4.4.17 Jardim Botânico da Ajuda
Calçada da Ajuda
Location HERE.
THIS IS A PAY ATTRACTION. But not expensive at €2 per person, and half price for seniors.
Like your own secret garden.
Pass through the entry on Calçada da Ajuda, and the city traffic is left behind. Lisbon’s oldest botanical garden opens out in front of you, its fountains, statuary and walkways laid out in perfect symmetry.
Sure, there are a few frayed edges, and maybe not every species of plant is labelled, but these are minor details. The main garden is overlooked by a terrace at its north side; both have ample space for visitors to sit and chill. Some of the benches have tree cover, always welcome in the summer months.
There are toilet facilities (bathrooms for you North American people), but a word of warning - CAUTION two steps down, and the light may not be as good as outside the building. There are separate facilities for the disabled.
The terrace also has a drinking fountain. HOWEVER, the café, which was there in times past, is not there now.
What is there is a small number of characteristically loud peacocks, including a white one. They are also quick to make their exit when any kind of camera is pointed at them.
The sightseeing buses sometimes pass by the entrance, as does the TukTuk brigade, but their interference is limited to telling the punters what is behind the gate. Which, if you are also behind the gate, you know already.
At both east and west ends of the main garden, a further warning CAUTION steps without handrails. But, overall, this is a hugely rewarding hour or two away from the tourist hordes, and another reason to make use of the 18 tram.
Tram 18; Buses 729 and 771, plus 760 when you’re heading back into town.
Location HERE.
THIS IS A PAY ATTRACTION. But not expensive at €2 per person, and half price for seniors.
Pass through the entry on Calçada da Ajuda, and the city traffic is left behind. Lisbon’s oldest botanical garden opens out in front of you, its fountains, statuary and walkways laid out in perfect symmetry.
Sure, there are a few frayed edges, and maybe not every species of plant is labelled, but these are minor details. The main garden is overlooked by a terrace at its north side; both have ample space for visitors to sit and chill. Some of the benches have tree cover, always welcome in the summer months.
The terrace also has a drinking fountain. HOWEVER, the café, which was there in times past, is not there now.
The sightseeing buses sometimes pass by the entrance, as does the TukTuk brigade, but their interference is limited to telling the punters what is behind the gate. Which, if you are also behind the gate, you know already.
Tram 18; Buses 729 and 771, plus 760 when you’re heading back into town.
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