Near the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, the Tropical Botanical Garden is a green retreat of tropical and subtropical plants, shaded paths and ponds. Peacocks, ducks and chickens roam the grounds, and quieter corners include an Oriental Garden and marbled Italian sculptures. It is a calm change of pace from Belém’s busy sights, though some buildings and greenhouses have been closed or under restoration. Take time to wander, watch the birds and look for the garden’s tucked-away details.
A garden created for tropical research
The Tropical Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botânico Tropical, is in Belém, beside the Jerónimos Monastery. It was inaugurated in 1906 as a research centre for the Institute of Tropical Sciences. Its early purpose was agricultural research connected with Portugal’s overseas colonies, and it was once known as the Colonial Garden.
Today, its collections bring together tropical and subtropical plants from different parts of the world. The grounds also contain plants from places that were not colonized by Portugal. The garden is both a place to walk among the collections and a reminder of the scientific and colonial history behind them.
Paths, birds and quieter corners
Winding paths pass beneath mature trees and through planted areas, with ponds and shaded places to pause. Peacocks wander freely among the paths, alongside ducks and chickens. Cats have also been seen around the grounds. The birds are a highlight for many visitors, but the plants and the slower pace are reason enough to take your time.
Look out for the Oriental Garden, reached through a Macanese arch, as well as marbled Italian sculptures and greenhouses with a vintage appearance. Busts of African and Asian figures are also placed around the garden. These features connect the grounds to their history and are part of what distinguishes this garden from a simple collection of flower beds.
What to expect during a visit
The garden is a short walk from the Jerónimos Monastery and Pastéis de Belém, making it easy to add to a day in Belém. Its paths and shaded areas give you room to pause after visiting the neighbourhood’s more crowded sights. Allow an hour or two if you want to explore rather than make only a quick circuit.
Conditions are not uniform across the grounds. Some areas have been described as needing restoration, and buildings or greenhouses may be closed. The cactus area is still worth looking for, even if parts of the garden feel less maintained. Sprinklers can turn on unexpectedly, so keep an eye out as you walk. If you want a rest in the garden, bring food for a picnic on the grass.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the Tropical Botanical Garden?
Allow about an hour or two to walk the paths, look for the garden’s features and spend time watching the birds.
What can you see at the Tropical Botanical Garden?
The garden has tropical and subtropical plants, ponds, free-roaming peacocks and other birds, an Oriental Garden, sculptures and greenhouses.
Are the buildings and greenhouses open?
Some buildings and greenhouses have been closed or under restoration, so you should plan to focus on the outdoor grounds.
Where is the Tropical Botanical Garden?
It is in Belém, near the Jerónimos Monastery, at Largo dos Jerónimos.
