Was this page helpful?
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Oceanário de Lisboa Summary
| Opening hours: |
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Public website: | www.oceanario.pt |
Portugal – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Portugal has widespread acceptance of cashless payments, particularly in urban areas and larger businesses. Cards are commonly used, and mobile payment options are increasingly available.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary but not mandatory in Portugal. In restaurants, leaving a 5-10% tip is common, especially if the service is exceptional. Taxi drivers usually expect a small tip of around 5-10%, and hotel staff appreciate tips for their services. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally accepted in most public spaces, such as parks and beaches. However, certain municipalities may enforce restrictions in specific areas. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in public places like restaurants and bars. Designated smoking areas are available in many public spaces. |
| Portuguese Republic Day (October) |
National holiday with public celebrations and some closures, particularly in Lisbon. |
|---|---|
| Christmas (December) |
Holiday celebrations and increased tourism, expect crowded areas and higher accommodation prices. |
| Carnival (February) |
Festive celebrations with parades and events, especially in Lisbon and Madeira. Expect lively crowds. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | Portugal boasts rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Public transport is reliable, and the country is known for its mild climate, especially in the southern regions. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Oceanário de Lisboa, Portugal
Open daily all year, weekend and school holiday mornings sell out, book tickets online
Don't miss
- 🦈 Walk beneath massive tanks as sharks and rays glide overhead
- 🌌 Admire the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit glowing in the dark
- 🐧 Spot playful sea otters and penguins during feeding time
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Oceanário de Lisboa, opened in 1998 as part of Expo 98, is one of Europe’s largest indoor aquariums and a leading institution in marine biology education and conservation. Its striking design resembles an aircraft carrier nestled on Lisbon’s waterfront.
The heart of the aquarium is the immense central tank holding 5 million liters of water, creating a stunning panoramic view of marine life including sharks, rays, tuna and the rare moonfish. Around it are smaller tanks featuring species from various ocean habitats, such as tropical fish, sea otters and penguins. The new "Edifício do Mar" expanded visitor facilities with an auditorium and exhibition space.
Highly praised for its layout and educational programs, the Oceanário draws families and marine enthusiasts alike. However, it can become very crowded, especially on rainy days and weekends, which may affect the visitor experience. Some visitors feel the gift shop is overpriced and certain corridors could benefit from improved lighting to enhance viewing comfort.
Nonetheless, Oceanário de Lisboa remains a highlight of Lisbon’s cultural scene, offering a fascinating glimpse into underwater worlds and promoting ocean awareness in a unique setting.
Knowledge before you go
- Arrive early to avoid peak crowds at the aquarium entrance.
- Purchase tickets online in advance; skip-the-line options save time during busy weekends.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as indoor air conditioning can be cool near exhibits.
- Explore the adjacent Oceanário Gardens after your visit for free, offering panoramic views of the Tagus River and historic Belém Tower.
How to travel to Oceanário de Lisboa
Oceanário de Lisboa is located in the Parque das Nações district, easily reached via Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport. Visitors can take the metro line red directly to Oriente station, just a short walk from the aquarium. Buses and taxis also serve the area. From central Lisbon, a metro or taxi ride is quick and convenient.
Access summary
- From Lisbon Airport (LIS): Direct red metro to Oriente, 10–15 min walk.
- From central Lisbon (Baixa/Rossio): Metro or bus to Oriente, 20–30 min total.
- From Sintra: Suburban train to Oriente about 45 min, then walk 10–15 min.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Oceanário de Lisboa
Parque das Nações and central Lisbon provide a good mix of accommodation options ranging from family-friendly hotels to stylish urban lodgings, ideal for visiting the aquarium and exploring Lisbon’s other attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Oceanário de Lisboa
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Light jacket
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 32% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Lisbon’s Oceanário de Lisboa is a highly secure destination, with robust CCTV coverage, well-trained staff and strict visitor protocols. Crime rates in the area are low and emergency services are readily available. Visitors should remain vigilant of pickpockets in crowded exhibits.
Accessibility
Lisbon’s Oceanário is highly accessible: elevators, ramps and wheelchair-friendly pathways serve all exhibits, plus audio guides and tactile displays for the visually impaired. However, some older sections lack braille signage and crowding can impede navigation during peak hours.
Related articles & guides for Oceanário de Lisboa
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Top museum destinations and cultural institutions
Museum travel has developed a dedicated following built around the world's great permanent collections, blockbuster exhibition programmes and the architecturally significant…
Read more
Discover
Best aquarium destinations in Europe
Europe's aquarium sector ranges from the world-class marine research institutions and large public oceanariums of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts to specialist freshwater and…
Read more
Discover
Best museum destinations in Europe
Europe holds the world's greatest concentration of significant museum collections, accumulated over centuries of patronage, scientific inquiry and in many cases imperial…
Read more
Discover
Top aquarium destinations and marine parks
Aquarium travel has developed a dedicated following built around the world's leading marine research institutions, coral reef exhibits and deep ocean displays that bring underwater…
Read more
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Stunning national parks and wilderness areas
National parks exist because someone decided that certain landscapes were too important to lose. The best of them protect ecosystems, wildlife and natural processes that would…
Read more
Discover
Intimate escapes and romantic getaways
The most memorable trips for couples tend to have less to do with luxury and more to do with the quality of shared experience. A place that slows you down, removes the usual…
Read more
