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TweetThings to do - 01 Apr 2026
Lisbon in Bloom: A Botanical Spring Itinerary
When spring arrives in Lisbon, the city awakens in color and everything takes on new life. But there is also a quieter, more fascinating side: the gardens, trees, and flowers that tell the story of the city. This botanical itinerary leads you to some of Lisbon’s most iconic spots, combining rich and diverse flora with the historical memory each place holds.
Jardim da Estrela: A Romantic Refuge in the Heart of the City
Opened in 1852, Jardim da Estrela was designed in the European romantic style and quickly became a meeting point for locals and visitors. In spring, it bursts into color: magnolias bloom in shades of white, fragrant rose bushes spread across the flowerbeds, and jacarandas paint the garden in vibrant purples.
- Historical note: The garden features sculptures and fountains that reflect the era’s taste for romanticism and a close connection with nature. One of its central highlights is the green wrought-iron bandstand, built in 1884, which was originally located in Passeio Público before the construction of Avenida da Liberdade.
Lisbon Botanical Garden: Science and Exoticism
The Lisbon Botanical Garden, part of the National Museum of Natural History and Science, combines scientific research with natural beauty. Founded in 1878, it is particularly rich in tropical species from New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan, and South America.
- Historical note: Many of the exotic species were brought by Portuguese botanists in the 19th century, making the garden a living archive of scientific exploration from that era.
Tapada das Necessidades: The Court’s Wild Nature
Covering 10 hectares, Tapada das Necessidades was originally royal land, created in the 17th century as a leisure and hunting area. Today, it remains almost untouched, with imposing trees creating a unique contrast with the city’s more manicured gardens. In spring, small wildflowers appear, while trees such as plane trees, cedars, and cork oaks display their majestic stature.
- Historical note: Some cork oaks are over 200 years old and were planted to enhance the grounds of the Portuguese royal court.
Estufa Fria: A Botanical Oasis in Eduardo VII Park
At the heart of Eduardo VII Park lies Estufa Fria, an enclosed green space that combines unique architecture with an impressive botanical collection. It was designed to recreate different climates and habitats, housing tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean plants.
In addition to tropical species, its pathways are lined with small lakes and artificial waterfalls, enhancing the sense of refuge and tranquility.
- Historical note: In the mid-19th century, the area where Eduardo VII Park now stands was occupied by a lake and a basalt quarry. However, the presence of several water springs made rock extraction difficult, eventually leading to the quarry’s abandonment.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Garden: Art and Nature in Harmony
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Garden is a space where culture, art, and nature come together in a unique way. Created in the 1960s, it was designed with special attention to biodiversity and the integration of artworks into the green landscape.
In spring, its paths come alive with magnolias, azaleas, camellias, and other seasonal flowers. Century-old trees such as oaks, plane trees, and cedars provide shade and surround the lakes and sculptures scattered throughout the space. The result is an environment where natural beauty and artistic history meet.
- Historical note: In the 19th century, the site hosted a romantic-style palace and park, and it also served as the Lisbon Zoo.
