Lisbon Oceanarium – Tickets and Visitor Guide
Visiting Oceanário de Lisboa – Tickets, Highlights & Practical Info
The Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) is one of the most acclaimed aquariums in the world, having been named the ‘Best Aquarium in the World‘ by TripAdvisor multiple times. Located in the modern Parque das Nações area, it’s one of Lisbon’s top-rated attractions, home to over 8,000 marine animals and 500 plant species.
Lisbon Oceanarium – General Information |
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Location |
Esplanada Dom Carlos I, s/nº, 1990‑005 Lisboa, Portugal (Get detailed directions to Lisbon Aquarium) |
Opening Times |
As of 2025, the Lisbon Oceanarium is open daily from 10:00AM to 8:00PM (last entry 7:00PM). |
Entry and Tickets |
Lisbon Oceanarium tickets start at €25. Discounts available for children, seniors, and families. |
Lisbon Oceanarium Tickets – Prices, Booking & Entry Access |
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How to Buy Tickets for Oceanário de LisboaTickets for Oceanário de Lisboa can be purchased on-site or online. However, access is restricted once the aquarium reaches full capacity. To avoid queues and secure your preferred time slot, we strongly recommend booking your tickets online in advance.
Book your Oceanário de Lisboa tickets online Oceanário de Lisboa Entry Ticket
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Visiting Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is an excellent day out for people of all ages. There is so much to see and do, with its enormous central tank, themed habitats, and ever-changing exhibitions, so we recommend allowing at least 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy it.
The Lisbon aquarium offers plenty of facilities including toilets, a self-service restaurant with a variety of meals and a café for coffee and snacks. There is also a small gift shop on the way out to pick up some souvenirs.
The aquarium is family-friendly and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps and lifts available throughout most areas.
Located in the modern Parque das Nações area, the Oceanarium is often combined with other nearby attractions on the same day:
- Visit the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, just 2 minutes away, for additional dining and shopping options.
- Take the Telecabine Lisboa for a relaxing ride along the Tagus river with scenic views.
- Visit the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, an interactive science museum just around the corner, great for kids and curious minds.
An Overview of Lisbon Aquarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa in Portuguese) is one of the largest indoor marine aquariums in the world.
It was opened to the public in 1998 as a centrepiece for the Expo 98, a World Exposition that commemorated the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India.
The Oceanarium was designed by Peter Chermayeff and resembles an aircraft carrier in structure. It features a huge central tank that holds 5 million litres of seawater, designed to replicate the open ocean.
The Oceanário de Lisboa is home to a wide variety of marine species, including sharks, stingrays, penguins, and sea otters.
The Oceanarium isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s also a hub for marine education and conservation. It offers multiple information points, hosts educational talks, and supports scientific research on site. Its mission is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the oceans and their ecosystems.
What to see at the Lisbon Oceanarium
The main central tank is the star of the show at Lisbon oceanarium. This vast tank holds millions of litres of water and is home to a large variety of marine species swimming together, like they would in the open ocean. From sharks to full schools of fish.
Around the central tank, you’ll find four different habitat zones that represent the ocean’s different ecosystems: the North Atlantic coast, the Antarctic shoreline, the Pacific kelp forests, and the tropical coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. Each of these spaces features sea creatures native to that environment.
If you are visiting with kids, or if you’re a fan of cute animals, make sure you check out the sea otters. They’re playful and a joy to watch often spotted floating on their backs or holding hands as they nap.
The penguin exhibit is another highlight of Lisbon Aquarium, where you can watch these birds waddling, diving, and interacting in a cold-climate habitat that mimics the Antarctic.
The Oceanário de Lisboa also runs daily educational shows which are both entertaining and informative. These shows often include live feeding sessions where you can see creatures like sharks and rays being fed by the handlers, while getting insights into the creatures’ diets, habits, and their role in the ecosystem.
Finally, keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions hosted throughout the year. These are often themed around current affairs. Be sure to check the check what’s on at the Oceanário de Lisboa before your visit so you don’t miss anything special.
Lisbon Oceanarium Location and How to Get There
The Lisbon Oceanarium is located in the Parque das Nações area, in the northeast of the city. It’s a modern, riverside area filled with attractions, restaurants, and public spaces and it’s very easy to reach by public transport.
The easiest way to reach the Oceanário de Lisboa is by metro. The closest metro stop is Oriente Station (on the red line), just a 5-minute walk from the aquarium.
If you are travelling by bus, several Carris bus lines stop at or near Oriente Station, including 705, 725, 728, and 744. From there, it’s just a short walk to the oceanarium entrance.
Finally, many Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses in Lisbon include Oceanário de Lisboa as a stop on their route.
Oceanário de Lisboa: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oceanarium in Lisbon worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. The Oceanário de Lisboa is consistently ranked among the top attractions in Lisbon and one of the best aquariums in the world. It’s home to over 8,000 marine animals and 500 plant species, making it a fantastic day out for both adults and kids.
How long do you need in Lisbon Aquarium?
We recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours for a full experience of the Lisbon Aquarium. This will give you enough time to wander through the central tank, enjoy educational talks, and explore temporary displays without rushing.
Is the Lisbon Oceanarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Lisbon Oceanarium is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available throughout most areas, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their visit.
Is the Lisbon Oceanarium the biggest in Europe?
The Lisbon Oceanarium is among the largest indoor aquariums in Europe but not the absolute biggest. The facility holds about 7 million litres in total, only surpassed by L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia, which holds around 42 million litres.
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