Written by RuinMyTrip Editorial from published research and official sources, not from a personal trip. It is not a traveler review and is never counted in the community rating. How we research.
attraction · Lisbon
Twenty-Nine Euros at Opening, Twenty-Seven at Midday, and Under-Threes Free
Review of Oceanario de Lisboa
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Share your experienceThe Oceanario prices by time slot, which is unusual and worth understanding before you book. For the 10 am to 11:30 am slot, ages 0 to 2 are free, 3 to 12 year olds pay 17 euros, 13 to 64 year olds pay 29 euros and over-65s pay 19 euros. From 12 pm to 3:30 pm the same tiers drop to 16, 27 and 18 euros. So the busiest slot is also the most expensive one, and going a couple of hours later is both cheaper and quieter. That is the opposite of how most attractions work and most visitors do not notice it. The building itself sits out in the marina at Parque das Nacoes, reached by a walkway over the water. The design centres on one enormous tank, viewed from two levels, with four separate habitat displays arranged around it so that the central ocean is always visible through them. It reads as one continuous ocean rather than a series of boxes, and it is the reason this aquarium is regularly rated the best in Europe.
What was great
The central-tank design is genuinely clever and holds attention far longer than a conventional aquarium. Under-3s go free and the midday slot is 2 euros cheaper per adult than the opening one. Parque das Nacoes around it is pleasant, modern and easy to walk with children.
What nearly ruined the trip
Twenty-nine euros for an adult at the opening slot makes a family visit expensive. It is out at Parque das Nacoes, well away from central Lisbon, so it costs a metro trip each way. Weekends and school holidays are very busy regardless of which slot you pick.
Value for money
★★★★☆ Good valueSafety
★★★★★ Felt safeMore from Lisbon
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