While there is no shortage of things to see and do in Lisbon, it is not packed with world-class attractions down the road from some other European capitals. There are a few though, and one of the highlights for kids and adults alike is the city’s oceanarium, Oceanário de Lisboa, which receives more than a million visitors a year.
Opened for the city’s Expo in 1998, and with around 500 marine species and more than 15,000 water-loving inhabitants, it is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. Here is everything you need to know about visiting the Lisbon Oceanarium.
Exhibitions
The highlight of your visit will be the huge central tank system that holds seven million liters of seawater. Spanning two floors, it is visible from much of the oceanarium, and you will revisit different sections during your visit.
With a wide variety of corals, anemones, and tropical fish, as well as different species of sharks and rays, schools of barracudas, turtles, and even a large sunfish (mola mola) that is rarely found in captivity, the oceanarium would be worth a visit. even if this tank was the only thing it contained.
However, there is also a lot to see in the rest of the permanent exhibition area. A number of outdoor enclosures house families of penguins and sea otters, while other parts of the oceanarium include everything from giant spider crabs to fluorescent jellyfish, seahorses and small frogs, and much more.
Near the entrance is a smaller space used to house temporary exhibits, all of which are related to the marine world in one way or another. Visiting this section only costs a few extra euros, but check if the current exposure may be of interest before handing over the cash.
Tours
A visit to the oceanarium is rewarding in itself, but for visitors determined to make the most of the experience, there are several types of guided group tours available in English and other languages.
It is possible to book guided tours of the permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as go behind the scenes to find out what running a large aquarium entails, everything from how to feed so many diverse types of marine life, to the challenges involved in maintaining five million liters of water at the right temperature and more.
If you are visiting Lisbon with children, a nightly “sleeping with sharks” experience, or a “baby music concert” is available at 9 am every Saturday that includes entry to subsequent exhibits.
how to visit
The Lisbon Oceanarium is open every day of the year, from 10 a.m. M. At 8 p. M. In summer and from 7 p. M. In winter. Last admission is one hour before closing. The only exceptions to those hours are Christmas Day (1 PM to 6 PM) AND New Years Day (12 PM to 6 PM)
The oceanarium is located along the Tagus River, five miles northeast of the central city in Parque das Nações (Park of Nations). If you don’t stay close by, it can be accessed quickly and easily by road or rail.
If you use public transport, the easiest way to get to the oceanarium is through the Oriente station, one of the main transit centers in Lisbon. The city’s red metro line runs there, with a single ticket costing less than two euros (including transfers from other lines if necessary). Several city buses also call Oriente, as do many regional and intercity buses and trains. From there it is an easy 15 minute walk to the oceanarium.
If you prefer to use a taxi, expect to pay between 10 and 15 euros from the city center, slightly less if you use Uber or other shared transport services. While parking is also available nearby, driving inside Lisbon is often stressful for those unaccustomed to, and is only recommended if you already have a rental car for some other reason.
Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours inside, although you could easily spend half a day or more if you are particularly captivated by the marine world.
Facilities and food
There is a restaurant on-site to ensure that you avoid hunger during your visit. It serves a variety of coffee, sandwiches, and larger meals, including a three-course meal that offers reasonable value.
If you prefer to eat elsewhere, there are several restaurants serving Portuguese and international food within walking distance along the seafront, and there is a large food court on the upper level of the Vasco da Gama shopping center that is located above the station. East metro.
The oceanarium is fully accessible to visitors with mobility needs, with adequate restrooms, ramps, and elevators throughout the complex, and the option to borrow a wheelchair if required.
Lockers are available on the ground floor to store small bags and other luggage, which require a one euro coin to operate (returned after use).
Tickets and prices
While you don’t need to buy tickets in advance, the oceanarium is usually quite popular, especially on weekends or during the height of the summer tourist season. There are a small number of ticket vending machines available alongside the manned kiosks, and using them will often be quicker than waiting in line.
However, to speed things up even more, you can also purchase tickets through the website in advance. Only combo tickets can be purchased online (i.e. access to permanent and temporary exhibitions), but they are valid any day up to four months after the purchase date, and are slightly cheaper than buying them in person.
Tickets for the permanent exhibition cost € 16,00 for adults and € 11,00 for children from 4 to 12 years old. Children under three years old are free. A family ticket that covers two adults and two children costs € 42. Regardless of the ticket you buy, you will pay an extra € 2-3 per person if you want to see the temporary exhibition as well.
If you are interested in the various guided tours, the prices vary significantly depending on what you are looking for. For a behind-the-scenes look, just add € 5 per person. You can book for groups of 8 or more in advance, or just ask when it arrives.
For a tour of the permanent exhibition, you will pay a standard ticket for each person, plus € 80 (or € 4 per person, if you are in a particularly large group of more than 15 people). The experience of “sleeping with sharks” costs a flat of € 60 / person. Other prices are on the website.
