The area of the World’s Fair held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1998, has been repurposed, and is now known as Parque das Nações. The theme of the World Exposition was “The Oceans: A Heritage for the Future”, and it surely shows, as there undoubtedly is a nautical flare across the neighbourhood. The gardens, aquarium, funicular, and former observation tower, now hotel and restaurant, Vasco da Gama Tower, survived, while other pavilions were reused, or demolished. These days it feels like a business district, and a place for the big events, like Comic Con Portugal, which I came across. It’s probably due to the size of things. The uniquely looking buildings are quite enjoyable, and in between them you spot cool sculptures and fountains. You can actually find some peace and quiet too, at the waterfront promenade. Most likely not the case in the summertime though 🙂 I enjoyed my, somewhat windy, wander along the boardwalk, with the funicular hanging overhead, and, at the north end, a splendid view of the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the second longest bridge in Europe. I imagine this area is popular during warmer weather.
Parque das Nações is easily reached by subway and train. When you step out of the huge combined metro and train station, you have to cross the street, and walk through the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, which one of the biggest shopping malls in town.
