Fernando Pessoa is a name that strikes pride in many Portuguese hearts. A poet, author, and deep thinker, his reflections are found in poetry, short stories, letters, plays, and even puzzles. The Pessoa Museum is housed inside the home where the writer lived, sometimes alone and other times with family, during the last 15 years of his life. Here books, manuscripts, notes, and photos are showcased over three floors.

Curated by businessman António Medeiros e Almeida, this private art collection includes Chinese porcelain dating back to the Han Dynasty and a room dedicated to international watches and clocks from the 16th century to today. Rich furnishings and tapestries add to the impression of walking through the home of royalty. The building, formerly the collector's private residence, also served as the Vatican during the mid-20th century.

Housed inside a former prison, the Aljube Museum offers a glimpse into the dictatorship and censorship that controlled Portugal for nearly half a century. Over four floors of exhibits, you can learn about the anti-colonial movement that led to the Carnation Revolution, when the Portuguese military peacefully protested against the government and for democracy. A stone’s throw from the majestic Sé Cathedral, this museum has a prime location which makes it easy to tack onto a city tour.

Few symbols better represent Portugal than the azulejo (ceramic tile). These traditional tiles decorate many of the buildings and are a part of what makes Portugal so memorable. Inside the National Tile Museum, you can learn about the many uses of tiles and see how the tiles have transformed over the centuries. Set inside the 16th-century Madre de Deus Convent, about 20 minutes walking from the Santa Apolónia train station, the museum is also a gateway to a stunning gilded chapel.

The Roman Galleries—ancient tunnels that run beneath the Baixa neighborhood—were discovered in the 18th century. Believed to date back to 1 AD, when Lisbon was a Roman city of Olisipo, these galleries were an architectural solution that allowed Romans to build large structures on Lisbon's hilly terrain. Open to visitors just twice a year, the Roman Galleries is a tough ticket. If you go, synchronize your visit with a stop at Bertrand Bookstore or a coffee break in Rossio Square.

The Berardo Art Deco Museum is situated in the former summer home of the Marquis of Abrantes in Alcântara, a creative district where you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene once the sun sets. Here, admire both art deco and art nouveau pieces, from furniture and homewares to jewelry and ceramics. You can also stop here while on a hop-on hop-off tour heading to Belém.

Fronteira Palace in the Benfica neighborhood, just outside of Lisbon’s center, was built in the 17th century for the first Marquis of Fronteira. The manor estate features original tile work and carefully preserved landscaping, complete with garden statues and fountains inspired by mythology. After a visit to the palace, consider seeing Benfica Stadium, just 10 minutes away by car or taxi ride.

From Cristiano Ronaldo's cleats to 19th-century penny-farthing bicycles and fencing gear, this museum holds pieces that'll tug at the heartstrings of every type of sports lover. Inaugurated in 2012, 100 years after Portugal was incorporated into the Olympics, the museum showcases over 18,000 items from the world of sports. Although the museum is considered hard to find, it's inside one of Lisbon's most recognizable buildings, the pink, 18th-century Foz Palace by Restauradores and Rossio Squares.

Located close to famous landmarks, including the Jerónimos Monastery and the MAAT, the National Costume Museum, with over 30,000 costumes on display, takes visitors through both time and fashion. Spend an hour or two learning about the outfits, costumes, and accessories worn by everyone from the Royal court to the countryside—clothing, and styles date back to the 18th century and finish at the present day.