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Oceanarium in Lisbon: All you need to know before you go
The Oceanarium in Lisbon is home to more than 15,000 marine species, making it the second-largest aquarium in Europe! It is located at Parque das Nações, once the decor of the Expo ’98 exhibition.
There is so much to see at the Lisbon Aquarium that you can easily spend 2- 3 hours there! It’s fun all year round and the perfect spot for a rainy day. It’s only one of the few Lisbon attractions that is open on Christmas Day. It’s a favourite place for children and adults alike, so let’s dive in and see what to expect during your visit to Oceanário de Lisboa.
Overview of your visit to the Oceanarium in Lisbon
A little bit of background
The Oceanario de Lisboa aquarium opened its doors in 1998. At the time, Parque das Nações was the exhibition ground for Expo ’98, and Peter Chermayeff led the design of the building. The modern aquarium is meant to resemble an aircraft carrier and lies in an artificial lagoon.
It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world, and the main tank is 5,000 m3, which holds 5 million litres (1,300,000 US gal) of seawater! The building has two parts: the newer sea building and the older ocean building.
It’s nice for visitors to see underwater wildlife, but the Lisbon Oceanarium is, first and foremost, a world-leading centre for ocean conservation and education, and they are actively promoting ocean sustainability. In 2018, it even won the Tripadvisor award for “best aquarium in the world” for the third time in a row! That makes the Oceanarium in Lisbon well worth a visit!
What will you see at the Lisbon Aquarium?
Underwater Forest by Takashi Amano
When you arrive at the Oceanarium in Lisbon, you’ll start on the first floor of the first structure. There, you’ll discover Takashi Amano’s temporary exhibit Underwater Forests. It’s the world’s biggest natural aquarium and presents tropical forests underwater.
The 40-metre-long aquarium holds 160 thousand litres of fresh water and contains more than 10,000 tropical freshwater fish and 46 aquatic plants. Smells and sounds stimulate your senses, making the visit extra special. Tropical forests occupy less than 6% of the Earth’s surface, and seeing nature from a different perspective is exceptional.
Fish and birds at Lisbon Oceanarium
Afterwards, you’ll follow a footbridge to the main aquarium. The main tank at
Oceanarium Lisboa (One Planet, One Ocean) in the centre of the structure contains sharks, rays, chimaeras, marine plants, and one rare sunfish.
Around 100 species live in this tank, and seeing them swim around is a mesmerising view. There are panels throughout the aquarium with more information about the species.
Around the main tank are four habitats: the North Atlantic, the Antarctic, the Pacific, and tropical coral reefs. Here, you’ll discover seabirds, penguins, otters, tropical fish, and corals.
Although it appears the main tank is connected to the four marine habitats, an acrylic wall separates them, creating the look of a single aquarium and an ocean.
Aside from the main tank and these four sections, which create one sole ocean, there are 25 thematic aquariums with unique species. Some examples are jellyfish, the Chinese trumpetfish, clownfish, sea dragons, angelfish, plaice, barracudas, snappers, and the super cute pufferfish.
Other residents of Oceanário de Lisboa
A special shoutout to the two sea otters living in the Lisbon aquarium. Odi was born in 2017 in Alaska, and the otter was rescued within three weeks close to Odiak Lagoon. Kasi was also born in 2017 and was found within two months in an area known as Kasilof. They were rehabilitated to Oceanario Lisbon in 2018. Did you know otters have around 155,000 hairs per square centimetre?!
If you’re wondering if there are any other remarkable inhabitants, you’re right! Several invertebrates call the Oceanarium in Lisbon their home. Between the fish and other creatures, you’ll spot many plants and algae.
Invertebrates are cold-blooded animals with no backbone. Examples include anemones, coral, starfish, cuttlefish, polyps, urchins, and jellyfish. Frogs, salamanders, toads, and newts are amphibians, cold-blooded vertebrates.
Oceanarium Lisbon tickets
The Aquarium Lisbon tickets are a little more expensive than most attractions in the city. A lot of maintenance is required, animals need to be fed, staff needs to be trained, and a lot is needed to keep the operation going. Besides, the Oceanarium in Lisbon has a complete educational system, and they work hard to conserve the species.
That said, the prices of Lisbon Oceanarium tickets are as follows:
- Children under two can enter the aquarium for free
- A ticket for children between 3 and 12 costs € 15,00
- Adults pay € 25,00 per person
- Those who are 65 years and older pay € 17,00 per person
Special tickets
No family tickets are available at this point, but there are some special combination tickets. You can make a guided Lisbon oceanarium tour behind the scenes or combine your aquarium visit with a ride on the Telecabine Lisboa. Special events include concerts for babies, sleeping with sharks, and Fado for kids. Or check out the hop-on, hop-off bus ticket combined with Lisbon Aquarium.
Also, trips (8 days) to the Azores are offered to discover the fantastic underwater world and learn more about the devil rays and manta rays. Another trip is a once-in-a-lifetime sailing trip to Arrábida. You’ll set foot on the beautiful sailing ship Santa Maria Manuela to discover Portugal’s most pristine marine reserves. This is a four-day trip, and a marine biologist will escort you.
Does the Lisbon Card include the Oceanarium in Lisbon?
Good news! Do you have the Lisboa Card? Then you get a 15% discount on your Oceanarium Lisbon ticket! The Lisbon Card also gives you free public transport for a set number of hours, free admission to many sights in Lisbon, and discounts to places like the Oceanário Lisbon.
Oceanário Lisbon opening hours
Lisbon Oceanarium is open daily from 10 AM until 8 PM. Please note that the last admission is at 7 PM. Extra good news: the aquarium is also open during the holiday season! The opening times are as follows:
- December 24th from 10 AM to 7 PM
- December 25th from 11 AM to 8 PM
- December 31st from 10 AM to 7 PM
- January 1st from 11 AM to 8 PM
The last entry is an hour before closing time.
Where to eat
If you get hungry while discovering the whole aquarium, you can grab a snack or a sandwich at the Tejo Restaurant inside the Lisbon Oceanarium. The menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and is open from 10 AM until 7 PM (6 PM in winter). There are many restaurants in Parque das Nações as well.
The gift shop
After visiting the aquarium, you can browse in the gift shop of the Oceanarium in Lisbon. You’ll find anything from clothes, toys, notebooks, ceramics, and accessories. All products are linked to the ocean, and sustainability is vital in the store. 95% of the shop’s products are sustainable and make great gifts!
Protecting and valuing the sea is extremely important, and promoting sustainable consumption is a step in the right direction. The gift shop is open from 10 AM until 8 PM (7 PM in winter).
How do you get to the Oceanarium in Lisbon?
The aquarium of Lisbon is located at Parque das Nações, which is super easy to get to. The address is Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº. Oceanário Park has 274 parking spots and four more parking garages nearby.
The nearest train station is Oriente, which is well-connected to public transport:
- The Red line on the metro network will take you directly to Oriente Station;
- Bus lines 705, 725, 728, 744, 708, 750, 759, 782, and 794 stop close to the aquarium;
- Intercity trains and inter-regional and regional trains arrive at Oriente. You can take the Sintra line (Amadora and Campolide) if you come from Sintra;
- You can even arrive by boat from Cais do Sodré or Terreiro do Paço!
Other sights at Parque das Nações
Don’t leave the area just yet, as there is much to do around Parque das Nações! For example, you can ride with the Telecabine Lisboa between the Oceanarium and the Vasco da Gama Tower (now the Myriad Hotel). You’ll enjoy the view over the Tagus River and this part of Lisbon during the ride.
Another great place to visit is the Pavilion of Knowledge or Pavilhão do Conhecimento. Especially for children, it’s a great place to visit! Curious about other things to do with your kids? Then check out this post with 15+ activities for children in Lisbon!
You can visit Centro Vasco da Gama shopping mall, which is closer to the train station. Or take a walk around Parque das Nações, where you’ll spot the massive sculpture Iberian Lynx by Bordalo II.
From Oriente Station, you can take a train back to Santa Apolonia Station, a great starting point for discovering the Alfama neighbourhood. From here, it’s also easy to get back to Lisbon’s city centre.
Book your stay at Parque das Nações
Parque das Nações a beautiful district, and the centre of Lisbon is easily accessible. The train station in Oriente connects you exceptionally well to Sintra, Lisbon and the airport. For example, the airport is only 10 minutes away, you can walk to Alfama in 10 minutes, and there is a direct train to Sintra. It is a quiet neighbourhood to stay in, and up-and-coming neighbourhoods such as Marvila are easily accessible. Check out the hotels on the map or the three beautiful hotels I picked for you.
📍Staying within budget: The 2* hotel Moov Hotel Lisboa Oriente is within walking distance of Oriente Station and has excellent amenities. There is a parking garage, and great restaurants are just around the corner.
📍Beautiful mid-range hotel: The VIP Executive Arts Hotel is modern, stylish and near Parque das Nações attractions. The 4* is a 3-minute walk from the train station, and the hotel has a parking garage.
📍Luxury stay at Oriente Lisbon: For the best views, stay at MYRIAD by SANA Hotels in the Vasco da Gama Tower! Rooms offer panoramic views of the river, and there is a rooftop bar and a pool with a spa.
FAQ
How long do you need at Oceanarium Lisbon?
The quickest possible visit is about 1 hour. But if you really want to see all the species, enjoy the tranquillity of the aquarium, and learn more about them, you will need between 2 and 3 hours.
Is the Oceanarium in Lisbon worth it?
Yes, it is! While you enjoy watching the marine animals, Oceanário de Lisboa works on its collection, breeding programs and conservation. It is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and it is fun for adults and children! Visit Lisbon Oceanarium on a rainy day or even on Christmas Day!
Is the Oceanarium Lisbon included with the Lisboa Card?
Yes, it is! Show your valid Lisbon Card at the box office, and you will receive a 15% discount.
Conclusion
With awards in the pocket, being one of the world’s biggest aquariums, and working hard on ocean conservation, a visit to the Oceanarium in Lisbon is well worth it! Oceanarium Lisbon is a perfect place to hide on a drizzly day, and Oceanário de Lisboa is open during Christmas!
You can see many fish, watch penguins waddle, and the otters play. Discover marine life you didn’t know existed! If you adore marine life, you will love visiting the Oceanario de Lisboa!
More must-see places in Lisbon, Portugal
- Incredible views and things to see at Castelo de São Jorge!
- 10 beautiful sights not to miss in Alfama Lisbon
- Discover the view over Lisbon from the top of Arco da Rua
- An adventurous journey on the Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon
- The magnificent Jerónimos Monastery in Belém
- Inside Torre de Belém, a UNESCO masterpiece in Lisbon
- Inside the stunning Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the city
- Inside the National Pantheon in Lisbon and views from the top
- Oceanarium in Lisbon Guide; how to get there, tickets, and incredible species
- Discover the ruins of the Carmo Convent in Lisbon
- The colourful walls of São Vicente de Fora Monastery
- First time in Lisbon: 25 best attractions + travel tips
- Lisbon with kids; discover 25 of the best activities
- LX Factory Lisbon: Creative hub, shops, offices, street art and restaurants
- Fun itinerary for 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal
- 33 incredible and easy day trips from Lisbon
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