Porto’s signature art style is Azulejo tiles and Manueline.

Porto’s long-standing art history was shaped thanks to artists like Aurélia de Sousa and Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. Make sure to admire the wide array of street art dispersed throughout Porto’s charming cobblestone streets. This cultural destination offers everything from contemporary to baroque art forms. Here are some of the best museums to discover in Porto.

 

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Located in the stunning Serralves Park, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves displays imposing contemporary art. In 1991, award-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira designed the museum and the Serralves Estate grounds. 14 exhibition galleries can be found across its three floors. Its restaurant and terrace offer sweeping park views filled with stunning sculptures, gardens, and walking trails.

Founded in 1833, Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is the oldest museum in Portugal. It is housed in the impressive Carrancas Palace and named after famous Portuguese sculptor António Soares dos Reis. This museum showcases a diverse collection of ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, paintings, textiles, and glassware. Here, two of Portugal’s most important painters are highlighted: Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, an icon in the country’s modernist movement, and Aurélia de Sousa, who was mostly known for her iconic self-portrait: a statement on female artist empowerment.

Step back in time at the World of Discoveries, an interactive museum which brings the Age of Discoveries to life. Located inside the old warehouses of Real Companhia Velha, this establishment offers an engaging experience for guests by combining history with entertainment. Through immersive exhibitions and interactive displays, visitors can follow the journeys of Portuguese explorers between 1415 and 1543. Expect to learn about reconstructions of historical ships, maps, and multimedia displays.

Situated in the heart of Porto is Museu da Misericórdia do Porto – a cultural treasure. Italian baroque architect Nicolau Nasoni designed the church’s interior, which is adjoined to the museum and embellished in blue-and-white azulejo tiles. Admire Fons Vitae, a Renaissance-style painting showcasing Dom Manuel I and his family around a pool of blood from crucified Christ. Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto is an active private social security institution housed within the museum.

For those intrigued by transportation history, the Porto Tram Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a former power plant, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of tram systems. Founded in 1992, its collection features vintage trams, photographs, and artifacts that illustrate the development of Porto’s public rail transport. Visitors can also take a ride on one of Porto’s historic trams and travel back in time through the city’s hilly streets. SEE MORE: 5 Neighborhoods In Porto: A Breakdown MADE For Travelers.

Situated inside the charming Quinta da Macieirinha – an 18th-century country house which belonged to the Pinto Basto family – the Museu Romântico offers a glimpse into bygone bourgeois life. Established in 1972, its mission is to take travelers back in time to experience a bourgeois home in the 19th century, a very important time period in Porto. Indulge in its tranquil gardens, filled with granite fountains and century-old oak trees.

The Museu Militar do Porto is located in the heart of the city and offers an insightful journey through Portugal’s military past. The museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, including: weapons, uniforms, and military equipment from several time periods. Visitors can explore exhibitions that dive into Portugal’s involvement in significant historical events. There are also detailed three-dimensional collections and models, uncovering strategies and tactics used in battles. Click here to check out 8 Rooftop Bars In Porto With Epic Views & Tasty Cocktails.

The Museu da Farmácia originally opened in Lisbon in 1996 before expanding to Porto. This museum gives travelers an inside look at the history of pharmacies and medicine. Dive into the evolution of medicinal herbs, tools, and much more. The interior was constructed and decorated to resemble a 19th-century pharmacy. Visitors can expect to find displays showcasing pharmaceutical practices from 3,000 B.C. to present day.