Rain or shine, we’re thankful for what a little time outdoors can do for the mind and soul. Fortunately, Porto is blessed with a pleasant climate and amazingly beautiful scenery, which makes it the perfect city for outdoor activities. Today we’ve decided to gather our favorite gardens and parks in Porto to enjoy a bit of sun. After a Porto Food Tour with us, why not explore these top 5 gardens in Porto? The sun doesn’t ask for permission to shine, and neither should you.
Our favorite gardens in Porto
1. PARQUE DA CIDADE
Parque da Cidade, Porto’s largest urban park, offers the perfect spot for a walk, workout, picnic, or birdwatching.
Landscape architect Sidónio Pardal designed it in the 1990s, creating more than 80 hectares of open spaces, scenic viewpoints, and lakes filled with birds. He was inspired by the works of Jens Jensen, Pückler-Muskau, and Frederick Law Olmsted (chief architect of New York’s Central Park from 1858 to 1861).
Sitting at the western end of Avenida da Boavista, Parque da Cidade (meaning “City Park”) breathes life into the city and connects directly to Praia Internacional (the beach). So, if you decide to visit the beach, consider trying one of the surf schools in and around Edifício Transparente. While you’re there, be sure to check out She Changes, a 27-meter-high floating sculpture by Janet Echelman, locally known as Anémona (Anemone).
In the northwest corner, Queimódromo hosts major events like Primavera Sound Festival and the University of Porto’s Queima das Fitas.
2. JARDIM DO PALÁCIO DE CRISTAL
Jardim do Palácio de Cristal, or Crystal Palace Gardens, is a true paradise just a five-minute walk from the city center.
The gardens of Palácio de Cristal, a 19th-century creation, offer stunning views over the Douro River and the perfect setting for a walk, run, or moment of relaxation. And you will also come across peacocks, beautiful gardens, different varieties of trees, and gorgeous fountains.
The garden’s main avenue, Avenida das Tílias, passes by Biblioteca Almeida Garrett and contemporary sculptures, where peacocks roam freely. Jardim do Palácio de Cristal also hosts Porto’s annual Book Fair, bringing literature to life beneath the linden trees.
It is one of the most instagrammable gardens in Porto and definitely worth a visit.
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3. PARQUE DE SÃO ROQUE
There are simply no words to describe the beauty of Parque de São Roque. It is a bit out of the city center and most travelers don’t even know about it. “Peace and quiet” is what you will find here amongst the large gardens with little stone benches, a lake, fountains, beautiful sights to the Douro river, and… a circular maze that every kid (and grown-up) will love.
4. PARQUE DE SERRALVES
Parque de Serralves sits in the Boavista neighborhood, close to Parque da Cidade, and perfectly blends contemporary art, architecture, and beautiful gardens. No wonder The Gardener’s Garden book ranks it among the 250 most beautiful gardens in the world.
Spanning 18 hectares, this paradise boasts more than 200 different plant species, along with diverse gardens, lakes, woods, and vibrant flowers.
Every year in late May, this stunning space comes alive with Serralves em Festa, a 50-hour non-stop celebration of performance, music, dance, and theater. On the last weekend of September, Festa do Outono (Autumn Festival) fills the park with family-friendly activities that welcome the new season.
Serralves stands out as one of Porto’s top parks. As you explore, keep an eye out for the contemporary art pieces scattered throughout the gardens. You never know what masterpiece you’ll stumble upon!
5. JARDIM BOTÂNICO
The Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) is at Quinta do Campo Alegre. It has two lakes, greenhouses of cactus and tropical plants, and centenary trees in every corner. This is the place to be in case you want to learn a lot more about the flora of the world,
At Jardim Botânico you will also be surrounded by the beautiful Camélias, the iconic flower of Porto. Did you know that the first record of Camélias in Porto dates back to 1810? Amazing, right?
Our list isn’t exhaustive and there are many other great gardens in and around Porto that are perfect for outdoor adventures, relaxation, and soaking up the sun. Enjoy your stay! So, if you’d like to include a visit to any of these Porto gardens in a Private Custom Tour, we’d be happy to help!
With love,
The Taste Porto Foodie Team
