Portugal · MUSEUMS
Good museum visits fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Visit Cálem Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for a 1-hour tour with an interactive museum, guided cellar walk, and Port tastings from $23.
“it was very interesting learning how about how the grapes are grown, the climate and terrain of the Douro Valley, the whole process of what defines vintage port wines, the ageing process, the reasons why all the cellars are in Gaia very enjoyable.”
Tour SL Benfica’s Luz Stadium and the Cosme Damião Museum in Lisbon with a guided route, interactive stations, panoramic views, and a scarf.
“The stadium was awesome and you get to see so much for your money! Would so recommend would love to go back”
FC Porto Museum and Dragão Stadium tour in Porto: interactive exhibits, Champions League trophies, and pitch plus Presidential Box in 2 hours.
“Admittedly, I had low expectations coming in, but we all walked away in awe of the history and prestige of FC porto. The museum was unbelievable. It is much bigger than I had anticipated and the level of fan interactivity was top notch. This was the surprise hit for our group of 7 travelers. Even the kids enjoyed it and we are all now FC Porto fans!”
Porto’s WOW Wine Experience blends hands-on exhibits and a guided tasting of red, white, and port, for a smart 90-minute visit.
“A really interesting museum, with an excellent wine tasting.”
Skip the ticket line at MAAT in Belém, then explore MAAT Gallery and MAAT Central, including the Electricity Factory and a Tagus river garden walk.
“I read, listened, and observed the hard work of others, shown through pictures, videos, and puzzles in this gallery. From understanding how power is sourced for the community to being inspired to envision a more sustainable future for the world, the experience was both educational and motivating.”
Lisbon's Museu Banksy ticket for $15 lets you see 100+ Banksy works, projections, videos, and the Walled Off Hotel replica.
“inspirational living artist that i have come to believe him a man and creative mind”
Skip queues in Belém with a guided Jerónimos Monastery visit, the surprising Coach Museum, Pastéis de Belém, and a black cab to Belém Tower.
“We really enjoyed this tour! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions. We learned so much and appreciated his passion for history and architecture.”
Enjoy Lisbon’s 3D Fun Art Museum with 40 optical-illusion scenes, an iconic infinity mirror room, and plenty of fun character photo spots for a $15 ticket.
“Adorei a sala de confetis, as ilusões são incríveis.”
Estadio da Luz in Lisbon with an official Benfica scarf, VR experience, and optional Museu Benfica Cosme Damião ticket.
“An amazing experience for soccer fans! Highly recommend. Our tour guide, Voldemort was knowledgeable and funny.”
Step into Porto’s 3D Fun Art Museum, pose with Titanic and superheroes, and leave with shareable photos for about $15.
“Sympa mais certains tableaux ne sont pas trop 3D.”
Porto’s Chocolate Story Experience: a 90 minute museum with a live factory, bean to bar lessons, and tastings of cacao and 20|20 chocolate.
“We enjoyed the tour and the free samples of chocolate. Not many visitors when we went and it was good to learn about the chocolate making process. Nice shop and cafe at the end of the tour.”
See FC Porto’s museum and Estádio do Dragão on a timed visit, with admission included and flexible museum exploring in Porto.
“This was a good visit to the museum and the tour. The museum is definitely great if you're a Porto fan or curious about how much a city can "love" its team. For someone that isn't a fan, but just wanted to see it, it was still worth the visit. The tour was a bit underwhelming. The guide didn't share much about the history of the team, but was pleasant enough. you go to the field, the presidents box, the press room, and an empty visitors locker room. Worth doing, but not "amazing." I'm not sure this is cheaper than just buying tickets when you go or anything like that.…”
3D Fun Art Museum in Funchal, Madeira: optical illusions and 40 photo scenes in about an hour. Unlimited pictures, fun for all ages.
“Well worth a visit and good value for money. Would definitely recommend.”
Play with 3D optical illusions in Funchal, pose through creative scenes, and get staff help for photos in about 1 to 2 hours.
“An engaging experience that was loads of fun. Not too busy so was able to take time redoing my pics to get them just right. It was brilliant that for solo travellers they offer a tripod and remote button so that I could take my own photos and enjoy the experience on my own. Fun way to spend time in Funchal.”
Private Ronaldo route in Madeira, from Funchal viewpoints and his first club to the CR7 Museum, with transport and hotel pickup.
“We had a fantastic tour with Marco, who picked us up from our hotel. He kept things interesting with so many facts about Ronaldo. We visited his former childhood home and my two boys (7 and 10) had a chance to play on the Futsal pitch closeby, which they loved. The trip to the CR7 Museum was also an incredible finale. Ronaldo is a truly great footballer and a very kind and generous person too! He has made a huge difference to Madeira and he is rightfully honoured by them. It was nice to hear stories about his upbringing, I would love to meet CR7 one day. Marco, thanks for…”
Pick the coast, the wine, the water or the walk.
