The Lisbon Oceanarium is much more than just an aquarium: it's a total immersion into 5 distinct ecosystems. Allow at least two hours to explore this venue designed by Peter Chermayeff.
Prices and conditions
From 25 €.
One of the world's greatest aquariums overflows with ocean life.
From 30 €.
Tour the largest nature aquarium and observe habitats from different oceans.
From 75 €.
Take an exclusive private tour around Oceanário de Lisboa with an expert guide.
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"Arriving at opening time to avoid the crowds, we enjoyed the Ocean Global with very few people. The tip to use the second floor is perfect: the overhead view of the sharks is incredible. The architecture with its 180 pillars is a true marvel."
"With my two children, the Antarctic Wing was an instant favorite. Seeing Adelie penguins in a glacial environment was magical. We followed the advice to visit the wings first, which allowed us to end at the central pool without excessive fatigue."
"The experience is great, but the one-hour queue on Saturday afternoon ruined our start. Once inside, the Indian Ocean with its turtles is magnificent. The ticket at 25 euros remains reasonable for the minimum two-hour visit duration."
"I spent a full hour in front of the 5,000 m³ central pool. It is equivalent to two Olympic swimming pools; the scale is hard to imagine. The guided tour we took added real educational value regarding the species present."
"Coming from Barcelona, I expected a classic aquarium. I was wrong: it is an emotional journey. The Ocean Pavilion is well thought out. We were able to enjoy the café near Oriente Station just before, which made this day a perfect moment."
"The cold atmosphere of the Antarctic Wing is extremely immersive. However, the souvenir shop near the exit is very crowded. It is better to buy items early as the site advises. The Atlantic Ocean is also very successful for locals."
"With my husband, we loved discovering the 5 ecosystems. The circular design truly creates the illusion of a continuous ocean. The fact that the building rests on 180 pillars in the port is a fascinating architectural detail well explained in the booklet."
"It became our refuge during a heavy rainstorm in Lisbon. The queues were long, but the visit compensated. We were able to observe the sunfish without stress from the upper level. An ideal option for families in case of bad weather."
"On my own, I followed the recommended route starting with the continental wings. This allowed me to appreciate the Pacific Ocean without the final fatigue. Peter Chermayeff's architecture is a work of art in itself. The 15,000 specimens make the visit inexhaustible."
"The atmosphere is superb and the staff very professional. One sometimes wonders if the price justifies a quick second visit, but for the first time, it is essential. The view from the second floor of the central pool is truly the most photogenic."
"We were on a senior tour, and the accessibility is very well thought out. I was impressed by the history of the place: the sea otter couple was born before Expo 98. The route around the 5 oceans is fluid and never exhausting, even with the quiet pace of elderly people."
"With my friends, we loved the surprise of the polar atmosphere. The contrast with the Indian Ocean is striking. We booked online to avoid the 40-minute queues at the entrance. The standard entry ticket is a very good value for money for such an immersion."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
PMR access guaranteed via elevators and ramps in the modern building and bridge.
Family
Family-friendly with stroller access and low viewing windows, but some narrow areas possible.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover the key figures that make the Oceanário a European reference.
Opened during the Expo
Volume of the central basin
Underwater supports
Specimens housed
Built for the 1998 World Exposition, the Lisbon Oceanário became the second largest aquarium in Europe. It houses approximately 15,000 specimens distributed across 250 different species. Its iconic architecture rests on 180 pillars driven into the port bed, creating a distinctive artificial island.
The project was initiated to accompany the theme of Expo '98, focused on ocean protection. American architect Peter Chermayeff, from the firm Cambridge Seven Associates, designed this spectacular building. Construction required partial draining of the area to install massive foundations in the port soil.
Sign of successful animal adaptation to their new environment, a pair of otters gave birth to a baby only two weeks before the official opening in 1998. During the three and a half months of the exposition, the aquarium welcomed four million visitors, proving its immediate success with the international public.
In 2011, a new cubic building was added on the port side, designed by Campos Costa Arquitectos. This extension serves as the new main entrance and houses restaurants as well as temporary exhibition halls. It harmoniously complements the original structure while offering increased capacity for families.
At the heart of the building is the Global Ocean, a huge basin containing 5 000 m³ of water, equivalent to two Olympic swimming pools. You can observe this diverse fauna, including tiger sharks, rays, and tuna, from two different levels thanks to the suspended Bridge over the water.
Around the central basin extend four wings representing the main continental ecosystems: Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Antarctic. Each section faithfully recreates the specific conditions of these regions, allowing visitors to understand the complexity of global marine habitats and their ecological importance.
The Antarctic Wing is particularly popular for its penguins and simulated ice, offering a unique sensory experience. Although the presence of rare species like the sunfish depends on current official programs, biological diversity remains constant. Always check specific conditions for children and strollers on the official website before your visit.
Located in the modern Parque das Nações district, the Oceanário is easily accessible via Oriente station, served by the metro (red line) and suburban trains. We recommend arriving at opening time to enjoy relative calm and take photos without reflections or crowds around the main basin.
A complete visit takes between two and three hours. To optimize your time, start with the peripheral wings before finishing with the Global Ocean when fatigue sets in. Combine this activity with a walk along the Tagus or a visit to the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre located just next door.
Prices vary by season and age; check available child discounts. If you plan to visit several major attractions in Lisbon, compare the cost of individual tickets with tourist passes. This can be worthwhile if you also include the Belém Tower or the Hieronymites Monastery in your day.
A global immersion into the oceans
Insider tips
The first visitors enjoy a less crowded central tank, ideal for photos without reflections or heads. Arrive before the official time to be among the first to cross the main access bridge.
Visiting the 4 continental wings first allows you to save the large central tank for the end, when fatigue sets in. This logical strategy optimizes your energy for the most impressive visual spectacle.
The upper level offers a plunge view of the central tank, providing a different perspective of the fish. Use this elevated viewpoint to capture unique images of moving schools of fish.
The station is just opposite; use this stop to put down your belongings or grab a coffee before/after the visit. This geographical proximity greatly facilitates family logistics during your urban travels.
In case of heavy rain in Lisbon, the Oceanarium is a perfect refuge, but queues increase significantly. Allow extra time if forecasts predict bad weather.
Located near the entrance/exit, it is best to pass through quickly so as not to block the exit flow. Buy your souvenirs early to avoid human bottlenecks during the daily closure of the site.
Although access is possible, some areas may be narrow; plan to fold the stroller if necessary. Check specific conditions for children on the official website before your visit.
The building is vast; picking up a map at the entrance helps ensure you don't miss any of the 5 distinct ecosystems. This simple preparatory step avoids backtracking and guarantees a complete and structured visit.
Choose your tickets online and check their conditions before booking.
Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
A pair of otters gave birth to a baby two weeks before the official launch of Expo '98, a sign of the animals' successful adaptation to their new artificial environment created by the architects.
The central basin contains 5,000 m³ of water, equivalent to two entire Olympic swimming pools, offering a unique perspective visible from two different levels to observe sharks and rays.
Designed by Peter Chermayeff, the building rests on 180 pillars driven into the port bed, creating an impressive structure that seems to float above the water.
During the three and a half months of Expo '98, the aquarium welcomed four million visitors, setting an immediate attendance record that confirmed its status as a major attraction.
A room was renamed in tribute to the poet Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen after her death in 2004, marking the cultural and literary importance attached to this exceptional maritime space.
The aquarium houses approximately 15,000 specimens distributed among 250 different species, illustrating the incredible richness of the world's oceans through ecosystems carefully reconstructed in Europe's largest tank.
Three itineraries depending on time available
Enjoy free entry to major attractions and discounts at various points of interest.
From 64 €
More must-see experiences in Lisbon
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Make time to explore the surrounding area
5 min walk
Large shopping center ideal for a quick lunch or practical purchases right after the visit, with over 200 shops.
20 min by shuttle
UNESCO Heritage accessible by a short Tagus crossing from the modern district, notably the Jerónimos Monastery.
10 min walk
Interactive museum dedicated to science and technology, perfect for complementing the scientific tour with its touch exhibits.
5 min walk
Adjacent green space offering play areas and river views for relaxation, like the nearby Jardim da Estrela.
10 min walk
Numerous modern gastronomic options around the artificial lake for a family meal, including themed restaurants.
5 min walk
Major railway hub designed by Santiago Calatrava, an ideal starting point to explore the city via the Oriente station and its direct connections.
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Estação Oriente (8 min walk) Bus : Oceanário de Lisboa (4 min walk)
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Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
See what to expect during your visit
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