Porto has quite a few museums, and they’re actually quite varied. From contemporary art and photography to wine and chocolate, there’s something for pretty much everyone. Here are some of the ones I’ve enjoyed or would recommend adding to your Porto itinerary.
Visit the best museums in Porto, Portugal
Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art
Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is my favorite in Porto, and maybe even one of my favorite museums that I’ve ever been to. There usually are interesting exhibitions and it’s very easy to spend half a day here. Vist the sculpture garden, the old farm and explore the multiple buildings and its outdoor spaces.
There are also events and performances throughout the year, especially in summer, so check what’s on before you go. I try to visit Serralves whenever I’m in Porto, as the exhibitions change and there’s usually something new to see.
Location: Rua Dom João de Castro 210
Price: €24 for the full Serralves ticket, including the museum, park and other spaces.
Portuguese Centre of Photography
The Portuguese Centre of Photography (CPF, Centro Português de Fotografia) is located in an old prison, which already makes this museum quite interesting. The exhibitions focus on photography, and there’s also a collection of historic cameras and photographic equipment.
If you’re into photography, definitely add it to your list. The exhibitions change, so have a look at what’s on when you’re in Porto. And the best part? It’s free. Well, depending on the exhibitions.
Location: Largo Amor de Perdição
Price: Usually free, but with special exhibitions they might as for an entrance fee
The Wine Experience – WOW
For wine lovers, make sure to cross to the other side of the river, where you’ll find Vila Nova de Gaia. This is where a lot of Porto’s famous Port wine history is centred. At WOW – World of Wine – there are several museums and experiences, with The Wine Experience being one of them. You’ll learn about everything from growing grapes to wine production, different varieties and flavours, and Portugal’s wine culture.
It’s quite interactive and a good introduction to Portuguese wine, especially if you don’t know much about it yet.
Location: Rua do Choupelo 39
Price: €20 for adults. Combination tickets for several WOW museums are also available.
Palácio da Bolsa
Technically, this isn’t a museum, but I’m including it because it’s one of the places in Porto I wouldn’t skip. The Palácio da Bolsa was built in the 19th century by Porto’s commercial association and was used for business meetings and commercial activities. Today, you can visit the incredibly impressive interiors on a guided tour.
The Arabian Room was the highlight for me, with its Moorish-inspired decoration and gold details. The whole building is pretty spectacular, so make sure you get a ticket for one of the available time slots!
Location: Rua de Ferreira Borges
Price: €14 for adults. Visits are guided and last around 30 minutes.
The Chocolate Experience by 20|20 – WOW
Also at WOW, across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, is The Chocolate Experience. Here you’ll learn about the whole chocolate-making process, from where cacao is grown to how it gets turned into the chocolate we eat. It’s interactive and easy to do alongside The Wine Experience or one of the other WOW museums. And obviously, make sure to try some chocolate while you’re there!
Location: Rua do Choupelo 39
Price: €20 for adults, with combination tickets available.
As you can see, there is a big variation of museums in Porto. Think food, culture, art. There is something for everyone. From walks through gardens, to interactive exhibitions where you get to taste Portugal. I’m already looking forward to my return to this beautiful city, and explore even more.
Are you coming a visit to Porto with a visit to Lisbon? I also have recommendations for museums in Lisbon!
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