Eastern Lisbon used to be an ugly industrial area until it was chosen as the site to host the last world fair of the 20th century, Expo 98. It has since been reborn into a futuristic glass-and-steel district, home to some wonderful examples of modern architecture. One of them is Oriente Station, a landmark with the signature of Santiago Calatrava, while Pritzker-award winning architect Alvaro Siza Vieira is the man behind the fantastic Pavilhão de Portugal known for its remarkable undulating roof. Many of the other constructions have an ocean theme (the twin towers São Gabriel and São Rafael resemble ships and are named after two of Vasco da Gama's vessels), and there is also one of the world's most spectacular aquariums nearby.
Everywhere you turn is a glimpse of the river looking like an ocean crossed by Europe's longest bridge, water volcanos erupting, wave-shaped benches, exotic greenery, public art by Portuguese and international artists, cable cars overlooking it all, and an unashamedly avant-garde side of Lisbon contrasting with its old historic center.
GETTING THERE Metro: Oriente (Red line) Autocarro (bus) 728 MAIN STREETS Alameda dos Oceanos Avenida Dom João II
Top 10 Neighborhood Attractions
1 | OCEANÁRIO »
It’s one of the world’s biggest aquariums, but it's not just size that makes it one of Lisbon’s top attractions.
2 | PONTE VASCO DA GAMA »
Europe’s longest bridge looks endless, and it may be seen up close at the neighborhood park Parque Tejo.
3 | TORRE VASCO DA GAMA »
The viewing tower of 1998’s World Fair is now a luxury hotel with a restaurant right on the water, also open to non-hotel guests.
4 | ESTAÇÃO DO ORIENTE »
One of architect Santiago Calatrava’s masterpieces, which welcomes you to the neighborhood.
5 | PAVILHÃO DE PORTUGAL »
One of the iconic works of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.
6 | MEO ARENA »
What looks like a spaceship is an arena used for the city’s biggest concerts, hosting the world’s chart-topping pop stars.
7 | CASINO LISBOA »
The afternoons and nights at this casino are not just made for gambling. There are also shows, dining at the restaurants, and drinking at the bars.
8 | PUBLIC ART / ARTE PÚBLICA »
Curious works of art by international artists are scattered around the waterfront.
9 | OUTDOOR DINING / ESPLANADAS »
Of the many terraces facing the waterfront, the best ones are found by the Oceanarium.
10 | CENTRO VASCO DA GAMA »
The Vasco da Gama mall has all the stores found at other malls in the city, but it also has a terrace at the top, looking out to many of the neighborhood’s landmarks.