Pedro M.
Google
Parque e Jardim de Serralves is one of my favourite places to visit in Porto and a spot I would happily return to many times. This outstanding area of natural beauty sits within the city but feels like a peaceful escape from urban life. The park covers about 18 hectares of gardens, woodlands, formal landscapes, and even a traditional farmhouse, all originally designed in the 1930s and now recognised as a unique and historic landscape in Portugal. 
Walking through the gardens is timeless and truly varied. You move from perfectly manicured lawns and rose gardens to shaded forests and open fields where nature feels almost wild and untouched. There are hundreds of different tree and plant species, from native oaks to exotic shrubs, making every visit feel fresh and different depending on the season. 
One of the most special experiences in the park is the Treetop Walk, a raised wooden pathway that lets you explore the park at the height of the tree canopy. This gives you a new perspective on the biodiversity around you and feels both peaceful and adventurous as you move above the ground through the branches. 
Children and families will enjoy the traditional farm area, where you can see and interact with real animals such as sheep, donkeys, and other farm creatures. This adds a really fun and interactive layer to the visit that goes beyond simple garden strolling. 
The park also includes sculptures and art from the Serralves Foundation’s collection, quietly placed among the trees and lawns, so you can stumble upon artwork as well as nature. 
A walk through Serralves can easily take a whole morning or afternoon, depending on how many paths you explore. There are numerous routes you can take, from shorter easy walks to longer circuits that lead you through woods, formal gardens, and scenic fields. 
Every time I visit I find something new to enjoy, whether it’s a quiet bench by a pond, a shaded forest path, or watching animals wander peacefully in the farm area. Jardim de Serralves is a true highlight of Porto and one of the best places in the city to connect with nature, relax, walk, and explore at your own pace. 
Would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Porto, whether you are into gardens, nature, art, or just want a beautiful place to unwind and enjoy peaceful surroundings.