It’s official! The Museums and Monuments of Portugal (MMP) will be increasing admission fees for most of its facilities starting January 1, 2025. Portuguese residents and citizens, however, will continue to enjoy 52 free museum access days annually. These days can be any day of the week, not limited to Sundays. Visitors can also use multiple free-day entries to different museums on the same day.
The increases to museum admissions are as follows:
Expanded free entry policies, introduced this past August, include children under 12 when accompanied by an adult. Unemployed EU residents, researchers, heritage professionals, teachers, students on study visits, and economically disadvantaged groups also qualify for free admission. Additional exemptions also apply to conservators, restorers, and cultural volunteers, among others.
Facilities such as the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the National Azulejo Museum are reportedly exceeding visitor limits, and Portuguese officials have emphasized the need for improved visitor distribution strategies. Tourism numbers, they noted, are poorly managed rather than excessive. However, tourism is expected to surge even further once the new Lisbon airport is finished, now that plans are officially moving forward.
Visitors looking for free admission on Sundays or national holidays at Parques de Sintra sites must present their citizen or resident card at the ticket office. These sites include the Pena National Palace, Moorish Castle, National Palace of Sintra, Monserrate Palace, Capuchos Convent, Queluz National Palace, Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, Villa Sassetti, and Cabo da Roca Lighthouse. Other Sintra locations, such as Biester Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, do not offer free entry under this policy. Note that the Parques de Sintra sites are not part of the 52 free museum days, which can be redeemed on any day.
