Jardim Botânico da Faculdade de Ciências (Botanical Gardens of the Science College)

This 10 acre garden is on one of the slopes of the hill that houses the Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real neighbourhoods. Through the lush vegetation and from certain vantage points it is possible to view the São Jorge Castle. Planting for this scientific garden began in 1873 and it opened to the public 5 years later. It is a compact garden filled with ponds and waterfalls and plant specimens from all over the world where there were Portuguese colonies. The most remarkable of its collections are the Palms and Cycadaceae. The latter are extremely rare and are sometimes referred to as living fossils as very few specimens survive today except in botanical gardens.


Opening hours: Everyday from 9 to 7 p.m.,
Closed on Christmas day and New Year’s Day
How to get there: Metro/Underground – Rato on the yellow line;
Buses – 58 and 100;
Entrance fee: Adults – 1,50€
Seniors, students and youth card holders – 0,75€
Children under 7 – Free entry

Address: R. da Escola Politécnica, 56-58
Contact: 213968180