Top 10 Museums to Visit in Lisbon

Explore the great variety of museums in Lisbon to create a complete impression of the cultural and historical heritage of Portugal.

Intro

Lisbon is a city and an open-air museum where modern concepts and old traditions meet in a magical environment full of history. Come and discover Lisbon’s most important tourist attractions and embark on a journey full of art.

 

The top museums to visit in Lisbon on the list would create a complete impression of Lisbon and highlight its timeless treasures. Portugal is a country where people care about their historical and cultural heritage. 

 

The capital houses the best museums in Portugal from which everyone can choose one to visit based on their interests

Jeronimos Monastery

 

The Jeronimos Monastery is in Belem, a suburb of Lisbon. This striking monument of Portuguese architecture’s late Gothic Manuelino style is an important religious center under UNESCO protection.

 

Since 2007, the monastery has been on the list of 7 wonders of Portugal. This structure in the list of top museums in Lisbon consists of many minor elements, each a masterpiece.

 

The monastery area has fountains and images of the zodiac signs. When visiting the monastery for a tour to Lisbon, stroll through the picturesque gardens and galleries.

 

The Jeronimos Monastery includes the church of St. Virgin Mary, chapels, and two-story monastic quarters in the courtyard. 

 

Travel tip: While here, take your chance to visit the National Archaeological Museum and the Maritime Museum.

 

Location: Praca do Imperio 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal

Belem Tower

 

Belem Tower is a fort on the shore of the Tagus River. The Belem Tower is built of limestone on a cliff. It consists of a bastion and a four-level building on the north side. 

 

The tower is one of the most recognizable sights in Portugal and a must-visit spot for a Lisbon day trip. Its construction looks amazing in the sun. It's no big surprise that both tourists and locals come here to enjoy the view.

 

The fort is one of the best museums in Lisbon, which reminds us of Renaissance architecture and the time of great geographical discoveries. Portuguese sailors began their long voyages from here.

 

Travel tip: The upper terrace offers a picturesque view of the river's flow and the city's panorama. The landscape is stunning when you can admire the vibrant sunset.

 

Location: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

National Pantheon

 

The National Pantheon is the burial place of famous Portuguese figures. The 17th-century church has an impressive dome and rich interior decoration. Today, the National Pantheon is one of Lisbon’s critical attractions. The interior has multi-coloured marble tiles, creating an incredible composition of pink, beige, brown, and red shades. 

 

The construction is a perfect example of Portugal’s architectural heritage from the past. The streets with colorful houses near the church are also enjoyable.

 

Travel tip: On Tuesdays and Saturdays, a flea market called Feira da Ladra is organized next to the Pantheon. Include this spot on your trip to Lisbon, as you can find exciting things here. 

 

Location: Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471 Lisboa, Portugal

National Tile Museum

 

Portugal is like the Azulejo Museum. Many buildings in Lisbon and throughout the country are covered in glazed tiles. 

 

The Azulejo Museum, with its many striking examples, is located outside the city's historical center, but it is worth setting aside time for a visit for you Lisbon, Portugal, tour. By visiting the museum, you become acquainted with Portugal's culture.

 

One of the exhibition's most striking details is the beautiful chapel. The architect created it with shining gold ornaments, blue and white tiles, and a carved wooden ceiling.

 

Travel tip: You can take home a piece of Portuguese art by purchasing a cute item in the gift shop. You don't have to buy a whole panel of azulejos, but you can buy a pretty scarf or card.

 

Location: R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, Portugal

The House-Museum Dr. Anastacio Goncalves

The next bright example in the list of museums in Lisbon displays works of art with exceptional exhibits recognized nationally and internationally. The Chinese ceramic collection deserves special attention.

 

The house received the Valmor Architectural Prize in 1905. Artist Jose Malhoa lived and worked here. In 1932, it went to pediatric ophthalmologist and art collector Dr. Antonio Anastasio. Since then, the house has housed an extensive art collection.

 

The collection has a cozy family atmosphere and includes many objects, such as 19th-century Portuguese naturalist paintings and decorative arts.

 

The house museum offers independent enjoyment of the permanent collection, themed guided tours, and workshops on artistic expression. This is an excellent solution for people who are in love with art.

 

Travel tip: Most visitors immediately rush inside. However, on your Lisbon day trip, admire the stunning Art Nouveau building before you go inside.

 

Location: 1050-055 Lisboa, Portugal

 

National Coach Museum

The museum has an exceptional collection of royal carriages. The luxurious neoclassical building of the Royal Riding School is an attraction, with picturesque light spots on the walls. 

 

The main exhibition consists of 70 carriages. The temporary exhibition has a public workshop, a library, an archive, and a souvenir shop. You can spend the whole day here with your family or friends.

 

Travel tip: If you want to visit the museum in a more relaxed environment without crowds, the best option is to arrive early.

 

Location: Av. da India 136, 1300-300 Lisboa, Portugal

Ajuda National Palace

 

Top museums in Lisbon wouldn't be full without Ajuda Palace, the royal residence of kings. In 1755, the earthquake ruined half of Lisbon, and the palace appeared on the site of the old one.

 

During construction, the king wanted to create a magnificent palace in the Baroque style, but there was not enough money for that.

 

Subsequent architects used the classicist style as a basis and rebuilt the palace to suit new trends. The entire exhibition has changed. The building got its modern appearance after renovation, around 1861, when the royal family decided to settle there.

 

Today, the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon operates as a museum, although it occasionally hosts state meetings on a global scale. In it, you can see authentic royal interiors of the 18th-19th and 19th centuries and learn how the rulers of Portugal spent their free time and what extravagant objects of art they preferred to surround themselves with.

 

Travel tip: Visit the Tapestry Hall, which has little remains of the Royal Barracks. The tapestries were created according to Fr. Goy's drawings.

 

Location: Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisboa, Portugal

The National Museum of Ancient Art

MNAA in Lisbon is one of Portugal's most monumental art collections throughout Europe. 

 

The museum has one of the largest art collections in the world, with more than 40,000 objects spanning paintings, sculptures, furniture, and ceramics. It was founded in 1884 to display the collections of the Portuguese royal family and the National Academy of Fine Arts.

 

Travel tip: Take your chance to see authentic collections of exhibitions from South America, the East and Africa just within 1 day in Lisbon.

 

Location: R. das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisboa, Portugal

The National Archeology Museum

The museum was ethnographic from the start but became archaeological. The best finds from all over Portugal are here. The exhibition includes jewelry from the Iron Age and Visigothic eras, Roman mosaics, and jewelry. 

 

The brightest highlights here are the examples of Muslim culture from the early 8th century. In the Greco-Roman and Egyptian halls, visitors can look at the most exciting collection of funerary slabs. The museum’s treasury is a must-visit spot. It features ancient jewelry, including Celtic treasures. You may get a guide to learn more about the exhibitions.

 

Travel tip: Check the timetable of temporary exhibitions to make the most of your experience in the museum.

 

Location: Praca do Imperio, 1400-026 Lisboa, Portugal

National Museum of Contemporary Art

The National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado, better known as the Chiado Museum, is located in the cultural district of Chiado, in the center of Lisbon.

 

The museum's collection includes art exhibitions dating from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century.

 

Portugal was once a great maritime power, so the museum keeps objects from the Middle East, Japan and Southeast Asia.

 

Travel tip: Portuguese artists' works are exhibited on the museum's top floor. Their names are mostly unknown, but there is something to see here.

Location: R. Serpa Pinto 4, 1200-444 Lisboa, Portugal

Summarize

Lisbon is beautiful, and you should come here for more than one day. But even if you decide to visit the city in a short period of time, there will be entertainment for every taste. In addition to many architectural monuments and natural treasures, there are also numerous museums for a memorable Lisbon trip.

 

The museums offer to touch eternity while witnessing hidden treasures, from medieval paintings and classical statues to traditional Portuguese tiles and antique carriages.

 

If you’re interested in contemporary art, Portugal’s many art galleries and cultural institutions will satisfy you with works by great Portuguese artists.