Traveling to Portugal offers a great beach vacation, participation in a diverse cultural program, and the chance to see beautiful landscapes of islands created by ancient volcanoes. All these opportunities come to fruition when you visit the capital city, Lisbon. The city, founded by the Phoenicians, boasts many architectural landmarks, including museums, galleries, ancient palaces, and monasteries. The life history of Portuguese kings is represented by preserved artifacts displayed in original buildings belonging to various rulers of past eras.
Saint George’s Castle
In the city center, on a high hill, stands a majestic structure known as the historical heart of the city. It is visible from any point in Lisbon. In ancient times, the castle served as a fortress for the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. It was conquered by the first king of Portugal in 1147 and has been named after Saint George the Victorious since then. From 1255, when the city became the capital of Portugal, the castle housed the royal residence. Later, it became a prison and the headquarters of child protection services. It was listed as a national monument in 1910.
After an earthquake, the damaged building was partially restored, a garden was laid out where peacocks now roam peacefully, and several viewing platforms were organized. Restoration work was carried out in 1940 and 1990. Inside the building, there is an exhibition that tells the history of the city. On the castle grounds, there are small cafes and a restaurant. You can visit Saint George’s Castle from 9 am to 6 pm (from November to February 28) and from 9 am to 9 pm (from March to the end of October).
Gulbenkian Museum
The private legacy from the collection of the famous oil magnate consists of 6,000 exhibits, about a thousand of which occupy the permanent exhibition. The main part of the exhibition includes extensive collections of ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, including famous vases, tombs, and rare decorations from Persia. The second part of the exhibition features artifacts of European art from different periods and medieval items. Manuscripts and books from various centuries are displayed in a separate hall.
The collection of European paintings is adorned with works purchased during the Hermitage’s wealth sale in 1930, including several works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Eyck, and sculptures by Houdon. Separate halls are dedicated to Impressionists like Renoir, Monet, and Degas, an antique furniture collection, and gold and silver items. The art museum opened in 1969, surpassing many state institutions with its rich collections. Temporary exhibitions on various thematic directions are often held here. It operates from 10 am to 6 pm daily, except Tuesday.
Maritime Museum
More than 20,000 exhibits (of which 6,000 are part of the permanent exhibition) demonstrate the minutest details of the history of Portuguese navigation, thanks to the activities of the Portuguese monarch in 1863. The museum houses ancient maps, simple and complex navigation devices, ship models, and portraits of great admirals. Interesting exhibitions reflect the era of great geographical discoveries made during maritime expeditions. The exhibitions are housed in the wing of the Manueline Jeronimos Monastery.
This late Gothic architectural monument is part of UNESCO’s protected heritage. According to legend, Vasco da Gama prayed in this monastery before his journey to India. The wooden figurine of Archangel Raphael, which accompanied him on his sea voyage, is considered one of the oldest exhibits. After the fire in 1916, the institution was restored in 1948.
Many exhibits from the first collection were lost, and models of modern ships from Portugal and other countries replaced them. Two ancient globes were found, and the setting of a king’s cabin, portraits, and personal belongings of famous navigators were reproduced. The Fragata D.Fernando II e Gloria frigate is moored and open to visitors on the Tagus River. You can explore the historical past of the country’s seafaring art from 10 am to 5 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.
National Coach Museum
Looking at the old carriages, beautiful coaches, and ornate carriages, you want to sit in them and ride the roads of the Portuguese royal families’ travels. The unique collection of carriages was created by Queen Donna Amélia in 1905 and became the country’s most visited museum. It is located in the building of a riding school (built in the 18th century) for horseback riding training for the royal family members. The building itself, painted with stunning interior paintings created over 40 years, serves as a beautiful backdrop for the unusual exhibits. Seven carriages stand in the parade hall of the riding school.
A new building was constructed for displaying the true wealth from the storage rooms, designed by architect Paulo Mendes. The exhibits include royal phaetons, two-wheeled cabriolets, and landaus. Here you can see the old carriage of King Philip II, made of wood and covered with red leather. The carriage is famous for its seat with a hole in the center for use when needed. The only protection from rain, wind, and sun were heavy curtains.
The golden “Bride’s Carriage” and the “Ocean Carriage,” striking with luxury, wealth, and sculptural depiction of maritime discoveries, are also noteworthy. They were created by the country when laying sea routes connecting two oceans: the Indian and the Atlantic. The central part features a figure of a girl named Lisbon (which means “maiden” in Portuguese). You can visit the beautiful exhibition halls in two buildings any day of the week (except Monday) from 10 am to 6 pm.
National Museum of Ancient Art
The collection of Portugal’s artistic treasures from the 14th to the 19th centuries has been housed in the Monastery of Saint Francis since 1884. The number of exhibits quickly increased, requiring a larger building for optimal placement. It was built in the 1990s on the site of the ancient monastery. In the vast galleries on different floors of the new building, thousands of paintings, graphics, sculptures, antique furniture, rare jewelry, and ceramics are displayed. Among the famous paintings are works by Albrecht Dürer, Raphael, Bosch, Velázquez, and others.
The first floor houses exhibitions of works by European masters. The second floor offers Asian and African art. The third floor is dedicated to Portuguese creators. Endless streams of tourists pass by Bosch’s famous work “The Temptation of Saint Anthony.” The gallery of ancient art is the largest in Portugal and popular among tourists. It operates on Tuesdays from 2 to 6 pm. It is closed on Mondays. From Wednesday to Sunday, the halls are open for visits from 10 am to 6 pm.
Azulejo Museum
The traditional Portuguese craft of creating tile paintings has no analogs in other countries. The art of creating pictures from tiles based on beautiful tiles originated here many centuries ago. The word “Azulejo” means a ceramic product made from glazed tiles. The first exhibition of elements of this ancient art form was created in the beautiful chapel of the Monastery of Our Lady. Its roots go back to the period of Moorish traditions brought from Arab culture.
Since the 15th century, the first panels and paintings imitating luxurious carpets appeared in Portugal. The first tiles were made under the guidance of Flemish craftsmen. By the early 18th century, Lisbon was called the center of Azulejo production. The canvases consisted of decorative plant patterns and paintings on religious themes. There is a unique altar from the 16th century adorned with ancient tiles. Monasteries, churches, estates, and palaces were gradually decorated with tiles painted in different colors and intricate patterns.
Permanent exhibitions and displays tell the history of Azulejo in Portugal. Many works were destroyed during the earthquake. A unique panel with a panorama of the city before the destruction was created. You can see it and participate in master classes on tile making from 10 am to 6 pm any day except Monday.
Museum of the East
Life in Portugal’s colonies in the East was long and complex. Portuguese presence was reflected in art, clothing, furniture, and religious items. At the same time, many local customs were adopted and integrated into Portuguese life. Numerous artifacts from that time were brought to the country, forming rich collections in many galleries, exhibitions, and permanent displays.
Paintings, masks, textiles from China, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India are displayed in the former salt cod warehouse. In 2008, it was restored and converted into a museum with many halls. For example, a room dedicated to Asian gods and documents related to the colonial period (maps, diagrams), as well as items like ancient jewelry from different countries.
The museum also hosts a school on Asian culture, customs, and cuisine. The top floor houses a restaurant with European and Asian cuisine. A cafe and souvenir shop are located near the entrance on the ground floor. It operates from 10 am to 6 pm, with Monday being a day off.
Chiado Museum
In Lisbon’s oldest district, many buildings damaged by the 1987 fire have been restored. The Franciscan Monastery buildings housed a confectionery factory, an art academy, a library, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. A successful major renovation project by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte allowed rich modern Portuguese art collections to be housed here. They cover the period from 1850 to 1960, combining works of Romanticism, Modernism, Abstract Art, and Surrealism.
The permanent exhibitions are organized thematically, showcasing the development of sculpture and painting by Portuguese masters. Among the notable works are those created by artist Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, who was the institution’s director for a long time. Temporary exhibitions are held in a separate hall, often changing and presenting works by artists from different countries. You can visit the gallery from 10 am to 6 pm daily (closed on Monday).
MAAT Museum
It is impossible to miss the remarkable architectural structure on the Tagus River embankment. You want not only to walk on its roof, which juts over the river but also to look into the spacious, bright halls to learn about the interesting exhibits. It opened on the site of an old power plant that served the city faithfully for many years. Its equipment took its place among unique exhibits alongside devices created using new technologies, designed on the level of art pieces. The main idea behind the exhibitions with such a name was to combine art with the possibilities of modern technology.
Numerous exhibitions held regularly throughout the year present interesting new developments, including interactive methods. For example, the world of robotics amazes with unexpected solutions and real systems implemented in various engineering fields. Sometimes it seems that these are almost people who will soon learn to think. You can visit the MAAT exhibitions from 12 pm to 8 pm daily. The museum is closed on Mondays.
National Archaeological Museum
After the dissolution of monasteries in 1834, numerous items from churches, temples, and monasteries came under state control. The decision to create an interesting gallery and place it in the Jeronimos Monastery building was implemented in 1893 by a well-known ethnographer in the country. The exhibitions represent various stages of human life in Portugal: inhabitants of the Mesolithic, Megalithic, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. The collections contain works by famous painters from Portugal and Europe, including works by Dürer, Bosch, Holbein, Velázquez, and Raphael.
Exhibits brought from Africa and Asia during sea voyages are displayed separately. Numismatic, jewelry, and epigraphic collections are also exhibited separately. During the tour, interesting stories about jewelry from the Iron and Bronze Ages, medieval sculptural exhibits with Nativity scenes, and furniture, ceramics, porcelain, textiles, and silver items are part of the permanent exhibitions. You can see them daily from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Monday).
National Costume and Fashion Museum
In an old building surrounded by a botanical park, exhibitions filled with luxurious outfits from different eras are displayed. These include women’s, men’s, and children’s dresses belonging to different social classes in Portugal. The exhibited clothing models are authentic historical costumes from the 17th to the 21st centuries from various countries in Western Europe. The decision to create the museum was made in 1977 after an exhibition in 1976 showcasing the royal wardrobe.
The collection was supplemented by donations from private collections. The exhibitions are organized thematically in different halls. The first floor features Rococo-style models, with complex frameworks, numerous lace jabots, embroidery, and corsets as essential elements in men’s and women’s clothing. By the early 19th century, these elements had disappeared entirely, replaced by the Empire style. Light muslin took precedence over brocade and velvet.
Gradually, fashion elements included sleeves of fanciful shapes borrowed from the Renaissance (called “leg of mutton” or “ham”). The modern period is represented by classic Chanel suits, sundresses, and disco styles from the 80s. Separate halls display underwear, corsets, frameworks, pillows, and other accessories. Home textiles, such as lace curtains, tablecloths, and Victorian-era bed linens, are also exhibited. The museum has a restaurant, library, and souvenir shop. It opens at 10 am and works until 6 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Water Museum
The invaluable gift of nature, drinking water, has always played a special role in choosing settlement locations and city development. The history of water supply begins with the first aqueducts, the creation of necessary techniques, purification methods, and water quality control. Each century brought new developments and discoveries to improve water delivery processes to cities. The Water Museum opened in 1987 and received an award from the Council of Europe.
It includes four historic objects: a 1746 aqueduct, two reservoirs, and a pumping station. The station building (in an old monastery), built in 1880, is used for exhibitions and permanent displays. You can see the first steam engines and pumps that delivered water from various aqueduct objects here. The hall with permanent displays features models and installations demonstrating the history of water supply and drainage in Lisbon.
Many devices are operational and used for informational lectures. They help provide interesting information about the interconnected work of all water system objects in the city, explaining how water reaches 30 fountains in Lisbon through underground aqueducts. The museum operates daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Archaeological Museum in the Carmo Monastery
The first liturgy in the ancient monastery, built on the site of the Carmelite church on the mountain’s peak, took place in 1407. Beautiful Gothic towers, adorned with numerous pointed windows, soared high into the sky. Residential buildings for monks appeared. A rare collection of folios in the enormous library gradually formed, and the sarcophagus of Nuno Pereira, who bequeathed his estate to the monastery, was carefully preserved. Life flowed with its customs and traditions.
Everything changed in an instant in 1755. A powerful earthquake destroyed almost all the monastery buildings. The monks resettled elsewhere. The remaining structures were handed over to the Archaeologists’ Association in 1864. Since then, archaeological artifacts telling the story of life in this remarkable place have been accumulated. Access to the exhibitions is through the portal of the preserved walls of the Gothic church. The famous rosette is half-destroyed. After inspecting the church’s central part, you immediately enter the inner courtyard, decorated with ancient stone bowls and depictions of old family crests.
The closed part of the church houses artifacts from various periods of Portugal’s life, including prehistoric tools, Azulejo tiles, architectural structures like fountains and stucco. Unique mummies from Peru and an Egyptian sarcophagus are also displayed. An inviting cafe is located outside the monastery walls. You can reach the top of the mountain to the ruined monastery with its sad evidence of destruction and neglect by taking the Santa Justa Elevator from Monday to Saturday (from 10 am to 7 pm). The museum is closed on Sundays.
Medeiros e Almeida House Museum
In the house of collector Dr. António Medeiros e Almeida, a rich exhibition of the owner’s collections has been housed since 1973. The collections were created by the house owner in the 1970s. The 25 rooms with unique interiors are filled with paintings, sculptures, furniture, tapestries, and ceramics. The three permanent collections include 225 models of clocks made from the 16th to the 20th centuries, a collection of rare Chinese Han Dynasty ceramics to the 18th century, and silver jewelry made in England and Portugal by famous masters of the 15th and 16th centuries.
There are also 210 fans from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The house was built in 1672 as a hunting lodge. Gradually, it turned into a luxurious palace surrounded by a Renaissance-style park. The building’s exterior looks like a small painted jewelry box. The walls and facades are adorned with beautiful tiles made by Dutch and Portuguese craftsmen. You want to inspect it from the outside and enter the interior spaces. You can do this from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and from 1 pm to 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Friday.
Money Museum of the Bank of Portugal
Saint Julian’s Church, built in 1810, was transferred to the Bank of Portugal in 1930. The original Baroque style, complemented by modern design elements, was successfully used to organize unique numismatic collection displays. The four levels feature convenient stands with ingots, coins, banknotes, and items used as money in ancient times. The exhibitions reflect the evolution of money, leaving a mark on the history of trade and everyday life in many European countries.
The building houses a rich collection from the time of great geographical discoveries to the present day. The main exhibition is called “Money of the Western Iberian Peninsula.” During the tour, you can learn how the country’s coin was created under the European program in 2004. The main requirement for its release was the theme approved by the European Union, with the “euro star” logo. You can see the collections, learn the history of banking, and view a gold bar valued at half a million euros from 10 am to 6 pm any day from Wednesday to Saturday.
City Museum
The collections, consisting of cultural, historical, and political heritage elements of the country over several centuries, are arranged chronologically in the main building of the 18th-century Pimenta Palace. The city’s entire history is reflected in interesting exhibitions of paintings (over 1,400, belonging to different genres), sculptures, ceramics, and archaeological finds (some dating back to 300,000-100,000 years BC). Among the paintings are images of the city before the earthquake. There are many books, icons, maps, tombstones, handmade tapestries, drawings, and important documents from different times.
A grand model of Lisbon before the 1788 earthquake demonstrates the smallest details of architectural structures. The collection of Azulejo tiles and panels with saints’ faces, based on the famous tiles, is considered the largest in the country.
Separate pavilions (Black and White) were built for temporary exhibitions. A separate exhibition is dedicated to epigraphy (inscriptions made on stone or metal). Sculptures and ancient statues are installed in the garden next to the building. The collections reflect a long historical period from the Paleolithic to our time, accumulated over several centuries. You can visit the exhibitions from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Museum
The works of the famous Portuguese caricaturist and ceramist are widely known and loved by the country’s residents. His lively paintings reflect the period from 1846 to 1905. In the garden, there are interesting exhibitions of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro’s works. The porcelain sculptures, created by the master’s extraordinary imagination, include huge snakes, lizards, frogs, bees, and mushrooms that seem real, basking in the sun and resting in the garden’s shade.
In 1889, at the International Exhibition in Paris, the author was awarded a gold medal (at this time, the famous Eiffel Tower was also exhibited here). At a certain point in his life, Pinheiro was the editor of a humorous magazine and a correspondent for the “Illustrated London News.” In 1885, he opened a faience factory in Portugal, which became the most prestigious ceramics factory in Europe. Its products are marked with the Bordalo Pinheiro trademark. Many of his works are presented in exhibitions in the villa building opposite the City Museum.
Today, almost all of Pinheiro’s works are collected: 1,200 ceramic items, 3,500 sketches, 900 photographs, over 3,000 publications, and about 3,000 paintings. The caricature of a little man who came from the province is especially popular among city residents. The figure is called “Zé Povinho.” You can enter the garden with the master’s works from Tuesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. There is also a library, thematic conferences, seminars, and a souvenir shop.
Roman Theater Museum
Lisbon, two thousand years ago, was called Olissipo and was part of the Roman Empire. In the ancient city, a large theater that could accommodate 5,000 spectators was already functioning in the first half of the 1st century AD. Its ruins became visible to residents after the devastating earthquake of 1775. Archaeological excavations began in 1965. The result was the restoration of the stands, the stage, the orchestra zone, part of the floor made of pink marble, mosaic fragments, and decorative elements created by ancient craftsmen.
This site became an interesting exhibition of the modern archaeological museum. A new building was erected over the ruins, where various exhibits found during the excavations were placed. Nearby is a platform with archaeological research of other ancient buildings. Exhibits that tell the history of the Roman theater are located in a neighboring building that belonged to the city’s bishops (built in the 18th century). Among them are many elements from the ancient theater. You can visit the exhibitions from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Electricity Museum
For over three decades, this place has been a favorite spot for children, especially boys. It features working exhibits that you can turn and study. Interactive stands are located in a building of a thermal power station that generated electricity for the city. Many devices are operational and interesting for educational purposes. The exhibits include schemes, documents, and educational materials on electricity.
The first power plant building itself is considered an example of the country’s industrial architecture. Now, it functions as an important scientific and cultural center. The museum hosts thematic events, concerts, and conferences. For example, Solar, Children’s, Science Month, and the Solar Rally festival. The building is located in the Belém district and is open for visits from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
National Museum of Natural History and Science
Since 2011, a state institution combining several museums in Lisbon has been operating. The vast collection, created over 250 years, is of interest to people of all ages. The exhibitions are divided into several thematic areas. One of them introduces the amazing world of animals that lived in different eras on our planet.
Dinosaurs, fossils, ancient fish, and the real sizes of extinct animals are of particular interest to children. As a break, children can watch the popular cartoon “Ice Age.” Astronomy enthusiasts can observe the stars in a luxurious planetarium. Botanical masterpieces have been awarded national monument status.
The butterfly collection in a special museum room is of particular interest. A 400-year-old dracaena tree and many plants brought from different countries around the world are in the garden. Interesting exhibitions, seminars, and conferences are often held on many scientific topics such as zoology, botany, and anthropology (about 1,700 human skeletons are located here). You can visit this fascinating place daily, except Mondays, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Lisbon City Centre:Best 3-Star Hotels for a Comfortable Stay
