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Royal Botanic Gardens

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Royal Botanic Gardens (Trinidad and Tobago)

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The Royal Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain, Trinidad, were established in 1818, making them one of the oldest continuously maintained botanical gardens in the world. The gardens cover approximately 25 hectares (61 acres) of land located just north of the Queen's Park Savannah. They were developed under the leadership of Governor Sir Ralph Woodford to collect and acclimatize tropical plants from around the globe. Today, the gardens house an extensive collection of over 700 trees, with roughly 13% being indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago, while the rest represent various tropical regions. The grounds are situated adjacent to the President's House, the official residence of the nation's President. A unique feature of the gardens is a small, historic cemetery located on the site where several former British governors were laid to rest. Besides its scientific value for botanists, the area serves as a major public park and a tranquil escape from the urban environment of the capital city. Visitors can explore beautifully landscaped paths, exotic floral displays, and rare palm collections that have been curated for over two centuries.

Location: Trinidad and Tobago
Top sights: Queen's Park Savannah · Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port of Spain · Port of Spain
Nearby: Barataria (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	27	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	26
Rain mm	100	61	52	56	117	222	202	202	141	176	213	178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain are open daily to the public, free of charge, with expansive lawns and shady paths. They are especially worth a visit for plant enthusiasts and walkers.

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Typical hours

The gardens typically open at 6:00 AM and close at sunset. Exact times can vary slightly depending on the season.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the grounds, including tripods. The lush tropical vegetation has plenty of subjects, from flowers to old trees.

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Time needed

Allow about one to one and a half hours for a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Those interested in botanical collections can easily spend two hours.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with nearby Queen's Hall or the National Museum of Trinidad and Tobago, both a short walk away. Brian Lara Promenade is also within walking distance.

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Getting there

The gardens are located in central Port of Spain, easily reachable on foot from the city centre. Parking along St. Ann's Road is limited.

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Insider tip

Visit the gardens early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the birdsong. Bring a water bottle as the humidity can be high.

Geography

Coordinates

10.67000, -61.51500

Facts

The gardens were established in 1818 by Governor Sir Ralph Woodford.
The site covers a total land area of approximately 25 hectares.
There are over 700 trees currently growing in the botanical gardens.
About 13% of the tree species are indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago.
A small historic burial ground for British governors is located on-site.
The gardens are situated next to the official President's House.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Queen's Park Savannah<1 km · NWExplore →

Woodbrook1 km · SExplore →

Slave Market Site2 km · NExplore →

Maraval2 km · EExplore →

Paria Coast Cliffs5 km · EExplore →

Barataria5 km · NExplore →

Westmoorings6 km · SExplore →

San Juan6 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Royal Botanic Gardens (3)

Queen's Park Savannah📍 landmark

Queen's Park Savannah is a large public park in Port of Spain, used for events and recreation.

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port of Spain 📍 landmark

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port of Spain is an ecclesiastical jurisdiction in Trinidad.

Port of Spain 📍 landmark

Port of Spain is the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, a cultural and economic hub.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When are the gardens open?

The gardens are typically freely accessible during the day.

Are there guided tours?

Check at the entrance for available tours.

Can I have a picnic in the garden?

Picnics are usually permitted in designated areas.

Is the garden wheelchair accessible?

Many main paths are well-paved and suitable for wheelchairs.

When is the best time to visit?

Early in the morning is most pleasant, as it is not too hot.

Royal Botanic Gardens: where is it located?

Royal Botanic Gardens is located in Trinidad and Tobago.

Royal Botanic Gardens: what is there to see?

Highlights include Queen's Park Savannah, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Port of Spain.

Royal Botanic Gardens: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.

Royal Botanic Gardens: why is it worth visiting?

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain, Trinidad, were established in 1818, making them one of the oldest continuously maintained botanical gardens in the world.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Best time to visit & climate