Free Museums and Monuments in Lisbon
These iconic places in Lisbon offer you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Portugal, for free!
We will cover:
- Free museums every Sunday and public holidays for residents in Portugal.
- Free monuments every Sunday and public holidays for residents in Portugal.
- Other great tips to continue exploring for free, this time for everyone!
Free Museums on Sundays and Public Holidays for Residents in Portugal
Enjoy free entry to museums EVERY Sunday and on public holidays in Lisbon! Since September 1, 2023, admission has been free all day for residents of Portugal, regardless of their nationality, in museums and monuments managed by the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage. Here are some of these must-visit places:
Archaeology Museum | Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
Specialty: A fascinating collection of archaeological artifacts tracing the history of Portugal.
🕐 Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
📍 Address: Praça do Império, 1400-026 Lisboa
⚠️ Currently closed to the public for renovation.
Museum of Ancient Art | Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
Specialty: Display of classic and fine art pieces. While you’re there, take the time to explore their splendid garden with an incredible view. And if you’re hungry, their self-service cafeteria offers excellent and affordable options.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
📍 Address: R. das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisboa
Popular Art Museum | Museu de Arte Popular
Specialty: Collection of traditional and folkloric handicrafts. Located between the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
🕐 Opening Hours: Open every day except Monday, from 11 am to 7 pm.
📍 Address: Av. Brasília 202, 1400-038 Lisboa
Tile Museum | Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Specialty: Presentation of the art of azulejo ceramic, iconic to Portugal. Numerous exhibitions and activities throughout the year make it a great place to visit regularly.
🕐 Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
📍 Address: R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa
Coach Museum | Museu Nacional dos Coches
Specialty: An impressive collection of royal and historic carriages. The first museum in the world dedicated to this theme.
🕐 Opening Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
📍 Address: Av. da Índia 136, 1300-300 Lisboa
Chiado Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art | Museu do Chiado – Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea
Specialty: Portuguese and international contemporary art.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
📍 Address: R. Serpa Pinto 4, 1200-444 Lisboa
Costume Museum | Museu Nacional do Traje
Specialty: A collection of historical and contemporary costumes. A must-visit for fashion and haute couture enthusiasts.
🕐 Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, from 2 pm to 8 pm.
📍 Address: Largo Júlio Castilho, 1600-483 Lisboa
Ethnology Museum | Museu Nacional de Etnologia
Specialty: Explore cultures and roots of the world through ethnographic objects.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm.
📍 Address: Av. da Ilha da Madeira, 1400-203 Lisboa
Music Museum | Museu Nacional da Música
Specialty: A rich collection of musical instruments and musical history.
🕐 Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
📍 Address: R. João de Freitas Branco 12, 1500-359 Lisboa
⚠️ Currently closed to the public.
Theater and Dance Museum | Museu Nacional do Teatro e da Dança
Specialty: The world of theater and dance through the ages.
🕐 Opening Hours: Open every day from 11 am to 7 pm.
📍 Address: Estr. do Lumiar 10, 1600-495 Lisboa
Casa-Museu Dr. Anastacio Gonçalves | Casa de Malhoa
Specialty: A house-museum with an art and furniture collection.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
📍 Address: Avenida 5 de Outubro 6 8, 1050-055 Lisboa
Free Monuments on Sundays and Public Holidays for Residents in Portugal
In addition to these museums, don’t miss the following free monuments accessible to:
Jerónimos Monastery | Mosteiro de Jerónimos
The Jerónimos Monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, built in the 16th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the tombs of famous Portuguese explorers Vasco de Gama and Luis de Camões.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
📍 Address: Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa
Ajuda National Palace | Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
The Ajuda National Palace is a magnificent royal palace that offers a glimpse into Portuguese royal life. It houses an extensive collection of art, furniture, and decorations, reflecting the neoclassical style of the 19th century.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
📍 Address: Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisboa
National Pantheon | Panteão Nacional
The National Pantheon is a historic monument that houses the tombs of many illustrious Portuguese figures such as Amalia Rodrigues and the famous footballer Eusébio. The imposing dome of this building offers a panoramic view of Lisbon.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
📍 Address: Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471 Lisboa
Belém Tower | Torre de Belém
The Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an exceptional example of 16th-century military architecture. It was once a fortress and a departure point for famous Portuguese explorers.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
📍 Address: Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa
Mafra National Palace | Palácio Nacional de Mafra
The Mafra National Palace, located near Lisbon, is an impressive baroque monument. It houses a church, a royal palace, and a sumptuous library, all surrounded by beautiful gardens.
🕐 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
📍 Address: Terreiro D. João V, 2640-492 Mafra
Please note that for tourists, it’s advisable to avoid these days specifically to avoid long lines. Opt for sightseeing instead. Lisbon is a true open-air gallery.
Other Great Tips for Free Visits, this time for Everyone!
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum | Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses an exceptional collection of art, jewelry, textiles, and ancient and modern objects. Its garden is also very pleasant, and numerous concerts are held there. We strongly recommend checking out their schedule.
🕐 Free every Sunday starting from 2 pm.
📍 Address: Avenida de Berna, 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa
Puppet Museum | Museu da Marioneta
The Puppet Museum highlights the art of puppetry through fascinating exhibitions. A very enjoyable visit, especially with younger ones.
🕐 Free every Sunday morning.
📍 Address: Convento das Bernardas, Rua da Esperança 146, 1200-660 Lisboa
Art, Architecture, and Technology Museum | MAAT
The MAAT presents contemporary exhibitions and works of modern art in a unique architectural setting. Currently, you can see the splendid solo and immersive exhibition by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.
🕐 Free on the 1st Sunday of each month.
📍 Address: Avenida Brasília, Central Tejo, 1300-598 Lisboa
Museum of the Orient | Museu do Oriente
The Museum of the Orient showcases the relationship between Portugal and Asian cultures through diverse exhibitions. It’s conveniently located next to our boat departure points. Take advantage of the opportunity.
🕐 Free every Friday from 6 pm to 10 pm.
📍 Address: Avenida Brasília, Doca de Alcântara (Norte), 1350-352 Lisboa
Money Museum | Museu do Dinheiro
The Money Museum explores the history of currency and banking in Portugal through interactive exhibitions. It’s located right next to the city hall.
🕐 Free from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
📍 Address: Largo de São Julião, 150-195, 1100-150 Lisboa
Epilogue
Now you have plenty to keep you occupied on weekends and rainy days in Lisbon.
