Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian)

Not imposing in terms of size but sweeping off the feet with its enormous and diversified collection, the museum is held by some to be a major highlight of a trip to Lisbon. Calouste Gulbenkian was not only one of the 20th century's wealthiest men, but also a great art lover, and his private, extremely eclectic collections grew over a period of 40 to comprises some 6000 pieces today. From exquisite examples of Egyptian, Middle Eastern and Asian artifacts, to Turner, Monet, Manet, Degas, Burne-Jones and Gainsborough, Gulbenkian's "art corner" is a feast to your eyes that can be followed with a relaxing siesta time in the surrounding garden to muse over what masterpieces you have just seen! Of course, there's a lot more to be enjoyed in Lisbon for an art aficionado, with Museu Nacional De Arte Antiga, Museu Nacional Dos Coches, and Museu do Design e d Moda particularly worthwile and appealing to wider audiences.