Complete Guide to Parque das Nações, Lisbon: What to See, Do & Eat
Parque das Nações is a redeveloped area on the Tagus River. Green spaces with public art link striking contemporary buildings like the Camões Theatre and the vast Lisbon Oceanarium. Nearby are trendy waterfront restaurants and the glass-roofed Centro Vasco da Gama, with shops and cinemas. Kid-friendly exhibits attract families to the Knowledge Pavilion, while the Telecabine Lisboa cable car offers sweeping views. ― Google
Located just outside of Lisbon center, Parque das Nações is worth a visit; and not just for the Oceanarium. This modernized Lisbon urban district can be reached from the city center via bus, taxi, or subway and is seen as one of the area’s most “up and coming” neighborhoods.
Parque das Nações is home to a striking train station, great waterfront restaurants, and smooth, flat running and walking paths. There is also a large, modern shopping mall (Vasco de Gamma) and great shopping in and around the train station.
Here is also where you will find Oriente Station, which takes travelers to Porto and other parts of Portugal.
✈️Parque das Nações is the perfect area to spend a few hours if you have a layover in Lisbon and want to leave the airport. Just 5 minutes by car, and very quick trip by metro, this area keeps you close to the airport but offers plenty to do, see and eat.
How to Get to Parque das Nações
Located about 10km from Lisbon City Center, Parque das Nações is about a 25 minute by car or 30 minutes by public transit away.
🚇There are numerous ways to get to this Lisbon neighborhood by transit, depending on where in Lisbon you are starting and how direct of a trip you want (the 744 bus is the most direct, but takes the longest). Google maps is a great resource for the best route, and using “Oriente Station” as your destination will bring you right to the main attractions.
🚕A Bolt or Uber will get you to Parque das Nações in under 30 minutes (depending on traffic) and will typically cost 7-12€
🚲🛴This is a great place to head to via bike or scooter. The route runs along the river, offering great views in some areas, but most importantly, it is flat! There are bike paths the majority of the way and this is a popular route for bikers, scooters, and runners.
🚶If you are up for a 10km walk (about 2hrs for most), then this is a great option in Lisbon. I have walked Lisbon to Parque das Nações multiple times and it is a great (flat!) walk. There are some cute little neighborhoods to veer off to, and art by Bordalo II to take in along the way.
Top Things to do in Parque das Nações
From walking the boardwalk, taking a cable car ride, enjoying the aquarium or museums, or having a rooftop cocktail, there is plenty to do in the underrrated Lisbon neighborhood.
These are some of the highlights in Parque das Nações, and my personal favorite things to do there.
Gare do Oriente
🗺️Av. Dom João II, 1900-233 Lisboa
The station was inaugurated on 19 May 1998, as part of the celebrations marking the opening of the Expo '98 world's fair. At the time of its opening it was considered the largest intermodal station in Portugal, winning the Brunel Award on 7 October 1998, in the category of large new construction projects.]
Gare do Oriente, or alternately, the Lisbon Oriente Station is one of the main Portuguese intermodal transport hubs and is where you will likely catch the train to Porto or possibly a bus to The Algarve or other day trips from Lisbon. The station is well worth a visit, even if you aren’t catching a bus or train, just to take in the stunning architecture.
Iberian Lynx Trash Art
Located in the beautiful Parque das Nacoes and made entire;y of trash, this impressive art installation by Bordalo II, nephew of the Portuguese painter Real Bordalo, was created to bring awareness to the impact of waste on the environment and the endangerment of species (such as the lynx).
The magnitude of this piece can only be realized up close, the pictures do it no justice.
Surrounding the Lynx, there are other beautiful art pieces
Telecabine Lisboa
🗺️Passeio das Tágides (North Station) 1990-280 Lisboa Nations Park
💶Adult: One way €7,50 Roundtrip €9,50
Child: One way €5,50 Round Trip €6,50
🌐Telecabine Lisbon - Parque das Nações - Portugal
Offering beautiful and vast views of the Tagus River, Vasco da Gama Bridge, and Parques das Nacoes, the telecabine is a great way to see the area. One way tickets are available, and taking the ride one way and walking the other is suggested to give multiple vantage points, however; the return trip will only cost you an additional 2€ .
⭐Discounted tickets can be purchased in combination with entry to the Oceanarium.
Oceanário de Lisboa
The Lisbon Oceanarium is an oceanarium in Lisbon, Portugal. It is located in the Parque das Nações, which was the exhibition grounds for the Expo '98. It is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe and approximately 1 million people visit each year -Wikipedia
💶Adult 25€, Child (3-12y) 15€, Senior (65+) €17
🗺️Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal
🕰️ 10a - 7pm daily
Also known as the “Lisbon Aquarium”, I found this a great rainy day activity. Though not on my ‘must see’ list, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to any aquarium fans, families, or as a rainy day activity.
The Oceanarium does get very busy and crowded on weekends, so it is recommended to visit during the week if your schedule allows.
⭐Buying tickets in advance saves a great deal of time waiting in line.
Pavilhão do Conhecimento - Ciência Viva
🗺️Largo José Mariano Gago nº1, 1990-073 Lisboa, Portugal
🕰️Mon-Fri 10a-6p, Sat-Sun 10a-7pm
💶Adult €15, Senior € 11, Youth 3-17 years €10, Family € 35
The Pavilion of Knowledge has been on my list of places to visit for years, but I am yet to go inside. This architecturally striking building is home to numerous standing exhibitions, as well as temporary and rotating exhibitions. This family-friendly Lisbon museum is often overlooked due to its location, but seems to be worth the quick trip from the city center, especially on a rainy day.
This Lisbon hidden gem also hosts numerous events and educational forums, so be sure to check out the website to see what may be taking place during your visit.
Walk the Waterfront/Vasco da Gama Bridge
Walk along the waterfront, past Vasco da Gama Tower, all the way to Vasco da Gama Bridge. The beautiful walkway is paved (and flat!) with lawns and gardens leading along the way to Gama Bridge. This is an ideal place to watch a sunrise or sunset and is also a favorite for runners and walkers with its flat and paved terrain.
Vasco da Gama Tower Babylon 360
🗺️R. Cais das Naus 2 21.01, 1990-173 Lisboa, Portugal
💶Adult: 10€, Child 5€
🕰️Daily 10a-6p (last entry 5:30p)
🌐Vasco da Gama Tower Babylon 360
This nautical sail-shaped, 145m-high tower, adjacent to a hotel, offers an observation platform at the top to take in sweeping views of the neighborhood, Tegus River, and stunning Vasco da Gama Bridge.
I have not yet been to the top, but a friend that visited went and her photos were incredible.
Shopping Center Parque das Nações
Centro Vasco da Gama
🗺️Av. Dom João II 13, 1999-001 Lisboa, Portugal
🕰️Daily 8a-12p (check specific stores for opening times)
🌐 For store directory and info
I am usually not one to promote a mall or commercial shopping center, but Centro Vasco da Gama is worth noting if you want to do some shopping, in Lisbon, or if you need some unexpected things due to lost luggage or unexpected weather. With everything from boutique shops to chain retailers, specialty confections to a food court, and everything in between, this mega shopping center has everything you could possibly want or need.
Parque das Nações hotels
If you would prefer to stay in a quieter area, a bit outside of Lisbon City Center, but still have all the amenities, shops, and cafes for a comfortable and convenient stay, or are looking for a Lisbon hotel close to the airport, then a stay in Parque das Nações is for you.
These are some of the top-rated Lisbon hotels for accessibility to the airport, and all this Lisbon neighborhood has to offer.
Moxy Lisboa Oriente
⭐⭐⭐
🗺️Avenida Aquilino Ribeiro Machado, 10, Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1800-399
💶Budget
🅿️Parking for a fee (10€ per night)
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
🍳Breakfast available
🐶Pet friendly
🛗Has Elevator
🏋️Gym
🧘♀️Spa
The Moxy Oriente is a favorite for travelers seeking a great budget-friendly option in Lisbon, without being in the center of the city, or travelers looking to be in close proximity to the airport. This modern Lisbon has all the amenities and luxuries you could want and need, without breaking the bank.
Just a 3-minute drive from the LIS airport, this is the perfect location for a pre-flight stay.
For more information and booking click here
Tivoli Oriente Lisboa Hotel
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗺️Cais das Naus, Lote 2.21.01, Parque Das Nacoes, Lisbon, 1990-173
💶Higher-Mid Budget
🅿️Parking available for a fee
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly (babysitting available)
🍳Breakfast available (starting at 6:30a)
🛗Has Elevator
🚐Limo/town car service available
🏋️Gym
🧘♀️Spa
🏊♂️Pool
🚲 Bike rentals
🐶 Pet friendly
This Lisbon four-star hotel offers all the amenities and feel of a luxury hotel, but without the luxury price tag. Offering everything for a comfortable stay with a luxe feel, Tivoli Oriente Lisboa Hotel is less than 5 minutes from Lisbon airport, offers stunning 360 views of the neighborhood and river from it’s rooftop bar, and offers impeccable service.
My friend stayed here before an early morning flight and said her only regret was not staying here longer.
For more information and booking, click here
🍸I highly recommend the Sky Lounge, the rooftop bar at this hotel. The drinks are as amazing as the views, the service is great, and the terrace is a chic and comfortable spot to meet friends, have a solo sip, or enjoy a sexy date night.
Olissippo Oriente
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗺️Avenida Dom Joao II, Lote 1.03.2.2A, Lisbon, 1990-083
💶Mid-Budget
🅿️Parking for a fee (8€ per night) - Electric car charging station on site
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
🍳Breakfast available (starting at 6:30a)
🚫🐶Not Pet friendly
🛗Has Elevator
🚲 Bike rentals
This four-star hotel in Lisbon has everything for a comfortable stay and is less than 5 minutes to the airport.
Located along the river front in Parques das Nacoes this is the perfect place for rest and relaxation, as well as to take in some aazing views and enjoy both the in-house restaurants and nearby eateries.
For more information and booking, click here
Myriad by SANA Hotels
Serene elegance by the riverfront
Perched directly on the riverfront, this modern hotel offers a serene and picturesque atmosphere with stunning water views. Delight in the super comfortable rooms, an excellent breakfast buffet, and a great swimming pool, all complemented by attentive service.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗺️Cais das Naus, Lote 2.21.01, Parque Das Nacoes, Lisbon, 1990-173
💶Luxury
🅿️Parking available for a fee
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
🍳Breakfast available
🛗Has Elevator
🚐24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle
🏋️Gym
🧘♀️Spa
🏊♂️Pool
🚫🐶 Not pet friendly
Just 4 minutes from Lisbon airport, and 20 minutes from the city center, you will find Myriad by SANA Hotels. This luxury hotel as every amenity you could dream of for the most comfortable and carefree stay in Lisbon. With a range of room types, including family rooms, this Lisbon airport hotel is perfect for a quick stay before flying out, or enjoying for the duration of your stay in Lisbon’s capital city.
For more information and booking, click here
Whether you take a day trip to Parque das Nações, base your stay here, visit for just a few hours or spend a layover here, you won’t regret it! This modern Lisbon neighborhood has so much to offer and is a beautiful contrast to the old world charm of the Lisbon City Center, giving you the best of both worlds.
I came to Portugal 4 years ago & fell in love.
Since then, I spend half the year in Portugal, exploring the country like both a local & a curious traveler—sharing insights on popular spots, gems, & where to eat, wander, & soak in the magic of everyday Portuguese life.
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