The Lisbon Botanical Garden (Portuguese: Jardim Botânico de Lisboa) is a peaceful scientific garden hidden in the Príncipe Real area—perfect when you want a green break from Lisbon’s hills, viewpoints, and crowds. It was created in the 19th century to support botanical teaching and research, and it’s still one of the city’s most atmospheric places for a slow walk among palms, cycads, and shaded pathways.
Quick facts (address, official site, metro)
- Address: Rua da Escola Politécnica 56–58, Príncipe Real, Lisbon
- Official website: MUHNAC / ULisboa — Jardim Botânico de Lisboa
- Nearest metro stations:
- Rato (Yellow Line / Linha Amarela)
- Avenida (Blue Line / Linha Azul)
Lisbon Botanical Garden tickets (current published prices)
Prices shown on the official ticketing listing currently include:
- Adult (18+): €4.00
- Students: €2.00
- Seniors (65+): €3.00
- Children (2–10): €0.00
- Family packs (2 adults + children 11–17): €10.00
Free entry window (Sunday morning)
The MUHNAC “opening hours & prices” listing states free entry on Sundays from 10:00 to 13:00.
Tip: Sunday mornings can be busier—if you prefer the garden quiet, go on a weekday morning instead.
Opening hours (and last admission)
The published garden schedule is:
- October → March: 10:00–17:00
- April → September: 09:00–20:00
- Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed: January 1 and December 25
What to see inside the Lisbon Botanical Garden
This garden is small enough to enjoy without a strict route, but it’s rich in “micro-areas” and collections.
1) The garden’s two classic zones: “Classe” and “Arboreto”
The garden’s layout is historically linked to two key areas: “Classe” and “Arboreto”, associated with its early head gardeners (noted in the garden’s description).
In practical terms: one part feels more structured and “teaching garden,” while the other feels more like a shaded mini-forest.
2) Tropical vibes in the middle of Lisbon
The garden description highlights the strong presence of palms from multiple continents, creating an unexpectedly tropical feel in places.
3) Cycads (“living fossils”)
Cycads are singled out as one of the garden’s signature collections—often described as “living fossils” because of their ancient lineage and rarity.
If you like unusual plants, this is one of the best “wow” sections.
4) Water, shade, and quiet corners
Paths, terraces, and little water features make this a great mid-day escape—especially in warm months when Lisbon’s stone streets feel hot.
A little history (why it exists)
The Lisbon Botanical Garden was conceived in the mid-19th century as a modern support for teaching and botanical research, with planting beginning later in the 1800s (as described in the garden’s historical summary).
It was classified as a national monument in 2010.
How to get there (metro, tram, bus)
Metro (simplest)
Two metro stations are commonly used for the Lisbon Botanical Garden:
- Rato station — officially on the Yellow Line (Linha Amarela)
- Avenida station — officially on the Blue Line (Linha Azul)
From either station, you’ll walk uphill/downhill a bit (Lisbon always delivers steps).
Tram / “light rail” stop near the garden
Transit directions list a nearby light-rail/tram stop at Príncipe Real and show Rato/Avenida as the closest metro stations.
Buses
Public transit directions also list multiple bus lines stopping close to the garden area.
Best time to visit (for photos + comfort)
- Spring (April–May): best mix of greenery + comfortable temps
- Early morning: quiet paths, soft light, fewer people
- Hot summer afternoons: still doable because the garden has shade, but you’ll enjoy it more with water and a slower pace
How long to plan
- 30–45 minutes: quick walk + a few photos
- 60–90 minutes: full relaxed loop + sitting breaks
- 2 hours: if you’re a plant lover and want to read signage + explore every corner
Practical tips (make it feel easy)
- Wear shoes with grip: paths can be uneven and damp in shaded areas.
- Bring a little water: especially in summer (April–September closing time is late, which tempts longer visits).
- Aim for last entry buffer: remember last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
FAQ: Lisbon Botanical Garden
Where is the Lisbon Botanical Garden?
On Rua da Escola Politécnica (56–58) in Príncipe Real.
What are the opening hours?
Oct–Mar: 10:00–17:00 and Apr–Sep: 09:00–20:00, last entry 30 minutes before closing.
How much are tickets?
Published prices include €4 adult, €2 student, €3 senior, and free for children 2–10 (plus family packs).
Which metro station is closest?
Common options: Rato (Yellow Line) and Avenida (Blue Line).
Official links (copy/paste)
Official garden page (MUHNAC / ULisboa): https://www.museus.ulisboa.pt/jardim-botanico-de-lisboa
Opening hours & prices (MUHNAC): https://www.museus.ulisboa.pt/horarios-e-precos
Tickets (FNAC listing): https://bilheteira.fnac.pt/Evento-394977/JARDIM-BOT%C3%82NICO-DE-LISBOA-
Metro Lisboa — Rato station: https://www.metrolisboa.pt/viajar/rato/
Metro Lisboa — Avenida station: https://www.metrolisboa.pt/viajar/avenida/
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