Free & Discounted Museum Entry Days In Porto

Porto is a city rich in history, art, and culture, and exploring its many museums is a fantastic way to delve deeper. Visiting them doesn’t always have to break the bank! There are several ways to enjoy Porto’s cultural institutions for free or at a reduced price, making it easier to soak up the city’s heritage.

Free Entry Days

Porto’s museums, particularly the national ones and those managed by the Porto Municipality, often offer free entry on specific days or for certain groups:

• International Museum Day (May 18th): This is a huge highlight! On May 18, Porto truly celebrates International Museum Day with an extensive program of free admission and special activities across 31 venues belonging to the Porto Municipal Museum and its partner institutions. This is a prime opportunity to visit multiple museums without cost, with events ranging from guided tours to workshops and concerts. Keep an eye on the Porto Municipal Museum’s agenda for the full program closer to the date.
• Sundays and Public Holidays (for National Residents): Many national museums in Portugal, including some in Porto like the National Museum Soares dos Reis, offer free admission on Sundays and public holidays for residents in the national territory. This typically applies all day. You might need to show a valid ID proving residency.
• Specific Museum Policies:
  • Portuguese Centre of Photography (Centro Português de Fotografia): Often has free entry to its diverse exhibitions, showcasing contemporary, documentary, and historical Portuguese photography in a unique former prison setting.
  • Port Wine Museum (Museu do Vinho do Porto): Historically, this museum has offered free entry on weekends and sometimes every day for seniors, teachers, and students. It’s worth checking their current policy for 2025.
  • Museu da Cidade (Porto City Museum): Various núcleos (extensions) of the City Museum (like the Romanticism Extension) often have free admission on Sundays. Some also offer free entry for specific groups like students or ICOM cardholders.
  • Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art: Historically, offered free entry on the first Sunday of each month from 10 AM to 1 PM. This is a popular opportunity to explore its renowned contemporary art collection and beautiful park.

Discounted Entry & City Passes (For Visitors!)

For broader access and significant savings, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions, the Porto.CARD is your best friend:

• Porto.CARD: This official city pass is designed for visitors and offers a range of benefits for 2025, including:
  • Free Admission: To a selection of museums, typically 5-6, such as Casa do Infante, Casa Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio, Museu Romântico, and Museu do Papel-Moeda.
  • Significant Discounts: Up to 50% off entry to many other museums and monuments, including the Serralves Museum, Military Museum, Tram Museum, World of Discoveries, and the Clérigos Tower.
  • Public Transport: Many versions of the Porto.CARD also include unlimited free travel on public transport, adding to your savings. It is specifically designed for tourists to explore the city efficiently.
• Who else gets discounts? Many museums offer reduced prices for:
  • Seniors (usually 65+)
  • Students (with valid ID)
  • Children (often free up to a certain age, then reduced)
  • Teachers and museum professionals (often free)
  • Holders of specific international museum cards (e.g., ICOM, APOM).

To make the most of Porto’s cultural offerings, it’s always a good idea to check the official website of the specific museum you plan to visit, or the Porto.CARD website, for the most current information on opening hours, free entry policies, and discounts.