PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES
Built on the site of Lisbon’s Expo 98 world exposition, held to mark the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s epic voyage to India, the “Park of Nations” is a modern, self-contained riverside district east of the center. It showcases contemporary Portuguese architecture, in stark contrast to the Manueline extravaganzas of historic Lisbon and Belém. A bustling amusement park and trade-show center by day, by night the park becomes a lively concert and events venue.
Map of the park
NEED TO KNOW
Oceanário: 218 917 000; open 10am–8pm daily (to 7pm in winter); adm $19; reduced $12.50; under 4 free; www.oceanario.pt
Knowledge Pavilion—Ciência Viva: 218 917 100; open 10am–6pm Tue–Fri, 11am–7pm Sat & Sun; adm $11; under 18 $9; over 65 $7.50; children 3–11 $7.50; under 3 free (family ticket available); www.pavconhecimento.pt
Casino: www.casino-lisboa.pt
- Summer afternoons here are hotter and more humid than in most of the city. The lawn next to the Oceanário and the riverfront benches are good spots for a rest.
1. Cable Car
Running most of the length of the Parque, the cable car gives an overview of the area and views of the river and Vasco da Gama bridge. If the breeze is up, the cars may swing from side to side.
Cable Car
2. Torre Vasco da Gama
At 476 ft (145 m), this is Lisbon’s tallest building, albeit removed from the rest of the urban skyline. The viewing gallery at the top is now an upmarket restaurant.
3. Nautical Center
The Doca dos Olivais nautical center rents out equipment for various water sports and related activities.
4. Oceanário
The world’s second-largest aquarium has hundreds of aquatic species organized by habitat and viewed on two levels. The vast central tank has species large and small, but it’s the cute sea otters in a side tank that get the most attention.
Oceanário
5. Restaurants
There are over 40 waterfront restaurants, many with outdoor seating. Popular for weekend lunches, they also form part of the Parque’s nightlife scene.
6. Casino
A newer addition to the Parque, in the former Future Pavilion, the casino caters to all gamblers, offering slot machines, poker, roulette, and blackjack.
7. Shops
Most shops are in the Vasco da Gama center, but there are also electronics and home interiors showrooms elsewhere in the Parque. Crowds flock to see the latest offers when the FIL trade-show area puts on a consumer show.
Shops
8. Knowledge Pavilion—Ciência Viva
This large, child-friendly science museum is full of interactive multimedia exhibits, simulations, experiments, and activities for various age groups, using cutting-edge technology.
9. Portugal Pavilion
With its concrete canopy suspended like a sail above the forecourt, the Portugal Pavilion was once going to house the Council of Ministers. The space is currently used for special events and temporary exhibitions.
Portugal Pavilion
10. Gardens
Many of the rather anemic-looking gardens planted for Expo 98 have grown into healthy patches of urban greenery, effectively softening the concrete and steel, particularly along the waterfront.
CARD ADVANTAGES
The Lisboa Card ranges in price from $21 (valid for 24 hours) to $44 (72 hours). It provides free transport on the entire network (including the lifts and the train from Rossio to Sintra) and free entry to 29 places of interest. The card covers one adult, plus two children under the age of five. You can buy it online at www.askmelisboa.com.
