The Discover Portugal blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See the Disclaimer for more information.
The Tropical Botanical Garden Lisbon hidden gem in Belém
As much as I love visiting Belém, the Lisbon district can get extremely busy. I often need a moment to relax, and I love doing so in nature. Therefore, one of my favourite places in Belém is the beautiful Tropical Botanical Garden Lisbon. It’s the perfect place to find shade on a hot summer’s day. The park is filled with chickens, peacocks, and other beautiful birds.
Not many people know about the Lisbon Tropical Botanical Garden, and most tourists only visit the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Monument of the Discoveries. But this part of the city has much more to offer, including the Botanical Garden in Belém.
I highly recommend visiting the botanical gardens if you have time and love nature. With so many birds, kids love to visit the park, too. Especially from spring until autumn, there are many colourful flowers and plants to discover.
Overview of the Tropical Botanical Garden in Lisbon
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
History of the Lisbon Tropical Botanical Garden
The Jardim Botânico Tropical has a rich history that dates back to 1906. The Tropical Botanic Garden in Belém, also known as the Colonial Garden, was made by the Royal Decree. It was created in the context of the organisation of colonial agricultural services and Colonial Agronomic Teaching. The purpose was to study tropical plants and teach tropical agronomy.
The colonial past is still present, as you’ll notice 14 statues and busts of Asian and African figures. These were made for the Colonial section of the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition. At this time, the Oriental Garden was added to the garden, inspired by the then colony of Macau. The Colonial Restaurant was another addition to the exhibition.
The park is about seven hectares, of which five are accessible to the public. Since 2007, the garden has been classified as a National Monument, and since 2015, it’s been part of the University of Lisbon. The Tropical Botanic Garden in Lisbon closed in 2019 for rehabilitation works but has been open again since 2020. Many areas are still being renewed at the time of writing.
The plants and trees in the garden
The Belém Botanical Garden contains plants, flowers and trees from former Portuguese colonies. Species come from Angola, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Macau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
In total, you’ll discover around 600 species that are grouped as tropical trees, palms, succulents, etcetera. You’ll spot candlenut trees, strawberry guava, Mexican blue palm, cherimoya, and silk floss trees.
The garden is also home to many birds, chickens, and colourful peacocks that hide in the greenery.
The Main Lake
You’ll immediately discover the Main Lake when you first enter the Tropical Botanic Garden Belém. It was constructed in 1903, and trees and colourful flowers surround it. In the middle of the lake is a small island, and a bridge will give you access.
It’s a paradise for birds, and there are plenty of places to sit and watch the birds swim and eat. Mallards and muscovy ducks especially like to be in this area, and you might spot a grey heron or kingfisher.
Palace of the Counts of Calheta
You’ll notice a gorgeous palace at the back of the Tropical Botanic Garden in Lisbon. It is the Palace of the Counts of Calheta, and unfortunately, it is closed to the public. The main greenhouse was built in 1914 and was made from iron and glass.
The Tea Room, or Colonial Restaurant, was constructed in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition. Casa do Veado is slightly hidden in the garden, and behind the 17th-century Casa do Fresco are many cacti to discover.
Where is the Tropical Botanic Garden in Lisbon?
The Belém Botanical Garden is located in Lisbon just behind the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery and next to the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém area. The address is Jardim Botânico Tropical, Largo de Belém, Lisboa.
If you come from Lisbon’s city centre, you can take tram 15 and 18 to Belém. Buses 714, 727, 728, and 729 also stop nearby, and it’s only a 5-minute walk to the park. Alternatively, you can take the train from Cais do Sodré towards Cascais. You exit the train at Belém Station, and from there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the Belém Lisbon Botanic Garden.
Opening times to the Tropical Garden Belém
The Tropical Botanic Garden is open daily except during Christmas and January 1st.
- Opening times from October to March: 10 AM until 5 PM
- Opening times from April to November: 9 AM until 8 PM
The last admission is half an hour before closing. To see the whole garden, you need around one hour. It’s a relaxing place to walk or read a book in the shade, so if you have time, you can easily extend your visit!
Tropical Botanical Gardens Lisbon tickets
You can buy your ticket to the Tropical Botanic Gardens in the garden itself, and there is no need to book your visit. The ticket price is € 5,00 for adults, and a family of 4 can enter for € 12,50. Children under ten can enter the gardens for free.
Other sights in Belém
Especially in the summer, Belém is a busy place to be. Most people visit Belém to see the main highlights, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the MAC/CCB Museu de Arte Contemporânea.
If you’re looking for a moment to yourself, the Tropical Botanical Garden Belém is a quiet oasis in the midst of it all. When fully refreshed, you can visit the other sights, such as the monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos or the National Coach Museum. The best way to finish your day in Belém is by boat tour on the river Tagus!
Staying overnight in Belém
As you can see, there is a lot to do in Belém! And on top of that, it’s a beautiful place to stay during your trip to Lisbon. You’re about 15 minutes from the city centre, and the beaches towards Cascais are on your doorstep.
Many tours start and end in Belém, and the area boasts many museums. Not sure where to sleep? Check the available accommodations below and find your dream place for your holiday!
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
Does Lisbon have a botanical garden?
Yes, there are actually two. The Tropical Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botânico Tropical, is in Belém, and the Botanical Garden of Lisbon (Jardim Botânico de Lisboa) is in Príncipe Real.
Is the Tropical Botanical Garden Lisbon worth visiting?
If you love nature, colourful flowers, and tropical plants, you should definitely visit the Botanical Garden in Belém. Kids love it, too, as there are many ducks, chickens, and peacocks.
Conclusion
If you love plants and flowers of tropical or subtropical origin, add the Tropical Botanical Garden Lisbon to your itinerary. The colonial garden also contains many sculptures and beautiful buildings. It takes around one hour to see the botanical park, which is a quiet spot in the lively district of Belém.
Other things to see in Belém, Lisbon:
- MAAT Lisbon – Discover the city’s favourite art museum in Belém
- Inside Torre de Belém, a UNESCO masterpiece in Lisbon
- Book your sunset cruise in Lisbon today; an unforgettable experience!
- 22 fantastic things to do in Belém Lisbon
- The National Coach Museum and the Old Royal Riding School in Belém
- Quake Museum Lisbon: A shaky but groundbreaking and fantastic experience!
- Explore Portuguese heritage in the Popular Art Museum in Lisbon
- The Tropical Botanical Garden Lisbon hidden gem in Belém
Pin to read later!
