MUSEUMS & ACTIVITIES
Porto’s museums and activity centers celebrate the city’s creativity, knowledge, and innovation. Here, you can explore art, science, and history through immersive exhibitions, interactive experiences, and spaces designed to inspire curiosity in visitors of all ages.
Part of the Serralves Foundation, the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Portugal’s leading cultural landmarks. Designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the building stands out for its elegant lines and seamless integration with the surrounding park.
The museum showcases a collection of national and international contemporary art, featuring temporary exhibitions, installations, and performances that highlight the richness of today’s creative scene. Surrounded by the gardens and Serralves Park, it offers a unique experience that blends art, architecture, and nature.
www.serralves.pt
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Located within Porto’s Botanical Garden, the Gallery of Biodiversity – Ciência Viva Center is dedicated to exploring the relationship between humans and nature. Housed in the historic Casa Andresen, it blends history, art, and science through an immersive and sensory exhibition.
Visitors are invited to discover the diversity of life through multimedia installations and visual and sound experiences that reveal the complexity of the natural world. The Gallery of Biodiversity is an inspiring space where science and emotion meet, fostering curiosity and respect for nature.
www.mhnc.up.pt
Located in Porto’s City Park, the Water Pavilion is an interactive space dedicated to the importance of water on our planet and in daily life. Originally built for Expo 98 in Lisbon, the building was later relocated to Porto, where it became a dynamic science and environmental education center.
Through hands-on experiences and sensory activities, visitors are invited to explore the water cycle, sustainable use, and its environmental impact. The Water Pavilion blends learning, innovation, and fun, making it a perfect destination for families and curious minds of all ages.
www.pavilhaodaagua.pt
© André Carvalho - Unsplash License [changes were made]
The Port Wine Cellars have a long history dating back to the 17th century, when wine began to be fortified to preserve its characteristics during long sea voyages.
The cellars are located on the riverbank in Vila Nova de Gaia. A visit to the cellars is an unmissable experience for wine lovers. The Ferreira, Calém, and other cellars offer interactive tours that include the history of wine and tastings of different types of Port wine. The Port Wine Cellars are not only storage facilities, but also cultural centers that celebrate Porto's wine-making tradition.
www.portoferreira.com
© Cristina Morettini - CC BY-SA 4.0 [changes were made]
The Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto brings together unique collections that tell the story of science, nature, and human knowledge. Housed in historic buildings in the city center, the museum blends research, education, and discovery.
From fossils and minerals to scientific instruments and biological specimens, visitors are invited to explore the diversity of the natural world and understand the role of science in expanding knowledge. It’s a space that connects past and future, where curiosity becomes learning.
www.mhnc.up.pt
© Casa São Roque - All Rights Reserved
The Casa São Roque – Art Center is a space dedicated to contemporary art, located in Campanhã and surrounded by a beautiful historic garden. Once an early 20th-century mansion, the house has been carefully restored to host exhibitions, artist residencies, and cultural programs.
The center fosters a dialogue between art, architecture, and landscape, showcasing works by national and international artists in an intimate and inspiring setting. It’s a place where creativity meets history, inviting reflection and discovery.
www.casasroque.art
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The Porto Bridge Climb offers one of the city’s most unique experiences, allowing visitors to climb the arch of the iconic Arrábida Bridge and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Douro River and Porto. The climb is guided by trained professionals and suitable for all ages, ensuring both safety and excitement.
Along the way, participants learn fascinating facts about the bridge’s construction and its role in Portuguese engineering history. At the summit, the reward is one of the most stunning views in Porto, making this an unforgettable adventure.
www.portobridgeclimb.com
© Hilodi - CC BY-SA 4.0 [changes were made]
The WOW Porto (World of Wine) is a vast cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia, where wine, gastronomy, and history meet innovation. Set in former Port wine cellars, it brings together several themed museums, restaurants, shops, and leisure areas overlooking the city of Porto.
Among its museums are The Wine Experience, exploring the world of wine; Planet Cork, dedicated to cork; The Chocolate Story, focused on cocoa production; and Porto Region Across the Ages, which showcases the city’s evolution. WOW Porto is a complete cultural destination that blends learning, flavor, and fun.
www.wow.pt
© Palickap - CC BY-SA 4.0 [changes were made]
The Soares dos Reis National Museum is Portugal’s oldest public art museum and one of Porto’s main cultural landmarks. Housed in the historic Carrancas Palace, it features an exceptional collection of Portuguese art from the 19th century to the present day.
Its collections include sculpture, painting, ceramics, jewelry, and furniture, with a special focus on the works of sculptor António Soares dos Reis, after whom the museum is named. The museum offers a journey through Portugal’s artistic heritage, where history and creativity come together.
www.museusoaresdosreis.gov.pt
© Diana Rui - All Rights Reserved
Neonia Porto is an immersive, sensory space that blends art, light, and technology to create unique experiences.
Located in Porto, it invites visitors to explore interactive environments filled with light installations, projections, and visual effects that stimulate imagination and the senses.
More than an exhibition, Neonia Porto is a journey through color and creativity — a place where digital innovation and contemporary art come together to transform perception and emotion.
www.neonia.pt
© GualdimG - CC BY-SA 4.0 [changes were made]
Infante's house (Casa do Infante), located in Porto’s historic center, is one of the city’s oldest buildings and a key landmark of its past. Built in the 14th century, it is believed to be the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, a central figure of the Age of Discoveries.
Today, the building houses a museum and archaeological site that trace Porto’s history from Roman times to the present. The exhibitions feature archaeological finds, historical documents, and models that illustrate the city’s development and its role in trade and maritime exploration.
www.museudoporto.pt
© Estevoaei - CC BY-SA 4.0 [changes were made]
The Porto Planetarium – Ciência Viva Center is dedicated to astronomy and space science, offering an engaging and educational experience for all ages. Through immersive projections and interactive activities, visitors are invited to explore the universe, the stars, and the wonders of the cosmos.
With regular sessions and educational programs, the Porto Planetarium fosters a passion for science and discovery, making it one of the city’s most inspiring places to learn about space and our place in the universe.
www.planetario.up.pt
© Andreas Nagel - CC BY-SA 3.0 [changes were made]
The Tram Museum, housed in the former Massarelos Power Station, celebrates the history of public transport in Porto. Its remarkable collection of historic trams, service vehicles, and artifacts tells the story of over a century of urban mobility.
Highlights include beautifully restored trams that allow visitors to relive the charm of past journeys. Blending history, technology, and nostalgia, the museum is a must-visit for enthusiasts and anyone curious about the city’s transport heritage.
www.museudocarroelectrico.pt
© Banzai - All Rights Reserved
BANZAI ARENA
Banzai is an immersive and interactive entertainment space where visitors are challenged through physical and digital games spread across multiple themed rooms. Using lights, sensors, and dynamic challenges that test agility, memory, coordination, accuracy, and teamwork, the experience feels like stepping into a life-sized video game. Designed for all ages, it’s an energetic venue perfect for groups looking for active fun and memorable shared moments.
www.banzai.pt
World of Discoveries is an interactive museum and theme park that brings to life the voyages of the Portuguese navigators during the Age of Discoveries. Through exhibitions, immersive settings, and sensory experiences, visitors are invited to embark on a journey across the oceans and cultures that shaped the world.
Blending technology, history, and adventure, it’s the perfect destination for families, explorers, and curious minds, offering an engaging way to experience the legacy of Portugal’s great expeditions.
www.worldofdiscoveries.com
© Marinho Paiva - CC BY-SA 3.0 [changes were made]
Casa da Música is one of Porto’s most iconic modern landmarks and a true hub for music and culture. In addition to concerts and events, it offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes of this stunning building, designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.
The tours reveal its concert halls, explain the acoustics, architecture, and history, and share unique insights into its artistic life. A must-do experience for anyone wishing to see music and architecture in perfect harmony.
www.casadamusica.com
The FC Porto Museum, located at Estádio do Dragão, celebrates the history, passion, and achievements of one of Portugal’s most iconic football clubs. Through interactive exhibits, historic memorabilia, and multimedia technology, visitors can relive the most memorable moments in FC Porto’s legacy.
Guided tours of the stadium and museum offer a behind-the-scenes look, including the press room, locker rooms, and even a walk onto the pitch — a must-do experience for football fans and sports enthusiasts alike.
www.fcporto.pt
© Wondersense Museum - All Rights Reserved
The Wondersense Museum is an interactive space that celebrates the science of the senses through visual, tactile, and auditory experiences. Each room invites visitors to explore perception, illusion, and sensory phenomena, blending art, technology, and science in a playful and educational way.
Perfect for all ages, it’s an immersive experience that sparks curiosity and imagination — a true invitation to discover the world through the five senses.
www.wondersensemuseum.com
© Diana Rui - All Rights Reserved
Sea Life Porto is one of Portugal’s leading aquariums, home to over 3,000 marine creatures living in carefully recreated habitats. Visitors can admire sharks, rays, turtles, and tropical fish, as well as enjoy talks and feeding sessions throughout the day.
Featuring underwater tunnels and interactive zones, Sea Life offers an educational and fun experience for all ages, promoting conservation and respect for marine life.
www.visitsealife.com/porto
© Vitor Oliveira - CC BY 2.0 [changes were made]
The Alfândega do Porto, housed in a historic building next to the Douro River, is now a cultural center for exhibitions and cultural experiences in the city, hosting a varied program that includes interactive displays, immersive exhibitions, and themed activities throughout the year. Each visit offers something new, from art and science to events dedicated to culture and innovation.
Housed in a historic building next to the Douro River, Alfândega combines heritage, creativity, and modernity, serving as a meeting place between the city's past and future.
www.ccalfandegaporto.com
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Clérigos Spiritus is an immersive and multisensory experience that transforms the iconic Clérigos Church into a show of light, sound, and emotion. Through projections and music, visitors are invited to rediscover this monument in a unique way, where art and spirituality converge.
More than a simple visit, it’s a sensory journey that blends heritage, technology, and inspiration, revealing the symbolic and contemporary side of one of Porto’s most emblematic landmarks.
www.spiritusporto.com
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Porto 360º offers a unique experience that lets you climb to the top of the Rosa Mota Pavilion’s dome and enjoy a stunning 360-degree view over Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Guided by professionals, the climb combines adventure, curiosity, and discovery, ending with one of the most spectacular panoramas in the city.
Along the way, participants learn fun facts about the building and its history while taking part in a safe, engaging activity — perfect for those who want to see Porto from a whole new perspective.
www.portosecretspots.com
The Portuguese Photography Centre is dedicated to the art and history of photography, housed in the former Porto Prison and Court of Appeal. Its temporary and permanent exhibitions showcase works by both Portuguese and international photographers, spanning various styles and eras.
More than a museum, it’s a space for discovery and reflection, where photography is celebrated as art, memory, and cultural heritage — a must-visit for photography and history enthusiasts.
www.cpf.pt
LEIXÕES
CRUISE TERMINAL
The Leixões Cruise Terminal is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and one of the modern landmarks of the Porto region. Designed by Luís Pedro Silva, the building stands out for its fluid, wave-like form and its seamless connection with the sea.
Beyond welcoming ships from around the world, it also offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore its interior, discover its innovative engineering and design, and enjoy panoramic views over the ocean and the harbor. A place where art, science, and travel come together.
www.apdl.pt/negocio/visitas