Porto the best museums

The best museums in Porto: a journey of discovery through art, history and culture

These museums offer a welcome break from the tourist attractions and invite you to explore Porto's rich culture and history. Use the interactive map in this article to plan your visit and not miss any of the fascinating institutions. Enjoy exploring!

Here are some of the best museums in Porto that you shouldn't miss on your trip:

1. Museu de Arte Contemporânea - Serralves

The Museu de Arte Contemporânea in Serralves Park is a must for art lovers. This modern art museum is located in the middle of impressive gardens and impresses with its architecture and changing exhibitions of contemporary art. A highlight is Serralves Park itself, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll.

2. Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio

Housed in an elegant mansion, this cozy museum features an impressive collection of Portuguese artwork, furniture, and jewelry. It's an intimate space that transports visitors into the lives of Porto's wealthy families in the early 20th century.

3. Museu da Cidade - Extensão do Romantismo

Also known as the Romantic Museum of the City of Porto, this museum showcases the city's romantic era. Housed in a historic building, the museum features a collection of 19th-century artwork, furniture and literature. A visit here offers a peaceful throwback to a bygone era.

4. Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis

The Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis is the oldest public art museum in Portugal and houses an impressive collection of artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by the famous sculptor António Soares dos Reis. Here you can learn a lot about Portuguese art history.

5. Museum of Transport and Communication

This museum is located in a former customs building and offers fascinating exhibitions on the history of transport and communication in Portugal. The historic vehicles and old communication equipment are particularly interesting.

6. Portuguese Center of Photography

The Portuguese Centre of Photography is housed in an impressive building that was once a prison. Today it displays an extensive collection of historical and contemporary photographs. A highlight is the permanent exhibition of old cameras.

7. MMIPO - Museu da Misericórdia do Porto

Housed in a magnificent building in the heart of the old town, the Museu da Misericórdia do Porto traces the history of the Misericórdia do Porto charitable organization and features ornate paintings, furniture and religious artifacts.

8. MUSEU DA CIDADE - Casa Guerra Junqueiro

Dedicated to the work of Portuguese poet Guerra Junqueiro, this museum houses a collection of Baroque art and the poet's personal belongings, offering an intimate insight into the life of this famous literary figure.

9. Porto Military Museum

For those interested in military history, the Museu Militar do Porto is an absolute must. Here you will find a comprehensive collection of weapons, uniforms and military artifacts from different periods of Portuguese history.

10. FC Porto Museum

The FC Porto Museum delights football fans with a comprehensive collection of trophies, jerseys and other memorabilia documenting the rich history of FC Porto football club. A tour of the stadium completes the experience.

11. Press Museum

The Press Museum presents the history of the press in Portugal and worldwide. Exhibits such as historic newspapers, printing presses and photographs offer interesting insights into the development of journalism.

12. Porto Pharmacy Museum

The Pharmaceutical Museum in Porto is a true treasure trove of the history of pharmacy. It displays old medicines, laboratory equipment and pharmacy utensils and offers a fascinating insight into medical history.

13. Galeria da Biodiversidade - Centro Ciência Viva | Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da U.Porto

This gallery is part of the Nature and Science Museum and offers interactive exhibitions on biodiversity and natural sciences. Here you can learn more about the amazing variety of life on our planet.