Developed in 1998 by the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition or Expo, Parque das Nações prior to 1998 was a forgotten and dreary part of Eastern Lisbon. Discover 10 Things To Do In Parque Das Nações.
Expo 98 transformed the area into a metropolitan, trendy and sought after residential and commercial. In 2020 Parque Das Nações is still a sought after residential area with higher than average property prices, offering riverside living and great transport links. The area is also a tourist hotspot with some of the top attractions that the city of Lisbon boasts, it is also a great contrast from the old architecture in Lisbon. Below are Activities In Portugal 10 things to do in Parque das Nações.
1, The Marina
This 600 berth marina surrounded by numerous restaurants, shops and cafes. Spend an hour or so watching the yacht come in and our of the marina.
It is not the most popular marina in Lisbon but it is worth a visit when in the area. The river pier is a great place for bird lovers. This is a perfect spot for bird watching. Uniquely you can also stay on a floating apartment.
2, The Oceanário
The Oceanário is at the heart of Parque Das Nacoes and it was the centerpiece of the 98 expo. Open daily from 10am to 6pm and with the last entry at 5pm. Tickets are from 17.10 euros for adults and 9 euros for kids. It is definitely worth a visit as the Oceanário contribute to conservation and they offer kids the opportunity to sleep with sharks, shame its just for kids.
3, Centro Vasco Da Gama Shopping Centre
The maritime themed Vasco Da Gama shopping centre is one for the largest in Lisbon. Providing a great selection of shops and is open until midnight. With 164 stores and boutiques, 36 restaurants, a cinema and a health club is has all you need to satisfy your retail therapy needs.
The Nations Park Gondola Lift was opened in March of 1998, with 40 closed cabins is a unique way to see the area. The trip lasts 8 to 12 minutes and is 30 meters high over the Tagus River.
5, Casino
The Parque Das Nacoes casino is set on 3 floor floors. With 4 bars, 3 restaurants, 1100 slot machines, routlette tables, blackjack, carribean stud poker, french bank, baccarat and poker room. What a night!
6, The Altice Arena
The Altice Arena has been open for 20 years and has showcased national and international artists from all over the world. The arena has three areas. The Atlântico room with an arena of 5 200 m2 and the capacity for 12 500 people seated houses, with a unique versatility and absolute success, all types of events. The Tagus Room, flooded by natural light, it has 2 200 m2 prepared for all ideas.
7, Tivoli Rooftop Bar
Have drinks on the 16 floor. The Tivoli in Parque Das Nacoes has the sky bar a trendy and stylish rooftop bar with amazing views of the Tagus and Vasco Da Gama bridge. Sit back and watch the sunset.
8, Eat At A Michelin Stared Restaurant
Martin Berasategui is the head chef and he is the only chef In Portugal with 8 Michelin stars. Take the 50 second ride to the top floor and dine at one the of cosmopolitan restaurants in Lisbon and take in the panoramic views.
9, Play Sports
Sport lovers can hire football pitches , paddle courts and there is a free skate park directly under the bridge.
10, Take A Walk
For those on a budget you can enjoy the area for free and take a wonderful walk through the gardens and next to the river. Sit take rest, enjoy a coffee, ice cream and watch the world go by.
Thanks for reading 10 Things To Do In Parque Das Nações.
Lisbon Weather
How To Get To Lisbon
By Air ✈️ Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is Lisbon’s main international airport. Direct flights from major European cities and worldwide destinations. Take the metro (Red Line), a bus, or an Bolt to the city centre, expect to pay around 10-15 euros.
By Train 🚆 From Porto, Algarve, and other Portuguese cities: Take the Alfa Pendular (AP) or Intercidades (IC) train to Lisbon’s Oriente or Santa Apolónia stations. From Spain: Night trains and connections via Madrid or Vigo offer routes to Lisbon.
By Bus 🚌 Companies like FlixBus, ALSA, Rede Expressos provide routes from major cities across Portugal and Europe. Buses from Porto to Lisbon take about 3-4 hours.
By Car 🚗 From Porto, take the A1 motorway (about 3 hours). From Spain, the A6 and A5 motorways connect Lisbon to Madrid and beyond.
By Boat 🚢 Cruise ships dock at Lisbon’s Port, near the city center. Tagus River cruises are a great way to arrive in style from nearby coastal towns.
When To Visit Lisbon?
What are the Best Months To Visit Lisbon? Late April, May, June & July * The weather is warm but not too hot: May (18-22°C), June (20-25°C), July (25-30°C).
* You will get sunny days with little rain, that are perfect for walking around the city and enjoying the Douro River.
*Santo António Festival (June 12-13): Lisbon’s biggest celebration fills the streets with vibrant parades, lively music, and the delicious aroma of grilled sardines. Join the fun as people dance, sing, and enjoy the city’s most festive night! This is one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
*Summer Sunsets in Lisbon: During these months, the sun sets around 9 PM, giving you extra time to explore the city’s viewpoints, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Tagus River, and discover hidden gems in Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods.
Lisbon Itinerary Ideas 1 Day
1️⃣ Visit Rossio Railway Station – Admire its stunning neo-Manueline architecture.
2️⃣ Discover Sé de Lisboa – Lisbon’s historic cathedral with breathtaking views of the city.
3️⃣ Step Inside São Roque Church – A hidden gem with one of the most extravagant baroque interiors.
4️⃣ Explore Alfama District – Wander through the charming, narrow streets of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood.
5️⃣ Walk Across Ponte 25 de Abril – Lisbon’s iconic suspension bridge, often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate.
6️⃣ Try Pastel de Nata – Taste Portugal’s famous custard tarts at the legendary Pastéis de Belém.
7️⃣ Take a Tagus River Cruise – Enjoy Lisbon’s skyline from the water at sunset.
8️⃣ Find One of Lisbon’s Best Hidden Gems – The secret viewpoint at Miradouro de Santa Catarina, perfect for a relaxing drink with a view.
Lisbon Itinerary Ideas 2 Days
Day One – Exploring Lisbon
1️⃣ Discover Belém – Visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, two of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks.
2️⃣Explore LX Factory – A trendy creative hub filled with street art, unique shops, and great cafés.
3️⃣ Stroll Along the River to Cais do Sodré – Enjoy a scenic walk along the Tagus River, passing street performers, cafés, and great viewpoints.
4️⃣Walk Along Praça do Comércio – One of the most beautiful squares in Europe, right by the river.
5️⃣ Explore Alfama District – Stroll through the oldest and most charming neighborhood of Lisbon.
6️⃣ Try Pastel de Nata – Indulge in Lisbon’s famous custard tart at Pastéis de Belém.
7️⃣ Take a Tagus River Sunset Cruise – Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the water.
8️⃣ Hidden Gem Alert! – End your day at Miradouro de Santa Catarina, a secret viewpoint with stunning sunset views.
Day Two – Day Trip to Sintra
1️⃣ Visit Palácio da Pena – Sintra’s fairy-tale palace with colorful towers and breathtaking views.
2️⃣ Explore Quinta da Regaleira – A mystical estate with hidden tunnels and the famous Initiation Well.
3️⃣ Check Out Castelo dos Mouros – A medieval hilltop fortress with panoramic views.
4️⃣ Wander Through Sintra’s Historic Center – Discover charming streets and traditional Portuguese pastries.
5️⃣ Visit Palácio de Monserrate – A lesser-known gem with stunning architecture and lush gardens.
6️⃣ Try Travesseiros de Sintra – A delicious local pastry you can’t miss.
7️⃣ Relax at Praia da Adraga – If time allows, head to this breathtaking beach just outside Sintra.
The Weather Can Be UnpredictableDuring Winter & Spring Lisbon enjoys a mild climate, but the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter and spring months. It’s always a good idea to carry a light jacket or an umbrella, even if the forecast looks clear, and dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Lisbon is Walkable, But Be Ready for Hills, 7 of them Actually Lisbon is a fantastic city to explore on foot, but be prepared for steep hills and cobblestone streets! Neighborhoods like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado have plenty of inclines, staircases, and narrow alleys. Top Lisbon Travel Tip, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and get ready for a bit of a leg workout as you discover the city’s hidden corners and breathtaking viewpoints. 🚶♂️
Tipping is Appreciated but Not Obligatory In Lisbon, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is common, especially if the service is good. In cafes and bars, leaving a few coins is also a nice gesture, given the minimu wage in Portugal is still under 900 euros in 2025.
Credit Cards Not Widely Accepted While Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, American Express, UnionPay, and Discover may not be accepted at smaller shops or restaurants. It’s a good idea to carry cash or use payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay as alternatives.
Safety In Lisbon Lisbon is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas like trams and markets. Avoid dark, isolated spots at night, and always keep an eye on your belongings.
In case you need them the Tourist Police Station in Lisbon is located near the Cruise Ship Docking, which is a central and busy area for tourists. The specific address is:
Polícia de Turismo Doca, Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, Edifício SW, R. do Jardim do Tabaco, 1000-651 Lisboa
Written by Clara R.
“I’ve been lucky enough to call Portugal home since 2011, living in the Algarve, Lisbon, and the Porto area. Every year, I make it a mission to travel around this beautiful country, discovering new places, hidden gems, and the best local spots. Portugal never stops surprising me!.”
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