Top Attractions in Parque das Nações

With an attractive riverside location, Parque das Nações easily fills a day if you visit the attractions as well as wander about.

From the impressive Santiago Calatrava Oriente station onwards, the whole area has been regenerated for the Expo98 event.

You’ll find contemporary buildings by some of the world’s best known architects, including Portugal Pavilion by Álvaro Siza, the Oceanarium by Peter Chermayeff, Feira Internacional, an exhibition centre by Barreiros Ferreira, and Vasco de Gama Tower by Leonor Janeiro and Nick Jacobs.

The Oceanarium is Europe’s largest aquarium – a must-see for all ages – whereas the Knowledge Pavilion is more aimed at kids. Follow our guide, and use the map below to locate the attractions.

1. Gare do Oriente

Whether by metro or bus, you will arrive at the vaulted structure known as Gare do Oriente (Oriente Railway Station), designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Gare do Oriente is Lisbon’s hub for train services, including a departure point for coach and bus companies, and a metro station.

2. Pavilhão de Portugal

Admire the impressive undulating concrete roof of Portugal Pavilion, built for the Expo98 event. It’s a brilliant example of contemporary architecture in Lisbon by the Portuguese architect Siza Vieira.

3. Oceanário

Be pleasantly surprised at Lisbon’s Oceanarium, with sea life swimming around you. The Oceanarium offers an impressive visit, even for those who don’t have kids, or don’t fancy zoos and aquariums. Read More

4. Pavilhão do Conhecimento Ciência Viva

Next to the Oceanarium, small scientists can have fun at the the interactive Knowledge Pavilion experiencing the gravity on the moon, constructing electric circuits, and defying the laws of gravity on a highwire bicycle 6 metres above the ground. Read More

5. Teleférico

For a fun ride over the riverfront walkway, check out the Telecabine cable car. It glides 30 metres above the River Tejo edge between the Oceanarium and the Vasco da Gama Tower. www.telecabinelisboa.pt

6. Torre Vasco da Gama

The 140-metre high Vasco da Gama Tower is Lisbon’s tallest structure. Made of steel, it represents the sail of a caravel, and was designed by Leonor Janeiro and Nick Jacobs for the Expo98 event. Next to it, there’s now the luxury Myriad Sana Hotel, and the tower is closed to the public. However, you can still admire it while strolling along the riverside.

7. Parque do Tejo

Spanning 80 hectares, this riverside park includes gardens with several trees. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of bird species from the Tejo Estuary. Take a relaxing stroll or move faster by cycling, skating or skateboarding along of the riverfront walk.

8. Ponte Vasco da Gama

The walkway by the river takes you underneath the 17km (about 11mi) long Vasco da Gama Bridge. It’s Europe’s longest bridge to drive across, designed to carry traffic for 120 years. The bridge is expected to withstand 250km/h winds and earthquakes over four times stronger than the 1755 earthquake, the strongest ever to hit Lisbon.