Lisbon is truly a charming capital city with much to offer its visitors, from enthralling museums and theaters to elegantly renovated marvelous palaces and stunning monasteries to wonderful attractions of aquatic variety, add to this the wide selection of awe-inspiring gardens and parks scattered throughout the city in a variety of enticing styles. An important element of green to the city, gardens and parks are amongst most prized depositories of Lisbon’s heritage, dazzling more and more visitors annually with their significant statues, eccentric plants and animals. Here are some of the most noteworthy gardens and parks you should not miss out during your stay.
Parque das Naçoes (National Park)
Also called Park of the Nations, Parque das Naçoes is leisure, residential and commercial area situated adjacent to the estuary of Tagus, on the northeastern edge of Lisbon that was built for the 1998 World Expo. This provided the city an opportunity to regenerate the riverside area and enter the 21th century as a modern democracy. The park has some remarkable architecture, including the Vasco da Gama Tower, which is the tallest building in Lisbon, the twin towers of São Gabriel and São Rafael, the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the metro station of Estãçao do Oriente. Among new additions are also the Vasco da Gama mall, the International Fair complex of Lisbon, the Park of the Nation Marina and Oceanarium – the park’s centerpiece, which is counted among the largest Oceanarims of the world. It is also a perfect place for birdwatchers.
Jardim Bôtanico (Botanical Gardens)
Lisbon Botanical Gardens is indeed a treasure, built many years ago by a Portuguese king during the Age of Discoveries. The story goes that the king wanted to possess one of each and every kind of flora in the world, and fortunately, his dream partially come true as now Jardim Bôtanico has the most extensive and rarest collection of plant in many themed areas and ‘garden rooms’ that appeal visitors of all ages. The garden also showcases some very peculiar and interesting cross-species plant-grafting but what strikes most about it is that plants with totally different climatic requirements grow side by side in perfect harmony. Also onsite guests will find the interesting Botanical Musuem, a large glasshouse with palm trees and an impressive Planetarium. The garden is also an ideal getaway for picnicking.
Parque do Alvito (Alvito Park)
Situated in the Monsanto Forest Park, this is one of the most family-oriented parks I Lisbon fitted with all sorts of facilities to make your leisure pleasant. There is an emblematic playground for children, a cultural center, sport courts and a wooden train. Besides the recreational and educational facilities, the park has to elegant swimming pools that are open during the hot summer months (between July and September) for 3 or 4 year old kids. The park is surrounded by beautiful trees and shrubs that provide tranquil spot to sit and relax. The park is open 7 days a week and the admission is free.
Jardim Zoologico
Established in 1884, this is the zoological garden of Lisbon boasting a very broad variety of exotic fauna: around 2000 creatures of over 300 species reside in this Lisbon Zoo, there are 157 bird species, 114 mamals, 56 reptiles and 5 amphibians. The garden aims at conserving the endangered species, carrying out scientific research on them and providing recreational and educational activities. This zoo is graced by around 800,000 visitors every year.
