Looking for the best museums in Portugal? These are the best ones:
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Estádio da Luz
LisbonThe Estádio da Luz, also known as Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, is a multi-purpose stadium situated in Lisbon, Portugal. It is primarily used for association football matches and is the home ground of the Portuguese club Benfica. The stadium is one of the largest in Europe and has a seating capacity of 68,100. It has hosted several significant football events, including the UEFA Euro 2004 and the UEFA Champions League finals in 2014 and 2020. 2
Arco da Rua Augusta
Lisbon 3
Belém Tower
LisbonBelém Tower, also known as Torre de Belém, is a Manueline-Gothic fortress tower located in Lisbon, Portugal. Built in the early 16th century, the tower commemorates Vasco da Gama and the city's patron saint, São Vicente. It served both as a part of the city's defense and as a ceremonial monument to certify Portugal's influence during the European Age of Discovery. 4
Lisbon Oceanarium
LisbonThe Lisbon Oceanarium is an oceanarium in Lisbon and is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. The Cceanarium comprises two floors and is divided into six theme areas. The central part consists of a central tank that represents the Oceano Global with various types of sharks and rays, barracudas, man 5
Jerónimos Monastery
LisbonThe Jerónimos Monastery, situated in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal, is a significant historical and architectural landmark. It was commissioned by King Manuel I and built by architect Diogo de Boitaca in the Manueline style, a Portuguese version of late Gothic architecture. The monastery was constructed to celebrate the return of the renowned Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India. This discovery marked a significant milestone in world history, opening up new trade routes and opportunities for exploration. 6
Quinta da Regaleira
SintraA magnificent mansion that features a chapel and an extensive and well-maintained park. It is also known as Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire. Completed in 1910, the palace's style is a mixture of Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Worth noting are also the spectacular Gothic features of 7
Museu Arqueológico do Carmo
LisbonThe Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, or Carmo Archaeological Museum, is situated in the ruins of the Carmo Convent in Lisbon, Portugal. This unique location provides a historical backdrop to the museum's extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. 8
Saint George's Castle
LisbonSaint George's Castle, known as Castelo de São Jorge in Portuguese, is the most renowned castle in Lisbon. It is situated on the highest hill in the city, providing a panoramic view of the Tagus River. This strategic location has made it a significant landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon. 9
National Pantheon
LisbonThe Church of Santa Engrácia, a 17th-century monument in Lisbon, Portugal, serves as the National Pantheon. This historic site is the final resting place of many significant Portuguese personalities. Its location in the Alfama neighbourhood places it near another notable Lisbon monument, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.- Online discount!
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Lisbon Cathedral
LisbonSanta Maria Maior de Lisboa, also known as Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest church in Lisbon, Portugal. Its construction began in 1147 and has undergone several renovations. The cathedral has survived many major earthquakes, which is why it reflects different architectural styles today. This historical monument stands as a testament to the city's resilience and architectural evolution over the centuries. 11
National Palace of Sintra
SintraThe National Palace of Sintra, also known in Portuguese as Palácio da Vila, is situated in the parish of São Martinho in Sintra. This former royal palace is now owned by the Portuguese state and is used for tourism and cultural purposes. It's an urban palace that began construction in the early 16th century, with its architect remaining unknown. The palace is a part of the 'Cultural Landscape of Sintra', declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. 12
Stock Exchange Palace
PortoAn amazing sight in the very centre of the city, with richly decorated interiors and an equally stunning exterior, which was also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The highlight of this palace is the Arab Room – a beautiful gilded ballroom decorated in Moorish Revival style. 13
Church of São Francisco
PortoVisit this intriguing church built in the 14th century which mixes Gothic and Baroque influences into an interesting blend of styles. The interior boasts glamorous wood carvings that cover the stone structure of the church. The contrast between the plain façade and the richly decorated interior is s 14
Monastery of Serra do Pilar
Vila Nova de GaiaThe Monastery of Serra do Pilar is a historical site located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. It is situated on the opposite side of the Douro River from Porto. This former monastery offers a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings. 15
São Vicente Caves
São VicenteVisit the caves formed by volcanic eruption. There are guided tours and an adjacent centre which illustrates the formation of Madeira. 16
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
LisbonThe Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian) is a museum in Lisbon. The permanent exhibition reflects the versatile artistic interest of the founder Calouste Gulbenkian and includes a wide range of art objects from all eras. The exhibition is organized chronologically and geographicall 17
Gorreana Tea Factory
Ribeira GrandeGorreana, located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving tea plantation in Europe. It is one of only two tea plantations still operating in the Azores, making it a unique destination for those interested in tea production and history. 18
National Palace of Queluz
SintraThe National Palace of Queluz, also known as the Royal Palace of Queluz, is a Portuguese royal residence. It is located in the parish of Queluz, in the municipality of Sintra. This palace was built between 1747 and 1760 by architect Jean-Baptiste Robillon and was commissioned by Prince Pedro III. It was transformed from a pre-existing country residence into a royal palace. 19
Whale Museum
MachicoThe Whale Museum of Madeira (MBM) is a unique institution dedicated to the history of whaling in the seas of the Madeira archipelago. It is located in the picturesque fishing village of Caniçal in Machico. The museum offers a comprehensive insight into the whaling industry, its history, and its impact on the region. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including real-size models of whales and dolphins, and learn about these magnificent creatures and their marine environment in an engaging and interactive way. 20
CR7 Museum
Funchal 21
Porto Formoso Tea Factory
Ribeira Grande 22
Sao Francisco Cellars Wine Museum
FunchalOne of the famous Madeira wine lodges dedicated to presenting and promoting the traditional way of making Madeira wine. 23
Lisbon Zoo
LisbonThe Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa) is a zoological garden in Lisbon. The collection of Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa mainly consists of ungulates, cats, primates and tropical birds. In addition, there is a dolphinarium and a small reptile house. The Lisbon Zoo was founded in 1884 by Dr. Van De 24
Caves Cálem
Vila Nova de GaiaDiscover the secrets of wine production in this cellar. The company is considered one of the best in Porto area and was founded in 1859. 25
Grão Vasco National Museum
ViseuThe Grão Vasco National Museum is situated in the historic heart of Viseu, Portugal. It is housed in the former 16th-century Episcopal Palace of Viseu, which is conveniently located next to the Viseu Cathedral. This location not only provides a rich historical context but also offers visitors the opportunity to explore other significant landmarks in the vicinity. 26
Machado de Castro National Museum
Coimbra 27
Monte Palace Museum
Funchal 28
Aveiro Museum
AveiroA nice museum with plenty of valuable relics and artifacts from the town's rich history. You can spend a couple of interesting hours in here. 29
Serralves Foundation
PortoThe Serralves Foundation, located in the city of Porto, Portugal, is home to the Serralves House and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. These are situated within the beautiful Serralves Park, providing a unique blend of nature and culture for visitors to enjoy. 30
Berardo Collection Museum
LisbonThe Berardo Collection Museum is located in the Belém district in Lisbon. It is named after José Berardo, a famous Portuguese businessman and art collector, whose collection is on display here. The Berardo Collection Museum features many contemporary Portuguese and international artists. Exhibited a- 31
Quake - Lisbon Earthquake Museum
Lisbon 32
Torre de Almedina
Coimbra 33
Paula Rego House of Stories
CascaisThe Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, also known as the House of Stories Paula Rego, is a museum located in Cascais, a town in the Lisbon District on the Portuguese Riviera. The museum was designed by renowned architect Eduardo Souto de Moura and houses a collection of works by the late artist Paula Rego, who lived from 1935 to 2022. 34
World of Discoveries - Museu Interativo & Parque Tematico
PortoThe World of Discoveries - Interactive Digital Exhibition is a unique space that pays homage to the Portuguese Discoveries. It is situated within the old warehouses of the Real Companhia Velha, in Miragaia, a part of the historic center of Porto. This location not only provides a rich historical context but also offers a central and easily accessible location for tourists. 35
Royal Palace of Évora
Évora 36
National Museum Soares dos Reis
PortoOne of the greatest museums of Portugal; the first national museum in the country that displays some of the best art from home as well as few pieces from international artists. Of course that a collection of António Soares dos Reis, whose name the museum bears, is also a part of the exhibited artwo 37
Church of Saint Roch
LisbonThe Church of Saint Roch is one of the earliest Jesuit churches in the world. Even though the exterior of this church is quite simple, its interior is elaborately decorated - it is a fusion of Mannerist and Baroque styles. The Church of Saint Roch boasts eight splendid chapels and three altars. One 38
Madeira Story Centre
FunchalIf you want to know more about its history and culture, this is a place for you. Innovative museum with a great use of interactive exhibitions. 39
Carlos Machado Museum
Ponta Delgada 40
National Tile Museum
LisbonThe National Tile Museum in Lisbon presents the history of craft-making of decorative ceramic tiles, azulejos, popular in Spain and Portugal. The collection showcases evolution of this craft since the 15th century up to present days. Opened in 1965, it is housed in an ancient monastery, formerly kno 41
SEA LIFE Porto
PortoLocated in the City Park of Porto, next to Gonçalves Zarco Square, SEA LIFE Porto is the 30th aquarium of the Merlin Entertainments chain. It covers an area of about 2400 square meters and houses approximately 3000 marine creatures. These creatures belong to more than a hundred different species and are displayed in 31 different aquariums. 42
Whalers Museum
Lajes do PicoThe Whalers Museum is situated in the parish and municipality of Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico, in the Azores. This location is significant as it is where the last sperm whale was captured in the waters of the Azores in 1987, marking the end of whaling in Portugal. The museum is part of the Regional Museum Network and is an extension of the Pico Museum. 43
Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum
Cascais 44
Vasco da Gama Aquarium
OeirasThe Vasco da Gama Aquarium, located in Dafundo, near Lisbon, is one of the oldest aquariums in the world. It is a public aquarium run by the Portuguese Navy's Cultural Commission. The aquarium was conceived as part of the celebrations of the 4th centenary of Vasco da Gama's departure from Portugal on his voyage to discover the sea route to India. 45
Taylor's Port
Vila Nova de GaiaWant to know more about the Port wine, its history and production? Don't hesitate, visit this cellar and learn everything! 46
Science Museum of the University of Coimbra
CoimbraThe Science Museum of the University of Coimbra is situated in the Chemical Laboratory of the university. It was officially opened to the public on December 5, 2006. This location provides a unique setting for the museum, combining historical architecture with modern scientific exhibits. 47
Caves Ferreira
Vila Nova de Gaia 48
Graham's Port Lodge
Vila Nova de GaiaYou can explore this wine cellar with a qualified guide and taste the best Port wines they have on offer. 49
Museu do Centro Hospitalar do Porto
Porto 50
House of the Prince
PortoThe House of the Prince, also known as the House of the Old Customs Street, is a museum located in Porto, Portugal. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region. The museum is traditionally considered the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Portuguese Age of Discovery. 51
Municipal Museum of Faro
Faro 52
Paper Museum
Leiria 53
Portuguese Centre of Photography
PortoThe Portuguese Centre of Photography is housed in a large, historic building in Porto. This building, which was completed at the end of the 18th century, has been a significant part of the city's history and now serves as a unique setting for the museum. 54
Côa Museum
Vila Nova de Foz Côa 55
Madeira Ethnographic Museum
Ribeira BravaThis museum set its goal on preserving and promoting traditional culture of Madeira. The main focus is on traditional crafts. 56
Badoca Safari Park
Santo AndréThis amazing animal park owns hundreds of fascinating animals roaming freely in close vicinity of the visitors. A great place. 57
Manor Estate of the Crosses Museum (Quinta das Cruzes)
FunchalThe Quinta das Cruzes Museum, located in Funchal on the island of Madeira, is a decorative arts museum that was officially opened to the public in 1953. It houses a collection of Portuguese and European decorative arts, including furniture, silverware, jewelry, and European and Oriental ceramics. The museum's pieces date from the 15th century to the first half of the 20th century. 58
Monastery of St Martin of Tibães
Mire de Tibães 59
Cadaval Palace
ÉvoraThis representative manor which belonged to a powerful noble family is one of the greatest historics sights of Evora. 60
Centro das Artes - Casa das Mudas
CalhetaModern art museum housed in an extraordinary building set on the hillside of Calheta village. Worth visiting just for the building itself. 61
Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva
Funchal 62
Casa da Cultura
Vila Nova de GaiaSeated in a splendid old house, this culture center organizes various events, such as exhibits, concerts or movie projections. 63
Martins Sarmento Archeological Museum
Guimarães 64
Bread Museum
Seia 65
Royal Treasure Museum, Lisbon
Lisbon 66
Sandeman Cellars
Vila Nova de GaiaProducing tasty red wine for more than 90 years, this cellar organizes amazing tours around its facilities for visitors. 67
Museum of Archeology D. Diogo de Sousa
Braga 68
National Coach Museum
LisbonThe collection of the National Coach Museum in Lisbon was situated in a former riding arena which served as a museum. Later, it was decided that the museum needed a new exhibition space and in May 2015, the new National Coach Museum was opened not far from the old one that was renamed to Royal Ridin 69
Museu do Traje
Viana do Castelo 70
Roman Ruins of Milreu
Faro 71
Douro Museum
Peso da Régua 72
Nadir Afonso Contemporary Art Museum
Santa Maria MaiorThe Nadir Afonso Contemporary Art Museum, also known as MACNA, is situated in the city of Chaves in Portugal. This museum is dedicated to contemporary art and was inaugurated in July 2016. It is housed in a building designed by the renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.- 73
Madeira Aquarium
Porto MonizLocated in a renovated fort from 18th century. Now it houses 70 tanks with wide variety of local species. Fascinating show. 74
Madeira Theme Park
FunchalBoth entertaining and educative theme park. Vast gardens and a captivating science centre, great for people of all ages. 75
Porto Tram Museum
PortoThe Porto Tram Museum, which opened its doors in May 1992, is located in the former Massarelos thermoelectric power station in Porto, Portugal. This unique location adds a historical touch to the museum, making it a fascinating place to explore the history of trams and public transportation in the city. 76
Boqueirão Whale Factory Museum
Santa Cruz das Flores 77
Portimao Museum
PortimãoThe Portimão Museum, located in the parish of Portimão, Portugal, is housed in the former Feu canning factory. This museum opened its doors to the public on May 17, 2008, offering a unique insight into the history and culture of the region. 78
National Museum of Ancient Art
LisbonThe National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon houses works of the most important Portuguese and other European artists. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures and a lot more. The absolute highlight of the collection is Saint Vincent Panels, a 15th century painting by Nuno Gonçalves. The National Muse 79
Slave Market
Lagos 80
Lagos Zoo
Lagos 81
Museu de Arte Nova
Aveiro 82
Maia Zoo
MaiaA wonderful zoo featuring hundreds of animals. There are also regular shows with trained seals and other fun activities. 83
Zoo Santo Inácio
AvintesYour children can encounter various animals including lions, monkeys and rodents here. Don't miss the penguin feeding! 84
Pavilion of Knowledge - Ciência Viva
LisbonThe Pavilion of Knowledge - Centro Ciência Viva is a science museum located on the right bank of the Tagus River in Lisbon. It is an interactive museum of science and technology that aims to make both science and technology more accessible to the general public, stimulating the exploration of the ph 85
Quartz Museum
ViseuThe Quartz Museum, also known as the Galopim de Carvalho Interpretation Center, is a unique institution as it is the first museum dedicated solely to a single mineral, quartz. This focus allows for a deep exploration of the mineral's properties, uses, and significance in various fields. 86
Pius XII Museum
Braga 87
Casa da Ribeira
Viseu 88
Wax Museum of Fátima
Fátima 89
Stone House
Fafe 90
Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum
FunchalThe Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum is a Portuguese modern art museum located in downtown Funchal, on the island of Madeira. It is dedicated to the works of the Franco brothers, Henrique and Francisco, who were both natives of Madeira. Henrique was a painter and Francisco was a sculptor, and their works form the core of the museum's collection. 91
Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre
HortaCapelinhos is a volcano situated in the western part of Faial Island, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. It forms the westernmost cape of Faial Island, known as Ponta dos Capelinhos. The volcano presents itself as an eroded volcanic cone with an altitude of 143 meters, with cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. 92
Nogueira da Silva Museum
Braga 93
Lisbon Navy Museum
LisbonThe Portuguese navy is famous all over the world and the Lisbon Navy Museum provides its visitors with a thorough insight into it. The Museum is located in the historical Jerónimos Monastery. Even though the museum itself was opened in 1963, its collection dates back to as early as 1863. This was th 94
Vasco da Gama Aquarium
LisbonThe Vasco da Gama Aquarium (AVG) in Lisbon is one of the oldest aquariums in the world. The first room is where the marine invertebrates are located. In this room it is possible to observe some living species and documents and apparatuses used by the King. On the upper floor, there are four more roo 95
Sacred Art Center
Ponta Delgada 96
Leiria Museum
Leiria 97
Alberto Sampaio Museum
Guimarães 98
Casa Museu Bissaya Barreto
Coimbra 99
Image Museum
Braga 100
Museu do Abade de Baçal
Bragança