Explore the Best Museums in Porto, Portugal
Lisbon’s northern rival, Porto is a dynamic riverside city known for its medieval lanes, sun-dappled plazas, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Douro River. This vibrant city showcases a passion for fine art, football, and wine, making it a perfect destination for culture enthusiasts.
The impressively diverse museums in Porto provide a comprehensive overview of its unique aspects, from century-old wine-making traditions to modern sporting achievements. Visitors can enjoy a journey through the city’s cheerful painted trams and innovative artwork.
Furthermore, Porto’s rich history is revealed through galleries filled with historic relics and engaging interactive exhibitions tailored to captivate all ages, particularly children.
The historic Ribeira district boasts the highest concentration of museums, yet exploring the entire city to find the top museums is undoubtedly worthwhile. The adventure of moving from one museum to the next is enjoyable, aided by Porto’s exceptional public transport network. Plan your visit around these seven remarkable museums to discover unique aspects of Porto along the way.
Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis: Best for Portuguese Art
As you approach this remarkable museum, which faces the 19th-century Palace of the Carrancas, you’ll be greeted by its grand neoclassical architecture. Ascend the granite staircase to join the ranks of esteemed figures like Arthur Wellesley (the first Duke of Wellington) and Dom Pedro IV, who once resided here. Inside, original frescoes and Italian stucco work enhance the ambiance surrounded by an impressive art collection.
This museum, the oldest in Portugal, displays a wide array of artistic treasures—including masterpieces by Vasco Fernandes and Henrique Pousão. Notably, the renowned sculptor Soares dos Reis created hauntingly realistic pieces, including O Desterrado (The Exile), which share space with many other extraordinary works.
World of Wine: Best for Wine Lovers
Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, the World of Wine is a unique complex comprising seven different museums. It offers a deep dive into Portuguese winemaking as well as insights into other crucial industries that shape Portugal’s heritage, such as cork harvesting, chocolate production, and textiles. Explore the museum dedicated to Porto’s complex history and another that showcases drinking vessels from around the world, providing a unique glimpse into this fascinating aspect of human history.
Moreover, visitors can indulge in the renowned Portuguese tradition of dining within the complex, which features multiple restaurants, bars, and cafes offering a variety of cuisines. If you’re eager to learn more about local wine traditions, consider participating in a class or workshop at the onsite Wine School.
Casa do Infante: Best for Porto History
This historic building holds a significant place in Portuguese history, reputedly being the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1394. As you step inside, you’ll explore the life and achievements of this pivotal royal figure, who contributed greatly to Portugal’s maritime explorations and the colonization of various regions.
Exhibits also delve back into ancient times, revealing fascinating Roman ruins discovered beneath the museum, including a meticulously designed ancient Roman mosaic floor.
Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves: Best for Avant-Garde Art
A short bus ride west from the center leads you to the stunning Parque de Serralves, home to the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, the foremost contemporary art museum in Portugal. The museum hosts regularly changing exhibitions, showcasing thought-provoking works by both Portuguese and international artists, with notable shows by Joan Miró and Ai Weiwei. The striking modernist structure, designed by acclaimed architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, enhances the viewing experience, harmonizing beautifully with the lush garden surrounding the museum.
World of Discoveries: Best for Kids
The World of Discoveries engages young minds with a blend of fun and education through interactive exhibits. Step back into the 15th and 16th centuries, experiencing the voyages of Portuguese explorers and the lands they uncovered, including North Africa, Brazil, Macau, and India.
Kids can explore the inside of a ship, learn navigation skills via touch screens, and view the spices brought back to Europe. The highlight is a captivating boat ride that immerses passengers in life-sized scenes featuring knights, camels, and jungle creatures.
Museu do Carro Elétrico: Best for Transportation Nerds
This charming museum celebrates Porto’s iconic yellow trams, housed within the former thermoelectric station that powered the tram network. Displaying an impressive collection of twenty-four different trams, visitors can marvel at historical oddities like an 1872 mule-pulled streetcar.
To reach the museum, hop on scenic tram line 1, which offers a delightful ten-minute ride alongside the riverside, enriching your experience before and after your visit.
FC Porto Museum: Best for Sports Fans
Located beneath the impressive Estadio do Dragão, the state-of-the-art FC Porto Museum immerses fans in the rich legacy of one of Portugal’s most beloved football teams. Engaging exhibits and interactive displays delve into the club’s history since its foundation in 1893, revealing its deep connection to the city, illustrious players, and iconic victories.
Don’t miss the special exhibit highlighting Rabah Madjer’s legendary back-heel goal in the 1987 European Cup final, which was pivotal in securing Porto’s first European Cup title. Additionally, consider an optional stadium tour for an insider’s view of key areas within the ‘Dragon’s Den.’
