Lisbon: Oceanário de Lisboa Entrance Ticket

History

The Oceanário de Lisboa, located in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações, first opened its doors in 1998 as part of Expo ’98, an event themed around “The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future.” Since then, it has become one of Europe’s most visited cultural and educational attractions, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Designed by American architect Peter Chermayeff, the structure floats on the waterfront, symbolizing a ship moored at the dock, surrounded by water.

Over the years, the Oceanário has evolved into a hub for marine research, conservation, and environmental awareness. Its exhibits showcase the beauty and fragility of aquatic ecosystems, aiming to inspire visitors to take action in protecting the oceans. Today, it houses over 8,000 marine creatures and plays a significant role in global marine conservation initiatives.

Highlights

• Discover more than 8,000 sea creatures from 500 different species
• Explore Europe’s largest indoor aquarium
• Marvel at sharks, rays, tropical fish, and coral reefs
• Watch the only two sea otters currently living in Europe
• Walk through immersive exhibits representing four global ocean habitats

Full Description

Step inside the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the largest aquariums in the world, and explore the wonders of marine life like never before. Open since 1998, it is a symbol of Lisbon’s modern waterfront and a must-see for families, nature lovers, and curious travelers.

Your ticket grants you access to both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent display centers around a massive main tank holding over five million liters of salt water, designed to replicate the open ocean. Surrounding it are four distinct habitats: the North Atlantic rocky coast, the Antarctic, the Temperate Pacific kelp forests, and the Tropical Indian coral reefs. Clever design ensures these habitats flow seamlessly into one another, giving the illusion of a single, interconnected ocean world.

From playful penguins and mysterious sharks to vibrant corals and adorable sea otters, every corner of the Oceanário offers new discoveries. Beyond the visual spectacle, the exhibitions emphasize environmental education, reminding visitors of the importance of ocean conservation in our daily lives.

What’s Included

• Entrance ticket to the Oceanário de Lisboa
• Access to all permanent exhibitions
• Access to all temporary exhibitions

Meeting Point

Oceanário de Lisboa, Esplanada Dom Carlos I, s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal.

How to get there:

• Metro: Take the Red Line to Oriente (last stop), then walk 5–10 minutes.
• Bus: Routes 5, 10, 19, 21, 28, 50, 68, 81, 82, and 85 stop at Oriente.
• Train: Oriente station serves suburban and regional trains.
• Car: Paid parking is available nearby at Parque das Nações.
• Hop-on Hop-off: The Oceanário is included in most city sightseeing bus routes.

Price

From $34 per person

Traveler Reviews

“A great place to visit. We timed it well and watched the adorable otters being fed. A memorable experience.”
“Fantastic aquarium, so much to see. The exhibits were amazing and kept us engaged for hours.”
“Helpful and smiling staff, smooth access, and an inspiring experience for adults and kids alike.”