logo
ic_menu

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Rua de Dom Manuel II, Porto, Porto

Description

The Palácio de Cristal Gardens in Porto were designed in the 1860s by the German landscaper Émile David and offer several viewpoints over the Douro river and the city. They initially surrounded the Crystal Palace built for the 1865 International Exhibition but the structure was demolished in 1951 and replaced by a reinforced-concrete dome. There are several themed landscaped gardens such as the Garden of Aromatic Plants, the Garden of Medicinals, the Garden of Twin Cities, and the Emilio David Garden with beautiful specimens of rhododendrons and camellias.

Access & Transport

The gardens are located in the Massarelos district, in the western part of Porto city centre. There is also a bus stop near the northern entrance on Rua de Dom Manuel II and Tram #18 stops at 'Palácio' on the southern side. There is a car park inside (under the arena).

Instructions & Recommendations

Best enjoyed in the Spring and Summer. Nearby attractions include the Tram Museum and the Soares dos Reis National Museum.

Meta review

Online reviews are mostly positive with visitors enjoying the green surroundings, the viewpoints over the Douro and the (tame) wildlife that includes peacocks. Maintenance appears to be good. Not many comments describing the venue in exceptional terms but quite a few find it rather average, "just another city park".

Environmental & Social

A green activity. Positive for the community as green spaces make for a better living environment

Conclusion

The gardens are the perfect place to take a break and enjoy dominating views of the Douro river but may be underwhelming to botany buffs. Best experienced on a sunny spring or summer day.

Key positive

Excellent vantage points over the city and the Douro river

Free admission

Key negative

Subject to seasonality

Not centrally located

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

February 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY08:00 - 21:00

TUESDAY08:00 - 21:00

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 21:00

THURSDAY08:00 - 21:00

FRIDAY08:00 - 21:00

SATURDAY08:00 - 21:00

SUNDAY08:00 - 21:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY08:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY08:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY08:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY08:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY08:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY08:00 - 19:00

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.