Torre Vasco da Gama rises above Parque das Nações, east of central Lisbon. At the top, Babylon 360 pairs a viewing area with a bar, looking out across the Tagus, the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the district’s modern skyline. Come for the city views, then settle into a sofa with a cocktail; the indoor space has a living wall and music. The tower is especially striking at sunset and after dark, though the bar’s prices can feel high compared with other places in Lisbon.
A tower built for Expo 98
Torre Vasco da Gama stands in Parque das Nações, the modern district by the Tagus in eastern Lisbon. It was built for World Expo 1998 and named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. At 145 metres tall, it is Lisbon’s tallest structure and can be seen from across the city.
The tower was originally intended to include an observation deck and was later converted into a luxury hotel. Babylon 360 occupies its upper level, combining a viewing area with a bar. The tower is close to Oriente Station and the Lisbon Oceanarium, so it fits naturally into a day exploring Parque das Nações.
Views from Babylon 360
From the top, you can look across the Tagus River, the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the skyline of Parque das Nações. The bridge stretches across the water in one direction; the river and surrounding city fill the wider view. The perspective changes with the light, and the sunset is a popular time to watch the skyline shift into evening.
The viewing area is indoors, not an open rooftop. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the panorama, and the space has comfortable sofas and a living wall. A scenic elevator takes you up the tower; one account puts the ride at about 55 seconds. Window glass can sometimes be smudged, so check your view from more than one spot.
Drinks at the top
Babylon 360 has a modern interior with a relaxed atmosphere, music and seating for lingering over the view. The drinks menu includes cocktails, wine and spirits, with cocktails inspired by spices. Staff can offer recommendations if you are choosing between drinks.
Prices can be higher than at bars elsewhere in Lisbon, so factor that into your plans. The venue works for a drink with friends or a more romantic evening, and the combination of city views and bar seating makes it easy to stay after the lift ride. The indoor setting also means you can enjoy the panorama without being out in the wind.
Planning your visit
Torre Vasco da Gama is in Parque das Nações, near the Oceanarium and Oriente Station. You can make it part of a wider visit to the district, which also has a waterfront walk and cable car. If you are arriving by car, parking is available at the tower and at the Oceanarium.
Advance ticket booking is recommended. For a quieter atmosphere, a morning visit is a useful option when the bar is open; for evening views, time your visit around sunset or after dark. The tower’s height and position make it easy to spot from around Lisbon, but the top-floor visit is the way to see the river, bridge and surrounding district from above.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Torre Vasco da Gama?
It is in Parque das Nações in eastern Lisbon, near the Oceanarium and Oriente Station.
What can you see from Babylon 360?
The indoor viewing area looks across the Tagus River, the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the Parque das Nações skyline.
Is Babylon 360 an open-air rooftop?
No. The viewing area is indoors, with large windows framing the views.
Can you have a drink at the top of the tower?
Yes. Babylon 360 is a bar serving cocktails, wine and spirits.
