National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches)

Careful timing can turn a good museum visit into something magical. The National Coach Museum, housed within a striking modern building and an ornate royal riding ring, tends to get busy—especially when the sun is out or cruises dock nearby. Aim for quieter mornings or early evenings for unhurried exploration. Public transportation leaves visitors steps from the entrance, and the museum’s accessible design makes it popular for families and travelers of all ages. Allow at least an hour and a half, but those with a love of history may linger longer.

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, or late afternoons outside of summer peak
• How to get there: Tram 15E, buses, and Belém train station nearby; taxis and rideshare drop-off right outside
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly with spacious lifts and stroller access; seating areas throughout
• Average visit duration: 1–2 hours

Step inside the main nave and a parade of historic coaches immediately demands attention. These gilded relics once ferried royalty and diplomats, shimmering with carved cherubs and intricate paintings. The museum’s modern building offers natural light and enough room to soak in every lavish detail. Interactive screens and detailed panels bring stories of costumes, horses, and ceremonies to life—while the nearby Royal Riding Ring provides an atmospheric look into the training grounds of the past.

• The Royal Coaches Hall: Highlights include the extravagant Coach of King João V—encrusted with gold and carved allegories—and the ceremonial Pope’s Coach
• Children’s Charrettes: Smaller vehicles used by royal children, stunning for their craftsmanship and charm
• Costume and Weapon Displays: Look for rare uniforms, saddles, and accessories that color the world of palace life
• Royal Riding Ring: An older building filled with frescoes and wooden beams—a side trip for atmosphere and occasional events
• Photo musts: The massive central hall, the ornate wheel details, and the view from above the main floor balcony
• Historical fact: The museum holds one of the world’s largest and rarest collections of royal vehicles, dating from the late 16th century to the 19th