Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa)

The Basics

As one of the city’s top family attractions, Oceanário de Lisboa is featured on nearly all hop-on hop-off bus routes, which allow visitors to explore Portugal’s capital at their own pace and enjoy unobstructed views from a vantage point on the top deck. You can opt for a hassle-free package that combines a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass with an Oceanário de Lisboa admission ticket, or secure a skip-the-line admission ticket, which allows you to beat long lines at the entrance booths.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Oceanário de Lisboa is a must-visit for families and lovers of nature.

• Marine species are spread over four distinct exhibits, which contain sharks, manta rays, and tropical fish.

• Ramps and lifts in the aquarium facilitate access for wheelchairs and strollers.

• Check the aquarium website for the latest information on rotating temporary exhibitions.

How to Get There

The Oceanarium is located east of Belém Tower along the River Tagus waterfront. To get there by metro, take the Red Line to Oriente station, from which it’s a 10-minute walk. Oriente metro station is only two stops and a matter of minutes from Lisbon airport, making the Oceanário de Lisboa a great choice if you’ve only got limited time in the capital.

When to Get There

Oceanário de Lisboa is open from 10am to 8pm during the summer months, and 10am to 7pm during winter. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit the aquarium during the week, as it can get busy on weekends and public holidays.

Conservation Projects at Oceanário de Lisboa

In addition to promoting awareness of our impact on the oceans, Oceanário de Lisboa participates in important conservation projects for endangered marine life. It heads the project for the blue-spotted ribbontail ray, found in the Indian and Pacific oceans, and oversees breeding projects involving hammerhead sharks and Magellanic penguins.

Ways to explore

As one of the city’s top family attractions, the Lisbon Oceanarium is featured on a number of hop-on, hop-off bus routes, which allow visitors to explore Portugal’s capital at their own pace and enjoy the views from the top deck. You can opt for a hassle-free package that combines a 24- or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus pass with admission to the Lisbon Oceanarium, or book a skip-the-line ticket, which allows you to beat long lines at the entrance booths.

Accessibility

The Lisbon Oceanarium is accessible to wheelchair users, with ramps and elevators providing step-free access.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Comfortable layers and walking shoes

Not allowed

Luggage or other bulky items, using phones or flash photography, smoking or vaping, food or drinks in exhibition spaces

Amenities

ATMs, storage lockers, gift shops, restaurants

Address

The Lisbon Oceanarium is set along the Tagus River waterfront, north of the city center, and transit options include mainline trains, the metro, and buses. You can also drive there, use taxis or rideshare services, or join a tour that takes you there.

Driving

The Lisbon Oceanarium is easy to reach from central Lisbon via the major Avenida Infante Dom Henrique; the drive typically takes around 30 minutes, and parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

Take the red line of the metro to Cabo Ruivo or Oriente. Alternatively, take a mainline train to Lisboa Oriente, one of the city’s major stations, or hop on a local bus that stops nearby.

Best times to visit

The Lisbon Oceanarium is open every day, from mid-morning until evening; last entry is 1 hour before closing time. Arrive early, ahead of the crowds, to maximize your time.

Best days to visit

The aquarium is open daily. As a general rule, you can expect weekends and holidays to be particularly busy times.

Best months to visit

It’s worth visiting any time of year, though be ready for bigger crowds in the summer.

Special events

The Oceanarium hosts changing temporary exhibitions in addition to its permanent displays; check the schedule online for more info.