Tour in Ajuda

When entering Lisbon via the 25 de Abril Bridge, immediately on the left, the Ajuda neighborhood, which extends to the Monsanto Park, stands out. Close to Belém and Alcântara, this neighborhood is known for being one of those that strives to maintain its original design and which has a diverse heritage as a result of the many generations that lived there.

In the center and in the highest area, the Ajuda National Palace was built around which the entire neighborhood unfolds, in narrow and sloping streets, in a constant up and down. A maze of streets worth discovering. Families and students who attend colleges in Alto da Ajuda live in this neighbourhood, which still “dresses up” in old Lisbon. Families and students who attend colleges in Alto da Ajuda live in this neighbourhood, which still “dresses up” in old Lisbon.

One of these wonders is undoubtedly the botanical wealth available. First of all, Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, the first botanical garden in Portugal that brings together more than 5,000 species of plants and also a true viewpoint for the magnificent view it has of the city and the river. Not only can you see the Tagus estuary, but its proximity allows you to enjoy the riverside area to walk around and breathe. Another must-visit point is Tapada da Ajuda. An immense botanical park, where not only is one of the largest universities of agricultural sciences in the country, the Instituto Superior de Agronomia – ISA, but also a botanical reserve internationally recognized for its unique forest of wild olives.

In addition to a residential area supplied with some local commerce, Ajuda also welcomes many young students who attend the university centers located in these neighborhoods.