A new beginning

Today, the former site of Expo 98 provides a focal point for what is seen as the new, up market area of Lisbon. Now named Parque das Nações (Nations Park) it offers attractions and facilities to cater for all tastes. Modern hotels, fine terraced cafes and restaurants service the requirements of the nearby FIL (International Fair of Lisbon) Exhibition and Convention Centre.

But some of the key pavilions from the Expo still remain. These house one of Europe's largest Oceanariums, a Virtual Reality Centre, the Knowledge Pavilion and the impressive Atlantic Pavilion. The latter is a key venue for major conferences, live concerts and has the capability to accommodate 12,000 people in comfort.

From July to December 2007, the Atlantic Pavilion was the venue from which Portugal's Presidency of the EU was directed.

Visitors are able to stroll, or jog along a river side promenade or enjoy the wonderful views afforded by the cable car that run the whole length of the facility or gamble, eat, drink and be entertained in the new Lisbon Casino.

Nearby is the home of Lisbon's railway hub, the ultra modern Gare da Oriente linking Lisbon with the rest of Europe. Next to that is the majestic Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre providing superb shopping and wonderful views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge that stretches 17.5 Kilometres across the River Tagus.