Approximately 1 million people visit the iconic Lisbon Oceanarium each year, making it one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon for tourists and locals alike. It’s home to thousands of fish, mammals, and reptiles from all over the world. But is it worth your time and money?
Honestly, it depends on who you’re traveling with and what your interests are. Even if you don’t think you’d be interested in exploring the inside of the Lisbon Oceanarium, we definitely do suggest taking time out to explore the local area, as the Parque das Nações neighborhood is one of the most modern areas in Lisbon. It’s situated along the waterfront, too, with plenty of things to do nearby.
But, back to the aquarium! In this quick guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know before visiting the Lisbon Oceanarium. Plus, we’ll give you our honest opinion on whether or not it’s worth your time and money.
Where Is the Lisbon Oceanarium?
You can find the Lisbon Oceanarium within the Parque das Nações neighborhood, a revitalized district, once home to Expo ’98, that now boasts striking landmarks like the futuristic Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon’s International Exhibition Center, and the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, a science museum. Compared to the rest of Lisbon, it’s quite a contemporary urban oasis.
Why is this Lisbon attraction so popular? The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe, with over 8,00 marine animals representing 500 different species inside 7 million liters of saltwater.
The waterfront location ensures that your little ones will have plenty to see and do the day of your visit, from touring the exhibits inside the aquarium to running along the stretches of wide sidewalks that lead you up and down the banks of the river. Stroll along the picturesque promenade, savor exquisite Portuguese cuisine, or simply bask in the vibrant atmosphere of this modern riverfront neighborhood.
Also Read: Tips for Traveling in Portugal
Oceanarium Lisbon Exhibits
The oceanarium boasts several large tanks filled with diverse sea life, including sharks, rays, and seahorses. However, the oceanarium building is constructed in such a way that it’s easy to navigate between the two sections. On one side, you have the Oceans Building, and on the other side, you have the Sea Building. The main exhibit is separated into an above-ground level and a below-ground level.
The above-ground level is sectioned off by regions. The Arctic region, for example, is where you’ll head to see penguins, and the Caribbean region is where you’ll head to view bright and colorful fish. The below-ground level is where, as you might imagine, you’ll be able to see sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other marine animals.
The forecourt, which is the main entrance area that connects the two buildings, features a brilliantly dazzling panel featuring over 55,000 tiles. Simply put, the Lisbon Oceanarium wows before you even enter the exhibits.
In addition to its impressive collection of aquatic life, the Lisbon Oceanarium also features a unique temporary exhibit called Florestas Submeras from Japanese artist Takashi Amano. In a beautiful blending of art and nature, you can explore an underwater forest that’s just as tranquil as it is beautiful.
The Lisbon Oceanarium opening hours are currently from 10 am to 8 pm daily. The last entry allowed is at 7 pm. Opening hours may vary on holidays such as December 24th, December 25h, December 31st, and January 1st. However, the Lisbon Oceanarium is still open on holidays! You just might experience reduced hours.
How Much Are Tickets to the Oceanarium in Lisbon?
Tickets to the oceanarium in Lisbon are priced according to age. As of 2023, ticket prices are as follows:
- 0-2 years old: FREE
- 3-12 years old: €15
- 13-64 years old: €22
- 65+ years old: €17
You’re able to purchase tickets to the oceanarium and the cable cars just outside. We highly recommend doing this. During our first visit, we didn’t, and we really wished we’d had. Combining these two tickets together is a great way to save a little bit of money, and trust us, you’re going to want to ride in cable cars once you see the stunning view over the river.
Combined tickets for the Lisbon Oceanarium plus the cable cars are as follows:
- 0-2 years old: FREE
- 3-12 years old: €19
- 13-64 years old: €28
- 65+ years old: €23.50
Regardless of the option you choose, you will have to select a time for your ticket. You can enter any time during the hour your ticket starts, but once you’re in, you can spend as much time there as you’d like.
Click here to purchase your tickets directly from the Lisbon Oceanarium.
Note that, as mentioned, the website will prompt you to choose a date and time for your tickets. We went with a larger group of people in January 2023 and tried to book tickets online. There weren’t any tickets available for our time and date, but we purchased our tickets in person, and there wasn’t a problem. It looks like they only make a certain number of tickets available online each day but sell more at the ticket office at the aquarium.
How Much Time Do You Need to Spend at the Lisbon Oceanarium?
It depends on your interests and schedule, but we recommend allowing at least two to three hours to explore the aquarium’s exhibits fully. We went, and as two (very interested) grown adults interested in really taking everything in, we spent probably just over two hours.
If you have extra time, make sure to also check out the temporary exhibition, which is usually just as engaging and intriguing as the permanent exhibits.
How to Get to the Oceanarium in Lisbon
The easiest option is to take the metro and get off at Estação do Oriente on the red line. From there, follow the signs to Parque das Nações, and you’ll find the Oceanarium within walking distance.
Another option is to take a bus. Any of the following buses will get you to the oceanarium: 705, 725, 728, 744, 708, 750, 759, 782, 794.
Finally, if you prefer a leisurely ride, a taxi is a great option. Taxis and Ubers in Portugal are quite budget-friendly if you’re traveling in a group and it’s not too far from the city center.
Attractions Nearby the Lisbon Oceanarium
The nearest attraction to the Lisbon Oceanarium is the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, the city’s science museum. It’s about a one to two-minute walk across from the entrance of the Lisbon Oceanarium, making it a great add-on to a fun-filled and science-focused day.
Before walking over to the science museum, be sure to take a ride in the cable cars just above the aquarium to get a bird’s eye view of Lisbon and the river. Currently, you are able to purchase combined tickets to the Lisbon Oceanarium and the cable cars.
However, the Vasco de Gama shopping mall is just a short walk away, offering countless stores and dining options. As you walk towards the shopping mall, you’ll pass by the Altice Arena and the famous Lince Ibérico statue, a large lynx statue made of colorful recycled trash.
Also Read: The Best Day Trips From Lisbon
Our Verdict: Add the Lisbon Oceanarium to Your Lisbon Itinerary
A visit to Lisbon isn’t complete without a visit to the modern, unique area of Parque das Nações. And if you’re in the area, we highly recommend spending a few hours at the Lisbon Oceanarium to immersive yourself in a captivating underwater world.
With its impressive array of marine species, interactive exhibits, and dedication to conservation, the Oceanário de Lisboa is undoubtedly worth the visit for the price. As you traverse the various ecosystems and marvel at the mesmerizing creatures, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the planet’s aquatic wonders.
