Just by roaming around Lisbon, you can feel the city’s heritage. But through its monuments and museums, you’ll get to know a lot more about the country’s history. It is one of the most affordable cities in Europe, and even if you’re on a budget, you can still get soaked up in the Portuguese culture without spending a dime.
Here is a list of monuments and museums you can enjoy for free:
Jerónimos Monastery
This 16th-century monastery is one of the greatest landmarks in Portugal. It is located in Belém, facing the Tagus River, and it was built to honour the Portuguese navigators from the Age of Discovery. You can enter for free every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
National Pantheon
This monument was inaugurated in 1966, 284 years after the beginning of its construction. It holds the tombs of Presidents of the Portuguese Republic, National Poets and Artists, as well as high personalities of the Portuguese history. It is free every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Panteão Nacional.
Belém Tower
This fortified tower situated in Belém used to be part of the city’s defensive system and also the port from where the ships left to India. It incorporates the Manueline style and contains Arabian and oriental inspiration. The entrance is free every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Torre de Belém.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
This foundation is divided into two independent areas: one is dedicated to oriental and classical art; the other to art of European heritage. It exhibits masterpieces from artists like Rubens, Van Dick, Monet and Renoir. It is free every Sunday after 2 pm.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology)
The building itself is worth visiting, even if only from the outside. Admire the ceramic tiles and the rooftop terrace, with a beautiful view to the Tagus river and the 25 de Abril Bridge. The free entrance occurs on the first Sunday of every month.
MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia.
National Museum of Ancient Art
With more than 40,000 pieces of art, this museum exhibits paintings, sculptures, porcelain and jewellery collections from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. You can take advantage of the free entrance every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Museu Coleção Berardo
This museum has an incredible modern art collection that includes pieces from some of the biggest contemporary artists like Picasso, Dalí, Magritte and Warhol. The entrance is free every Saturday.
Museu Coleção Berardo
Orient Museum
This museum showcases Portugal’s relations with Asia, displaying Asian paintings and sculptures, Chinese ceramics, and pieces about the performing arts in the region that goes from Turkey to Japan. The entrance is free every Friday from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Ajuda National Palace
This former royal palace turned into a museum is nowadays the only palace you can visit in Lisbon that preserves the 19th centuries’ decorations. You can visit it for free every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda.
National Coach Museum
If you’re interested in means of transportation, this is the museum for you. It displays a large variety of carriages, coaches, and other vehicles on wheels going back from the 16th to the 19th centuries, including the royal carriages. You can visit it for free every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
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