12 Best Museums in Lisbon

Lisbon offers an incredible experience if you want to dive into this beautiful city’s history.

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.

The museums are spread across different neighborhoods, so it helps to plan which area you’ll visit each day.

Add these 12 museums to your bucket list, and ensure you set aside 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 devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake at the Lisbon Earthquake Center. Here, you can interact with what happened that day.

See the reconstruction of the streets before the quake, experience 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: https://mnazulejo.gov.pt/en

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://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.

It also features artifacts from ancient Egypt and a campus with landscaped gardens to explore.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum also has a cafe and gift shop 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 it offers different exhibitions to explore.

Here, you can explore works ranging from visual art 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 at 9 pm on Friday and Saturday)

Website: https://mude.pt/design-museum/

Ticket Price: €11 per person (Free on 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 historical to contemporary pieces for an immersive visual arts experience.

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. You’ll move from room to room through exhibition spaces that keep you engaged.

After exploring the contemporary art space, relax in the garden for stunning views 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 from the Portuguese monarchy.

The exhibits are beautifully displayed in a modern, secure setting, allowing visitors to appreciate each piece’s intricate craftsmanship and historical significance.

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 crafted by historic artisans with great care and attention to 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 includes maps and charts from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Here, you find Chinese and Japanese painted screens, 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: https://museuartecontemporanea.gov.pt/en

Ticket Price: €8 per person

The National Museum of Contemporary Art blends traditional and modern art.

Here, you’ll find everything from ancient artifacts to modern sculptures by 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.

If you’re into contemporary art, don’t miss Lisbon’s gallery scene. Here’s my guide to 16 art galleries in Lisbon showcasing everything from street art to Portuguese modernism.

And if you’re visiting on a rainy day, museums are just the start. Check out my full list of indoor activities in Lisbon for shopping, cooking classes, and more.

Whether you’re interested in history in general, art, music, or technology, there is a museum for you.

I strongly recommend the Gulbenkian Museum, as it’s both interactive and beautiful.

Many of these museums offer free or discounted entry with the Lisboa Card, which also includes unlimited public transport — it’s worth the investment if you plan to visit more than two.

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 also has plenty of free museums.

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