At the entrance there are statues and fountains. The Tilias Avenue is the principal axe, surrounded by the Municipal Library Almeida Garrett (and Palace Gallery), the acoustic shell, the Carlos Alberto Chapel (1849), a bar/restaurant next to the lake and several panoramic views for Douro river and the city.

There are several tematic gardins such as aromatic plants garden, medicinal plants garden, the sentimental garden (2007) the roses gardens, the “twin cities” garden (2009). The grove and the Castanheiros-da-índia (“Indian chestnuts”) Avenue are also enjoyable places.

Next to the gardens are the Romantic Museum and the Port Wine Solar (Quinta da Macieirinha) and the Quinta Tait.

The romantic gardens were projected around 1860 by the german architect Emí­lio David to envolve the Palácio de Cristal (“crystal palace”) from 1865 International Exhibit, replaced in 1956 by the existing pavilion.