Free Garden Festival in Lisbon This Spring: A Muslim-Friendly Guide to Jardin Abertos 2025

If you’re a nature lover with a soft spot for lush gardens and a touch of tranquillity in your travels, Lisbon has something special in store this spring. From 3 May to 25 May, the Portuguese capital is throwing open the gates to some of its most stunning gardens – and the best part? Entry is completely free!

This is all part of the Jardin Abertos (Open Gardens) festival, now in its 14th year, and it's the perfect excuse to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and connect with the natural beauty tucked within Lisbon’s urban charm. For Muslim travellers looking to enjoy serene outdoor spaces, soak up springtime vibes, and find halal-friendly moments of peace, this festival couldn’t come at a better time.

Also read: Visit Muslim-Friendly Lisbon, Portugal: Where to Eat, Explore and Stay!

What’s the Jardin Abertos Festival all about?

Image credit (L-R): Lisbon City Council; Jardins Abertos | Official Facebook

Launched in 2017, Jardin Abertos is a community-focused event co-organised by the Lisbon City Council. It’s all about encouraging a stronger bond with nature while promoting sustainability and appreciation for green spaces in the heart of the city. Last year’s edition saw over 28,000 people strolling through the gardens, and this spring, it’s expected to draw an even bigger crowd.

But don’t worry – with wide-open spaces and tranquil corners, there’s still plenty of room to find your own slice of calm.

What can travellers expect?

Image credit: lisboagreencapital2020 | Official Facebook

For four weekends in May (every weekend from 3 May to 25 May), Lisbon’s most picturesque gardens will be open to the public for free. These include:

• Monteiro-Mor Botanical Park – a leafy haven filled with exotic plants and shady walking paths.

• Italian Embassy Gardens – rarely open to the public, these elegant gardens are a must-see.

• Penha Snail Garden – a whimsical spot with lush greenery and quiet nooks to unwind.

A full list of participating gardens is available on the official Jardin Abertos website.

And it's not just about wandering through flower beds (though that’s definitely encouraged). The festival features hands-on activities like gardening workshops and plant and insect identification sessions – perfect for families, solo travellers, and anyone curious about nature.

A Muslim-friendly garden experience

Image credit: @lisbonscape | Instagram

For Muslim travellers, these gardens offer more than just pretty views – they’re peaceful, reflective spaces ideal for a moment of prayer or a quiet break between sightseeing. With the event taking place in May, you'll likely catch Lisbon’s jacaranda trees in full purple bloom – a truly breathtaking sight that makes for beautiful photo ops and calm walking routes.

Planning a visit? It’s always helpful to know where the nearest mosques and halal eateries are. Many of Lisbon’s key gardens are centrally located or near metro lines, making it easy to pop over to the Lisbon Central Mosque or grab a bite at a halal restaurant in the city centre.

Here’s a quick tip: Pack a prayer mat and keep an eye out for quiet corners in the gardens – many visitors take time to sit, reflect, or even journal under the trees.

Also read: Halal Food Guide: 6 Muslim-Friendly Restaurants at Universal Studios Japan

Why it’s worth visiting in Spring

Image credit: Sean3810 | Canva Pro

Aside from the beauty of the gardens themselves, Lisbon in spring is a dream. The weather is warm but not overwhelming, and the jacaranda trees bloom throughout the city, adding a violet splash to the cobblestone streets.

If you're planning a halal-friendly European getaway with outdoor relaxation in mind, Jardin Abertos is a lovely, budget-friendly addition to your Lisbon itinerary. Whether you're exploring solo, with family, or on a romantic halal honeymoon, these gardens offer a quiet, beautiful break from the busy city buzz.