Where can you find the best museums in Lisbon?

Ajuda

The Ajuda Palace, or Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, is the best museum to learn about the Portuguese royal family’s  history.

 The palace was once their official residence, and today it exhibits the monarchy’s private collection.

When you walk through the rooms, you will get a sense of how the royals lived. The living rooms, offices and the impressive library will give you an idea of the monarchy’s interests and taste for good things.

If you are coming to Lisbon in the winter, you will fine that it’s the perfect time to visit the museums, less crowds and more time for you.

Treasures and jewels

The Museu do Tesouro Nacional is next to the palace, and is one of my favourite museums in Lisbon. I have many favourite museums in Lisbon!

The Museu do Tesouro Nacional one of the newest museums in Lisbon.

This is the place where you will see the royal jewelry and more. It’s fabulous.

The two together-the palace and the treasury-make a natural pair. Plan enough time to visit both if you want the full picture of the Portuguese royalty’s lifestyle.

Belém

Belém is known for Pastel de Belém,  its monuments, the River Tejo, the view of the bridge, the Christ, and many  museums.

If you are in the neighborhood, it is easy to spend an entire day moving between them.

One of the most dynamic spaces is the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB). It is home to the Berardo Collection Museum, which holds an interesting collection of modern and contemporary art.

The center also hosts concerts and performances, from jazz to classical music. Tickets for popular events can be hard to get, so book ahead if you have something specific in mind.

Portugal and it’s caravelas

A short walk away is the Museu da Marinha, or Maritime Museum.

If you’ve read anything about Portuguese history, you know the word caravela-the small ships that carried sailors across oceans in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The museum shows models of these ships, along with maps, navigation instruments, and full-sized boats.

If you are interested in how the Portuguese conquered an enormous part of the world, this museum is a must.

I go there often to sketch the caravelas!

The Planetarium is next door should want to study the stars, after all, it was an important part of the Portuguese navigation system. 

More fantastic museums in Belém 

• Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum), which holds one of the most complete collections of royal carriages in the world.
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery), which is both a monument and a museum. Its cloisters are among the most visited sites in Lisbon.
• Museu Nacional de Etnologia, focusing on ethnographic collections from Portugal and abroad.
• Museu da Presidência da República, located in the Belém Palace, the official residence of Portugal’s president. Entry is by guided tour only, but the visit includes the palace gardens.
• Then there is the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology). This museum is easy to spot on the riverfront, thanks to its gorgeous architecture and the rooftop that doubles as a public terrace with views of the Tejo River.
• MAAT’s exhibitions cover contemporary art and design, while its adjoining building, the MAAT Central, is a preserved industrial site. The contrast between modern galleries and old turbines makes the visit unique. The museum also has a café and restaurant, giving you a chance to pause between exhibits

Monuments Nearby

The Torre de Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos are both within walking distance, and they tie in closely with the themes you’ll see in the Maritime Museum.

Where to eat in Belém

Most places will be a little on the touristy side but you will always get delicious fresh fish and tasty things.

The Centro Cultural de Belém has a cafe and cafeteria.

The Maritime museum has a good cafeteria

Pasteis de Belém

Sol e Pesca

Le Comptoir Parisien

Canalha is one of my favourite restaurants and it’s in Alcantara, about a 15-minute walk from MAAT