Parque Das Nações (Nations Park)
Lisbon's Parque Das Nações, situated on the Tagus river in the north east of Lisbon, was built for the 1998 Expo and is a major redevelopment with residential areas, restaurants and shopping.
The site is accessed from the impressive Gare do Oriente Station and includes the Pavilhão de Portugal, designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira, the Atlantic Pavilion (MEO Arena), the Oceanário Aquarium, the Vasco da Gama Tower, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento Ciência Viva and a cable car - Telecabine Lisboa. The whole area is near to the fantastic sweep of the 17 km long Vasco da Gama Bridge.
The Atlantic Pavilion formerly Altice Arena, now MEO Arena (Tel: 218 918 409) is the largest multi-use center in Portugal and has a beautiful wooden structure supporting the roof. The building was designed by Portuguese architect Regino Cruz and hosts major pop concerts and other events.
Pavilhão de Portugal
The Pavilhão de Portugal was designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. The building housed the Portuguese National representation at the Expo. It is meant to represent the idea of a sheet of paper placed on two bricks. The structure contains several water features and an impressive fountain. The pavilion is now administered by the University of Lisbon.
Oceanário de Lisboa
The Oceanário de Lisboa aquarium (Tel: 218 917 002) by US architect Peter Chermayeff was the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world when it opened. There are over 16,000 animals from 450 species on display including manta rays, sea otters, penguins and sharks.
Pointing out the elements at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento Ciência Viva
The Pavilhão do Conhecimento Ciência Viva (Tel: 218 917 100) is a science and technology museum with many interactive exhibits including an invisible harp. The building was designed by Carrilho da Graça and has a kids' playground and cafe. The center hosts large thematic exhibitions and dozens of interactive modules designed for visitors of all ages to explore aspects of the world of Physics, Mathematics and Technology, spread over 4,000 square meters.
Vasco da Gama Tower
The 145 meter-tall, steel Vasco da Gama Tower symbolizes the sail of a caravel and references the history of Portuguese exploration and the Age of Discoveries. The Camões Theatre is now the home of the Portuguese National Ballet.
The Parque Das Nações has a number of waterside bars and restaurants and the site has many pieces of modern art, as well as fountains and natural park spaces.
Artists such as Jorge Vieira, Leonel Moura, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Rui Chafes, Susumu Shingu, Ilda David, Yayoi Kusama and Amy Yoes all contributed pieces.
Centro Vasco da Gama
The main shopping area is across from Gare do Oriente in the Centro Vasco da Gama with more restaurants, a large supermarket and many other retail outlets.
Brands here include Bershka, fnac, Guess, H&M, JD, Lacoste, Levi's, Samsonite, Skechers, Swarovski, The Body Shop, Timberland, United Colors of Benetton and Zara.
Casino Lisboa
The Casino Lisboa opened in 2006. It is housed in the former Pavilhão do Futuro (Pavilion of the Future) which was remodeled to accommodate it.
Casino Lisboa features around 700 slot machines multiple gaming tables, a 600 seater theater as well as bars and restaurants.
The opening of the new casino was opposed by the staff at the nearby Estoril Casino in Estoril, only 35 km away, as it was seen as a threat to its business.
For getting around the park, you can ride the 1 km long teleferico cable car with great views of the bridge. There are also rental bikes and a minitrain.
Parque Das Nações (portaldasnacoes.pt)
Access - Getting There
Buses: #208, #210, #708, #725, #728, #744, #750, #759, #782, #794. Subway: to Gare do Oriente, Linha Oriente (red); there are also suburban line trains to Oriente.
Hotels in Parque das Nações
There are a number of mostly large hotels near Gare do Oriente in the Parque das Nações district including Olissippo Oriente, Tivoli Oriente, Myriad by Sana and the TRYP Lisboa Oriente Hotel. The five star Myriad by Sana Hotel (previously) the Torre Vasco da Gama Royal Hotel is a standout accommodation in Lisbon.
A more budget option is Ikonik Lisboa close to shops, restaurants and the metro station.
Map
Gallery
Hotels in Portugal - Booking.com
Hotels in Lisbon - Booking.com
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tramcars, and Yellow Boat River Tour