Table of Contents:
Lisbon's Lush Oasis: Exploring the Botanical Garden
Okay, if you're into wandering through gorgeous gardens and pretending you're a character in a Jane Austen novel, the Botanical Garden of Lisbon is your jam. I recently stumbled upon this place and it was a total vibe. Think winding paths, leafy overhangs, exotic plants, and even some cool sculptures.
Funny enough, I kinda got lucky with this whole experience. I was originally headed to the Museum Nacional de Historia Natural e da Ciencia (a mouthful, I know!), but turns out it was closed. Bummer, right? Honestly, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I ended up spending an awesome afternoon in the Botanical Garden right next door.
A Bit of Background
This place isn't brand new; it's actually got some serious history. They planted this garden way back in the 1800s to teach all about plants and farming. It was originally attached to a Jesuit College, which makes it even cooler in my book.
The Botanical Garden is located in the Príncipe Real neighborhood, which if you haven't checked out, you should! It's a super trendy area at the top of a hill with boutique shops, cute cafes, and a gorgeous lookout point with city views.
What You'll Find Inside
Get ready to go on a plant-lovers adventure! This garden is filled with a seriously diverse collection of plants from all corners of the globe. You'll find towering palm trees that give off tropical vibes, those ancient-looking cycads that existed alongside dinosaurs, and way more exotic species from places like New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan, and South America.
Plants & Sculptures Galore:
Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of botanical wonders as you wander the winding paths. You'll find towering cycads with their prehistoric vibes, ancient palm ferns that look like they've been around since forever, and even a cool butterfly house (Lugartagis) that's open during the spring months.
And it's not just about the plants! The garden is also dotted with some pretty cool 18th-century sculptures by Italian artists. So, you can get your nature fix and a mini art history lesson all in one place.
Looking for more greenery in Lisbon? Checkout our article on the Cold Greenhouse In Eduardo VII Park here: https://www.portugaltravelnow.com/post/green-houses-lisbon-discover-the-estufa-fria
Location, Hours Prices:
The Botanical Garden is located at Rua da Escola Politécnica 58, 1250-102 Lisboa, Portugal. It's open year-round, from 9 am to 8 pm in the summer (April 1st - October 31st) 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends during the winter (November 1st - March 31st). Admission is a steal at just €2, and it's even free with the Lisboa Card.
It's pretty affordable to get into the garden. Here's the breakdown:
Adult (18+): €3.00
Youth (10-17): €1.50
Senior (65+): €1.50
Students: €1.50
Children (under 10): FREE
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children aged 10-17): €7.50
Sundays: Score free entry on Sunday mornings from 10am to 1pm (just grab a free ticket on site). After 1pm, regular prices apply.
Hours:
Until March 31st: 10am to 5pm
From April 1st: 10am to 8pm
Weekends: 10am to 1pm
Gettin' There: Since Príncipe Real is on a hill, be prepared for a bit of a hike from downtown. But hey, think of it as a workout! You can also take public transportation (buses, trams) or grab an Uber for a more relaxed option.
Pack a picnic and find a shady spot under a tree for a relaxing lunch break. Just remember to be respectful and leave no trace behind! So, next time you're in Lisbon, ditch the tourist traps and head to the Botanical Garden. Trust me, this hidden gem is definitely worth seeking out. You won't be disappointed!
The Vibe
The whole garden experience was incredibly calming and a great little escape from the city bustle. Honestly, even if you're not a hardcore plant person, it's still a gorgeous place to chill out, maybe take a few Insta-worthy pics, and just enjoy some greenery.
Let me know if you head out to the Lisbon Botanical Garden – it's seriously worth a wander!
tchau!
Micah
