Navy Planetarium (Planetário de Marinha)

The basics

Many travelers visit the Navy Planetarium independently to see its diverse exhibitions at their own pace, but you can also visit during a hop-on, hop-off bus or tram tour, which has stops close by. The planetarium is also included on some self-guided walking tours and scavenger hunts, which highlight key sights of Lisbon. Once inside, it’s best to start with the dome theater shows; some are offered with English in addition to Portuguese, but the visuals are dazzling either way.

Things to know before you go

• The Navy Planetarium is a wheelchair-accessible venue, with equipment available for those with reduced mobility.
• Visitors are asked to turn off cell phones and not take photographs during shows in the auditorium.
• Baby strollers are not allowed in the auditorium.

How to get there

The Navy Planetarium, located in Praça do Império in Belém, is next to the Marine Museum and the Jerónimos Monastery complex, in one of Lisbon's most beautiful areas. You can reach it by taking bus #714, #727, #28, #729, #751, or #201, tram #15, the train to Belém Station, or via the Belém River Station (Transtejo).

When to get there

Open year-round, but usually closed on Mondays, the Navy Planetarium has two daily sessions in the morning and afternoon. To avoid large weekend crowds, especially in summer, it's best to book in advance and visit on a weekday morning. As the museum may also close for public holidays, it’s best to check the schedule before visiting.

What to see at the Navy Planetarium

Highlights of the Navy Planetarium include its impressive 75-foot-wide (23-meter-wide) dome, which displays mesmerizing projections of the universe. Visitors can also explore the gallery, which showcases astronomical instruments and equipment, and reveals the timeline of stargazing technology. There’s an on-site library as well, with an extensive collection of astronomy books and research papers.

Ways to explore

Many travelers visit the Navy Planetarium independently to see its diverse exhibitions at their own pace over the course of about half a day. It’s also possible to visit this landmark during a hop-on hop-off bus or tram tour with stops close to the planetarium. The Navy Planetarium is also included on some self-guided walking tours and scavenger hunts in Lisbon, which highlight key sights in the city.

Once inside, start with a show at the dome theater. Some are offered with English in addition to Portuguese, but the visuals are dazzling either way.

Accessibility

This Lisbon landmark is a wheelchair-accessible venue.

Age limits

No age limits, though the planetarium is recommended for kids ages 3 and up.

What to pack

Water bottle, credit card

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers of breathable clothing

Not allowed

Smoking, outside food and drink, strollers

Amenities

Restrooms

Address

The Navy Planetarium is located in Praça do Império in Belém. Many people combine a visit to the planetarium with nearby landmarks, including the adjoined Marine Museum and the Jerónimos Monastery complex. It is recommended to use public transportation to reach this beautiful area of Lisbon.

Driving

Some visitors may want to drive from central Lisbon to Belém. Parking options near the planetarium include Estacionamento CCB Emel or Estacionamento Rua de Belém.

Public transportation

Travel to the Navy Planetarium by public transit, including the bus or tram. Take the bus (714, 727, 28, 729, 751, or 201) or the tram (15) to Belém station or the Belém River Station and continue on foot.

Best times to visit

This landmark offers two daily sessions: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. One benefit of the morning session is that you can combine your visit with a breakfast of Portuguese baked goods from Belém’s famous cafes.

Best days to visit

Open year-round but usually closed on Mondays, the Navy Planetarium is most peaceful on weekdays. This landmark may close for public holidays, so check the schedule before visiting.

Best months to visit

The best months to visit for those seeking fewer crowds and pleasant weather are the shoulder season months of April, May, October, and November.

Special events

Check the planetarium’s website for the latest details on educational programming and interactive exhibits. Special sessions and observatory nights that coincide with astronomical events are sometimes offered.