The best museums in Porto
Serralves Museum
The Serralves Museum is often considered the best museum in Porto, and for good reason. This contemporary art space, set in the stunning gardens of the Serralves Park, is a feast for the eyes both inside and out.
The museum houses a permanent collection of Portuguese and international works and offers temporary exhibitions. In addition to the art exhibitions, the building itself is a minimalist architectural masterpiece that deserves to be admired. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the gardens after exploring the galleries.
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Portuguese Centre of Photography
If you are a photography lover, the Portuguese Centre of Photography is a must-see on your trip to Porto. Located in the heart of the city, in a historic building that used to be a prison, this museum is a real treasure trove for photography enthusiasts. It houses an impressive permanent collection to visit for free that spans from the beginnings of photography to the present day, with pieces ranging from vintage cameras to iconic images captured by Portuguese and foreign photographers.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Portuguese Centre of Photography also organises temporary exhibitions and events related to the world of photography. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this fascinating museum during your stay in Porto.
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Casa do Infante
The Casa do Infante is one of Porto's most emblematic museums. Located in the heart of the old town, this house-museum is famous for being the place where Henry the Navigator is believed to have been born. Inside, you can discover a fascinating mix of archaeology and history. Its exhibits include Roman, medieval and modern remains that allow you to immerse yourself in Porto's past. It also has extensive documentation on the history of the city's commerce.
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Soares dos Reis National Museum
The Soares dos Reis National Museum, located in the Carrancas Palace, is a must for art lovers. This is the oldest museum in Portugal and houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art spanning from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Here you'll find everything from sculptures and paintings to jewellery and ceramics.
The building itself is a masterpiece with its neoclassical architecture and beautiful gardens. Don't miss the works of sculptor António Soares dos Reis, after whom the museum was named.
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Port Wine Museum
The Port Wine Museum is a must for wine lovers. Located in the Ribeira area, right in the heart of Porto, this museum offers a fascinating immersion into the history and culture of the famous Port wine. Here you can learn about the production process, from the harvesting of the grapes to the final bottling. You will also have the opportunity to taste port wines. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the old cellars and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Douro River.
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Tramway Museum
If you're a fan of vintage transport, the Tramway Museum is one of the most interesting museums in Porto that you can't miss. Located in the former Massarelos thermoelectric power station, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of the tram in the city.
Here you can see an impressive collection of historic vehicles, from the first horse-drawn carriages to modern electric trams. In addition, the museum has a room dedicated to the history of public transport in Porto and another room that houses temporary exhibitions. Undoubtedly, a place full of charm and history that will transport you to another era.
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Romantic Museum
The Romantic Museum, located in the Quinta da Macieirinha, is a journey into the past that will give you an insight into the life of the Portuguese high society in the 19th century. This museum recreates in great detail the atmosphere of a bourgeois house of the time, including authentic furniture and decorations. But what really makes this place special is that it was here that King Charles Albert of Sardinia spent his last days after he abdicated and went into exile in Porto. You can wander through the rooms where he lived, including his bedroom, preserved as it was when he died in 1849. The museum also has a beautiful garden where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll.
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Visit the best museums in Porto
To get the most out of your visit to Porto's museums, we recommend getting up early to avoid the crowds, especially in the most prominent museums, such as the Serralves Museum or the Soares dos Reis National Museum.
After a day full of art and history in the museums of Porto, there is no better place to rest than in the comfortable rooms at the chic&basic Gravity, a 4-star hotel perfect for your stay in the Portuguese city.
Our hotel in the centre of Porto offers you a modern and relaxing space that will perfectly complement your cultural day in the city. With a swimming pool, restaurant, buffet breakfast and a central location in the Baixa district, perfect for discovering Porto's best museums.
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