Practical Info
The Venue
The FIL Meeting Centre is a deconstructivist marvel built in 1998 for the Lisbon World Expo. It’s located in newly renovated Lisbon Eastern Business District - Nation’s Park. There are numerous public transportation options nearby and plenty of car parks. The building is entirely accessible.
Parque das Nações
1998-010 Lisbon
Google Maps Link
Getting There
If you’re flying to Lisbon and heading straight to the venue the best way is to take the subway on the station underneath the airport. The venue is just 3 stops away (hop off at Oriente station) and it takes around 10 minutes. If you’re coming from the city centre you’ll probably find a metro station nearby. Since it’s not a very big network (4 lines in total), it’s quite easy to make the necessary connections.
Where the subway doesn’t reach there’s a bus. Tickets for both are interchangeable and you can get them on vending machines on the subway. A ticket is just €1,50 (there’s a first-time 50 cent charge for the reusable card) but you can buy several tickets at once or muti-day passes to get some savings. In either case, just head to Oriente Station.
If you’re coming by train, then stop at Oriente station and you’ll be at a 8-minute walk from the venue (600m).
A taxi can be easily hailed from the street or from specially marked bays. Taxis are fairly cheap and will get you around the city for around 5€ to 10€ a ride. Uber has a very strong presence in Lisbon but fares are quite similar to taxis. If you already use it back home then you just need to have data on your phone to use their app.
Food & Drinks
Your UXLx ticket includes a full lunch at the venue. It’s a great opportunity to get a taste of the local gastronomy while getting to know to other attendees. There are also options available for vegans and vegetarians.
If you wish to get a quick (and cheap) bite, the food court on floors 2 and 3 of Vasco da Gama is probably the easiest place to go. There you’ll find international fast-food restaurants (McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, Pans&Company) or you can also get a taste of Portuguese flavours (Sr. Frango da Guia, Portugália, Alentejo).
Along the river you’ll find several restaurants with delicious menus for all tastes and diets, from Michelin Star Chef’s to Portuguese and worldwide gastronomy. Look for República da Cerveja, D. Bacalhau, Ginos, Miss Saigon and Cantinho do Avillez.
Local Attractions
There’s a lot to see and do around Parque das Nações neighbourhood, where our venue is located. Built in 1998 for the 98’ World Expo, it’s the newest neighbourhood in Lisbon, with striking modern architecture and dozens of art works lining its streets and parks.
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Discover sea life at Oceanarium
One of the best and largest aquariums in the world, it’s visited by 2 million people every year. The main tank holds a massive 5 million litres of seawater and houses hundreds of different fish, from sharks to sun fishes. You’ll also find birds, amphibians and mammals.
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Soak up the sun in the gardens nearby
Very close to the venue you’ll find charming small gardens with exotic flora and in the Water Gardens you can pass beneath the wonderful waterfall.
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Have fun with science at the Pavilion of Knowledge
This modern science museum holds a permanent collection of fun science experiments. Each year, new temporary exhibits are presented in the main and secondary hall. It’s a great place to visit with children.
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Shop around Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre
One of Lisbon’s largest malls and possibly the most beautiful one, with unique architectural features. There you’ll find the trendiest clothing stores, a food court, a supermarket, several customer services and a cinema.
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Try your luck in Casino Lisboa
A colourful place, presenting several music and comedy shows in its large auditorium. It has several restaurants inside, including a rotating one.
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Take a stroll by the river
While walking along the Tagus river, you’ll see everything from modern architecture to art work from national and international artists. Discover the exploding water volcanos and fly over the park in a cable car ride for amazing panoramic views.