Lisbon East

Eastern Lisbon, often referred to as Lisboa Oriente, is one of the most modern and dynamic areas of the city, blending history with contemporary urban development.

Once dominated by convents, orchards, and later industrial sites, the region underwent a major transformation during the late 20th century, particularly with the 1998 World Expo. This event reshaped the riverside into Parque das Nações, a strikingly modern district filled with innovative architecture, cultural venues, and leisure spaces.

The area today is known for its vibrant mix of attractions. Parque das Nações hosts landmarks such as the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento science museum, and the Camões Theatre. The Oriente Station, designed by Santiago Calatrava, serves as a major transport hub, while the surrounding green spaces like Parque Tejo provide nearly ninety hectares of riverside leisure. Restaurants, galleries, and shops often occupy repurposed industrial buildings, giving the district a unique blend of old and new.

Beyond Parque das Nações, Eastern Lisbon includes neighborhoods such as Marvila, Beato, and Olivais, which are increasingly recognized for their cultural and social revival. Marvila and Beato, once industrial zones, have become hotspots for urban art, craft breweries, and creative hubs. Olivais retains more of a residential character, offering a quieter contrast to the bustling riverside. Together, these areas reflect Lisbon’s evolution from agricultural lands and industrial heritage into a cosmopolitan zone that balances modern living with cultural vibrancy.

Suggested walking tour in Eastern Lisbon
Santa Apolónia Metro Station → Madre de Deus Convent → National Tile Museum → Santa Apolónia Metro Station

Facade of the Madre de Deus Convent
The facade of the Madre de Deus Convent in Lisbon reflects the layered history of its construction and transformation.

Founded in 1509 by Queen Leonor, the convent began as a modest structure but was gradually enriched through successive architectural campaigns. The exterior shows traces of Manueline influence, particularly in the bell tower, while later additions introduced Mannerist and Baroque elements. These stylistic layers give the facade a distinctive character, combining simplicity in its earlier forms with the ornate flourishes of later centuries.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, the convent’s facade had become more elaborate, echoing the grandeur of its richly decorated interiors. The church and monastic spaces were adorned with gilded woodwork, azulejos, and painted ceilings, and this opulence is hinted at in the exterior’s evolving design. Today, the convent houses the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, and the facade stands as a testament to Lisbon’s architectural evolution, embodying the transition from Manueline sobriety to Baroque exuberance.
See more at Madre de Deus Convent - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Interior of the Madre de Deus Convent
The interior of the Madre de Deus Convent in Lisbon is a remarkable showcase of Portuguese Baroque artistry, layered over earlier Mannerist structures.

Originally built in the 16th century, the church retains its Mannerist architectural framework, but the decoration is dominated by gilded woodwork, painted ceilings, and extensive azulejo panels. These tiles, many imported from Holland in 1698, include notable works such as Willem Van der Koet’s depiction of “Jehovah calling Moses” and Jan Van Oort’s rustic and courtly scenes. Portuguese tile makers also contributed panels featuring putti and satyrs, adding a local dimension to the decorative program.
The convent’s interiors were enriched further in the 17th and 18th centuries, with the addition of elaborate gilded carvings and paintings by artists like Bento Coelho da Silveira. The nave and monastic choirs form one of the most magnificent ensembles of Baroque art in Portugal, harmoniously blending sculpture, painting, and tilework. Visitors today encounter a single nave lined with azulejos narrating the life of St. Francis, alongside richly adorned chapels and a high choir decorated with 16th‑century paintings framed in gilded wood.
See more at Madre de Deus Convent - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

National Tile Museum
The National Tile Museum in Lisbon is housed in the former Madre de Deus Convent and presents the history of Portuguese tiles from the late 15th century to the present day.

The museum was founded in 1965 and became the National Tile Museum in 1980. Its collection traces the evolution of azulejos, a uniquely Portuguese art form, through centuries of production. Visitors can see pieces ranging from early Renaissance panels to contemporary works, including highlights such as the 1580 Panel of Our Lady of Life, 17th‑century hunting scenes, and the 1707 Dance Lesson. The convent itself adds to the experience, with its Mannerist cloister and richly decorated Baroque church, where gilded woodwork and painted ceilings complement the tile displays.
Beyond its permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, guided tours, and educational programs. It emphasizes accessibility, offering tactile replicas, sign language guides, and inclusive facilities. The setting allows visitors not only to admire tiles as museum pieces but also to see them integrated into the convent’s original architecture. This combination of historical building and artistic heritage makes the National Tile Museum one of Lisbon’s most distinctive cultural institutions.
See more at National Museum of the Azulejo - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Santa Apolónia Metro Station → Oriente Metro Station
Metro line between Santa Apolónia Metro Station and Oriente Metro Station.

Parque das Nações

Suggested walking tour in Parque das Nações
Oriente Metro Station → Vasco da Gama Tower Viewpoint → Cable Car → Oceanarium → Oriente Metro Station

Lisbon Oriente Station (Gare do Oriente)
Lisbon Oriente Station, also known as Gare do Oriente, is one of the city’s most striking architectural landmarks and a major transport hub.

Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and inaugurated in 1998 for Expo ’98, the building symbolizes Lisbon’s modern urban renewal in the Parque das Nações district. Its vast canopy of steel and glass, shaped like a forest of stylized trees, creates a dramatic silhouette that blends functionality with artistry. The station integrates multiple levels, housing railway platforms, a metro station, a bus terminal, and commercial areas, making it a central point of connectivity for both local and national travel.
Beyond its role as infrastructure, Oriente Station is admired as a piece of contemporary architecture that reflects Lisbon’s aspirations at the turn of the millennium. The interplay of light through the glass canopy and the geometric precision of the steel structures evoke both modern innovation and echoes of Gothic cathedrals. Its location along the Tagus River places it within walking distance of other Expo ’98 landmarks, reinforcing its identity as a gateway to the city’s most modern district. Today, Oriente Station remains not only a vital transport interchange but also a cultural icon, admired by travelers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
See more at Gare do Oriente - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Jonas.tesch, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.

Vasco da Gama Tower Viewpoint
The Vasco da Gama Tower, located in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações district, is Portugal’s tallest building, rising to 145 meters.

Originally constructed for Expo ’98, it was designed as a tribute to Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India. Its sleek, sail-like structure overlooking the Tagus River makes it one of Lisbon’s most distinctive modern landmarks. The tower has since been integrated with the Myriad by SANA hotel, but it retains its identity as an architectural symbol of Lisbon’s contemporary skyline and its connection to maritime history.
The Vasco da Gama Tower Viewpoint offers visitors a 360-degree panoramic experience of Lisbon from its summit. Reopened decades after the Expo, the viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the Tagus River, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, Oriente Station, the Lisbon Oceanarium, and the surrounding Parque das Nações. Interactive features, such as QR codes on the dome’s windows, share stories and curiosities about Portugal, enriching the visit. Alongside the viewpoint, the Babylon 360º rooftop bar adds a cultural and social dimension, combining panoramic vistas with live music and signature cocktails, making the tower both a sightseeing highlight and a vibrant leisure destination.
See more at Vasco da Gama Tower - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Cable Car (Telecabine Lisboa, from North to South)
The Cable Car at Parque das Nações in Lisbon is a popular attraction that offers visitors a unique perspective of the city’s modern riverside district.

Built for Expo ’98, the cable car runs along the Tagus River, connecting the Oceanarium area to the Vasco da Gama Tower. Its route stretches for about 1.2 kilometers, with cabins suspended 20 meters above the ground, providing sweeping views of the river, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, and the contemporary architecture of Parque das Nações. The ride is both scenic and practical, serving as a leisurely way to explore the area while enjoying panoramic vistas.
The experience of riding the cable car is enhanced by the district’s vibrant atmosphere, where modern buildings, gardens, and cultural landmarks blend with the riverfront setting. The cabins are designed to accommodate families and groups, making it a popular choice for tourists and locals alike. From the vantage point of the cable car, visitors can appreciate the scale of Lisbon’s urban renewal project that transformed Parque das Nações into a hub of culture, leisure, and innovation. It remains one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the district’s sights while gliding peacefully above the waterfront.
See more at Teleférico do Parque das Nações - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe and a major cultural attraction in Portugal.

Opened in 1998 for Expo ’98, it was designed by architect Peter Chermayeff and is located in the Parque das Nações district along the Tagus River. The building itself resembles an aircraft carrier floating on water, symbolizing humanity’s relationship with the ocean. Its centerpiece is a massive central tank holding 5 million liters of seawater, where species from different ocean habitats coexist, including sharks, rays, sunfish, and schools of colorful fish. Surrounding this main tank are smaller exhibits that recreate ecosystems such as the North Atlantic rocky coast, Antarctic penguin habitat, and tropical coral reefs.
Beyond its impressive displays, the Oceanarium is dedicated to marine conservation, education, and research. It houses more than 8,000 animals and plants representing over 500 species, making it a living showcase of global biodiversity. The institution has also become the first IUCN Center for Species Survival, highlighting its role in protecting endangered marine life. Visitors can enjoy both permanent and temporary exhibitions, including immersive experiences like “Submerged Universe,” which blends art and science to deepen awareness of ocean conservation. Today, the Lisbon Oceanarium stands as a symbol of Portugal’s commitment to sustainability and remains one of the most visited cultural sites in the country.
See more at Lisbon Oceanarium - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Hotels Map

Where to Eat in Lisbon

Restaurants Map

🍽️ Local Culinary Traditions

🥖	Bread Broa de milho - Corn bread often served with grilled sardines Pão alentejano - Rustic wheat bread, widely eaten in Lisbon with soups and stews
🍲	Soups Caldo verde - Traditional soup made with kale, potatoes, and chouriço Sopa de peixe - Fish soup flavored with tomato, garlic, and herbs
🦞	Seafood Arroz de marisco - Rich rice dish with shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab 🏅 Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato - Clams cooked with garlic, olive oil, and cilantro
🐟	Fish Dishes Sardinhas assadas - Grilled sardines, especially popular during Lisbon’s Santo António festivities Bacalhau à Brás - Shredded cod with fried potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs Peixe grelhado - Freshly grilled fish, often sea bream or mackerel, seasoned simply with olive oil and salt
🍗	Meat Dishes Bife à Portuguesa - Steak topped with ham and garlic sauce, served with fried potatoes Cozido à Portuguesa - Hearty boiled dish with assorted meats, sausages, and vegetables Bifana - Pork sandwich seasoned with garlic and spices, a popular street food
🍰	Sweets 🏅 Pastel de Nata - Lisbon’s famous custard tart, baked with flaky pastry Travesseiros de Sintra - Puff pastry filled with almond and egg cream, often enjoyed in Lisbon cafés Arroz doce - Creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon
🍷	Wine Vinho Verde - Light, slightly sparkling wine often paired with seafood Vinho do Porto - Fortified wine, widely enjoyed as a dessert drink Lisboa regional wines - Reds and whites from vineyards around Lisbon, known for their balance and freshness