Lisbon Sights: Parks and gardens

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• Jardim Zoológico, Estrada De Benfiea 158-160 (Metro:Take the Blue Line to the Jardim Zooligico. Buses: A variety of buses stop here including 16, 31, 54, 58, 701 and 755), ☎ +351 (21) 7232-920, www.zoo.pt. 10AM - 8PM (21st March - 30th Sept.) and 10AM - 6PM (1st Oct. - 20th March). A zoo that is fairly pricey, but has a variety of exotic animals featuring sea-lions and dolphins. €15.

Parque das Nações

• Parque das Nações, On Av. Dom Joao II (Metro: Oriente Station. Train: Gare Do Oriente Station.), ☎ +351 (21) 8919-898, www.portaldasnacoes.pt. Built for the 1998 World Expo, the eastern side of town (take the Metro to Oriente) is a change from downtown. It includes:
  • Oceanarium, ☎ +351 218 917 002, www.oceanario.pt. One of the world's largest oceanariums. Admission 11.00EUR.
  • Pavilhao do Conhecimento, ☎ +351 218 917 100, www.pavconhecimento.pt/home/index.asp?accao=changelang&lang=en. Admission €3.00-€7.00.

• Lisbon Botanical Garden, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58 (Metro: Rato Sation), www.jardimbotanicodajuda.com. Daily 9AM - 8PM (Summer) 9AM - 6PM (Winter). The botanical garden of Ajuda is one of the oldest gardens in Europe and is considered the first in Portugal. After the earthquake that occurred in 1755, the homeless Portuguese royal family decided to build a new royal residence at Ajuda but also gardens around it. This 10 acre garden was laid out in from 1858-1873.

• Jardim Botanico (Botanic Gardens), (between the Avenida da Liberdade and Bairro Alto). A hidden gem. It was created several hundred years ago, by a King of Portugal at the time of the Discoveries. The story goes that this King wanted one of every type of plant in the world, and although that's unlikely, there is a huge collection dating back by three or four centuries which is worth checking out. Also some weird and wonderful bizarre grafted trees - the roots hang down like fingers and toes where one tree has been grafted onto another, sometimes completely different, species. And there's something quite eerie about seeing plants or huge trees from completely different climates growing next to each other in apparent harmony. A great place to take a picnic - this green oasis is completely surrounded by city but even the city sounds filter out. Entrance 1.80EUR adults, discounts for kids, OAPS and students.

• www.zoo.pt
• www.portaldasnacoes.pt
• www.oceanario.pt
• www.pavconhecimento.pt/home/index.asp?accao=changelang&lang=en
• www.jardimbotanicodajuda.com