Lisbon Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha)

The Basics

Sometimes translated Marine Museum, the Maritime Museum’s vast collection offers a comprehensive overview of Portugal’s naval discoveries and achievements. Discover armadas of model boats, ancient globes studied by the country’s first explorers, and tethered maps used to navigate the seas.

Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours to Belem typically include a stop at the Maritime Museum, right in the center of the neighborhood, and can also include a cruise along the Tagus River.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Maritime Museum is a must-visit for history and maritime buffs.

• Though the museum is a part of the Monastery of St. Jerome (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), there is a small, separate admission fee to enter.

• Holders of the Lisboa Card receive discounted admission.

• Weekends offer a number of interactive and creative activities for children.

• The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Maritime Museum is located in the Monastery of St. Jerome. Take tram 15 to the tourist center of Belem and get off at the Jeronimos Monastery. Alternatively, ride bus 714, 727, 28, 729, 751, or 201 to the museum, or the Cascais train line from Cais do Sodre to Belem station.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm from May 1 to September 30, and from 10am to 5pm from October 1 to April 30. It is closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25. Lisbon is quite crowded during the summer months, so consider visiting between October and June for a quieter experience.

Preserving History

In 1863 King Luis I began collecting sailing items from the Age of Discovery (primarily the 15th century) to preserve Portugal’s history. The collection grew and grew, and 100 years later, the Portuguese government opened the doors to the Maritime Museum. Today the establishment is operated by the Portuguese Navy, and proudly displays maritime objects and artifacts from Portugal and beyond.

Ways to explore

Discover the country’s naval history through the Maritime Museum’s collection of more than 18,000 objects, and explore its surrounding sights, which are among Lisbon's top attractions. Part of the Jerónimos Monastery complex, the museum is easy to combine with the Gothic monastery and nearby Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) and Pastéis de Belém bakery. Skip the line for all three gems on a guided Belém walking tour. These half-day experiences often focus on the waterfront district’s role in the Portuguese Age of Discovery—the perfect precursor to a self-guided walk around the Maritime Museum.

Accessibility

The Maritime Museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators throughout the visiting areas and wheelchairs available for loan.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, guidebook

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore Belém on foot, as well as clothing that covers your knees and shoulders to visit the Jerónimos Monastery.

Not allowed

Tripods, smoking, touching the displays

Amenities

Cafeteria, souvenir shop, restrooms

Address

The Maritime Museum is located in Belém’s Praça do Império in the Jerónimos Monastery complex. About a 20-minute drive west of central Lisbon, the museum is easy to reach by public transportation.

Driving

You likely won’t rent a car in Lisbon, where many narrow, hilly streets are pedestrian-only. Instead of driving to the Maritime Museum, use a rideshare app or join a guided tour with transportation from downtown Lisbon.

Public transportation

The fastest way to get to Belém from central Lisbon is to take the train toward Cascais from Cais do Sodré. Or, take the 15E tram from Praça da Figueira; the Mosteiro Jerónimos stop is right outside the Maritime Museum.

Best times to visit

While the Maritime Museum is much quieter than other attractions in Belém, it does get a midday rush, so aim to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.

Best days to visit

The Maritime Museum is open daily, but note that nearby attractions—including the Jerónimos Monastery and Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB—are closed on Mondays.

Best months to visit

Lisbon is very hot in June–August, when trains and trams to Belém are crowded with beachgoers. For a calmer experience at the museum, visit from March–May or September–October.