🏛️ Lisbon attractions: how much entry costs and when museums are closed

Lisbon sits on seven hills, and you can't cover it in a day. Tickets to the main museums and palaces cost from 10 to 18 EUR (as of 09/2026, Museus e Monumentos de Portugal), and in summer the line at the Belém ticket offices takes an hour. We've put together 35 places, from 18th-century aqueducts to viewpoints, and added prices, opening hours, and how to get there for each one. You'll quickly see what to book in advance, where entry is free, and where you can save.

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What to see in Lisbon first

💡 In short:

Most museums and palaces are closed on Mondays, so Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days for Belém and the center.
Viewpoints, squares, the Alfama district, and a walk along the Tagus riverfront are free.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website

If you're short on time, start with the eight places in the table. They show the city across different eras, from Moorish walls to 20th-century industrial architecture. In one day you'll see palaces, panoramas, and old neighborhoods.

Our pick: 8 places if you have one day

Place	What makes it special	Ticket
São Jorge Castle	panorama of hills and the river	paid
Belém Tower	symbol of the Age of Discovery	paid
Jerónimos Monastery	late Gothic and the tomb of Vasco da Gama	paid
Águas Livres Aqueduct	walk along the upper tier of arches	paid
National Pantheon	dome and terrace above Alfama	paid
Lisbon Oceanarium	one of the largest aquariums in Europe	paid
Alfama district	narrow streets with no cars	free
São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint	best view of the castle	free

1. Águas Livres Aqueduct

The city survived the 1755 earthquake, but the aqueduct stood firm. It was built in the 18th century to solve Lisbon's main problem: residents didn't have enough drinking water. The total length exceeds several dozen kilometers, but tourists are interested in one section along the Alcântara valley.

Arches of the Águas Livres Aqueduct over a highway

Thirty stone arches rise here. The tallest of them was long considered a record for Europe. The wall used to be closed to everyone, but now you can walk along the upper tier. From here you can see the northern districts of the city and the aqueduct itself stretching into the distance.

How to get there: take the metro to Rato station, then walk through Eduardo VII Park, about 750 meters on the map.
Cost: tickets for the walk are sold at the ticket office in the Campa Grande area; see the rates on the walk pricing page (as of 09/2026).
The catch: there's almost no shade along the arches, so in summer bring water and arrive at opening time.

2. Queluz Palace

Facade of Queluz Palace with baroque windows and a formal garden

Portuguese monarchs lived here throughout the 18th century. The kings' summer residence hosted balls that all of Europe talked about. Today almost all the rooms are open, and even a fire didn't ruin the interiors: restorers brought back every detail.

The kings valued not only gold but also art. In the rooms you'll see paintings by famous and lesser-known masters, statues, and murals. The park deserves special attention, with its trimmed shrubs, flower beds, and fountains. On some weekends live instrumental music is played here, and a couple of hours is enough for a visit.

How to get there: take the train from Rossio to Queluz-Belas station, then walk about 10 minutes on the map.
Cost: entry is paid, an adult ticket is cheaper than in Mafra; see exact rates on the Queluz tickets page (as of 09/2026).

3. Mafra Palace

The construction was planned on a grand scale, and the complex still impresses with its size. The palace was built in the 18th century for a special occasion: King John V and his wife Anne of Austria had their first child after many years of waiting. The event was celebrated so lavishly that Mafra remains one of the largest palaces in Europe.

In total there are more than a thousand halls and rooms. Besides the living quarters, the complex includes a small monastery, a basilica, two towers with bell carillons, and a library. The library's collection surprises even art historians. If you're lucky, during the tour you'll hear a hundred bells ringing at once.

How to get there: public transport barely reaches this area, so it's easier to rent a car or join a group trip from Lisbon.
Cost: an adult ticket costs 15 EUR (as of 09/2026, Mafra Palace rates).
Who it's for: those willing to spend half a day at the palace and park.
The catch: the palace is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays, so plan your visit for another day.

4. National museum of ancient art

Visitors in a museum hall in front of a triptych

The museum's history began with a modest exhibition at the Monastery of Saint Francis. The collection kept growing, and a separate building was eventually constructed for it, officially opening in 1884.

Today the collection includes paintings, antique furniture, sculptures, and jewelry. The exhibition is divided into three groups across the floors. On the first floor you'll find works by European masters, including Raphael. The second is dedicated to medieval art from Asia and Africa, brought back by Portuguese navigators. The third floor is given over to Portuguese artists, and it's the most interesting for anyone who wants to understand the local culture.

How to get there: on Rua das Janelas Verdes; buses go to the stop of the same name, the nearest metro station is in the Cais do Sodré area, then walk using a map.
Cost: an adult ticket costs 15 € (as of 09/2026, tickets to the National Museum of Ancient Art).
Important: according to Museus e Monumentos as of 09/2026, the museum is listed as temporarily closed, so check the current museum status on the official page before your visit.

5. Archaeological museum at Carmo Convent

Ruins of Carmo Convent with gothic arches

The convent evokes medieval battles, knights, and crushing defeats. The museum's history began in 1864, when a group of enthusiasts organized a small exhibition of local finds at the decommissioned convent.

Over time, artifacts were brought here from across the country. Today the exhibition occupies the underground chambers. The collection's crown jewels are the richly decorated sarcophagi, including an Egyptian one. But what surprises visitors most are the real mummies brought from Peru. Against that backdrop, the section on architectural history looks modest, even though fountains from different eras, azulejo tiles, and decorative elements are rarely seen around the city.

How to get there: the convent is in the Chiado district, near the Santa Justa Lift and the Baixa-Chiado metro station.
Cost: admission is paid, tickets are sold on site; check current rates on the Carmo Museum ticket page (as of 09/2026).
Who it's for: if you think history is boring, step into the underground halls and change your mind.

6. Estrela Basilica

Estrela Basilica with two bell towers and a dome

The basilica on the hill is visible from almost anywhere in the city. In style it's close to the Mafra Palace: the same late Baroque with classical elements and the same ornate details. Their connection goes beyond appearance.

Like the palace, the basilica was built to mark the birth of an heir. In 1761, Maria I gave birth to a son, José, but work began later, and the prince did not live to see it completed. The queen turned the church into her own mausoleum. Today people come for the sculptures, most famously the Nativity scene with hundreds of figures, and the collection of paintings by the Italian Pompeo Batoni. At the top there's an observation deck, one of the most spectacular: from here you'll see the western part of the city and the bridge over the Tagus.

How to get there: take tram 28 or the metro to Rato station, then walk uphill using a map.
Cost: admission is free, donations are welcome.
The catch: the climb to the basilica is uphill, so it's inconvenient with suitcases or a stroller.

7. Belém Tower

Belém Tower is called one of the seven wonders of Portugal. Its appearance recalls the era of merchants, seafarers, and discoverers of distant lands. Just as centuries ago, it still serves as a landmark for ships, and the statue of the Virgin Mary of Safe Homecoming watches over those still at sea.

The tower was once not only a symbol of successful voyages but also a defensive bastion. The powerful cannons in the casemates are a reminder of that. But most visitors are drawn to the second floor with the statue of the patroness of sailors and the balcony from which the royal family greeted returning ships. At the top there is an observation deck with a panorama of the Tagus, and from here you can see all of Belém.

Getting there: take tram 15 or buses to the stop near the Belém waterfront.
Cost: an adult ticket costs €15 (as of 09/2026, Belém Tower tickets).
The catch: the ticket office and entrance admit a limited number of people at a time; the line is shorter in the morning.

8. Lisbon City Museum

White facade of Pimenta Palace with museum banners

In a few hours in its galleries you will move through different eras and fields of art. The museum took shape over several centuries: the collection grew, and today it is divided into groups by period and theme.

The collection of geographic maps from the 17th to 20th centuries is especially interesting. The Portuguese were leaders in navigation, and here you can see how ideas about newly discovered lands changed. Another room is dedicated to azulejo tiles, which for centuries have been produced only in Spain and Portugal, which is why the craft is considered local. The visit ends with the House of Points, Casa dos Bicos, an unusual example of urban architecture that you will easily recognize by its facade.

Getting there: take the metro to Campo Grande station, then walk using a map.
Cost: admission is paid; check the rates on the Lisbon Museum fares page (as of 09/2026).
Who it's for: those who want to understand the city, not just look at facades.

9. São Jorge Castle

Stone walls and tower of São Jorge Castle

Many people compare the castle to the Kremlin. The mighty hilltop fortress is visible from almost any part of the city and appeared here in the 12th century. Since then it has survived wars and upheavals, and today it has become a museum.

Inside the walls you will find a cozy courtyard where peacocks roam. A restaurant operates in the center, although this was once the site of the royal residence, which has not survived to the present day. Medieval weapons are displayed in the courtyard, and a small archaeological museum about old Lisbon is open in the basement. The main impression comes from walking along the fortress walls: from here the city opens up before you like the palm of your hand.

Getting there: take tram 28 to the stop near the castle, then walk uphill using a map.
Cost: admission is paid; tickets are sold online and on site, with rates on the castle website (as of 09/2026).
The catch: in summer there is no shade on the walls, and the uphill climb takes time and energy.

10. Zoo

Here you can take a break from architectural masterpieces and the bustle of the city. For those traveling with children, meeting the animals is usually a must-do part of the itinerary. What sets this zoo apart from many city zoos is that the residents live not in cages but in conditions close to their natural habitats.

Lions and tigers rest on grass resembling the savanna, monkeys climb trees, and a rhino lives amid the scenery of an African village. Benches and tables are placed throughout the grounds, so you can have a small picnic. At certain times, staff come to the enclosures and allow visitors to feed the animals, except the predators. There is also a dolphin show, a reptile house, and a cable car.

Getting there: take the metro to Jardim Zoológico station or buses to the stop of the same name.
Cost: admission is paid; a child ticket is cheaper than an adult one, with rates on the zoo website (as of 09/2026).
The catch: the dolphin show schedule changes, so check the time before your visit.

11. Cathedral

Facade of Lisbon Cathedral with two towers

The cathedral is considered one of the main architectural symbols of the capital. The church was built in the 12th century on the foundation of a destroyed mosque, and it resembles an impregnable fortress with massive walls. Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque styles come together in its decoration.

The austere building follows the plan of a Latin cross with three naves. The facade is almost devoid of ornate decoration. Attention is drawn to the two crenellated bell towers with arched windows and the central rose window, while inside you will see a vaulted ceiling and many sculptural depictions of saints.

Getting there: the cathedral is in the Alfama district; the nearest trams and buses run along the waterfront, then walk using a map.
Cost: admission is free, and visits are open throughout the day.
The catch: from the outside the cathedral looks stern and severe; look for all the ornamentation inside.

12. Santa Justa Lift

Interior of the Santa Justa Lift cabin with passengers

On one of the central streets rises a steel structure decorated with patterns of metal lace. This is the famous Santa Justa Lift tower with its two elevators. The engineering structure was built in the early 20th century and reaches a height of 45 meters.

Polished mirrored cabins take you up to the observation deck, which opens up a panorama of the center. The lift runs throughout the day, and each cabin holds up to twenty people.

How to get there: the tower stands near Rua do Ouro in the Baixa district, next to the Baixa-Chiado metro station.
Cost: the ride is paid according to the Carris fare; current prices and hours are on the carrier's website (as of 09/2026).
The catch: in high season the line for the cabins is long, and some visitors walk up to the deck along the street on the side.

13. Praça do Comércio

Empty Praça do Comércio with an equestrian statue

On the banks of the Tagus River lies Praça do Comércio, or Commerce Square. Until 1755 a lavish royal palace stood here, but an earthquake and a wave destroyed it. After the reconstruction, the square was enclosed on three sides by a new ensemble of uniform buildings with colorful facades and arcaded galleries on the ground floors.

These buildings housed trading chambers and government offices. In the center rises a bronze equestrian statue of King Joseph I on a high pedestal. The square is open around the clock, and it's a convenient place to start a walk along the waterfront.

How to get there: by tram to the Praça do Comércio stop, next to the Baixa-Chiado metro station.
Cost: admission is free, and the square is accessible at any time.
Who it's for: those who want to see a Portuguese ceremonial ensemble from the 18th century.

14. Rossio Square

Rossio Square with a fountain and the Pedro IV Column

In the center of the capital lies the vibrant Rossio Square. Life bustles here around the clock: as far back as the Middle Ages, the square hosted bullfights and festivals, and today it's one of the liveliest spots in the city.

The rectangular space is paved with mosaic. White and black cobblestones form wavy patterns, and for sensitive people this design can cause slight dizziness. The square is framed by historic buildings, among which the monumental National Theatre with its six-column portico stands out. Two fountains with sculptures, a column with a statue of King Pedro IV, and cafes give the place a special character, and in the evening you'll find the most lively atmosphere here.

How to get there: by metro to Rossio station, the square is right outside the exit.
Cost: admission is free.
The catch: the wave-like mosaic can cause dizziness in sensitive people.

15. Alfama district

Panorama of Alfama with red roofs and the river

A walk through Lisbon's oldest quarter, Alfama, introduces you to everyday Portuguese life. Labyrinths of cobbled streets, winding alleys, and stairway passages crowd the hilly slope. This is the only district that survived the 1755 earthquake.

The tightly packed houses immerse you in centuries past. There are many weathered century-old buildings and quirky little houses with facades decorated in azulejo tiles. Laundry strung across the narrow streets, Portuguese romances drifting from open windows, cozy little restaurants, and welcoming locals create a special atmosphere. Come here toward evening: you'll hear fado from open doors.

Getting there: take tram 28 to stops in Alfama, then continue on foot using a map.
Cost: free to enter, the narrow streets are open around the clock.
The catch: the district sits on hills, with lots of stairs and climbs, so it's tough with a stroller.

16. Christ the King statue

Praça do Município with patterned pavement, Lisbon

The Christ the King statue deserves a separate trip to the left bank. The monument replicates the famous Brazilian sculpture and symbolizes gratitude that Portugal did not take part in World War II. It was inaugurated in 1959.

The sculpture with outstretched arms rises on the opposite bank of the Tagus in the suburb of Almada. The total height of the structure exceeds one hundred meters. Inside the pedestal, an elevator takes you up to the base of the statue, where you get views of the city and the bridge.

Getting there: take a train or ferry to Almada, then a bus to the viewing platform.
Cost: admission is paid, the elevator ride costs extra, rates available on site (as of 09/2026).
Who it's for: those who want to see all of Lisbon from the other bank.

17. Rua Augusta and the Triumphal Arch

Sculpture on the arch over Praça do Comércio

The central pedestrian street Rua Augusta greets you with a festive and carefree atmosphere. Historic buildings line both sides, housing brand boutiques, taverns, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The pavement is laid with blue-and-white mosaic tiles, and street performers, musicians, and artists entertain passersby.

The main ornament of the quarter is the Triumphal Arch. It was built in 1875. The tall structure is decorated with columns, bas-reliefs, stone carvings, sculptures of statesmen, and allegorical statues. A viewing platform sits at the top, and you can reach it by elevator.

Getting there: the street runs from Rossio Square to Commerce Square, the nearest metro is Baixa-Chiado.
Cost: walking along the street is free, the arch viewing platform costs extra (as of 09/2026).

18. Belém Palace

Pink facade of Belém Palace with a fence

In the park area of the Belém district stands the official residence of the President of Portugal. The palace ensemble in a garden behind a fence is a national architectural monument. The Baroque mansion was founded in the 16th century and served for receiving high-ranking guests of the kings.

The palace consists of five interconnected buildings of varying heights and layouts. Pink facades with snow-white trim pair well with the greenery. The terrace with a balustrade decorated with painted azulejos deserves special attention.

Getting there: take tram 15 to the Belém district, then walk using a map.
Cost: visits are possible on Saturdays and only by prior reservation, a ticket costs five euros (as of 09/2026).
The catch: getting inside is rare and requires advance booking, a spontaneous visit is almost impossible.

19. Ajuda Palace

The 1755 earthquake destroyed the royal palace on the site of today's Commerce Square. The family had to find a new home, and they chose the hilly elevation of the Ajuda district. Construction began in 1796 and was interrupted by the Napoleonic invasion. The three-story neoclassical building welcomed the royal couple only in the mid-19th century.

Municipal Square in Lisbon with a pillory

The interiors have survived almost in their original form. Spacious halls are furnished with antique furniture and decorated with frescoes, paintings, tapestries, and statues. Here you'll get to know the royal family's way of life and see how monarchs lived away from formal ceremonies.

Getting there: take a tram to the Ajuda district, then walk uphill using a map.
Cost: an adult ticket costs €15 (as of 09/2026, Ajuda Palace rates).
Who it's for: those tired of Baroque opulence who want to see strict classicism.

20. Tram 28

The famous tram 28 combines public transport and a tourist attraction. The route passes through historic quarters with dense development. The old yellow cars run along streets so narrow that you can reach out and touch the walls of buildings.

Despite being a century old, the retro cars confidently climb uphill, descend the hills, and rattle around sharp turns. Not everyone enjoys the ride: there are always more people wanting on than there are seats.

Getting there: the route starts at Martim Moniz Square and runs through Graça and Alfama to Prazeres.
Cost: a single ticket from the driver costs more than using a Viva Viagem card, rates on the Carris website (as of 09/2026).
The catch: in high season the cars are packed to the brim, and the crush is a pickpocket's paradise.

21. 25 De Abril Bridge

25 de Abril Bridge over the river with cars

While walking along the waterfront, you'll see the grand 25 de Abril Bridge. The engineering structure looms over the Tagus and connects Lisbon with the city of Almada. Its length exceeds two thousand meters. The bridge was built in 1966 by American construction companies, and it resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Traffic runs on two levels. The upper level is for cars, while trains run on the lower one. The bridge was originally named after Prime Minister Salazar, but after the bloodless April revolution it received its current name.

Getting there: take a train across the bridge to Almada station, or drive, with a toll.
Cost: crossing the bridge is tolled, check rates with the operator (as of 09/2026).
Who it's for: those heading to the Christ the King statue or the beaches of the south bank.

22. Vasco da Gama Bridge

The Vasco da Gama Bridge connects the banks of the Tagus at the widest point of the riverbed. It is one of the longest bridge structures in Europe, and its scale is impressive. The grand opening took place in 1998.

The structure is supported by highly tensioned cable stays and massive piers. The central section rises several dozen meters above the water, so large cruise ships pass freely underneath. You will cross it if you are heading to the south of the country.

How to get there: the bridge is in the northern part of the city and leads to the A12 highway.
Cost: tolls apply in the direction of Lisbon; check rates with the operator (as of 09/2026).

23. Jerónimos Monastery

Long facade of Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon

Jerónimos Monastery is considered one of the main monuments of Portuguese architecture. The monastery was founded in gratitude to the Virgin Mary for the successful completion of Vasco da Gama's expedition, which established the sea route to India. The rectangular building impresses with its long, ornate facade. The decoration combines Flamboyant Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish motifs, with a conical dome dominating the whole.

Inside, you should see the halls, the refectory, and the chapel where Vasco da Gama is buried. The stone ornaments, stucco work, sculptures, bas-reliefs, and the delicate arcaded gallery make a strong impression, and you will spend at least an hour exploring.

How to get there: take tram 15 to the Belém district; the monastery stands next to Belém Tower.
Cost: an adult ticket costs €18 (as of 09/2026, Jerónimos tickets).
The catch: without an online ticket in summer, you will stand in line for over an hour.

24. Carmo Convent

Ruins of the gothic Carmo Convent in Lisbon

The mysterious look of this Carmelite monastery draws your attention. The half-ruined Gothic convent became a monument to an event that left its mark on Lisbon's fate. In 1389, the knight Nuno Alvares Pereira sold his property and used the proceeds to found the monastery.

The 1755 earthquake destroyed most of the complex. Today the ruins serve as a reminder of the disaster. The tall walls, columns, pointed arches and delicate stone carvings survived. The Gothic vaults are open to the sky, and through them you can see the blue sky above the city, which is why concerts and exhibitions are held here.

How to get there: the convent is in the Chiado district, next to the Santa Justa Lift.
Cost: admission is paid, check the rates on site (as of 09/2026).

25. Monastery of São Vicente de Fora

White Monastery of São Vicente de Fora with church and dome

One of the city's most revered shrines stands in the Alfama district. The monastery was founded in 1147 for Augustinian monks, and it acquired its current appearance in the 17th century. The complex combines a majestic church and monastic buildings. The symmetrical light-gray ensemble embodies Italian Renaissance traditions, and the facade is decorated with rows of pilasters and marble statues.

The church is crowned with two corner bell towers, a balustrade and decorative turrets. The walls of the inner courtyard are covered with blue-and-white ceramic tiles with picturesque designs, and you'll appreciate this courtyard separately from the church.

How to get there: take tram 28 to the stop in Alfama, then walk following the map.
Cost: admission to the monastery grounds is paid, rates on the São Vicente Monastery rates page (as of 09/2026).
The catch: the church is open Tuesday through Saturday, with no access on Sundays.

26. Oceanarium

Portugal's history is inseparable from the seas, so it's no surprise that one of the world's largest oceanariums operates here. The underwater world is represented by tens of thousands of inhabitants. The main exhibit is a huge aquarium with five million liters of water. Around it are four pools recreating rocky coastlines, coral reefs, tropical forests and Arctic waters.

Here you'll see amphibians, mammals, invertebrates, fish and birds. The oceanarium is open every day, and you should allow at least two hours for the visit.

How to get there: take the metro to Oriente station, then walk following the map along the Park of Nations.
Cost: adult tickets start at €25, children's at €17 (as of 09/2026, Lisbon Oceanarium).
Who it's for: families with children, it's comfortable here in both heat and rain.

27. National Coach Museum

The coach museum operates in the former riding arena of the Belém Palace. The collection of luxurious carriages of kings, nobles and the church was assembled from the 16th to the 19th century. These works of carriage art impress with their size and finishing: wood carving, gilded and velvet paintings, sculptures and leather upholstery.

Lisbon City Hall building on Municipal Square

The hall is decorated with ceiling frescoes, wall tapestries and columns, which gives the interior a historic character. The museum welcomes guests every day except Monday, and you'll see carriages here that exist nowhere else.

How to get there: in the Belém district next to the Jerónimos Monastery, on tram 15.
Cost: an adult ticket costs €15 (as of 09/2026, coach museum tickets).
The catch: the museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for another day.

28. São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint

Panorama of Lisbon with rooftops and the Tagus River

The panoramic viewpoint in São Pedro de Alcântara Park is always lively. The area consists of two levels with trees, flower beds, fountains, benches, sculptures and cozy cafes. Local young people and the creative intelligentsia gather here.

The viewpoint offers a view of red tiled roofs, St. George's Castle and the river in the distance. Entry to the open, shady terrace is free, and you can come here without a ticket every day if you like.

How to get there: take the Gloria funicular from the Baixa district, the viewpoint is next to the upper station.
Cost: free entry.
Who it's for: those who want a free panoramic view and sunset photos.

29. Maritime Museum

Portugal's great past is tied to the Age of Discovery. Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias and Ferdinand Magellan set out into the ocean from Lisbon, so a maritime museum is especially fitting here. It's located in the building of the Jerónimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama prayed before his expedition.

The spacious halls display more than fifteen thousand exhibits on shipbuilding and the history of navigation. These include ship models, authentic parts of ancient vessels, geographical maps, weapons, admirals' orders and other artifacts.

How to get there: in the Belém district next to the Jerónimos Monastery, on tram 15.
Cost: admission is paid, check the rates at the museum ticket office (as of 09/2026).
The catch: the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Monday.

30. Museum of the Orient

Fans of Eastern culture will find a large collection of art from China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. The exhibitions tell the story of the Portuguese presence in the Asian region.

Porcelain, textiles, ceramics, furniture, paintings, masks, and jewelry showcase the richness of Eastern civilizations. The museum is open every day except Monday, and admission is free on Fridays.

How to get there: the museum stands near the Alcântara waterfront; the easiest way is by tram or bus, then walk using a map.
Cost: paid admission, free on Fridays, rates on the museum website (as of 09/2026).

31. Electricity Museum

Red-brick Electricity Museum building with a chimney

The city has plenty of places for educational outings, and one of them is a former power station building. The industrial structure with red brick finishing supplied the city with energy in the first half of the 20th century, and today it houses an interactive museum.

Visitors take part in experiments on generating electricity. Educational exhibits, devices, units, and machines clearly show how energy works. Admission is free, which is good news for travelers on a tight budget. The complex is open Tuesday through Sunday.

How to get there: take the train to Belém station, then walk along the waterfront using a map.
Cost: free admission.
Who it's for: those heading to Belém with kids who want to add variety to their museum itinerary.

32. Monument to the Discoveries

Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon with an armillary sphere

On the busy Belém waterfront stands a monument facing the Tagus estuary. The sculptural composition is dedicated to the Age of Discovery and appeared in 1960. The tall stele resembles a caravel in silhouette.

On the "deck" of the ship stand figures of navigators, geographers, poets, and scholars. Their gazes are directed toward the ocean. The structure is over fifty meters tall. Inside there is an exhibition hall and an elevator that takes visitors to the top of the monument, where a view of the entire Belém district opens up.

How to get there: in the Belém district on tram 15, the monument stands right by the waterfront.
Cost: paid admission, the climb to the observation deck is paid separately, rates on site (as of 09/2026).
Who it's for: those who want to understand what Portuguese history takes pride in.

33. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Main entrance of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum with water features

In a park with lawns, ponds, and tall trees lies one of the city's best museums. It is the private art collection of Calouste Gulbenkian, striking in its scope. More than a thousand masterpieces are on display.

The exhibits include paintings, interior objects, tableware, jewelry, carpets, sculptures, books, antique furniture, and ancient artifacts. The collection owes its richness to an oil magnate and antiques collector who bequeathed the works to Lisbon, the city of his final years. The museum is open every day from the morning.

How to get there: take the metro to Praça de Espanha station, then walk through the park using a map.
Cost: paid admission, rates on the museum website (as of 09/2026).
Who it's for: those who want to see one of the largest private museums in Europe.

34. Church of Saint Roch

Facade of the Church of Saint Roch in Lisbon

Portugal's first Jesuit church, the Church of Saint Roch, appeared in the 17th century on the site of plague victim burials. From the outside it is a modest building with pilasters and a triangular pediment that hides a lavish interior.

Here marble, gold, intricate wood carving, azulejo tiles, mosaics and rare types of stone make a strong impression. The single-nave hall is decorated with an arcaded gallery, tall columns, ceiling frescoes and sculptural compositions. Azulejo panels depict biblical scenes. The church is open daily except Monday.

How to get there: in the Bairro Alto district, the nearest metro is Baixa-Chiado, then uphill on the map.
Cost: free entry.
The catch: the church is easy to miss from the outside, it looks modest and unremarkable.

35. Church of Santa Engracia and the national pantheon

Dome of the Church of Santa Engrácia above rooftops, view of the Tagus

On a high hill in Alfama rises a snow-white structure, the Church of Santa Engracia, also known as the National Pantheon. Construction began in the late 17th century, and today the temple walls house sarcophagi of Portuguese cultural figures, scientists, athletes and politicians.

The Baroque building is laid out in the shape of an equilateral cross. The structure is crowned with a dome that rises eighty meters. At the base of the dome there is an open terrace with views of the cityscape. The interiors are clad in multicolored marble and inspire a sense of reverence.

How to get there: take tram 28 to Alfama, then walk uphill following the map.
Cost: an adult ticket costs 10 € (as of 09/2026, National Pantheon).
The catch: the temple is closed on Mondays, and the walk up to it is uphill.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for Lisbon?

Three days are enough to get to know the city: one for Belem, one for the center and Alfama, one for the outlying palaces. If you want to see museums at a relaxed pace, add another day. The Queluz and Mafra palaces are often done as a separate trip, since the journey takes half a day.

Which museums are closed on Mondays?

Most museums and palaces are closed on Mondays: the National Coach Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of the Orient, the National Pantheon and the Church of Saint Roch. The Mafra Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Plan your visits so that Monday is spent walking around the squares and Alfama.

What to see in Lisbon for free?

The Sao Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint and other miradouros, Rossio and Praca do Comercio squares, the Alfama district, entry to the cathedral, the Church of Saint Roch and the Electricity Museum are free. On Fridays entry to the Museum of the Orient is free. You can build a full day around these places at almost no cost.

How do you get to Belem and the Mafra Palace?

The easiest way to reach Belem is by tram 15 or by train to Belém station, from there all the sights are a short walk away. Public transport to the Mafra Palace is almost nonexistent, so it is easier to rent a car or take a group tour from Lisbon. The journey takes about forty minutes.

Is it worth buying tickets in advance?

For Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery it is worth buying in advance: in summer the ticket office line is long. Other museums usually admit visitors without a long wait. Online tickets are usually tied to a time slot, so choose a morning time when the halls are still almost empty.

Lisbon attractions on the map

All 35 sights are marked on the map below. Save it to your phone to plan your route around the city.

Distances between central points are short, but the city sits on hills, so part of the route is easier to cover by tram or metro. For getting around the center, get a day pass and do not forget about the climbs.

Tours and tickets in Lisbon

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

See offers on GetYourGuide

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In short: what to book

If you have one day, choose Belem with the tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. If you want a panorama without lines, go up to the Sao Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint. If you are traveling with children, add the oceanarium. Buy tickets for Belem and Jeronimos in advance so you do not waste time at the ticket office.

Tickets with time slots and tours on GetYourGuide will help you skip the line, and hotels in Lisbon on Trip.com are easy to find near the center.

35 Places in Lisbon: tickets, opening hours and what to see for free