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A visit to Estufa Fria in Lisbon
A quick overview
What to see? A botanical garden in the heart of Lisbon.
Costs? € 3,25 for adults; children under six can visit for free. Also free with Lisboa Card.
Where? In Parque Eduardo VII, close to Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon.
Worth it? If you like exploring a natural hidden gem in Lisbon, then yes!
What is Estufa Fria?
Estufa Fria is a botanical garden situated within Parque Eduardo VII. The “Cold Greenhouse” is a real hidden gem not visited by many. So if you try to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to be! Also, on hot days, the greenhouse is perfect for enjoying the shadow and stunning plants. It’s a small oasis in the heart of Lisbon, so take advantage of the chance to experience this charming and lesser-known attraction!
The history of Estufa Fria
In the past, the location of greenhouse was actually a basalt quarry. However, the quarrying activities stopped due to a water stream. At this point, a visionary gardener had the idea of cultivating various botanical species in the area. Unfortunately, due to the onset of World War II, the plans were temporarily put on hold.
When painter and architect Raul Carapinha (1876-1957) stumbled upon this unique space in 1930, he decided to transform the garden into a greenhouse. After three years of dedicated work, the greenhouse opened its doors to the public, and nowadays, we can enjoy beautiful plants and colourful flowers from all over the world. In 1975, Estufa Quente (Warm Greenhouse) opened her doors. Here you’ll discover a captivating array of tropical and equatorial plants.
What to expect when visiting the greenhouse?
Estufa Fria is not just one greenhouse. The complex actually consists of three different ones and spreads over about half an acre.
Estufa Fria
The Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse) is still a shelter for plants, and the name comes from the fact that this greenhouse doesn’t use any warming system. The wooden roof protects the plants in winter from the cold and in summer from the heat. It’s the perfect climate for plants and trees from China, Mexico, Australia, Peru, Brazil, and many others.
Estufa Quente
On the other hand, the Estufa Quente (Warm Greenhouse) has glass roofing and, therefore, higher temperatures. Discover species such as the coffee plant, mango trees and bananas!
Estufa Doce
The smallest greenhouse is Estufa Doce (Sweet Greenhouse). This is the place where you can find cacti such as the Aloe and many succulents.
Furthermore, the greenhouses contain many waterfalls, statues, and ponds between the vegetation. You’ll discover more than 300 different species, and even though you’re in the centre of Lisbon, it’s a quiet heaven to enjoy a bit of nature to the fullest.
Where is Estufa Fria located?
You can find the greenhouses of Estufa Fria in the upper part of Parque Eduardo VII. Miradouro Parque Eduardo VII is just around the corner, as well as Monumento 25 de Abril. The easiest way to get to Estufa Fria is by metro. The nearest stations to reach Estufa Fria are on the blue line. They are known as Parque and Marquês de Pombal. From both stations, it’s a short walk to the greenhouses.
If you prefer travelling by bus, you can take lines 12, 22, 36, 44, 702, 720, and 745. They all stop near the entrance of Estufa Fria.
Estufa Fria tickets
The entrance fee to see the greenhouse is only € 3,25 per person. Parents must accompany children at all times, and children under six years old can visit the greenhouses for free. You can buy the tickets at the entrance; there is no need to order them in advance. You can enter Estufa Fria for free if you have the Lisboa Card.
Opening times Estufa Fria
The greenhouse is open daily; the last admission is 30 minutes before closing. In summer, Estufa Fria is open from 10 AM until 7 PM (after March’s last weekend). In winter, you can visit between 9 AM and 5 PM (after October’s last weekend). The Estufa Fria is closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
Other gardens in Lisbon
Lisbon is a pretty green city with many more parks to explore. After visiting, you can walk around Parque Eduardo VII. Or head over to Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian for a chill picnic in the park. Don´t forget to visit the museum! If you prefer botanical gardens, it’s worth visiting Jardim Botânico de Lisboa in Príncipe Real or Jardim Botânico Tropical in Belém. Check this easy guide to find all green areas in Lisbon!
Conclusion
Cities can be hectic, and Lisbon is no exception. But if you like to spend some nature, there are many options available in Lisbon. Estufa Fria is one of them, a beautiful complex of greenhouses filled with tropical plants, flowers, and cacti. For a relaxing moment to yourself, the greenhouse is a true paradise. Besides, Estufa Fria is the perfect hidden gem in Lisbon!
15 Responses
I can’t believe I have never beento the park or to Estufa Fria after 2 trips to Lisbon. I will add this to my bucket list for the next trip there 🙂
It´s kinda a hidden so no worries! I walk passed it many times without noticing! Next time you can visit 🙂
We absolutely loved our visit to Estufa Fria in Lisbon. I love botanical gardens and I always try to visit one during a city break just to get away from the craziness and noise for a little while. This place is perfect for that.
It sure is! I love taking breaks in gardens as well and enjoying a moment for myself.
This seems like a great place to get away from the crowds for a bit. Thanks for the tip!
Anytime! Sometimes it´s nice to spend some time in nature, even in the city! It´s perfect for that 🙂
Looks beautiful! I love the colourful flowers from all over the world. I’ve never heard of a cold greenhouse before so I’m curious to check that out
It was a first for me too! You´ll love it I´m sure 🙂
What a beautiful spot! I’ve never been to Lisbon but Estufa Fria is now on my list of places when I’m there 🙂
Sounds good! I hope you´ll enjoy!
It was good to read more about Estufa Fria. Another good spot to visit when we return to Lisbon. We’d love a nice green spot to relax for a few hours on a busy visit. Great to wander from greenhouse to greenhouse and see the variety of plants.
What a plan! There are so many parks and gardens in Lisbon, so you´ll easily spend a whole day doing just that 🙂
I definitely need to add this to my Lisbon itineraries! I love visiting any gardens or greenery wherever I visit.
Same here! So nice to discover parks and gardens 🙂
Oh, lovely place. I must say I enjoy my time in places like estufa fria when travelling. Hidden gems like this are the perfect place to take a break from the city’s usual sightseeing and hustle-bustle.