Lisbon Oceanarium: Tickets, Prices, Opening Hours and Guide 2026
The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the most interesting things to do in the Portuguese capital — I strongly recommend a visit. With a score of 4.7/5 from 36,000 people on Google, the numbers speak for themselves. This aquarium is appreciated by children and adults alike. It is located in the Park of Nations, the modern district developed for the 1998 World Expo, which runs along the Tagus River and is also home to the Lisbon Casino.
Article updated March 2026 – prices, opening hours and exhibitions verified.
In short: The Lisbon Oceanarium is open every day from 10am to 8pm (last entry 7pm). 2026 prices are 25–31 euros for adults and 15–18 euros for children. A new immersive experience, “Submerged Universe”, temporarily replaces the penguin area, which is undergoing renovation. Online booking is strongly recommended.
The Lisbon Oceanarium
It is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with a capacity of almost 5,000 cubic metres of water. Well located and easily accessible by car or public transport, it sits perfectly in the Park of Nations district. If you are not yet convinced, watch the video at the bottom of this page.
The Lisbon Oceanarium was designed by architect Peter Chermayeff (Cambridge Seven Associates), who also designed the Osaka Aquarium. Its centrepiece is a huge tank holding over 5 million litres of water, with 27 cm thick acrylic glass walls. Four two-storey sections surround it, each representing the flora and fauna of a different ocean: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian and Arctic. You will see sharks, rays, barracudas and moray eels among more than 16,000 animals of 450 species.
How to get to the Lisbon Aquarium
Going to the Oceanarium by bus
The following bus lines stop at the Oceanarium (stop: Oceanário de Lisboa or Estação Oriente):
- Buses 705, 708, 725, 728, 744, 750, 759, 782, 794
- Bus 705 from the airport (stop: Estação Oriente)
- Bus 708 from Martim Moniz (stop: Estação Oriente)
- Bus 725 from Prior Velho (stop: Estação Oriente)
- Bus 728 direction “Portela” (stop: Mosteiro Jerónimos, next to the Jerónimos Monastery), from Cais do Sodré, Praça do Comércio or Santa Apolónia station (stop: Oceanário de Lisboa)
- Bus 744 from the Marquês de Pombal roundabout or Saldanha metro (stop: Estação Oriente)
- Bus 750 from Algés or Colombo Shopping Centre (stop: Estação Oriente)
- Bus 759 from Praça dos Restauradores, Rossio, Praça do Comércio or Santa Apolónia station (stop: Estação Oriente)
- Bus 782 from Cais do Sodré or Santa Apolónia station (stop: Estação Oriente)
- Bus 794 from Praça do Comércio or Santa Apolónia station (stop: Estação Oriente)
The Lisboa Card gives you access to many discounts and even free entry for some visits to Lisbon, as well as all public transport in the capital. Find out everything you need to know by consulting the Lisboa Card guide, or order it directly below.
Click on the Lisboa Card to order it online
Other transport options to the Oceanarium
You can also get there by metro, train or car (see this comparator to rent a car in Lisbon):
- Oriente station (red metro line) is a 10-minute walk from the Oceanarium. Walk through the Vasco da Gama shopping centre towards the river — the aquarium building is visible on the right in the middle of the water.
- By train from Santa Apolónia station to Oriente station (no direct access from Rossio or Cais do Sodré), then 10 minutes on foot.
- By car via Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, running alongside the Tagus.
Parking at the Lisbon Oceanarium
If you drive to the Lisbon Aquarium, you will have no trouble parking. There are many car parks nearby and the surrounding streets usually have available spaces.
- Parque do Oceanário — 274 spaces (closest to the aquarium, from €1/hour)
- Parque da Doca — 700 spaces
- FIL — 830 spaces
- Torre Vasco da Gama — 250 spaces
- Parque da Estação do Oriente — 2,000 spaces
Lisbon Oceanarium: tickets, prices and opening hours 2026
| Category | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Under 3 years | Free |
| Children (3–12 years) | €15–18 |
| Adults (13–64 years) | €25–31 |
| Seniors (65+) | €17–21 |
Prices vary depending on the season (off-peak / peak) and how you purchase. In 2026, the Oceanarium operates with timed entry slots — online booking is strongly recommended to avoid queues. You can buy your ticket below, along with the Lisboa Card:
Opening hours of the Lisbon Oceanarium:
| Period | Hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| Every day (standard hours) | 10am–8pm | 7pm |
| 24 and 31 December | 10am–7pm | 6pm |
| 25 December and 1 January | 11am–8pm | 7pm |
Address of the Lisbon Oceanarium
Oceanário de Lisboa
Esplanada D. Carlos I — Doca dos Olivais
1990-005 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: +351 21 891 7002
Exhibitions at the Lisbon Oceanarium in 2026
The Oceanário de Lisboa has offered temporary exhibitions since its opening. In 2026, a new immersive experience called “Submerged Universe” has been added to the upper floor of the permanent exhibition. It explores the connection between the cosmos and the ocean’s depths — from plankton to whales — in a poetic setting of light and sound. This experience temporarily replaces the penguin area, which is currently closed for renovation.
One of the most celebrated past exhibitions was “Forests Underwater” by Japanese photographer and aquarist Takashi Amano, focused on the artful arrangement of aquatic plants and their small inhabitants. Amano believed that closely observing nature allows us to better understand and preserve our world.
Lisbon Oceanarium: additional activities
For those staying longer in Lisbon (you can find my list of hotels in Lisbon here), the aquarium also offers:
- Birthday parties with Vasco, the Lisbon Aquarium’s mascot
- Private shows for children among the fish
- The Fado Miudinho: a fado concert in front of the main tank, with sharks and fish in the background
- The “À Noite no Oceanário” programme (winter evenings): extended opening hours, relaxed atmosphere and lower visitor numbers
Reviews of the Lisbon Aquarium
As for my own view, I loved visiting the Lisbon Aquarium — it is worth it at least once, with or without children. Here are some visitor reviews that speak for themselves:
- Nice aquarium. Reasonable price. The visit is built around the central tank which is really beautiful. For shark lovers, some very beautiful and impressive ones. The little otters are super cute.
- A great aquarium. The main tank is magnificent. You can feel that the animals are well cared for. Watch out for queues at the entrance.
- Magnificent aquarium with a central tank visible from every angle. The otters are simply adorable. Booking online is strongly advised to avoid the long queue at the entrance.
- Very nice aquarium on the banks of the Tagus. A little expensive but worth it and children love it. Minor gripe about the cafeteria where prices are high and quality mediocre.
- A very pleasant place, fascinating visit with animals from all over the world. The main aquarium is really impressive.
- An aquarium that will take your breath away. Children loved it despite the crowd. Also worth combining with the cable car in the Park of Nations.
- The central tank is huge with many species. The layout is intuitive but quite dark.
- Very nice aquarium for all ocean climates, with a stunning central tank. An absolute must.
- Central tank with many species including sharks and rays. Cute otters in the other tanks. Almost all oceans are represented.
- Full immersion, a magical moment. Sit on the corner benches and watch the keepers feed the rays. Impressive!
Lisbon Oceanarium in video
FAQ – Lisbon Oceanarium
What are the opening hours of the Lisbon Oceanarium in 2026?
The Oceanarium is open every day from 10am to 8pm, with last entry at 7pm. Special hours apply on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January.
How much does it cost to visit the Lisbon Oceanarium in 2026?
2026 prices are €25–31 for adults (13–64), €15–18 for children (3–12) and €17–21 for seniors. Children under 3 enter free. Prices vary by season and purchase method.
Can you see the penguins at the Lisbon Oceanarium in 2026?
No, the penguin area is currently closed for renovation. It is temporarily replaced by the immersive “Submerged Universe” experience.
How do you get to the Lisbon Oceanarium?
Take the red metro line to Oriente station, then walk 10 minutes towards the river through the Vasco da Gama shopping centre. Several bus lines also serve the site.
Should you book tickets for the Lisbon Oceanarium in advance?
Yes, online booking is strongly recommended in 2026. The Oceanarium uses timed entry slots and queues can be long in high season and at weekends.
Does the Lisboa Card give access to the Oceanarium?
The Lisboa Card offers a discount on Oceanarium entry and includes unlimited use of all public transport in Lisbon. It is a good option if you plan to visit several attractions during your stay.
