An enchanting botanical garden

Although covering 10 acres, this enchanting botanical garden in the Principe Real district is almost invisible from the surrounding streets.

Laid out between 1858 and 1873, it was once considered the best botanical garden in Southern Europe.

Today, although showing some clear signs of neglect, it still has one of the largest collections of subtropical vegetation in Europe.

Its dense vegetation and exotic plants make it one of the most calming spots in the city, with over 18,000 species from all over the world (each one is neatly labeled).

They include a large number of cycads, weird Austrilian trees with twisting colossal trunks, and ancient palm-ferns that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs.

Where: Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, Principe Real How: Metro - Rato Station When: Every day 9AM-8PM (Summer), 9AM-6PM (Winter)

Sights Nearby

São Roque Church - Home of the world's most expensive chapel
Principe Real - Charming leafy square.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara - A garden with a panoramic view over the city.
Camões Square - A busy square and meeting place between Chiado and Bairro Alto.
Chiado Museum - Museum of Portuguese contemporary art.
São Carlos Theater - The city's La Scala-inspired opera house.
Carmo Church - Romantic Gothic ruins evocative of the Great Earthquake.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina - A terrace and café with a view.