Estufa Fria

Estufa Fria is a botanical garden inside Parque Eduardo VII, near the top of Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon. Its lattice roof filters daylight over winding paths, tropical and temperate plants, ponds and small waterfalls. Three areas bring together a cool greenhouse, a warmer one and a section for succulents. Look out for fruit trees and birds around the water. It’s a calm place to walk among greenery without leaving the city, and part of the garden is covered if rain sets in.

A greenhouse beneath Parque Eduardo VII

Estufa Fria sits within Parque Eduardo VII, near the upper end of Avenida da Liberdade. The garden opened in 1933 and occupies a lattice structure made from wood and metal. Its canopy filters daylight into the planted areas, creating a shaded, semi-open setting for a walk.

The garden is also associated with a former basalt quarry dating to the 19th century. Today, paths lead through planted spaces, with ponds, waterfalls and statues among the greenery. The location within the park makes it possible to combine the greenhouse with time outdoors in Parque Eduardo VII.

Three areas to explore

The garden is divided into Estufa Fria, Estufa Quente and Estufa Doce: a cool greenhouse, a hot greenhouse and an area for succulents. Tropical and temperate plants grow alongside local species, coffee plants and fruit trees. Plant labels give common and scientific names and identify countries of origin.

Move at an unhurried pace along the narrow paths and look around the ponds for birds, including ducks and peacocks. The covered sections provide shelter from rain, though parts of the garden are exposed. Set aside at least an hour to walk through the different areas.