Park of the Nations (Parque das Nações)

The Basics

The Park of Nations morphed an old industrial park of Lisbon into a modern place to eat, meet, learn, and relax. Beyond the stunning architecture and the Vasco da Gama Bridge (the longest in Europe), the Lisbon Oceanario (Europe’s largest indoor aquarium) and the Pavilion of Knowledge feature activities for the whole family. There is also a cable car that runs across the district, offering a bird’s-eye view of the waterfront.

Some private tours can arrange visits to the area and its sights, while many small-group and hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours include them. If sailing is more up your alley, take a cruise along Lisbon’s coast and soak up the views of the beautiful architecture from a sailboat.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Park of Nations is a must-visit for modern architecture admirers.

• Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long entry lines at the Oceanario.

• Bring a hat, water, and sunscreen if you plan to walk along the waterfront, as there is not much shade.

• The Oriente metro station is a sight to behold—don’t miss its beautiful architecture and tiled murals.

• Much of the area and the cable car are accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Park of Nations lies in northeastern Lisbon, along the Teju Estuary. Take the red metro line to Oriente station or one of many city buses that reach the area.

When to Get There

The Park of Nations is busy at night with a number of bars and restaurants—good for people who like a bit of nightlife. Lisbon is generally very hot and crowded during the months of June, July, and August. Plan to arrive in the shoulder months for pleasant weather and fewer people.

The Park’s Ocean Theme

Many people think that the Park of Nations has an ocean theme because of its location on the water, but there is more to it than that. The World Expo was held here in 1998, plus the event coincided with the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and the United Nations’ Year of the Oceans. These factors left the Park of Nations architects with almost no choice but to design a beautiful water-themed district.

Ways to explore

Beyond its stunning architecture and impressively long Vasco da Gama Bridge, the Park of Nations has activities for all ages. Book a combination ticket for the kid-approved Lisbon Oceanario and Telecabine Lisboa cable cars, which run over the riverside neighborhood for some of the best views in the city.

Situated far north of Lisbon’s main attractions, the Park of Nations is usually featured on guided tours by private vehicle, as well as contemporary architecture tours. If sailing is more your speed, book a boat tour to see the park and other coastal landmarks from the water.

Accessibility

Much of the Park of Nations, including the Oceanarium and cable cars, is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, picnic or book to enjoy along the waterfront

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat or sunglasses, as there’s not a lot of shade in the open-air district.

Not allowed

Rules vary by attraction, but most ticketed sites within the park don’t allow smoking or non-service animals.

Amenities

Public restrooms, dining options, luggage storage facilities

Address

The Park of Nations is located northeast of central Lisbon along the Tagus River. A 10-minute drive from the airport, the district is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation.

Driving

It’s not recommended for visitors to drive in Lisbon, where streets are narrow and traffic is heavy. Instead, get to the Park of Nations on a guided tour or by taxi; it’s a 30-minute drive from the central Baixa district.

Public transportation

Coming from the Lisbon airport or the Santa Apolónia station near Alfama, take the metro red line to the Park of Nations’ Oriente station—an architectural attraction in its own right.

Best times to visit

Visit in the morning for shorter lines at the aquarium and cable cars, or stop by in the evening for more atmosphere at the waterside restaurants and the Casino de Lisboa.

Best days to visit

Weekends can be particularly busy at the Park of Nations, so stop by from Monday to Friday for fewer crowds inside the museums and outside on the cycling paths.

Best months to visit

Lisbon is generally very hot from June–August. Plan to arrive in the shoulder months of April–May and September–October for better weather at the sprawling park.

Special events

The neighborhood is home to the biggest indoor events venue in Portugal, MEO Arena, which hosts major concerts and performances throughout the year.