12 must-see museums in Lisbon

Activities

Lisbon,City,Old,Town,And,Famous,Yellow,Tram,28.,Lisbon,

Emilie

Published on 09/09/2025

Lisbon, the Portuguese capital of seven hills, is packed with cultural treasures that bear witness to its rich history and contemporary artistic dynamism. Whether you’re passionate about art, history or simply curious to discover the soul of Lisbon, the city’s museums offer a fascinating journey through the centuries. From the art of the azulejos to modern art collections, not forgetting evidence of the era of the Great Discoveries, here is our selection of the 12 must-visit museums in Lisbon.

200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world

Download

See also the Lisbon guide:

1. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Considered one of the finest museums in Europe, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses the fabulous private collection of this Armenian businessman. This exceptional collection traces 4,000 years of art history, from ancient Egyptian art to the creations of René Lalique. You will discover masterpieces by Manet, Renoir, Degas and Monet, as well as unique pieces of Islamic art and gold and silverware. The richness and diversity of this collection make it a must-see for any art lover visiting Lisbon. The modern architecture of the building, surrounded by peaceful gardens, provides an ideal setting for this cultural immersion of around three hours.

2. The National Azulejo Museum

The,Courtyard,Inside,The,National,Tile,Museum,In,Lisbon,,Portugal

It’s impossible to visit Lisbon without discovering the emblematic art of azulejos! Housed in the magnificent 16th-century Madre de Deus convent, this museum traces the development of these painted tiles since the 15th century. The highlight of the visit is the impressive 23-metre-long panorama of Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake, which takes you back in time. The collections show the evolution of techniques and styles, from Mudejar azulejos to contemporary creations. The architectural setting of the convent, with its gilded azulejos and Baroque chapel, is itself an exceptional setting for this collection, which is unique in the world.

3. The National Museum of Ancient Art

Lisbon’s cultural jewel, the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga houses the most important collection of Portuguese art and one of the richest collections in Europe. Located in the former palace of the Counts of Alvor, the museum houses priceless national treasures such as the Panels of Saint Vincent by Nuno Gonçalves, considered to be the masterpiece of 15th-century Portuguese painting. The collections range from Flemish painting to decorative arts, religious art and objects brought back from the former colonies. The section devoted to Oriental art, with its Japanese Namban screens, bears witness to the cultural exchanges of the era of the Great Discoveries. This three-hour tour will plunge you into the artistic soul of Portugal.

4. MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

A symbol of modernity in Lisbon, the MAAT (Av. Brasília, Belém, 1300-598 Lisboa, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 3,500 reviews) impresses first and foremost with its futuristic architecture by Amanda Levete. Opened in 2016, this museum offers an innovative approach combining contemporary art, architecture and new technologies. The former Belém power station, magnificently restored, is in dialogue with the contemporary extension, with its undulating curves covered in ceramic tiles. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art sit alongside interactive installations on energy and the industrial history of the site. The museum’s accessible terrace offers spectacular views over the Tagus, and is a great vantage point from which to admire the Alfama district.

5. Berardo Museum

Located in the Belém district, the Berardo Museum (Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 2800 reviews) has one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe. José Berardo’s private collection covers the main artistic movements from the 20th century to the present day. You’ll come across Picasso, Dalí, Warhol, Pollock and many other masters in a fascinating chronological tour. Pop art, surrealism, conceptual art and contemporary installations all interact in the brightly-lit halls of this cultural centre. Free admission makes this museum particularly accessible, and its proximity to other emblematic sites in Belém makes it an essential stop-off on your cultural discovery of Lisbon.

6. The Fado Museum

Portuguese,Guitar,Player,,Fado,Singer,And,Acoustic,Guitar,Player,In

In the heart of the historic Alfama district, the Museu do Fado (Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, N.º 1, 1100-139 Lisboa, rated 4.1/5 on Google for 1900 reviews) pays tribute to this emblematic song of the Portuguese soul, classified as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This unique museum traces the history of fado from its popular origins in the 19th century to contemporary performers. The collections include instruments, costumes, recordings and testimonies from great figures such as Amália Rodrigues. The interactive exhibition allows you to listen to the different styles of fado and understand the evolution of this musical art form closely linked to the Portuguese saudade. Let Navaway guide you through this temple of Lisbon music in its authentic setting.

7. Lisboa Story Centre

Ideally located on the Place du Commerce, the Lisboa Story Centre (Terreiro do Paço, 78-81, 1100-148 Lisboa, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 4200 reviews) offers the perfect introduction to the history of Lisbon. This immersive, interactive experience traces 2,000 years of the city’s history, from Roman settlement to the present day. Thanks to audiovisual reconstructions, animated models and special effects, you can relive the great moments in Lisbon’s history: the golden age of the Discoveries, the earthquake of 1755 and the reconstruction by the Marquis of Pombal. This one-hour tour, available in French, provides an excellent background before exploring the streets of the Portuguese capital with the Navaway itinerary.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Lisbon on foot and on your own

Discover Lisbon like never before with our audio tour of Lisbon. This carefully designed route takes you through the 25 must-see places of interest in the city of seven hills, from the picturesque alleyways of the Alfama to the grand avenues of the Baixa. Accompanied by captivating audio commentaries and practical advice, this 7-kilometre itinerary will allow you to discover the authentic soul of Lisbon in just 2 hours and 50 minutes, at your own pace and on your own.

8. The National Coach Museum

The only one of its kind, the Museu Nacional dos Coches houses the world’s largest collection of ceremonial horse-drawn vehicles. Housed in a modern building inaugurated in 2015 in the Belém district, this museum exhibits royal and noble carriages from the 16th to 19th centuries, with a breathtaking wealth of decoration. The collections come from the Portuguese court and include some exceptional pieces, such as the coach from the embassy of Pope Clement XI and that of the Marquis of Fontes. The art of coachwork here reaches new heights with its gilding, carvings and detailed paintings. This collection bears witness to the splendour of the Portuguese court and to European decorative art at its height.

9. Chiado National Museum

Lisbon,,Portugal, ,March,1,,2019:,National,Museum,Of,Contemporary

Housed in the former convent of São Francisco da Cidade, the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado occupies a special place in Lisbon’s cultural landscape. Renovated by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the museum is dedicated to Portuguese art from 1850 to the present day. The collections highlight the development of modern Portuguese art, from 19th-century naturalism to the contemporary avant-garde. You’ll discover works by Silva Porto, Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso and many other artists who have shaped Portugal’s artistic identity. The Chiado district, with its historic cafés and elegant boutiques, is the perfect setting for this temple to contemporary Portuguese art.

10. The pavilion of knowledge

Perfect for a family visit, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva is Portugal’s largest interactive science centre. Located on the site of Expo 98, this science museum offers fun and educational exhibitions on a variety of themes: oceanography, genetics, physics and mathematics. Children and adults alike can experiment, manipulate and understand scientific phenomena thanks to innovative interactive installations. The planetarium and temporary exhibitions complete this high-quality educational offering. This 2 to 4 hour visit offers a fun and enriching break in your cultural discovery of Lisbon.

11. The Carmo Archaeological Museum

In a setting that is unique in the world, the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo occupies the Gothic ruins of the Carmo church, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. This open-air nave, with its slender buttresses, creates a mystical atmosphere in which to explore the archaeological collections. The museum displays prehistoric, Roman, Visigothic and medieval remains found in Portugal. Among the most remarkable pieces, don’t miss the Roman sarcophagi, the Visigoth capitals and the collection of prehistoric ceramics. This 1? hour tour plunges you into Portugal’s ancient history in an exceptionally romantic setting, in the heart of the lively Chiado district.

12. The naval museum

Lisbon,,Portugal,,June,18,,2013:,Maritime,Or,Navy,Museum,(museu

Custodian of Portugal’s maritime memory, the Museu de Marinha occupies a wing of the Hieronymites monastery in Belém. This museum retraces the epic of the Great Discoveries, which made Portugal a world maritime power in the 15th and 16th centuries. The exceptional collections include models of caravels and galleons, navigational instruments, old maps and reconstructions of ships’ cabins. The section devoted to Vasco da Gama and the Portuguese discoveries forms the heart of the museum. Maritime history buffs will also discover the evolution of the Portuguese navy up to the present day. This two-hour tour will transport you back to the golden age of maritime exploration, when Lisbon was home to the navigators who opened up the ocean routes.

In conclusion, Lisbon’s museums offer an exceptional panorama of Portuguese art, history and culture. From the age-old art of the azulejos to the contemporary creations of the MAAT, via the treasures of the Great Discoveries, each museum tells a different facet of Lisbon’s identity. These 12 must-see institutions will help you understand the soul of this European capital, where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously. Let our Lisbon itinerary be your guide to maximise your cultural discovery and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the hidden treasures of the city of seven hills.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about museums in Lisbon

What’s the best museum pass for visiting Lisbon?

The Lisboa Card is the best value pass for visiting Lisbon’s museums. It includes free entry to over 25 museums and monuments, as well as public transport. Available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, it saves you up to 40% on your cultural visits.

Which museums in Lisbon are free?

Several museums offer free admission: the Berardo museum (modern art), the MUDE (design and fashion), and most municipal museums on the first Sunday of the month. Some national museums are also free on Sunday mornings for Portuguese residents.

How long does it take to visit the main museums?

Allow 2 to 3 hours for the major museums such as Gulbenkian or the Museum of Ancient Art, 1? hours for the Azulejo Museum, and 1 hour for more specialised museums such as the Fado Museum or the Lisboa Story Centre. A full day allows you to comfortably visit 2 or 3 major museums.

Where are the best museums concentrated?

The Belém district is home to several must-see museums: the MAAT, the Berardo Museum, the Coach Museum and the Navy Museum. The historic centre is home to the Azulejo Museum, the Fado Museum and the Lisboa Story Centre, while the north of the city houses the prestigious Gulbenkian Museum.