Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum), Lisbon (must see)

While the idea of a tile museum may not immediately spark excitement, Lisbon's remarkable azulejos museum stands as one of the city's premier tourist destinations—and rightfully so. Nestled within the 16th-century Madre de Deus convent and its serene cloister, this museum showcases an extensive collection of individual glazed tiles and intricate pictorial panels. Its exhibits span from 15th-century Moorish influences to contemporary works, with each room dedicated to a distinct historical period.

The array of styles is truly diverse, ranging from 17th-century portraits depicting English King Charles II with his Portuguese wife, Catherine of Bragança, to a satirical panel from 1720 humorously illustrating a man receiving an injection in his bottom.

Within the opulent convent church, visitors can enjoy additional sights, including ornate baroque embellishments and lively azulejo compositions narrating the life of Saint Anthony. Many of the museum's chambers encircle the cloisters of the church, where you'll find a spire in one corner, entirely adorned with tiles. Upstairs, the pièce de résistance is Portugal's longest azulejo masterpiece—an intricately detailed 40-meter panorama of Lisbon, completed around 1738.

To complete your visit, there's a cozy café-bar and a gift shop offering reproductions of these exquisite tiles.

Why You Should Visit:
Tiles galore, spanning many centuries – some humorous, other religious, and geometric.
The interior surprises with its spaciousness, exceeding expectations, while the courtyard features a lovely tropical garden and a café.

Tips:
Pay close attention to the provided map to avoid getting lost in the museum's maze-like layout..
Alternatively, consider downloading the free app, which can serve as either an audio guide or a written guide (remember to bring headphones if you prefer the audio option).
Most importantly, make sure not to overlook the panoramic azulejo depiction of 18th-century Lisbon, tucked away in its own room on the top floor.