FAQs

Open House Lisboa is an annual event that, since 2012, opens dozens of spaces across the city to the public for free. Over one weekend in May, public buildings, private homes, historic landmarks, and contemporary architecture become accessible, offering a unique opportunity to explore Lisbon from the inside.

It takes place every year over one weekend in May.

Yes. Open House Lisboa is completely free and open to everyone.

There are no tickets or general passes. All visits are free, and access is managed directly at each venue.

Almost all visits are free and by order of arrival with no booking required (although a small number of spaces may exceptionally require advance online booking). There are different types of visits:

• Free visits — explore the space independently, at any time during opening hours of the venue;
• Oriented visits — small group tours led by trained volunteers at scheduled times;
• Visits by experts — led by architects, authors of the project, residents, or other invited experts;
• Accessible visits — suitable for people with sensory or cognitive disabilities, including D/deaf, blind or low-vision visitors, neurodivergent people, or those with other specific needs.

Most visits do not require booking and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some spaces require advance online booking, which opens in the days immediately before the event.

On the Open House Lisboa website, each venue clearly states whether booking is required.

You can also use filters to display only spaces that require advance booking.

Generally, no. Visits that require booking are reserved for those with confirmed registrations.

If there are no-shows, last-minute places may become available, but this is not guaranteed (for example, in spaces that require a confirmed guest list).

Yes. All spaces have limited capacity, so you may need to wait before entering. To help you plan, each venue includes an indication of expected demand:

• Red — high (queues likely);
• Orange — medium (queues at peak times);
• Green — low (short or no waiting time).

You can either wait or choose to visit another nearby space.

Each space has its own schedule, available online and on the printed map distributed during the event.

For popular venues, yes, arriving early is recommended.

Visits typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the venue and format.

Yes, as long as there is availability and you follow the access rules (including rejoining the queue if needed).

It depends on the venue, as some spaces have restrictions. You can check this information on each venue’s page on the website or on the printed map distributed during the event. If in doubt, please ask a member of staff on site.

Yes. Priority may be given to pregnant visitors, elderly people, visitors with babies, and those with reduced mobility.

Not all spaces are fully accessible. Each venue indicates whether access is full, partial, or not suitable to people with reduced mobility. You can find this information on each venue’s page or by filtering results on the website.

Yes. The programme includes visits adapted for different audiences:

• D/deaf visitors — specialist-led visits with Portuguese Sign Language interpretation;
• Blind or low-vision visitors, or people with cognitive disabilities — tactile and audio-described visits, with clear and accessible language;
• Neurodivergent visitors, people with specific needs, seniors, and families with babies or young children — relaxed visits with a slower pace and adapted communication.

These visits are clearly identified in the programme

Yes, almost all spaces are open to all ages. The Junior Programme offers activities specifically designed for children, young people, and families. There are also relaxed visits suitable for families with babies or young children. In rare cases, some spaces (such as construction sites) may have age restrictions for safety reasons. This information is provided on each venue’s page.

In addition to visits, there are free activities across the city:

• Urban walks — guided outdoor tours led by specialists in architecture, urbanism, history, or art;
• Plus Programme — exhibitions, talks, workshops, concerts, and other events hosted by participating venues;
• Junior Programme — activities for children and families, including games and creative workshops.

All visits and activities take place during the Open House weekend. However, you can explore year-round content:

• Sound walks — suggested routes narrated by invited architects, historians, urbanists, writers or artist, available on podcast platforms;
• Online Atlas — an archive of all spaces featured since 2012.

On the official website and from staff and volunteers at each venue.

The map is available free of charge during the event weekend at all participating venues.

No. Visitors are encouraged to create their own route through the city.

All information is available on the Open House Lisboa website in the days leading up to the event. During the weekend, you can also use the printed map available at participating venues.