Monuments & Museums of Lisbon
This one is for the history buffs and museum geeks out there. With a limited budget and busy schedule, you shouldn’t waste your efforts trying to see it all — so we’ve narrowed it down so that you can see the best Monuments & Museums of Lisbon.
Below, you’ll find brief descriptions, times, prices, and a link to a google map when you click on the name. You might want to bookmark this page to revisit when you’re in Lisbon.
Just remember — many things are closed on Mondays, most museums are open 10–5, some museums have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, and never buy tickets from third party groups (unless you enjoy spending more than you have to).
1. Maritime Museum
See over 17,000 items including model ships, historic maps, and the world’s largest collection of astrolabes. The museum is located in the wings of the Monastery of Geronimo. Take tram 15 to stop Monastere dos Jeronimos to avoid the walk. If you plan to see Belém Tower & Monument to the Discoveries, we recommend doing them on the same day.
2. Belém Tower & Monument to the Discoveries
If you want to see either monument, there’s no reason to not see the other — they’re just a short walk apart on Lisbon’s beautiful riverfront. Belém Tower was originally commissioned by King John II as a point of defense and a ceremonial entrance to the city. Monument of the Discoveries celebrates the Age of Discovery, an era of navigation, exploration, and conquests. If you visit, bring a bottle of wine, enjoy the street musicians, and spend some time in the warm Lisbon sun.
3. Museum of Beer
Open from 12 to 10pm, ticket are 5 € (includes beer tasting)
Yes, you read that right. Museu da Cerveja covers brewing in the 1st century BC, early industrialization, the history of national producers, and Portuguese monastic brewing. Since the museum is “interactive,” we guess you’ll have to try some of their beer. Hope you don’t mind!
4. Rua Augusta Arch, Commerce Square & Statue of King José I
While the square never closes, we recommend stopping by in the evening to enjoy the street musicians
The whole plaza commemorates the grand rebirth of the city following the earthquake of 1755 and was meant to serve as the physical center of trade and business. We recommend visiting on the same day you see the Museum of Beer — they’re right next to each other!
5. National Museum of Ancient Art
Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Otherwise, it costs €6 and open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pmWith more than 40,000 items from the 15th-19th centuries, visitors enjoy sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and textiles, among others. Before or after your visit, we recommend eating at Le Chat with an incredible view of the Tagus River.
6. Column of Pedro IV & Rossio Square
Eat at one of the many restaurants around the square, stay for the evening, and split a bottle of wine in the plaza.
Over the past 600 years, Rossio square has been a place for celebrations, revolts, bullfights, and festivals, and it is now a popular place to enjoy street music with beer or wine in hand.
7. Fado Museum
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Entry is €5.
Fado is a traditional style of Portuguese music often heard from bars and restaurants. The museum’s collection features recordings, posters, costumes, vintage memorabilia and interactive exhibits.
8. São Jorge Castle
Open from 9am–9pm and tickets cost as little as €5–€9.
Enjoy beautiful views from the Moorish castle, nearly a millennium old, built to command the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Plan to spend a 2–3 hours exploring the permanent exhibition, garden, archeological ruins, and viewpoints.
9. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Hours are 10am to 6pm daily except Tuesdays. Entry is €5.
This eclectic collection of art includes pieces by Rembrandt and Monet, a gold Egyptian mummy mask, an expansive collection of Hellenic coins, a 2,400 year old Attic vase, rare Chinese porcelain items, and Persian tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries.
10. National Tile Museum
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. Entry is €5
Portugal is famous for its decorative, colorful tiles that cover entire homes, streets, and churches. The museum is set up in chronological order so that visitors can literally walk through time. If you visit on the first Sunday of the month, your admission is free!
Read also: A Coast to Boast: Best of Lisbon Water Activities
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