The Best Places To See Portuguese Azulejos In Lisbon

When on a hunt to find the best azulejo mosaics in Lisbon, where do you begin? The answer can be as broad as anywhere and everywhere! There are always beautiful corners to discover, especially for those inclined to venture further than the limits of the city center. Take some time to head out on a walking tour but be sure to include these locations on your route for a glimpse of the city’s best, most beautiful, and/or most unique azulejo decor.

Fronteira Palace

The Fronteira Palace is an excellent example of where to find beautiful Portuguese architecture and decor away from the bustling downtown area. Built in the 17th century, it once belonged to a noble family and is still privately owned but certain wings are open to the public for guided tours. The stunning azulejo mosaics wrap around the main garden and adorn many walls, but the Battle Room may be the property’s MVP in terms of beauty and has even been nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Tile Panels”.

*Tip: If using the metro to navigate the city, take the blue line to the Jardim Zoologico and walk 15-20 minutes to the palace.

Largo São Domingos de Benfica 1, 1500-554 Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 778 2023

Fronteira Palace estate © Bosc d’Anjou / Flickr

Monastery of São Vicente de Fora

Bridge, Building, Church, Monastery

Snug between Graça and Alfama is the neighborhood of São Vicente, home of this jaw-dropping 17th-century monastery. Not only is the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon, but the marble halls, interior corridors and cloisters portray stunning azulejo mosaics detailing historical events from the 12th century, and inauguration of an older monastery that once stood in the same place. Other unique mosaics in the current building illustrate fables written by French poet Jean de la Fontaine.

*The Monastery is an excellent spot for breathtaking views of the Tagus River and April 25 Bridge.

Largo de São Vicente, 1100-572 Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 882 4400

Monastery of São Vicente de Fora © Alegna13 / WIkimedia Commons

The André Saraiva Mural in São Vicente de Fora

Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-472 Lisboa, Portugal

National Azulejo Museum

Due to an out-of-the-way location, the National Azulejo Museum is easy to overlook, which is a shame since it’s the only museum of its kind in the entire country. Set aside 1-2 hours to walk through each room, all housed in a 16th-century convent. This is undoubtedly the best place in Lisbon to see azulejos and learn about their evolution in terms of use and creativity.

*Tip: Regular tickets cost €5.

R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 810 0340

Fabrica Viuva Lamego

Set in the multicultural Intendente neighborhood, the beautiful facade of the Fabrica Viuva Lamego will stun passersby without even entering the shop, but if you have the time for perusing the store, head inside. The tiles are actually produced in Sintra and the Lisbon shop, which opened in the mid-1800s, usually has a handful of stunning displays representing both traditional and modern expressions.

Largo do Intendente Pina Manique, 1100-088 Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 231 4274

The Fabrica Viuva Lamego’s stunning facade

Jardim da Quinta dos Azulejos

Who else knew that Lisbon has its own “secret garden”? Take a stroll through the garden at the Quinta dos Azulejos, or “Estate of the Azulejos”, located in north Lisbon. To reach there, hop on the 703 bus and get dropped off around the corner or take the yellow metro line and get out at Ameixoeira stop. Then it’s only a 20-minute walk to reach this beautiful, azulejo-panoramic sanctuary.

Jardim da Quinta dos Azulejos

Queluz National Palace

Technically the Queluz National Palace is outside Lisbon, located halfway between the capital and Sintra, but it’s too beautiful not to mention and close enough to be relevant. Built in the 18th-century, this architectural masterpiece was designed as the home to Portuguese monarchs, representing Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical influences. The stunning interiors can keep visitors mesmerized but head outside and visit the gardens where there is a “Canal dos Azulejos” or “Canal of Azulejos”.

Largo Palácio de Queluz, 2745-191 Queluz, Portugal +351 21 923 7300

Palace of Queluz, gardens © Lusitana / Wikimedia Commons

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.