We've been in Lisbon for several weeks, and have by-passed this garden a number of times while…read morewalking to various surrounding eateries in the neighborhood; but, always there's been a line to get in, so we've never stopped. Well, as we close-out 2024, and with this being a slow Monday for us, we decided to give it a try. We arrived at the Jardim Botânica da Universidade de Lisboa--that's a mouthful!--at around 10:00 am, and there was no line. YAY!!! The entry fee of $5 per adult seemed very reasonable (we didn't do the adjoining natural museum next door). I'll start by saying that one needs an open-mind coming here, without too much expectation, because you're not gonna get some kind of spectacularly verdant tropical oasis (especially at this time of year with most deciduous trees having already shed its leaves). What you will get for your 5-bucks is a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling Príncipe Real, especially along the hubbub and trolley clatter that's Rua da Escola Politecnica. No doubt, on a busy day, perhaps it's not quite so peaceful with tourists and kids clammering about; however, on this particular day, it was very peaceful, very calming. If I lived nearby, I'd certainly pay $5 to find me a bench to do some reading, or perhaps people-watching. Yes, the garden does need some tending to; however, in a jam-packed city like Lisbon, any open space devoted to a garden or park gets two thumbs-up from me! And, too, it was really nice to see parrots doing their thing, and the sounds of birds, over nearby construction cranes and such. And, too, some of those trees were spectacularly ancient! The two Northern California sequoias were an awesome surprise!! The cactus garden held some REALLY old specimens, too! The Australian eucalyptus trees were also huge! Without doubt some of these trees are way long in the making and have been here for a VERY long time, indeed! Some areas were a bit unruly, but that's nature! The adjoining pathway gardens behind of the natural museum, which were separate from the main gardens, was a bit sad-looking and unkempt with nothing open; but, perhaps in the summertime it's more lively and appealing. Still, though, it made for a pleasant stroll to pass the time. Overall, despite some exhibits being closed and/or looking dismantled (the "Sensory Garden," for example), I'm still giving Lisbon's Botanical Gardens the full 5-stars just for being alive in a city that's compromising.... Muito obrigado!!! :D