Portugal’s history is rich with fascinating stories, some true and others embellished over time. We can assure you: all of the myths listed below are things we have been told by local Portuguese! Let’s examine six widely circulated claims about Portugal and separate fact from fiction once and for all. 

Myth #1: Portugal invented the guitar and spread it around the world.

Fiction

While Portugal has its own unique instrument called the Portuguese guitar (guitarra portuguesa), it did not invent “the guitar” in the general sense. The Portuguese guitar is a 12-string instrument descended from the medieval citole and was developed through a fusion of the European cittern and the English guitar, which was introduced to Portugal through the British trading post in Porto during the 18th century. This specialized instrument is primarily associated with fado music and remains distinctly Portuguese.

The modern six-string guitar that became popular worldwide has different origins entirely. The guitar’s evolution involved many cultures across centuries, with the Spanish guitar maker Antonio de Torres Jurado creating what became the standard classical guitar design in the mid-1800s. The guitar’s roots trace back through Spanish vihuelas, Moorish instruments, and even ancient Greek and Roman stringed instruments.

Portugal did, however, contribute the ukulele to the world. Portuguese immigrants from Madeira brought small stringed instruments called the machete (or braguinha) and the rajão to Hawaii in the 1870s, which directly inspired the creation of the ukulele.

Myth #2: Portugal was responsible for making tea popular in the UK.

Mostly Fact

This claim is essentially true. When Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess, married King Charles II of England in 1662, she brought with her a chest of tea from Portugal. The Portuguese had been importing tea from China since the early 1550s through their trading post in Macau, which made Portugal one of the first European nations to develop a taste for the beverage.

Tea had technically reached England before Catherine’s arrival, but it remained a rare medicinal curiosity sold in apothecary shops. Samuel Pepys recorded his first taste of tea in 1660. He described it as a “China drink” he had never tried before. Catherine transformed tea from an exotic medicine into a fashionable social beverage. As queen, her daily tea-drinking habits were closely observed and imitated by ladies at court, who then spread the custom through aristocratic circles.

Catherine’s influence went beyond making tea consumption popular. She introduced the concept of tea as a social ritual instead of a medicinal tonic, and her preference for drinking it with milk established what would become a distinctly British tradition. While Catherine didn’t technically “introduce” tea to England, she absolutely made it popular and fashionable, which fundamentally changed British culture. Thus, this myth is substantially true.

Myth #3: Christopher Columbus was born in Cuba, Portugal.

Fiction

The vast majority of historians agree that Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, around 1451 to a wool merchant named Domenico Colombo. Contemporary documents from Genoa and Savona support this consensus, and Columbus’s Genoese origin was not controversial during his lifetime.

However, there is a small Portuguese town called Cuba in the Alentejo region, and since the 20th century, a handful of scholars have promoted the theory that Columbus was actually Portuguese, born in this town. Proponents of this theory, such as José Mascarenhas Barreto in 1988, suggested Columbus was really Salvador Fernandes Zarco, a Portuguese agent who deceived the Spanish. They point to the fact that Columbus named the Caribbean island “Cuba” as potential evidence of his birthplace.

The Portuguese theory also notes that Columbus’s wife, Filipa Moniz Perestrelo, was Portuguese, and that he spent considerable time in Portugal before his voyages. Some have analyzed his signatures and writings for clues to Portuguese origin.

Despite these alternative theories, the evidence overwhelmingly supports Columbus’s Italian birth. The Cuban, Portugal connection remains an interesting local legend but lacks the historical documentation to overturn centuries of accepted scholarship. The town of Cuba even has a statue honoring Columbus, but this represents local pride more than historical fact.

Myth #4: The Japanese word for “Thank You” (arigatou) comes from the Portuguese “obrigado” after the Portuguese landed in Japan in 1543.

Fiction

Despite the striking phonetic similarity between the Japanese arigatou and the Portuguese obrigado, this is a false cognate. The resemblance is purely coincidental.

Historical records definitively prove that arigatou predates Portuguese contact with Japan. The word appears in Japanese literature from the 8th century in its original form “arigatashi,” which meant “difficult to exist” or “hard to be.” Over time, it shifted in meaning to “rare, special,” and then to “welcome, thankful, nice to have” by the 15th century. The Portuguese did not arrive in Japan until 1543, well over a century after arigatou was already being used to express gratitude.

The word arigatou comes from two Japanese roots: “aru” (to exist) and “katai” (difficult), conveying the idea that the favor being acknowledged is “something precious that rarely exists.”

While the Portuguese did introduce many loanwords to Japanese during the 16th and 17th centuries (including words like tempura, pan for bread, and tabako for tobacco), arigatou is not among them. The early Japanese-Portuguese dictionary compiled by Jesuit missionaries, the Vocabvlario da Lingoa de Iapam, lists “arigatai” with its derivative form “arigatou,” confirming the word existed independently before linguistic borrowing from Portuguese occurred.

Myth #5: King Dom Sebastião, who disappeared in battle in 1578, will return to save Portugal in its darkest hour.

Legend, but culturally true as a belief system

This myth forms the foundation of Sebastianism (Sebastianismo), one of Portugal’s most enduring cultural phenomena. King Sebastian of Portugal led a disastrous crusade to Morocco in 1578, where his army of 17,000 men was crushed by a superior Moroccan force of over 60,000 at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir on August 4, 1578. Sebastian, only 24 years old, was almost certainly killed in battle, though his body was not immediately recovered, which led to uncertainty about his fate.

The young king had been called “O Desejado” (the Desired One) even before his birth, and after his death, many Portuguese refused to believe he was truly gone. When his body was eventually returned to Portugal in 1582 and interred in the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, his tomb was inscribed with a verse that translates to: “In this tomb lies buried Sebastian, if the story is true.”

The legend of Sebastian’s return became a powerful messianic belief. According to Sebastianism, the king is “O Encoberto” (the Hidden One) who will return on a foggy morning to save Portugal in its darkest hour and establish the Fifth Empire, a spiritual kingdom of peace and prosperity. This belief gained particular strength during 1580-1640 when Spanish kings occupied the Portuguese throne, as people yearned for a deliverer to restore independence.

The myth has had remarkable cultural staying power. Between 1584 and 1598, at least four impostors claimed to be the returned Sebastian. The belief spread to Brazil, where it influenced messianic movements in the 19th century. The renowned Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa built upon Sebastianist themes in his epic work “Mensagem,” and the legend inspired the 1968 song “A Lenda d’El Rei D. Sebastião” by Quarteto 1111.

Thus, while Sebastian will not literally return, Sebastianism remains a genuine and influential belief system in Portuguese culture, which represents the enduring hope for national renewal and redemption. The myth is fiction in the literal sense but very real as a cultural and psychological phenomenon.

Myth #6: Portugal had its own unique dinosaurs.

Fact

Portugal absolutely had its own unique dinosaur species, and the country is one of Europe’s most important dinosaur fossil sites. The town of Lourinhã is even known as “Dinosaur Town” because of the extraordinary number of fossils discovered there. Portugal’s Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago, was home to a rich ecosystem of dinosaurs, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Several dinosaur species are endemic to Portugal or were first discovered there. Lourinhanosaurus antunesi, described in 1998, is a carnivorous theropod dinosaur named after the town of Lourinhã where it was found in 1982. This mid-sized predator, measuring about 4.5 meters long, is particularly significant because it was the first theropod discovered with gastroliths (stomach stones), and fossils include a nest with over 100 eggs, with some containing well-preserved embryos.

Lusotitan atalaiensis is another Portuguese endemic species. This enormous sauropod, originally classified as a species of Brachiosaurus when discovered in 1947, was recognized as its own distinct genus in 2003. The name combines “Luso” (referring to Lusitania, the ancient name for Portugal) with “Titan” from Greek mythology. This giant herbivore could reach up to 25 meters in length and represents one of the largest dinosaurs ever found in Europe.

The Lourinhã Formation has yielded numerous other significant finds, including species like Dinheirosaurus lourinhanensis, Dracopelta (an armored dinosaur), and various other theropods and sauropods. In 2022, a homeowner in Pombal accidentally discovered what may be one of Europe’s largest dinosaur skeletons in his backyard, an 82-foot-long sauropod with remarkably preserved ribs still in their original anatomical position.

Portugal’s dinosaur fossil record is so rich that paleontologists compare the Lourinhã Formation to North America’s famous Morrison Formation. The Portuguese Late Jurassic ecosystem was a semi-arid floodplain environment where multiple large predators like Allosaurus, Torvosaurus, and Ceratosaurus competed alongside the endemic Portuguese species. This makes Portugal not just a country with unique dinosaurs, but one of the world’s premier locations for understanding Late Jurassic dinosaur diversity and evolution!

Conclusion

Of these six myths, two are substantially true: Catherine of Braganza popularizing tea in Britain and Portugal having its own unique dinosaurs. Three are complete fiction (the guitar’s origin, the arigatou etymology, and Columbus’s Cuban birthplace), and one exists in an interesting space between legend and cultural reality (Sebastianism). 

Now that we have separated truth from fiction, were there any that surprised you? Let us know in the comments!

Porto’s art scene does not have a concentrated center such as Belém in Lisbon, but you will find a treasure trove of beauty spread tucked into historic buildings, sprawling gardens, and right next to the Douro River. 

We’ve curated 9 of the best art museums in Porto ranging from world class contemporary collections to institutions that highlight Porto’s unique artistic identity. Porto rewards visitors who slow down, linger, and let the art unfold at its own pace. Let’s explore.

1. Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves and Casa de Serralves

Address – Rua Dom João de Castro 210, Parque de Serralves, R. de Serralves 999

Why You Should Go

Serralves is Porto’s most important contemporary art destination and one of the most significant cultural institutions in Portugal. Set within a vast landscaped park, the complex combines a striking minimalist museum building designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira with the elegant Art Deco Casa de Serralves, which creates a multi-faceted artistic experience that spans architecture, fine art, and design.

The contemporary museum presents rotating exhibitions by major international and Portuguese artists across multiple types media. Just five minutes away, the Casa de Serralves enchants visitors with a quieter and more intimate experience focused on early twentieth century architecture, decorative arts, and historically grounded exhibitions. The surrounding gardens, forests, and formal landscapes are an essential part of the visit and make Serralves feel more like a cultural campus than a single museum.

2. Soares dos Reis National Museum

Address – R. de D Manuel II 44

Why You Should Go

This is Porto’s principal fine art museum and the best place to understand the development of Portuguese art from the eighteenth century through the early modern period. It is housed in the former Carrancas Palace, and the museum’s well-decorated rooms provide a fitting backdrop for its collection of painting, sculpture, and ceramics.

The museum’s name comes from the renowned Portuguese sculptor António Soares dos Reis, and it is particularly strong in nineteenth century Portuguese art. Its central location near the Crystal Palace Gardens makes it easy to combine with a walk overlooking the Douro River.

3. MASA – Museum of Sacred Art and Archeology

Address – Largo do Colégio

Why You Should Go

This museum explores centuries of religious art tied to the city’s ecclesiastical history right next to the Porto Cathedral. The collection includes sculpture, painting, textiles, goldsmith work, and objects that reflect Porto’s importance as a religious and commercial center.

The museum’s strength lies in its craftsmanship and historical depth rather than any particular blockbuster masterpieces. It is especially rewarding for visitors interested in sacred art, symbolism, and the role of religion in shaping Portuguese artistic traditions.

4. Porto Tram Museum

Address – Alameda Basílio Teles 51

Why You Should Go

While not a traditional art museum per se, the Porto Tram Museum earns its place for its design, engineering, and visual storytelling. Housed in a former power station, the museum displays historic trams alongside photographs, posters, and industrial design elements that chart Porto’s urban evolution.

The museum’s spacious interior and spot by the riverside make it an appealing stop, especially for anyone interested in transportation design and urban history. If you have children that are into trains, this is the perfect place. 

5. The Press Museum (Museu Nacional da Imprensa)

Address – Estrada Nacional 108

Why You Should Go

The National Printing Museum celebrates the art of typography, printing, and graphic design in a way that feels surprisingly contemporary. Exhibits include historic presses, posters, books, and rotating exhibitions that highlight illustration, editorial design, and political art.

Situated along the Douro River, the museum also hosts international graphic design competitions which reinforces Porto’s role in visual communication and print culture.

Note: The Press Museum is currently undergoing renovations and will reopen its doors on April 5, 2026

6. Museu Romântico (Romantic Museum)

Address – R. de Entre-Quintas 220

Why You Should Go

An art museum devoted to romance? Not, this is not that kind of museum, but it does recreate the interior of a nineteenth century bourgeois home and offers insight into Romantic era aesthetics, music, and domestic life. 

The museum is closely associated with King Charles Albert of Sardinia, who spent his final days in this house after being exiled following political upheaval in Italy. This historical connection reinforces the Romantic themes of exile, introspection, and personal struggle that defined the period. Throughout the house, objects provide insight into how art, music, and literature were woven into daily life among Europe’s educated classes. The surrounding gardens and river views enhance the experience.

7. The Art of Drinking – The Bridge Collection

Address – Rua do Choupelo

Why You Should Go

The art of drinking? We know. This is definitely an unconventional addition to a list of art museums, but one that feels entirely appropriate in Porto. The Art of Drinking – The Bridge Collection is part of World of Wine, the major cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia that brings together seven distinct museums focused on Portuguese history, craftsmanship, and global connections. Within this broader context, the Art of Drinking explores drinking from multiple angles including ritual, craftsmanship, social practice, and cultural expression. In a city where Port wine shaped global trade, architecture, labor, and identity, drinking is inseparable from history.

The collection focuses on glassware, vessels, tools, and objects related to wine, spirits, and communal drinking traditions all presented with an eye toward design, material culture, and storytelling. Rather than celebrating excess, the exhibition examines how humans across cultures have gathered, marked time, formed relationships, and created meaning through drinking together.

This is the landscape where Port wine was aged, traded, and shipped to the world, and where drinking became both an economic engine and a cultural signature. Visiting this collection adds texture to any understanding of Porto.

8. Casa do Infante

Address – Rua da Alfândega 10

Why You Should Go

Believed to be the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, Casa do Infante focuses on Porto’s medieval and maritime history. The museum includes archaeological remains, maps, and artifacts that connect art, exploration, and commerce.

While not an art museum in the strict sense, it offers essential context for understanding the forces that shaped Portuguese artistic production during the Age of Discoveries.

9. Galeria Municipal do Porto

Address – Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, Rua D. Manuel II

Why You Should Go

The Galeria Municipal do Porto is the city’s most dynamic space dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Located in the Crystal Palace Gardens complex, the gallery hosts rotating exhibitions by emerging and established artists working across painting, installation, video, and performance.

Its exhibitions often reflect current conversations in global contemporary art, and entry is typically free. After your visit, enjoy a stroll in one of Porto’s most beautiful green spaces at the Crystal Gardens.

Conclusion

Porto’s art museums couldn’t be more different from each other. We encourage you to start with Serralves, which we truly feel is unmissable, and then make your way to the Soares dos Reis National Museum to understand the roots of classic Portuguese art. There is so much art to experience in Porto. When you’re finished, don’t forget to try Porto’s own work of art: Port wine! 

Traveling internationally with young children can feel intimidating, especially for parents used to rigid schedules, skeptical looks, and the constant sense that kids are somehow in the way. However, this is not the case in Portugal. Across the country, children are welcomed and treated as a natural and cherished part of everyday life.

It doesn’t matter if you are in a café, riding a bus, or hanging out in a hotel lobby with your kids, Portugal offers a cultural environment where families can relax and children are treated as little darlings rather than people to avoid. While no destination is perfect, Portugal stands out as one of the most genuinely child friendly countries in Europe, particularly when compared to the often strained relationship between public life and children in the United States, for example.

Children Are Genuinely Welcome in Daily Life

One of the first things visiting parents will notice in Portugal is how differently children are treated in public spaces. Babies are smiled at. Toddlers are spoken to directly. Older children are asked questions, teased gently, and included in conversations.

In cafés and restaurants, children are rarely met with sighs or eye rolls. A child making noise is seen as being a child and not a disruption or annoyance. It is common for servers to joke with kids, bring extra napkins without being asked, or adjust seating to make families more comfortable. In smaller towns and city neighborhoods, strangers often greet children warmly as they pass.

This cultural attitude contrasts sharply with the experience many families report in the United States or the United Kingdom, where public tolerance for children can feel strained or only tolerated in the case of good behavior. In Portugal, kids are part of the social fabric. 

A Slower Pace That Benefits Families

Portugal operates at a slower pace than many highly industrialized countries. Meals take time. Conversations can go on for hours. People sit in public squares and watch the world go by.

For families, this pace is a gift. There is less pressure to rush children through experiences or keep them perfectly quiet. Parents often find themselves more relaxed because the environment itself encourages patience.

Even in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, daily life feels less compressed than in cities such as New York or London. This makes navigating a new country with kids far less stressful. 

Navigating Cities with Strollers Requires Planning

Although parents may feel less general stress when traveling through Portugal, the cobblestone streets, steep hills, and metro systems can be difficult to navigate with strollers. 

Many stations rely heavily on stairs, but elevators and escalators in metro stations are frequently broken for months or even years at a time. In historic neighborhoods, sidewalks can be uneven or extremely narrow.

This does not make travel impossible, but it does require realistic expectations. Parents traveling with very young children may want to plan routes carefully or use lightweight, easily foldable strollers. If children are young enough, it would be better to use a baby carrier such as a baby sling or wrap.

The good news is that ride shares are remarkably affordable. In both Lisbon and Porto, families can comfortably use regular cars or upgrade to XL options without significant cost. For a family of four, this often becomes the most practical way to move around, especially after long days of sightseeing.

Beaches as Endless Natural Playgrounds

Portugal’s coastline is one of its greatest assets for families. Beaches stretch endlessly along the Atlantic giving children the chance to explore and play for hours.

Beaches near Lisbon such as Carcavelos and Costa da Caparica are easy day trips, while Porto’s seaside neighborhoods like Foz do Douro offer a relaxed beach atmosphere close to the city.

However, parents must exercise caution. The Atlantic Ocean is powerful. Waves can be strong, currents unpredictable, and water temperatures cool even in summer. Many beaches have lifeguards during peak season, and flag systems clearly indicate swimming conditions. Portugal takes beach safety seriously, and families should do the same.

Parks May Be Small, But Playgrounds Are Everywhere

Unlike cities such as London or New York, Lisbon does not have an abundance of massive central parks. While large green spaces do exist, but they are mostly located slightly outside the city center.

What Portugal does offer instead is a network of small centrally located neighborhood parks and playgrounds. These spaces are scattered throughout residential areas and near cafés, which make them ideal for short breaks while sightseeing and the ability to meet other children.

Children can play together naturally, without structured supervision, while parents sit nearby with coffee. 

Affordable Museums That Fascinate Children

Portugal also has a wealth of museums that are affordable, interactive, and welcoming to families, which making them excellent options for rainy days.

In Lisbon, the Quake Museum offers an immersive experience that explains the historic 1755 earthquake through sensory and interactive exhibits that are sure to captivate older children. The Carris Museum introduces kids to Lisbon’s iconic trams and public transport history while also giving them the chance to ride one of the trains from one building to another.

Other family friendly options in Lisbon include the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology with its open spaces and futuristic design, and the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of Europe’s most impressive aquariums for children of all ages.

In Porto, families enjoy the World of Discoveries, an interactive museum that brings Portugal’s Age of Exploration to life in a hands-on way. The Porto Tram Museum is another favorite especially for children fascinated by vehicles and machinery.

Safety and Ease for Parents

Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, and cities are calm even at night. For parents, this translates into peace of mind when navigating unfamiliar environments with children.

Healthcare is excellent and accessible, pharmacies are plentiful, and pharmacists are knowledgeable and approachable. Parents traveling with children in Portugal often comment on how supported they feel if something unexpected arises.

A Culture That Sees Children as People

Perhaps the most compelling reason Portugal works so well for families simply comes down to culture. Children in Portugal are seen as people learning how to exist in the world not as inconveniences or disruptions.

This attitude flows through everyday interactions and removes much of the stress that comes with family travel elsewhere. Parents feel less judged and can wander around public spaces with their children feeling more at ease. 

As we’ve said, Portugal is not perfect. Stairs are unavoidable, metro stations can be challenging, and you must be careful with the waves and currents at the beach. However, the warmth, patience, and genuine affection shown toward children in Portugal make these inconveniences easier to manage.

For families looking for a destination where children are welcomed with curiosity, kindness, and respect, Portugal is one of the best choices you could make. 

Lisbon wears its history on the outside, but its art scene thrives indoors. The compact nature of the city makes museum hopping remarkably easy and allows visitors to experience multiple artistic worlds in a single day while enjoying the beautiful streets and neighborhoods that connect them. 

Below are 11 of the best art museums in Lisbon – from beautiful azulejo tiles to unique puppets from around the world and masterworks of European painting. The range of Lisbon’s art is sure to surprise you! Let’s dive in!

1. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Address – Av. de Berna 45A

Why You Should Go

The Gulbenkian Museum showcases one of the world’s most remarkable private art collections donated by Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian over his lifetime. The collection spans over 5,000 years of art history from ancient Egyptian artifacts and Greco-Roman sculptures to Impressionist paintings and Art Nouveau jewelry by René Lalique. The museum’s layout takes visitors on a chronological journey through civilizations in a setting that never feels overwhelming.

Every piece was personally selected by Gulbenkian. Highlights include works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Renoir, and Turner displayed in elegant, naturally lit galleries. The museum sits within beautiful landscaped gardens, which make it an ideal place to spend the afternoon. The attached Modern Collection building just reopened after extensive renovations in 2024 and houses Portuguese art from the 20th century onward.

Note: The Gulbenkian Museum is temporarily closed until July 2026 due to refurbishment works.

2. MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)

Address – Av. Brasília

Why You Should Go

When it opened in 2016, the MAAT represented Lisbon’s bold leap into contemporary museum design and programming. This striking waterfront building designed by Amanda Levete features an undulating white facade that has become an instant landmark along the Belém riverfront. The museum focuses on the intersection of art, architecture, and technology and hosts cutting-edge exhibitions by international contemporary artists alongside explorations of design innovation and architectural thought. The rooftop walkway offers spectacular panoramic views of the Tagus River and the April 25 Bridge.

The museum complex also includes the beautifully restored Central Tejo, a former power station turned exhibition space that has retained its industrial machinery and architectural character. This combination of historic industrial architecture and futuristic design creates a unique dialogue between past and present. MAAT’s programming emphasizes emerging artists and interdisciplinary approaches. Its beautiful location along the Tagus River makes it perfect for combining a visit with a scenic walk along Lisbon’s waterfront promenade.

3. Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)

Address – Rua da Madre de Deus 4

Why You Should Go

The Museu Nacional do Azulejo celebrates Portugal’s most distinctive art form in a setting that is itself a work of art. Housed in the former Madre de Deus convent, the museum traces the history of Portuguese decorative tiles from their Moorish origins through five centuries of evolution. The stunning 36-meter-long tile panel depicting Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake is an unmissable highlight. The museum’s collection demonstrates how azulejos evolved from simple geometric patterns to elaborate narrative scenes and Art Nouveau innovations.

Beyond the tiles themselves, the convent’s baroque chapel is a breathtaking example of Portuguese religious art, with its walls entirely covered in blue and white azulejos and gilded woodwork creating an overwhelming sense of beauty. The museum provides an essential context for understanding the ubiquitous tile work you’ll encounter throughout Lisbon. Temporary exhibitions also often showcase contemporary artists working with ceramic and tile.

Note: The Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum) in Lisbon is currently closed for major renovations and is expected to reopen in the second half of 2026, likely around June 2026, as part of Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

4. MAC/CCB (Museu de Arte Contemporânea, Centro Cultural de Belém)

Address – Praça do Império

Why You Should Go

The MAC/CCB offers one of Europe’s finest surveys of modern and contemporary art in the Cultural Center of Belém. The permanent collection spans the major art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries and features works by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Francis Bacon, and countless others. The museum’s strength lies in its comprehensive representation of artistic movements from Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art and Minimalism.

The museum’s location in Belém means you can easily combine your visit with other major attractions like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. 

5. Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum)

Address – Av. da Índia 136

Why You Should Go

While technically focused on coaches rather than traditional fine art, the Museu Nacional dos Coches, we included it on our list due to its stunning display of decorative artistry and craftsmanship. This museum houses the world’s largest collection of royal coaches, carriages, and ceremonial vehicles, many of which are masterpieces of baroque and rococo decoration. The level of artistic detail in these vehicles is extraordinary and features elaborate carved sculptures and painted panels that rival anything found in traditional art museums. 

The new purpose-built museum building, opened in 2015, provides a spectacular setting for the coaches and also includes the former royal riding school building, a beautiful 18th-century structure. This is a uniquely Portuguese museum experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

6. MACAM – Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins

Address – Rua da Junqueira 66

Why You Should Go

MACAM opened in March 2025 in the Alcântara-Belém Art District and is one of Lisbon’s newest and most distinctive cultural institutions. The museum is built around the private collection of Armando Martins, who began collecting art in 1974 and has since assembled more than 600 works spanning the nineteenth century to the present day. Unlike any other museum in the city, MACAM is both an art museum and a hotel, which makes it the first museum hotel of its kind in Europe.

The collection is spread across four galleries. Gallery 1 focuses on major figures in Portuguese art, while Gallery 2 presents an international contemporary collection featuring photography, sculpture, video, and film. Temporary exhibitions are housed in Galleries 3 and 4, which can be accessed through an outdoor courtyard that also leads to a café and restaurant. 

7. National Museum of Contemporary Art, Museu do Chiado (MNAC)

Address – Rua Serpa Pinto 4

Why You Should Go

The Chiado Museum specializes in Portuguese art from 1850 to the present day, giving visitors a comprehensive overview of how Portuguese artists engaged with and responded to international artistic movements. The collection is particularly strong in works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and includes pieces by naturalist and romantic painters as well as modernist works that show Portuguese artists embracing cubism, futurism, and expressionism. This focus on Portuguese art provides valuable context for understanding the country’s cultural development during a period of significant social and political change.

Housed in a former convent that was beautifully renovated after a devastating 1988 fire, the museum itself is an interesting blend of historic architecture and contemporary design. The museum’s central Chiado location puts you in one of Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods surrounded by bookshops, cafes, and boutiques. 

8. Museu Bordalo Pinheiro

Address – Campo Grande 382

Why You Should Go

The Museu Bordalo Pinheiro celebrates one of Portugal’s most versatile and beloved artists, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (1846-1905), whose creative genius spanned illustration, caricature, ceramics, and sculpture. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of over 3,000 prints, 900 photographs, and 1,200 ceramic pieces that reveal the breadth of his artistic vision. Most notably, visitors can explore the evolution of Zé Povinho, Bordalo Pinheiro’s iconic cartoon character representing the everyday Portuguese working man, which became a powerful symbol of social commentary in 19th-century Portugal. The collection demonstrates how Bordalo Pinheiro revolutionized Portuguese graphic arts and ceramics.

Beyond the famous ceramics that still bear his name in shops across Portugal, the museum reveals Bordalo Pinheiro’s remarkable range as a satirist and cultural critic. His caricatures and illustrations display a sharp wit and keen eye for social observation that made him both celebrated and occasionally controversial during his lifetime. Located in the Campo Grande area, this museum offers insight into a particular Portuguese artistic sensibility that combined humor, craftsmanship, and social consciousness in ways that continue to resonate today.

9. Museu do Oriente (Museum of the Orient)

Address – Doca de Alcântara, Av. Brasília 352

Why You Should Go

The Museu do Oriente explores the artistic and cultural connections between Portugal and Asia and highlights centuries of exchange that began during the Age of Discovery. The permanent collection features an impressive array of Asian art, including Chinese porcelain, Japanese screens, Indian textiles, and Southeast Asian sculpture. The Portuguese Presence in Asia exhibition illuminates how these cultural encounters influenced both Portuguese and Asian artistic traditions, featuring maps, religious art, and decorative objects that document this fascinating historical dialogue.

Housed in a converted warehouse on the waterfront, the museum’s industrial architecture has been transformed into a striking cultural space with excellent natural lighting and harbor views. The collection demonstrates the sophistication of Asian artistic traditions while also showing how Portuguese traders, missionaries, and colonists participated in and were influenced by these cultures. 

10. Museu da Marioneta (Puppet Museum)

Address – Rua da Esperança 146

Why You Should Go

While puppets might not immediately come to mind when thinking about art museums, the Museu da Marioneta is delightful and makes a compelling case for puppetry as a significant form of art. The collection includes hundreds of puppets from around the world, including Portuguese shadow puppets, Asian rod puppets, and European marionettes, demonstrate the diversity of this performing art. 

The museum occupies a former convent in the charming Madragoa neighborhood and is a wonderful place for families. It reopened in June 2025 after extensive renovations. 

11. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art)

Address – Rua das Janelas Verdes

Why You Should Go

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is the most important fine art museum in Portugal and the best place to understand how Portuguese art evolved alongside religion, monarchy, and overseas expansion. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to the early nineteenth century and includes painting, sculpture, goldsmith work, textiles, and decorative arts. Many of the works reflect Portugal’s global connections during the Age of Discoveries.

The museum’s garden overlooks the Tagus River and offers a quiet place to take a break after moving through galleries filled with sacred imagery and royal commissions. It is an excellent museum for visitors who enjoy taking their time and absorbing the historical context of Portugal.

Note: The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is temporarily closed as of September 29, 2025 until further notice due to renovation work. Don’t miss this incredible museum and its collection once it reopens.

Conclusion

Lisbon’s art museums offer an incredible range of remarkable all within a city that is itself a work of art. The manageable distances between museums and the city’s excellent public transportation make it possible to visit multiple museums in a single visit. Take your time exploring these cultural treasures, and you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation not only for Portuguese art but for the creative currents that have shaped Western and global culture across the centuries. 

In the early twelfth century, the land that would one day become Portugal was not yet a country. It was a contested frontier territory that was both politically unstable and shaped by competing loyalties to local leaders and the Kingdom of León. Few people living in the region could have imagined that a short but decisive clash outside Guimarães in 1128 would set in motion the creation of an entirely new kingdom. However, that is exactly what happened at the Battle of São Mamede.

Often described as the moment Portugal was born, this battle marked the emergence of a leader determined to challenge outside control and establish a distinct political identity. While independence would not be achieved overnight, São Mamede ignited a chain of events that ultimately led to the formation of Portugal as a sovereign kingdom.

Portugal before Portugal

At the start of the twelfth century, the territory between the Minho and Mondego rivers was known as the County of Portugal. It was not independent. Instead, it functioned as a semi autonomous county within the Kingdom of León. The region was governed by Countess Teresa of León, daughter of King Alfonso VI, following the death of her husband, Henry of Burgundy.

Teresa ruled on behalf of her young son, Afonso Henriques, but her authority depended heavily on alliances with Galician nobility, especially the powerful Trava family. These alliances brought military and political support, but they also created resentment among local Portuguese nobles. Many feared that Teresa’s reliance on Galicia would permanently bind the county to external interests and prevent it from developing its own leadership.

As time passed, dissatisfaction grew. The local nobility increasingly viewed Teresa as prioritizing Galician influence over Portuguese autonomy. The county’s elites wanted greater control over their own lands and decisions, and they began to see Teresa’s son as an alternative ruler who could represent those ambitions.

The Road to São Mamede

As Afonso Henriques reached his teenage years, he became a focal point for opposition to his mother’s rule. Supported by Portuguese nobles and members of the clergy, he began to assert himself politically and militarily. The conflict between Teresa and her son represented two competing visions for the future of the county.

Teresa sought to maintain power through her Galician alliances, which effectively anchored the county within a broader political network tied to León and Galicia. Afonso Henriques and his supporters, by contrast, wanted local rule free from external domination.

By 1127, tensions had escalated to the point where compromise was no longer possible. Both sides began preparing for open conflict. The stage was set for a decisive confrontation that would determine who controlled the County of Portugal.

The Battle of São Mamede

The battle took place on June 24, 1128, at Campo de São Mamede, just outside Guimarães. The location was symbolically significant, as Guimarães was already associated with the early foundations of the county.

The forces involved were relatively small by medieval standards. Teresa’s army included Galician knights loyal to the Trava family supported by troops drawn from her political allies. Afonso Henriques, on the other hand, commanded a coalition of Portuguese nobles and their retainers, men who were deeply invested in the idea of local autonomy.

The fighting appears to have been swift and decisive. While detailed accounts are limited, it is clear that Afonso’s forces managed to break Teresa’s lines. Some historians suggest that parts of Teresa’s army may have withdrawn or defected once the battle began, especially if their loyalties were divided between Galician leadership and local interests.

Whatever the exact sequence of events, the outcome was clear. Teresa was defeated. She was forced to leave the county and retreat into Galicia, where she would live out the rest of her life removed from Portuguese political power. Afonso Henriques, just nineteen years old, emerged as the undisputed ruler of the County of Portugal.

The Significance of São Mamede 

From a military perspective, the Battle of São Mamede was not large or especially complex. Its importance lies entirely in its consequences. For the first time, the County of Portugal was ruled by a leader whose authority did not depend on León or Galician nobility.

São Mamede marked a turning point in political identity. The Portuguese nobility increasingly saw themselves as members of a distinct political community rather than border vassals of a larger kingdom. Control over the county was now firmly in local hands, and the idea of independence became both imaginable and achievable.

This moment would later be remembered as the symbolic birth of Portugal. Guimarães came to be known as the cradle of the nation, not because a kingdom was formally declared there, but because the battle made that future possible.

What Happened Next

Victory at São Mamede did not immediately create an independent kingdom. Instead, it created the conditions necessary for independence to emerge over the following decades.

Afonso Henriques focused first on consolidating his authority within the county. He strengthened alliances with loyal nobles, rewarded supporters, and cultivated strong ties with the Church. These relationships were crucial since religious backing provided legitimacy in medieval Europe.

At the same time, Afonso pursued military campaigns to the south against Muslim controlled territories as part of the broader Reconquista. These campaigns expanded his territory and enhanced his reputation as a warrior leader. Military success reinforced his authority and supported the idea that he ruled by both strength and divine favor.

From Count to King

The decisive step toward kingship came in 1139 following Afonso Henriques’s victory at the Battle of Ourique. After this battle, he was declared king by his troops. While the exact nature of this proclamation is debated, its significance is clear. Afonso was no longer acting merely as an independent count. He now claimed royal status.

This claim required recognition. Declaring oneself king did not automatically make it so in medieval Europe. Afonso entered into negotiations with neighboring powers, particularly the Kingdom of León. These efforts culminated in the Treaty of Zamora in 1143, which recognized Portugal as a separate political entity.

Papal recognition followed later, which solidified Portugal’s legitimacy within Christian Europe and confirmed its status as a sovereign kingdom.

The Legacy of São Mamede

The Battle of São Mamede occupies a central place in Portuguese historical memory because it represents choice and determination. It was the moment when local leaders chose autonomy over submission and set a new political course.

Although independence was achieved gradually, the battle marked the first irreversible step. From that moment onward, the County of Portugal moved steadily toward full sovereignty.

Today, São Mamede is remembered not only as a medieval battle, but also as the spark that ignited the creation of a nation. From a single confrontation outside Guimarães emerged a kingdom, a culture, and an identity that would endure for centuries.