The Oceanário de Lisboa is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive aquariums. This practical guide explains how to get there, when to visit, how to book tickets online, and what else to see nearby in Lisbon’s modern Parque das Nações district.
If you’d prefer to skip the explanation and just book your tickets, head this way.
A short history and overview of Oceanário de Lisboa
The Oceanário de Lisboa opened in 1998 as part of Expo ’98, the World Exposition themed around the oceans and sustainable development. It quickly became one of Portugal’s most visited attractions and remains a highlight for both locals and international visitors.
The main tank holds more than five million litres of seawater, simulating an open ocean environment where sharks, rays and sunfish swim together. Around it, four marine habitats represent the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Antarctic oceans, designed to show how all ecosystems are interconnected. Educational exhibitions promote conservation and awareness of marine biodiversity.
To avoid queues, book your Oceanário de Lisboa tickets online in advance.
How to get to Oceanário de Lisboa
The Oceanário de Lisboa is located in the Parque das Nações district in eastern Lisbon, by the Tagus River. The address is Esplanada Dom Carlos I, 1990-005 Lisboa.
The easiest way to reach the site is by metro. Take the red line to Oriente station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the aquarium and has some spectacular tile art. Oriente is also served by suburban trains and several city buses.
If driving, follow signs for Parque das Nações and use one of the nearby public car parks. Paid parking is available at the Parque do Oceanário underground lot or the Centro Vasco da Gama shopping centre, both within easy walking distance.
For convenience and guaranteed entry, book your Oceanário de Lisboa entry tickets here.
5 great things to do in Lisbon 🇵🇹
- 🏰 Combine nearby highlights on a small group tour – to Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais.
- 🍷 Eat your way through lesser-visited neighbourhoods – on a food and wine tour.
- 🛺 Get a local’s eye view of Lisbon – on a tuk-tuk tour.
- 🥐 Take a bakery masterclass – and make your own pastel de nata.
- ⛵ Enjoy wine at sunset – on a river sailing cruise.
Oceanário de Lisboa opening hours and ticket prices
The aquarium is open daily, including weekends and holidays. Opening hours are generally from 10.00am to 8.00pm in summer (last entry 7.00pm).
Tickets cost different amounts depending on which time of day you visit, but the baseline prices are as below.
Ticket prices (from the official Oceanário site):
- Adults (13–64 years): €25
- Children (3–12 years): €15
- Seniors (65+): €17
- Children under 3: free
Discounted family packages and combo tickets are also available. Buying online in advance is recommended, as queues at peak times can be long. Book your Oceanário de Lisboa tickets online now to skip the line and choose a convenient time slot.
Best times to visit Oceanário de Lisboa
This giant Lisbon aquarium is busiest between 11.00am and 3.00pm, particularly at weekends and during school holidays. For a quieter experience, aim to arrive right at opening or later in the afternoon after 5.00pm.
Lighting in the main tank changes subtly through the day, simulating dawn to dusk. Morning light brings softer tones and fewer reflections for photography. Visiting early also helps secure nearby parking and reduces queue times for ticket scanning.
To save time, buy Oceanário de Lisboa tickets in advance and head straight to the entrance upon arrival.
Facilities, accessibility and visitor tips at Oceanário de Lisboa
The aquarium is designed with accessibility in mind. All exhibition areas, lifts and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available on request at the entrance desk. Baby changing areas and stroller access are provided throughout the building.
A gift shop and café overlook the river, offering light meals and drinks. The surrounding promenade has benches and shaded areas for rest. Photography without flash is allowed throughout most of the Oceanário, but tripods and drones are not permitted.
Allow at least two hours for a full visit, especially if you want to see the temporary exhibitions and film displays.
Nearby attractions to combine with Oceanário de Lisboa
The Parque das Nações area has several modern attractions that can easily fill a full day:
- Telecabine Lisboa – a scenic cable car ride offering panoramic views of the Tagus River.
- Pavilhão do Conhecimento – an interactive science museum ideal for families.
- Centro Vasco da Gama – a large shopping mall with restaurants and a cinema complex.
- Oriente Station – designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, notable for its futuristic steel canopy.
After exploring the aquarium, take a walk along the riverside promenade or enjoy a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants overlooking the water.
FAQ
Is Oceanário de Lisboa wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All exhibition areas are accessible via ramps and lifts, and accessible toilets are available throughout. Wheelchairs can be borrowed at the entrance desk.
When are the quietest times to visit?
Early morning (10.00am) and late afternoon (after 5.00pm) are the least crowded times. Weekdays outside of school holidays are generally calmer than weekends.
Can I buy tickets online?
Yes. It’s highly recommended to book Oceanário de Lisboa tickets online here to skip the queues and select your preferred time slot.
Are there cafés or restaurants nearby?
Yes. There’s a café inside the Oceanário and many waterfront restaurants within walking distance along the Parque das Nações promenade.
Are photos allowed inside?
Photography without flash is permitted throughout most areas, but flash and tripods are not allowed to protect the marine animals.
Practical tip: Visit early, allow at least two hours, and book your Oceanário de Lisboa tickets online in advance to save time.
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Lisbon travel
Other Lisbon travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to Lisbon’s Belem neighbourhood.
- Visiting the Monument to the Discoveries.
- Visiting Museu Coleção Berardo, Lisbon: practical guide for first-time visitors.
- A practical guide to visiting Lisbon’s Beer Museum.
- Visiting the Jerónimos Monastery for the first time.
