Plizio Visual Lab
Tropical Botanical Garden
The Tropical Botanical Garden in Belém, Lisbon, was established in 1906 as the 'Jardim Colonial' and is now under the University of Lisbon. The facility spans approximately seven hectares and was originally designed to study plant species from Portuguese overseas territories for scientific and economic purposes. The garden houses an extraordinary collection of over 400 species from tropical and subtropical regions, including rare palms, rubber trees, and cycads. The park's architecture is featured by the former Palace of the Counts of Calheta and several pavilions used during the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition. In addition to botanical diversity, the garden has artistic tile panels (azulejos) and sculptures addressing colonial themes and scientific expeditions. Today, the garden is an important center for biodiversity conservation and the research of tropical flora.
- Location: Portugal
- Top sights: Monument to the Discoveries · Império Square · Fonte Monumental de Belém
- Nearby: Almada (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 14 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 51 | 60 | 54 | 34 | 13 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 78 | 86 | 61 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The garden was founded in 1906 by royal decree under the name Colonial Garden.
- The facility covers an area of about 7 hectares near the Jerónimos Monastery.
- Over 400 different plant species from tropical climates are represented.
- The 18th-century Palace of the Counts of Calheta is located on the grounds.
- Some pavilions date back to the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition.
- The collection of cycads is among the most significant in all of Europe.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tropical Botanical Garden (10)
Museum of Popular Art🏛 museum
Museum of folk art in Lisbon, displaying traditional crafts and everyday culture.
Centro Cultural de Belém🏛 museum
Arts and convention center in Lisbon, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and theatre.
Vasco da Gama Garden🌳 park
Park built in the 1980s, named after navigator Vasco da Gama, designed by António Saraiva.
Garagem Sul🏛 museum
Museum of architecture and design, housed in a former garage.
Belém Lighthouse
Decorative lighthouse in Belém, a faux structure with no navigational function.
Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém
Former parish church in Lisbon, now deconsecrated, used for cultural purposes.
Pastéis de Belém
Famous Portuguese egg tart pastry dusted with cinnamon, original recipe from Belém.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is this tropical garden located?
What is the garden's theme?
Are there monuments to see there?
Is entry free for children?
Are there free-roaming animals there?
Tropical Botanical Garden: where is it located?
Tropical Botanical Garden: what is there to see?
Tropical Botanical Garden: when is the best time to visit?
Tropical Botanical Garden: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
