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Sunrise

Sunrise at the Zoo

Beat the heat and the crowds by starting your day at Lisbon’s zoo just as the sun breaks over the horizon.

Best time: sunriseAbout 90 min

Timeline

  1. 07:43

    Jardim Zoológico

    Arrive at the zoo gates before they open. The zoo opens at 10:00, so use this quiet time to soak in the atmosphere outside the entrance or walk the perimeter paths if accessible. It is a peaceful way to start the morning.

  2. 07:53

    Jardim Zoológico

    Watch the sunrise. While the zoo is technically closed, the early light casts a soft glow on the zoo’s greenery and animal enclosures. The sun rises toward the WSW, offering a gentle morning light across the grounds.

  3. 08:53

    Jardim Zoológico

    Enter the zoo. At 10:00 the gates open. Head straight to the sea-lion and dolphin exhibits. The early light is perfect for seeing the animals as they start their day. It is a fairly pricey visit, but the exotic animals are worth the trip.

  4. 09:23

    Jardim Zoológico

    Exit the zoo and find breakfast. Since there are no food and drink shops listed in the immediate context, check the route to the nearest cafe in the surrounding neighborhood. The zoo is accessible by Metro Blue Line or buses 16, 31, 54, 58, 701 and 755.

Local tip

The zoo is fairly pricey, so plan your budget accordingly. The early start helps you avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds.

Check before you go

  • The zoo opens at 10:00 from 21 Mar-30 Sep and 10:00 from 1 Oct-20 Mar.
  • Check the route for public transport as there are no specific food shops listed inside the context.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Lisbon (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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