Torre Vasco da Gama | Vasco da Gama Tower

Torre Vasco da Gama also known as the Vasco da Gama Tower, is one of a few Lisbon points of interest built in honor of the old mariners of Portugal. It is a 145 meters high steel concrete skyscraper designed by Nick Jacobs and Leonor Janeiro and is situated on the riverfront next to Parque das Naçoes. 

Tower Vasco da Gama by Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal.

On my first arrival here looking lisbon points of interest, I used to take the long trawl along the coast to this part of town. I would not recommend the walk to anyone else, it is mainly dock yards and dusty hot roads. You will be far better off taking the metro or cabbing it.

What’s great about it? You can find the 5-star hotel housed in it in 2013. The group behind this hotel is ‘Sana’ and it is known as ‘Sana Torre Vasco da Gama Royal’ Hotel. This is a unique hotel, as it is made with natural material and projects the natural lighting beautifully. It has 20 floors with 178 rooms out of which 10 rooms are suites.

If you want to visit Torre Vasco da Gama, you can take a cable car from the Oceanarium for an elevated view. Vasco da Gama Tower was named after Portugal’s greatest explorer. It was opened in the year 1998 on the 500^th anniversary of his Indian voyage. This is one of the Lisbon’s tallest skyscraper that looks similar to the Burj Al Arab, a 6-star luxury hotel in Dubai.

This tower provides a viewing platform right on the top of the tower. You can reach the topsail basket through the glass elevators. It gives a grand view of Lisbon City, Vasco da Gama Bridge, and River Tagus.

I did like the experience but it is not quintessentially lisbon, the whole area is essentially an exposition center which looks and feels more like a university campus then anything else. You will certainly have a good time here but if you are looking to experience a bit of authentic Lisbon I advise you stay in town. That being said you will find the following top things to do nearby the impressive Vasco da Gama Tower!

Other Nearby Lisbon Points of Interest:

• Oceanarium is the biggest aquarium in Europe and is located in Lisbon. People can experience deep-sea diving without risks. The aquarium has more than 25,000 species of mammals, seabirds, and fishes. 
• Vasco da Gama Bridge is the second longest bridge after Crimean Bridge in Europe. This cable-style Bridge transports the travelers from the best parts of Europe. The 12.3 kilometers long bridge eases the traffic between the northern and southern regions of the country.
• Vasco da Gama Shopping Center: If you are a shopping freak, then this is a place for you. This multi-level mall houses domestic and international eateries and retailers. 
• Check out our full list of attractions in Lisbon here.