Parque das Nações • district of Lisbon – Portugal
Parque das Nações is a modern, most north east district of Lisbon, Portugal. Covering an area of 5.44 square kilometers and housing 22,000 residents, it was established for the Expo 98 on a site that was formerly an industrial area. Parque das Nações is part of the eastern zone of the capital and stretches along a 4.8 km coastal area facing the Tagus River. It is situated beneath the Vasco da Gama Bridge and is bordered by Olivais to the west, the Tagus River to the east, Marvila to the south, and Loures to the north. The development of Parque das Nações marked a considerable change in the dynamics of Lisbon’s eastern zone, which was predominantly industrial up to the 1990s. The area is characterized by modern architecture, with notable landmarks such as the Gare do Oriente station designed by Santiago Calatrava and the Pavilhão de Portugal by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, featuring an entrance made of pre-stressed concrete.
Living in Parque das Nações
- DISTRIKT Private Condominium – Modern luxury apartments in a private condominium located in Parque das Nações
Parque das Nações comprises various zones such as business districts that house corporate offices, recreational areas featuring parks and entertainment venues, like shopping and events, coastal areas situated adjacent to the Tagus River, and modern residential areas featuring newly developed housing.
Parque das Nações is well-connected to both the city center and the airport via subway, making it accessible in just a few minutes.
Transformation of Parque das Nações into a New City
The transformation of the land for Expo 98 into Parque das Nações serves as a global example of successful urban rehabilitation. This area, once plagued by environmental and aesthetic issues, has become an icon of Lisbon, offering a high quality of life comparable to the most developed cities worldwide. Notably, Parque das Nações is considered the safest neighborhood in Lisbon, which is already ranked alongside Helsinki as one of the safest capitals in Europe. Violent crime is almost non-existent in this district, making it an ideal location for leisure and relaxation. Developed in alignment with the Expo 98’s oceanic theme, the area integrates seamlessly with the Tagus River, offering a variety of waterfront recreational activities, from jogging and biking to sailing. The modern marina accommodates approximately 600 mooring spots for recreational boats and is equipped for hosting large-scale nautical sporting events. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to the protected natural zone of the Tagus estuary, which can be explored for its diverse fauna and flora.
Parque das Nações is a fusion of modernity and history, with its street names paying homage to Portuguese navigators, territories, and figures related to maritime discoveries. The district has undergone extensive renewal, from housing to infrastructure, with a focus on high quality. Modern architecture, such as the Torre Vasco da Gama, Portugal’s tallest building, coexists with significant cultural venues like the Lisbon Oceanarium and the Church of Our Lady of the Navigators, completed in 2014. The area also boasts excellent transportation connections, as the Gare do Oriente serves as a major hub for urban and inter-urban travel, providing quick access to the rest of the city and country via train, subway, bus, and taxi. Major highways are also easily accessible, and the international airport is notably close.
What to do in Parque das Nações
Commercially, Parque das Nações is well-served by the Vasco da Gama Shopping Center, offering a variety of retail outlets including well-known brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, Continente Supermarket, Worten, and Fnac, among others. For those seeking luxury brands, Avenida da Liberdade, one of the world’s most expensive avenues, is conveniently located nearby.
Educationally, the district is equipped with a range of institutions from pre-primary to higher education levels, both public and private. The School of Health Technology is one such notable establishment. Accessibility to other parts of the city, including the University City with its various prestigious higher-education institutions, is facilitated by an efficient public transport network.
Culturally, Parque das Nações stands as a hub of diverse and high-quality offerings. Noteworthy venues include the Altice Arena, one of Portugal’s largest multipurpose facilities; the headquarters of the National Ballet Company at Teatro Camões; and the Lisbon’s Casino, renowned for its extensive entertainment options. The district also boasts numerous restaurants with esplanades overlooking the river, blending natural beauty with gardens, fountains, statues, well keeped wide sidewalks and modern infrastructure to offer an ideal urban living environment.
Parque das Nações attractions
Parque das Nações area is it self an attraction for spending the day with kids playing around. There’s plenty to do for a day in family, fro shopping to cultural places, cience, aquariums, fountains,
- Oceanário de Lisboa: This is one of Europe’s largest aquariums, focusing on oceans marine biodiversity and education. The facility houses a wide range of marine life, including sharks, otters, puffins, penguins, and more, in well-maintained, simulated habitats.
- Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva: A science museum specializing in science and technology, it offers interactive exhibits aimed at promoting scientific literacy. It is an ideal location for families with children.
- Water Gardens: This is a landscaped area featuring various water bodies such as fountains and ponds. The waterfall is best visited between 12 and 4 pm.
- Vasco da Gama Tower: One of Portugal’s tallest structures, this tower is often visited for its panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Vasco da Gama Bridge: a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Tagus River, one of the longest bridges in Europe with a total length of approximately 17 kilometers. The bridge is not only functional but also serves as an iconic architectural feature of the Parque das Nações area, often photographed for its imposing and elegant design.
- Jardim Garcia de Orta: A park offering landscaped grounds for leisure and relaxation.
- Altice Arena: This large, multipurpose venue hosts a variety of events, from concerts to sports competitions. It is one of Portugal’s largest indoor arenas.
- Lago das Tágides: A lake offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walking or picnicking.
- The Cat by Bordalo II: This large-scale, colorful cat sculpture by artist Bordalo II serves as a popular backdrop for photographs.
- Playground Aranha: Located under the Vasco de Gama bridge, this park offers beautiful views and is next to another park that includes the famous Hotel Myriad.
- Parque Urbano do Tejo e do Trancão: A public urban park along the Tejo and Trancão rivers, offering green spaces and breathtaking views of the Vasco de Gama bridge.
- Telecabine Lisbon: This is a cable car service that operates in the Parque das Nações area. It provides aerial views as it crosses above the district, offering panoramic vistas of both the area and the adjacent river.
- Feira Internacional de Lisboa: This is an international exhibition center located in the Parque das Nações area. The center hosts a wide range of events and world fairs, including conventions and fairs. These events often pertain to business activities both within Portugal and involving international brands.
- Estação do Oriente: This is a key transport hub in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. The station serves trains, buses, and the metro, linking the area to both local and international destinations. Its modern architecture features extensive use of glass and steel, making it not only a functional but also an aesthetic landmark in the area.
- Centro Comercial Vasco da Gama Shopping Mall: This shopping center features a range of retail shops and dining options, and is notable for its bright interior, facilitated by a glass ceiling architecture.
- Casino Lisboa: a major entertainment venue in Lisbon. The casino offers a wide range of gaming options including slot machines, table games like poker and roulette, and other gambling activities. In addition to gaming, the casino features multiple entertainment options such as live performances and shows. It serves as a social gathering point, drawing a diverse crowd for both its gaming and entertainment offerings.
Parque das Nações Educational Establishments:
- Colégio Oriente
- Colégio Pedro
- Externato João XXIII
Parque das Nações Tourist developments
- Myriad 5*
- Martinhal Lisbon Oriente 5*
- Olissipo Oriente 4*
- Melia Lisboa Oriente 4*
- Tivoli Oriente 4*
- VIP Executive Arts 4*
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The Homeboat Company – a fantastic accommodation experience sleeping over water!
Parque das Nações is neighbored by Olivais to the west, Marvila to the south, Tagus River to the east, and Loures to the North.