Estufa Fria Lisbon is a hidden, leafy oasis inside Parque Eduardo VII, built around shaded paths, small waterfalls, and ponds—an easy “calm break” from Lisbon’s busy viewpoints and steep streets. The official site invites you to wander the pathways “to the sound of water and waterfalls” and discover more than 300 plant species from multiple continents.

It’s also one of the simplest gardens to fit into your schedule because it has clear seasonal hours, straightforward ticketing, and multiple nearby metro stations.

Quick visitor info

  • Location: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-099 Lisboa
  • Official website: estufafria.lisboa.pt
  • Phone / email: +351 218 170 996 | estufafria@cm-lisboa.pt
  • Closed: Mondays, plus Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25
  • Last entry: 30 minutes before closing

Opening hours (official)

Estufa Fria runs summer and winter schedules, each starting on specific Sundays (as listed on the official “Visit” page):

Summer hours

  • Starts on the last Sunday of March
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00–19:00

Winter hours

  • Starts on the last Sunday of October
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00–17:00

Last admission: 30 minutes before closing in both seasons.

Tickets (official prices) + free entry rules

Tickets are purchased at the ticket office on the day of your visit during opening hours.

Ticket prices

  • Standard: €3.60
  • Students: €1.80
  • Pensioners / retirees: €1.80

Free entry

The official page lists free access for:

  • Children under 6 (exclusive wording on site; effectively “under 6”)
  • Lisboa Card holders
  • Pre-booked school groups
  • People with disability over 70% plus one companion
  • General public on Sundays and public holidays until 14:00

Tip: If you want the quietest experience, go on a weekday morning (Sunday free-entry hours can be noticeably busier).

How to get to Estufa Fria (metro stations + lines)

One of the best things about Estufa Fria is flexibility: you can reach it from several parts of central Lisbon.

Metro (officially listed)

The official “Visit” page lists these stations:

  • Marquês de Pombal — Yellow Line + Blue Line
  • Parque — Blue Line
  • São Sebastião — Blue Line + Red Line

Which one should you use?

  • Choose Parque if you’re approaching from the top side of Avenida da Liberdade / Parque Eduardo VII area.
  • Choose Marquês de Pombal if you’re coming from central hotspots and want a straightforward hub connection.
  • Choose São Sebastião if you’re combining Estufa Fria with museums/shopping near that district.

Bus + cycling + parking

The official page also lists multiple bus lines stopping at Marquês de Pombal and notes you can use municipal cycle routes and bike racks. There is paid parking nearby, but public transport is recommended.

What is Estufa Fria (and what you’ll see inside)

Estufa Fria is best described as a “living museum” of plants, designed for slow wandering rather than a quick photo stop. The official site highlights:

  • “paths” with “water and waterfalls ending in lakes”
  • more than 300 species from multiple continents

Three spaces to explore

On the official site navigation, Estufa Fria is presented alongside:

  • Estufa Fria
  • Estufa Quente
  • Estufa Doce

Even if you don’t memorize the names, it helps to know the experience changes as you move through different microclimates and planting styles.

Why it feels special

  • Shade + humidity make it comfortable even on hot Lisbon days.
  • The soundscape (waterfalls/ponds) makes it feel far from the city, even though you’re minutes from major avenues.
  • The paths and viewpoints are built for “discovering corners” rather than one single main vista.

How long to plan (realistic)

  • 30–45 minutes: quick loop, photos, and a short reset
  • 60–90 minutes: relaxed pace + time to explore side paths
  • 2 hours: slow visit + sitting breaks + enjoying the “quiet museum” vibe

If you’re building a Lisbon day plan, Estufa Fria works perfectly as a midday recharge between museums and viewpoints.

Visitor safety and accessibility notes (important)

The official page stresses that, due to stairs, slopes, pavement types, lakes, etc., the space “requires special care,” and children should be supervised and accompanied.

This doesn’t mean it’s “difficult,” but it’s not a flat, barrier-free stroll everywhere—wear comfortable shoes with grip.

Rules you should know (so you don’t get stopped at the entrance)

Estufa Fria is protective of its plants and atmosphere. The official rules include (highlights):

  • No entry for minors under 18 without an adult
  • No animals, except guide dogs
  • No damaging or collecting plant material
  • No bicycles/tricycles, skates, etc.
  • No ball games
  • No eating
  • No smoking
  • Don’t enter restricted areas or leave pedestrian paths

If you’re planning a photo shoot or commercial filming, the rules say authorization is required.

Best time to visit (photos + comfort)

  • For the calmest paths: weekday mornings
  • For soft light: late afternoon (but watch last entry = 30 minutes before closing)
  • For best value: Sundays/public holidays before 14:00 (free)—but expect more people

FAQ: Estufa Fria Lisbon

Is Estufa Fria closed on Mondays?

Yes—officially closed on Mondays, and also Jan 1, May 1, and Dec 25.

How much is entry to Estufa Fria?

Standard ticket is €3.60; students and retirees €1.80 (official).

Is Estufa Fria free with Lisboa Card?

Yes—Lisboa Card holders have free access (official).

What metro station is closest?

The official page lists Marquês de Pombal, Parque, and São Sebastião as metro options (with their lines).

Official links (copy/paste)

Official site: https://estufafria.lisboa.pt/
Plan your visit (hours, tickets, metro): https://estufafria.lisboa.pt/visitar
Visit Lisboa listing: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/places/estufa-fria

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