The Crystal Palace Gardens, Porto

The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) are Porto’s loveliest park: terraced gardens with peacocks, shady paths, fountains and views down the Douro towards the sea. They’re free, peaceful and a short walk from the centre.

Quick answer: the gardens are west of the centre, near Miragaia and Cedofeita. Entry is free. Walk the terraces for river views, look out for the peacocks, and stay for a picnic or sunset. Allow about an hour.

What to see

• The viewpoints: terraces looking down the Douro to the bridges and the coast.
• Peacocks and ducks roaming the paths.
• Themed gardens and fountains.
• The dome: the modern domed pavilion that replaced the original 19th-century crystal palace, now used for concerts and events.

Tips

• Sunset: lovely light over the river. See Porto viewpoints.
• Kids: plenty of space and the peacocks are a hit. See Porto with kids.
• Combine with Miragaia or Cedofeita. See Miragaia and Cedofeita.

More: free things to do in Porto and things to do in Porto.

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