it easy to reach the Botanical Garden in Lisbon. The address is: Rua da Escola Politécnica 58, 1250-102 Lisboa.
The history of the Lisbon Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Lisbon was designed in the mid-19th century. It was a scientific garden used for teaching and researching botany at the Polytechnic School. The park was built on the top of the hill of Monte Olivete, where the Jesuit College of Cotovia was once located.
The first gardeners started planting an enormous diversity of subtropical plants from all over the world. Portugal had many colonies at the time, and many specimens were imported to the country. As Lisbon has a mild climate, many plants thrived successfully.
The Botanical Garden of Lisbon has been a national monument since 2010. Today, we can enjoy this stunning green space with its many colours, smells, and peaceful moments.
Which plants and flowers can you expect to see at the Botanical Garden in Lisbon?
As soon as you enter the garden, you’ll notice the vast collection of palm trees, with more than 30 varieties! Every shade of green is represented, and especially on a hot summer day, the shadows are a welcoming spot.
You’ll spot beautiful ornamental plants and colourful flowers around the enormous trees (some are 60 meters tall!). Most species are planted into ecological groups, and you’ll find a new surprise around every corner. They are neatly labelled, which helps identify them during your visit!
Many plants and flowers originate from countries like New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan, and South America. You’ll discover exotic species such as dragon tree, pineapple, and marsh cypresses. Also, keep an eye out for xerophytes such as cacti and succulents.
Other common plants are the Ginkgo biloba, cycads, magnolia trees, fig trees, and ceiba crispifolia (also called the drunken tree!). This last specimen produces stunning pink flowers during the autumn.
The trees attract many birds; you’ll hear the robins, black redstarts, common sparrows, and blackbirds sing from every corner. The lakes Lago de Baixo and Lago do Meio are the favourite spots for birds.
Buildings at Jardim Botânico de Lisboa
You’ll also spot some buildings in the western parts of the garden. The largest one is the Escola Politécnica, or the Polytechnic School, which is now part of the National Museum of Natural History of the University of Lisbon. The other is an old riding arena used for riding and fencing lessons. Smaller buildings are the herbarium and the astronomical observatory.
Museu Nacional História Natural e da Ciência
The Museu Nacional História Natural e da Ciência, or the National Museum of History and Science next door, is also worth a visit. There are several exhibitions with a rich collection of items that were collected since the 17th century. The main topics are zoology, anthropology, geology and botany. Tickets to the museum are sold separately, but a combination ticket is available.
Opening hours of the Lisbon Botanical Garden
The garden is open daily, except during Christmas and New Year. In the summer (April 1st to September 30th), the park opens between 10 AM and 8 PM. In the winter (October 1st to March 31st), the botanical garden is open between 10 AM and 5 PM. The last admission is half an hour before closing time.
Ticket price for the Botanical Garden in Lisbon
Tickets are on sale at the main entrance on Praça do Príncipe Real and cost € 5,00 per person for the garden only. Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children under 17) are available from € 12,50. Admission on Sundays between 10 AM and 1 PM is free, and children under ten can always enter for free.
A ticket for the National Museum of Natural History and Science costs € 6,00 per person. The museum is also free to visit on Sundays between 10 AM and 1 PM. Family tickets for the museum are available from € 15,00.
Would you like to visit both? Admission to the garden and museum is € 8,00 per person, and family tickets cost € 20,00.
If you have a Lisboa Card, you’ll receive a 10% discount on the entrance fee.
Photo sessions at the Botanical Gardens
I work as a photographer in Lisbon, and some clients prefer a quiet setting in nature. The botanical gardens are a much-loved area for those, as it’s much more peaceful than other parts of Lisbon city centre. Also perfect for a private proposal! Is this you? Feel free to reach out to me!
Attractions nearby in the neighbourhood of Príncipe Real?
Príncipe Real is a favourite neighbourhood of many, and there is plenty to see and do. Straight across from the botanical garden, you can visit Jardim do Príncipe Real, a lovely park with an enormous cypress. There is also a kiosk where you can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.
You can continue walking towards Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for a mesmerising view over Lisbon. There is a lovely park with a fountain and a space to enjoy a drink.
Looking for more gardens in Lisbon?
Check out the complete list of the best parks and gardens in Lisbon!
Where to eat and drink in Príncipe Real?
Once the sun goes down, Príncipe Real becomes a fantastic area to eat and drink. You can visit the slightly hidden bar Pavilhão Chinês for a spectacular cocktail. The place looks just like a museum, and you’re stepping back in time!
Pub Lisboeta and Casa da Praia are lovely spots to enjoy a good glass of wine. If it’s time for dinner, you can enjoy a tasty meal, including a stunning view from Lost In.
For a Mexican bite to eat, Coyo Taco is a recommendation, whereas food lovers will love dinner at Restaurante Federico around the corner. This sophisticated restaurant serves beautiful wines in a vibrant bar, and your dinner is an authentic experience.
When it’s time to hit Lisbon’s nightlife, you have the neighbourhood of Bairro Alto around the corner. You can have a great time here until the sun comes up.
🍽️ Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.
Where to stay in Príncipe Real?
With so many lovely spots in the neighbourhood, it is no surprise that Príncipe Real is a favourite spot to stay. There are gorgeous hotels for any budget, and the central location is perfect for discovering the rest of Lisbon.
Bairro Alto can be very noisy at night, so you might want to avoid that. The map below shows you a number of lovely places to stay during your holiday in Lisbon!
FAQ
Is the Lisbon Botanical Garden worth it?
If you like a moment of tranquillity in the bustling city, then absolutely yes! There are many unique plants and trees, and the colourful flowers are different every season.
What is the history of the botanical gardens in Lisbon?
The Lisbon Botanical Garden was established in the 19th century on the grounds of what used to be the Royal College of Nobles. It was created to help teach Botany and Agricultural Science.
Conclusion
I love visiting the Lisbon Botanical Gardens! It’s usually nice and quiet, and every season is different. It’s a place to relax and unwind from the daily chores. Many of my photography clients also love coming here, as it offers a more private setting than the busy streets nearby.
If you like nature, colourful flowers, unique trees, and exotic plants, you should definitely add the Botanical Gardens in Lisbon to your itinerary!
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