10 Best Things to do near Lisbon Airport


 

Lisbon’s airport is not as far outside of the city center as other European destinations. It’s relatively convenient in terms of distance and transport options, and it’s in a neighborhood that is actually packed with things to do and see. 

If you’ve got some time to kill on a layover, or before a flight, here are 10 great things to consider doing near Lisbon’s International Airport. 

Transport in Lisbon: What You Need to Know

1. Picnic in José Gomes Ferreira Park near Lisbon Airport

A park that looks like something out of a fairy novel, the public are welcome to enjoy Jose Gomes Ferreira Park 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Parque José Gomes Ferreira – by Vitor Oliveira – Wikimedia Commons

Bring along your favorite snacks and enjoy a picnic under the trees, or simply bring a book and laze on the soft grass for a few hours. Bliss in airport county!

Top 5 Gardens and Parks to Visit in Lisbon

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Open 24 Hours
ADDRESS: Av. Alm. Gago Coutinho 129A, 1700-111 Lisboa, Portugal
Metro STATION: Encarnação

2. Visit the Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais near Lisbon Airport

This is a half park half animal farm, and the best place to visit with small children near Lisbon’s airport. There are cows, chickens, horses, peacocks — you name it. The enclosure is a mass of land featuring beautiful picnic spots, shady trees and a number of vegetable gardens and swimming ponds. 

Quinta Pedagógica dos Olivais – by Paulo Juntas – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 9am to 5:30pm
ADDRESS: R. Cidade de Lobito, 1800-088 Lisboa, Portugal
Metro STATION: Olivias

3. Head to the Oceanário de Lisboa near Lisbon Airport

One of the latest additions to the Lisbon tourism scene, the aquarium is one of the most impressive in all of Europe. Bring your little ones here to marvel at the vast habitats of sea life, including penguins, sharks and more tropical fish than one can count. 

Oceanário de Lisboa – by Rinaldo Wurglitsch – Wikimedia Commons

A Day at the Lisbon Aquarium: All You Need to Know

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 7pm
ADDRESS: Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal
Metro STATION: Cabo Ruvio

4. Stroll the Water Garden near Lisbon Airport

Right next to the aquarium is another outdoor attraction for Lisbon folk. This is called the Garden of Water, or Lisbon’s Water Gardens, and it’s absuially just an expansive outside area featuring all kinds of water-based features. Think waterfalls, rivers and estuaries. 

Water Garden – by Eugenio Hansen, OFS – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Open 24 hours
ADDRESS: Passeio Ulisses, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal
Metro STATION: Cabo Ruvio

5. Kick Back in the Marina Parque das Nações near Lisbon Airport

Lisbon’s marina is a short distance from the airport, and a great spot to take a load off, enjoy the natural surroundings and watch the various ships come in. In the summer you’ll be able to rent bicycles and roller skates, and meander down the promenade with the water on your hip — stunning!

Marina Parque das Nações – by MPNLIS – Wikimedia Commons

6. Explore the Museum of Lisbon near Lisbon Airport

Also known as the Palace Pimenta, this museum is dedicated to the history of Lisbon dating back to prehistoric times and riding all the way through to the early 20th century. 

Museum of Lisbon – by Yusuke Kawasaki – Wikimedia Commons

Top 4 Free Museums in Lisbon

It’s a wonderful place to learn more about this fantastic city and what it took for it to reach the eventual glory days. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 10am to 6pm
ADDRESS: Campo Grande 245, 1700-091 Lisboa, Portugal
Metro STATION: Cidade Universitária

7. Walk the Entire Boardwalk at Parque Tejo near Lisbon Airport

Less of a park and more of an ocean-side dreamscape, Parque Tejo is a glorious outdoor space right on the edge of the ocean. It sports a lengthy boardwalk that extends out into the sea, spanning right beneath the glorious Vasco da Gama bridge. A memorable way to kill an hour or two in the area. 

Parque Tejo – by Vitor Oliveira – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Open 24 hours 
ADDRESS: Passeio do Tejo, Lisboa, Portugal
Metro STATION: Moscavide

8. Try Your Luck at Casino Lisboa near Lisbon Airport

Interestingly, the Lisbon Casino is not a 24 hour establishment, and you’ll need to be aware of the opening hours if you’re set on visiting. 

Casino Lisboa – by K.Y.K.Z.K. – Wikimedia Commons

That aside, this is a fantastic establishment with slots, tables, great restaurants and even live entertainment. Staff are friendly, ambiance is alive and fun, and the bar areas are well stocked and ready to keep you fueled up. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 3pm to 3am
ADDRESS: Alameda dos Oceanos 45, 1990-204 Lisboa, Portugal
Metro STATION: Moscavide

9. Say a Little Prayer at Igreja de Cristo-Rei da Portela near Lisbon Airport

Visit this Catholic Church for a peaceful escape from the loud Lisbon streets. The Portela neighborhood is a place where you can really melt into the everyday life of local Lisbonites, and get a feel for what a laid back existence truly means in this part of the world. 

Igreja de Cristo-Rei da Portela – by Juntas – Wikimedia Commons

The church itself is exquisite and full of positive energy; even if you’re not super religious, this is worth a moment of contemplation. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 9am to 8:30pm
ADDRESS: Igreja, Av. dos Descobrimentos 4, 2685-194 Portela, Portugal
Metro STATION: Moscavide

10. Shop in the Centro Comercial da Portela near Lisbon Airport

The nearest shopping mall to Lisbon’s airport, and a great place for last minute goods to stuff into your already popping suitcases. 

Clothes Shopping in Lisbon

This mall is known for being a place where you can find anything — Indian spices, electronics, footwear, toys, clothing, hairdressers etc. It’s a small scale center which means that nothing is oversized or ostentations; simply small businesses (mostly local) doing big things. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 11pm
ADDRESS: Centro commercial, Rotunda Nuno Rodrigues dos Santos 2 Loja 50+1 andar, 2685-223 Portela, Portugal
Metro STATION: Moscavide