Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa): Tickets, Opening Hours, What to See & How to Get There

The Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) is one of the city’s top attractions, located in Parque das Nações at Doca dos Olivais—a modern riverside area built around Expo ’98. It’s an easy, family-friendly visit that combines a major public aquarium with conservation messaging and a smooth “walk-through habitats” experience.

Quick facts for your visit

Note: the Oceanarium states it may update prices at any time.

Why visit the Lisbon Oceanarium

If you want a guaranteed “wow” activity in Lisbon (especially with kids, rainy weather, or a tight schedule), the Lisbon Oceanarium is a strong pick. The national tourism portal describes a visit that alternates between land-level and underwater-level viewing, recreating four major habitats—including North Atlantic rocky coasts, the Antarctic coastline, a Pacific kelp forest, and Indian Ocean coral reefs.

This habitat-based layout makes the Oceanarium feel like a compact world tour of marine ecosystems rather than “just tanks in a building.”

Tickets and prices (official)

The Oceanarium’s official “Visit” page lists ticket pricing by age:

• 0–2 years: Free
• 3–12 years: 15€
• 13–64 years: 25€
• 65+ years: 17€

Tip: If you’re traveling in peak season or on weekends, buying online is smart—lines can build up quickly (especially mid-day). The official site links to online ticketing.

Opening hours (official)

The official visitor info states:

• Open: 10:00 to 20:00
• Last entry: 19:00

It also lists special holiday schedules (e.g., Dec 24/25, Dec 31, Jan 1).

What to see inside (high-impact highlights)

1) The “four habitats” journey

The most memorable part is how the visit moves through distinct ecosystems. VisitPortugal explicitly describes the Oceanarium’s recreation of four habitats—North Atlantic rocky coasts, Antarctic coastline, Pacific kelp forest, and Indian Ocean coral reefs.

How to enjoy it more:

• Slow down at each habitat and look for “behavior moments” (feeding, schooling, hiding, cleaning).
• Use the underwater viewing points to spot animals you missed from above.

2) Exhibitions beyond the main aquarium

The Oceanarium site lists sections for exhibitions such as Aquarium, Submerged Universe, and Forests Underwater.
Even if you don’t plan deeply, it’s worth checking what’s currently promoted on the day you go—temporary exhibitions can change your visit from “cool” to “unforgettable.”

3) A perfect “reset day” in Lisbon

Because it’s indoors, climate-controlled, and easy to navigate, the Oceanarium is ideal when:

• it’s raining,
• you need a break from hills and cobblestones,
• or you want a calm, predictable activity.

Where it is: Parque das Nações (Doca dos Olivais)

The official “How to get there” page confirms the Oceanarium is located at Doca dos Olivais, Parque das Nações.
This area is modern, flat, and walkable—great for pairing the Oceanarium with a riverside stroll.

How to get to Lisbon Oceanarium (metro, bus, trains)

Best option: Metro to Oriente (Red Line) + walk

The Oceanarium’s official directions say the Underground: Red line – Oriente (East) Station.
Metro Lisboa’s Oriente page also confirms the station’s hours and location next to the intermodal hub.

Practical route from central Lisbon:

1. Get onto the Red Line (Linha Vermelha)
2. Exit at Oriente
3. Walk through Parque das Nações toward Doca dos Olivais

Easy transfers to the Red Line (if you’re on other metro lines)

Two of the simplest official interchange stations are:

• São Sebastião: interchange between Red and Blue lines
• Saldanha: interchange between Red and Yellow lines

By bus (Carris)

The Oceanarium’s official page lists the nearest stop as Oriente (East) Station and provides these bus lines: 705, 725, 728, 744, 708, 750, 759, 782, 794.

By train

The official “How to get there” page notes Oriente as a major hub served by long-distance and regional trains, and it references the Azambuja line as well.

How long to plan (realistic timing)

Most visitors will enjoy the Lisbon Oceanarium in 2–3 hours without rushing. Add extra time if:

• you’re traveling with kids,
• you like taking photos,
• or there’s a temporary exhibition you want to take slowly.

Best time to visit (avoid crowds)

• Best: right at opening (10:00)
• Also good: late afternoon (but remember last entry is 19:00)
• Busiest: late morning to mid-afternoon, weekends, school holidays

FAQ: Lisbon Oceanarium

What are the Lisbon Oceanarium opening hours?

Official hours are 10:00–20:00, with last entry at 19:00.

How much are tickets?

Official prices are Free (0–2), 15€ (3–12), 25€ (13–64), 17€ (65+).

What’s the nearest metro station?

Oriente on Lisbon’s Red Line is the key station for the Oceanarium.

Where exactly is it located?

Official sources place it at Doca dos Olivais, Parque das Nações, address Esplanada D. Carlos I – Doca dos Olivais – Parque das Nações, 1990-005 Lisboa.

Conclusion

If you’re choosing one modern attraction in Lisbon that’s easy to reach, enjoyable for all ages, and works in any weather, the Lisbon Oceanarium is a top contender. It’s located in Parque das Nações near Oriente (Red Line) and offers a habitat-based marine experience that’s both relaxing and genuinely impressive.