Lisbon offers an incredible experience if you want to dive into the history of this beautiful city.
Whether you want to learn more about the famous earthquake in 1755 or the Fado music Lisbon is famous for, there is a museum for you.
Add these 12 museums to your bucket list, and ensure you set off a couple of hours per museum.
1. Quake Museum
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: https://lisbonquake.com/en-GB
Ticket Price: €21 per person
Learn about the devasting 1755 Lisbon earthquake at the Lisbon Earthquake Center. Here, you can interact with what happened that day.
You see the reconstruction of the streets before the quake, feel seismic simulations, and witness the devastating earthquake.
2. Museu do Fado
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: https://www.museudofado.pt/en
Ticket Price: €5 per person
Head to the Museu do Fado, where you can delve into the history and culture of traditional Portuguese fado music.
Here, you get an audio guide handset to explore the origins of contemporary renditions of the music.
There is also a charming gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, and a visit lasts up to 45 minutes.
3. National Tile Museum
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: http://www.museudoazulejo.pt/
Ticket Price: €8 per person
The National Tile Museum is filled with history in the art form of ceramic tiles.
Here, you will find a curious collection of tiles, each one fantastically beautiful. There is also a garden cafe and an exquisite convent to explore.
4. Museu de Lisboa
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: https://www.museudelisboa.pt/en
Ticket Price: €3 per person
The Museu de Lisboa offers a fascinating journey through Lisbon’s rich history and culture. It showcases artifacts, art, and exhibits from ancient times to the present.
The city’s past is presented in several unique locations, including the Roman Theatre and the Palácio Pimenta. Each site provides a different perspective.
You can explore everything from archaeological finds to contemporary artworks, making it a must-see for history buffs and art lovers.
Don’t miss the museum’s beautiful gardens and stunning views, which add to the charm of this cultural experience.
5. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: https://gulbenkian.pt/museu/en/
Ticket Price: €13 per person
For a peaceful escape, head to Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, which boasts a private collection of artwork.
There are also various artifacts from ancient Egypt and a campus offering you landscaped gardens to explore.
There is also a cafe and gift shop at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum where you can sit and relax.
6. Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT)
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 10 am – 7 pm
Website: https://www.maat.pt/en
Ticket Price: €11 per person
The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is a contemporary cultural institution in Lisbon’s Belem district.
The building itself, with its wave-like structure, is a work of art, and different exhibitions are available to explore.
Here, you can explore artistic pieces from visual arts to technology-driven installations.
Tip: You can also explore some of these incredible free museums in Lisbon.
7. MUDE (Museu do Design e da Moda)
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm (Closes 9 pm Friday and Saturday)
Website: https://mude.pt/design-museum/
Ticket Price: €11 per person (Free some days)
If you enjoy fashion, then this museum in Lisbon is where you want to be. Museu do Design e da Moda.
Here, you will find an airy space filled with collections and exhibitions on various aspects of design and fashion.
Explore the historical to contemporary pieces to enjoy an immersive experience when it comes to visual arts.
8. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: http://www.museudearteantiga.pt/english/
Ticket Price: €10 per person
If you love European art, you will love the National Museum of Ancient Art. It is an enormous space that showcases exciting collections and temporary exhibits.
Browse through the sculptures, ceramics, furniture, paintings, and more. Here, you are greeted room after room with exhibition spaces to keep you engaged.
Once you have completed exploring the contemporary art space, relax in the garden for a stunning view of the docks.
9. Museu do Tesouro Real
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: https://www.tesouroreal.pt/en
Ticket Price: €10 per person
The Museu do Tesouro Real, located within the National Palace of Ajuda, offers visitors a rare glimpse into Portugal’s royal heritage.
This museum houses a dazzling collection of royal jewels, crowns, and treasures that once belonged to the Portuguese monarchy.
The exhibits are beautifully displayed in a modern, secure setting, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and historical significance of each piece.
A visit to this museum provides an extraordinary insight into the opulence and grandeur of Portugal’s royal past.
10. National Coach Museum
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: http://museudoscoches.gov.pt/en/
Ticket Price: €8 per person
Go and explore the collection of horse-drawn carriages at the National Coach Museum.
Here, you will find an exceptional collection of carriages dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Each is a unique piece of art made by historic artisans with great care and detail.
11. Museu do Oriente (Museum of the Orient)
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: https://www.foriente.pt/home.php
Ticket Price: €8 per person
The Museum of the Orient walks you through the history of the Portuguese and their presence in Asia.
The main exhibition in the Museum of the Orient includes maps and charts from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Here, you find Chinese and Japanese painted screens of other art and important collections like the Timor artifacts.
In addition to the art on display, you can also take courses in languages and cooking.
12. Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Website: http://www.museuartecontemporanea.gov.pt/en
Ticket Price: €8 per person
The National Museum of Contemporary Art has a blend of traditional and modern art.
Here, you get a diverse range of ancient artifacts to modern sculptures from some of the finest artists.
You will also be amazed by the outdoor sculpture section, which gives a distinctive vibe.
Tip: Have you booked your stay in Lisbon already? If not, check out these fantastic spa hotels to plan your accommodation.
Wrap-Up
These are just 12 of the 30+ museums you can visit in Lisbon. It’s incredible how rich Lisbon’s history is.
Whether you’re interested in history in general, art, music, or technology, there is a museum for you.
I strongly recommend everyone visit the Gulbenkian Museum, as it’s both interactive and beautiful in many ways.
Remember to plan a couple of hours per museum you want to visit, because I promise you one thing: It’s so captivating.
If you’re looking for free activities, Lisbon is also full of free museums.
