The Calouste Gulbenkian Garden in Lisbon is one of the city’s best “reset spots”: quiet paths, water features, shade, and a surprisingly rich urban ecosystem—inside the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation campus. The garden is open every day from sunrise to sunset with free entry, which makes it an easy add to almost any Lisbon itinerary.
Quick visitor facts
- Name: Gulbenkian Garden (Jardim Gulbenkian)
- Address: Av. de Berna, 45A, 1067-001 Lisbon
- Official website: Gulbenkian Garden section (see links below)
- Opening hours: Every day, sunrise → sunset (free entrance)
Nearest metro stations
The Foundation’s official “How to get here” page lists the closest metro stops as:
- São Sebastião (Blue + Red lines)
- Praça de Espanha (Blue line)
Why Gulbenkian Garden is worth a stop
If you’ve been doing Lisbon’s classic hills (Alfama, viewpoints, castles), Gulbenkian feels like a different kind of Lisbon: calm, spacious, and green.
A few standout details:
- The garden has documented biodiversity: the Gulbenkian garden site notes 230+ flora species identified, and a bird survey (2012–2013) identified 43 bird species.
- Visit Lisboa describes the garden as a “unique place” with different ambiences, including a pond, a rivulet, paths through plant species, and an open-air amphitheatre (with the gardens designed in 1957).
Opening hours and entry
Garden hours (official):
- Open daily from sunrise to sunset
- Free entry
Cafeteria / ice cream shop hours (inside the garden)
The garden’s official info page lists:
- Summer: 10:00–19:00
- Winter: 10:00–18:00
- Closed: Dec 24 & 25, Jan 1, May 1
Rules you should know (important)
Gulbenkian is not a “do anything” park—there are clear rules to keep it peaceful.
From the official garden rules:
- No walking animals (pets), cycling, or ball games
- Do not feed animals
- Stay on pathways to help preserve plant life and grass
- Do not pick/damage flowers or plants
If you’re writing a practical guide: this is the key “don’t get surprised” section.
What to see in the garden
1) The “slow walk” loop
The best way to enjoy Gulbenkian is to walk it like a mini nature museum: pause at water features, sit for a bit, then continue—no rush.
2) Water + shade = perfect midday break
Even in warmer months, the garden works well because it offers shaded seating and a calmer feel than central tourist zones.
3) Amphitheatre and cultural atmosphere
Visit Lisboa highlights the open-air amphitheatre and the garden’s role as part of one of Lisbon’s main cultural venues.
How to get to Gulbenkian Garden
Metro (best option)
Officially, the closest stations are:
- São Sebastião (Blue + Red)
- Praça de Espanha (Blue)
Bus (easy alternative)
The Foundation lists these Carris lines:
- 716, 726, 756 (Av. de Berna)
- 746 (Av. António Augusto de Aguiar)
- 713, 742 (Rua Marquês da Fronteira)
Entrances (super useful for maps/Uber drop-offs)
The official “How to get here” page says you can access the grounds from four different streets:
- Avenida de Berna
- Rua Nicolau Bettencourt
- Rua Marquês de Fronteira
- Rua Marquês Sá da Bandeira
How long to plan
- 30–45 minutes: quick decompression walk + photos
- 60–90 minutes: relaxed loop + coffee/ice cream
- 2 hours: garden + CAM / exhibitions on campus (if you’re doing culture that day)
FAQ
Is Gulbenkian Garden free?
Yes—officially free entry and open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Are dogs allowed?
No. The official rules state that walking animals is not allowed.
What’s the nearest metro station?
Officially: São Sebastião (Blue+Red) or Praça de Espanha (Blue).
Official links (copy/paste)
Gulbenkian Garden (main): https://gulbenkian.pt/jardim/en/
Garden info + rules: https://gulbenkian.pt/jardim/en/informacoes-contactos-2/
Foundation opening hours (includes Garden): https://gulbenkian.pt/en/useful-information/opening-hours/
How to get here (metro/bus/entrances): https://gulbenkian.pt/en/useful-information/how-to-get-here/
Visit Lisboa page (overview): https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/places/garden-of-the-gulbenkian-foundation
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