Lisbon a city filled to the brim with cultural sights and attractions. Around every corner there’s a new arty sight to discover or a picturesque scene to admire.
I have to admit that I didn’t fall completely in love with Lisbon when I visited last year (it might have something to do with my inability to cope with hot weather), but there was one thing that blew me away – the insane amount of creativity on display.
Throughout the city there are numerous museums bursting to the brim with age-old artworks and contemporary pieces, but, as is the case with most capital cities, these come at a cost (and it’s not always cheap).
So, for the more budget-conscious traveller in Lisbon, it’s important to look for other ways to explore the art scene in the city. Just as well there are lots of options!
1. Browse the Berardo Collection
Set just outside of the city centre in the cultural quarter of Belem, the Berardo Museum is a contemporary delight. In actual fact, it remains one of my favourite museums to date, and it was completely free to enter! Throughout the series of rooms, you can wander amongst works by the world’s greatest artists, including the likes of Picasso, Dali, Warhol, and Rothko.
The museum is laid out in chronological order and offers an insight into the artistic scene in each decade, so you learn a little something as you go, too. I could not recommend this enough!
2. Make Yourself at Home at the Markets
Like most European cities, Lisbon is a hotbed of markets. Pretty much every day of the week you’ll stumble across stalls piled high with knickknacks and local food.
Head straight to the Feira da Ladra on a Saturday morning. It’s the best market in the city and boasts a never-ending selection of old antiques, curiosities, local artwork, and traditional Portuguese tiles.
3. Get Creative by the Beach
Just along the coast from Lisbon in Cascais, you can visit the Casa das Historias Paula Rego for free. Tucked away in this seaside town, the museum was designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura and is a celebration of the work of Paula Rego, a famous Portuguese artist. Inside, you’ll get to explore her prints and paintings, many of which reflect traditional Portuguese folklore and culture.
4. Soak up the Street Art
Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe for street art. The government has put numerous projects into place that allow well-known artists to decorate abandoned buildings and old factories with colourful, arty delights. Wander through Bairro Alto for a heavy dose of street art or head to the area surrounding the Picaos metro station, where you’ll find huge murals by some of the world’s best-loved street artists.
5. Find Time to Visit Festivals
Thanks to its creative atmosphere, Lisbon is home to a collection of cultural festivals throughout the year. In May, the city comes alive for the International Iberian Mask Festival, which sees the streets filled with colourful parades and unique masks. And, throughout the summer months, there’s the Outjazz festival. Yes, this is technically a music festival, but lots of artistic talent descends upon the city to make the most of the crowds.
6. Be Amazed by the Azulejos
One of the things I loved most about Lisbon was its tiles or, as they’re known locally, azulejos. Pretty much every street in Alfama is decorated with colourful tiles boasting all sorts of quaint and dainty patterns. You can also head to the Jardim da Quinta dos Azulejos, which is home to some of the most impressive tilework in the whole city.
To dig a little bit deeper into this fascinating tradition, you can pop into one of the many tile workshops that pepper the city. Most of them have their doors open, so you can walk in and look around.
7. Explore the Art Shops of Alfama
Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood isn’t just known for its winding streets and delicious restaurants. It’s also home to a great selection of tiny art galleries and creative shops. Just wander the streets and you’ll come across cute workshops and local stores that showcase some of the city’s best talent.
8. Make Time for the Museums
Lisbon has an endless supply of museums, and, like in most European cities, there are certain times you can visit for free. Check out the Modern Art Centre and the cultural Gulbenkian Museum on a Sunday, or head to the Museu do Oriente on Friday evenings.
So there you have a number of arty free things to do in Lisbon to keep your creative streak happy!
Do you have any more to add? What did you like most about Lisbon?
