Specially dedicated to the collection of historical horse carriages, the National Coach Museum is housed in the old horse riding school of the Belém Palace. Marvel at its elegant neo-classical façade and the marvellous interior embellished with beautiful paintings and azulejos (Portuguese-style tiles). Created by Queen Amélia in 1905, the collection traces the development of horse carriages from the 16th to 19th centuries, mainly in the European countries.

With a multitude of collections to view, highlights to look out for include the oldest carriage belonging to Phillip II of Spain, 16th century coach used by King Philip II of Portugal, the ceremonial coach gifted by Pope Clement XI to King John V in 1715 in Baroque Italian style and the magnificent 18th century carriages decorated with lavish gilded woodwork and exquisite paintings. A gem of a museum, this should absolutely be on every history buffs’ itinerary.