World of Discoveries Interactive Museum Porto

Portugal's Age of Discoveries

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese navigators sailed down the African coast, reached India and Brazil, and helped to link continents for the first time. The museum is built around this story and explains how ships, maps and new technology made those journeys possible.

Porto has its own connection with the era, since Prince Henry the Navigator was born in the city in 1394. A visit to World of Discoveries gives context to the maritime history behind the port and its people. People often ask whether the World of Discoveries in Porto is worth visiting, and the answer is yes if you want history explained in a visual, modern way.

The 20 themed areas

The visit takes you through 20 permanent themed areas, each with scenery, models, sounds and touchscreens. You can explore the preparation of a voyage, life on board ship, the encounters with people in Africa, Asia and the Americas, and the exchange of spices, plants and goods that followed.

The exhibits are designed to be understood by adults and children alike, with plenty to touch and see rather than long texts. The visit is self-guided, so you can go at your own speed and spend more time where you are curious. Allow about one and a half hours for the whole route, or longer if you like to read everything.

The indoor boat ride

The highlight for many visitors is the indoor boat ride, which takes you aboard a replica vessel through scenes recreating cultural encounters across Africa, Asia and South America. The ride lasts around 20 minutes and is accompanied by a multilingual audio guide.

Waiting times for the boat can occur at busy periods, so a visit early in the day is a good idea. Children love this part of the museum, and it turns a museum visit into an adventure. The boat ride is included in your ticket, and the ride is a fun way to end a route that starts in the world of maps and ships.

Planning a family or rainy-day visit

World of Discoveries is close to the historic centre and easy to reach, and it is open Tuesday to Sunday. Last entry is in the early evening, and the booking panel on this page shows the days and times available. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

If you are looking for a Porto activity for kids or things to do in Porto on a rainy day, this is one of the best indoor options. Pair it with a walk through the old town or a Douro cruise on a sunny day. Show your ticket at the reception on arrival, and take your time in the shop and at the exit.