Porto: World of Discoveries Entry Ticket
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
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Transport Access
History
The World of Discoveries opened in 2015 in Porto’s Miragaia district, housed in a modern building that echoes the shipyards where Portugal’s caravels were once built. It pays homage to the 15th- and 16th-century Age of Discoveries, when navigators like Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Bartolomeu Dias set sail from the Douro River to chart new worlds, launching an era of global trade and cultural exchange.
Designed as an interactive museum and theme park hybrid, it recreates the epic voyages that connected Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Through multimedia installations and a signature boat ride, visitors step into the boots of explorers who transformed Portugal from a small Atlantic kingdom into a maritime superpower, forever reshaping history.
Highlights
- Gain entry to the World of Discoveries and learn about Portugal’s explorers
- Experience Portugal’s fascinating history in 20 thematic installations
- Go back in time to the 15th century through interactive multimedia displays
- Find out the stories of Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and more
- Imagine journeying to unmapped and unknown parts of the world
- Enjoy a guided boat ride recreating the navigators’ oceanic voyages
- Explore globalization’s origins through exhibits on trade, flora, and fauna
Full Description
Step into the World of Discoveries and see the planet through the eyes of Portugal’s legendary navigators. This immersive museum-adventure recreates the daring voyages that opened sea routes to India, Brazil, Africa, and beyond, using 20 themed areas filled with interactive screens, replicas, and sensory effects that transport you to the Age of Discoveries.
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Begin with the shipbuilding workshops of Porto, then board small boats for a 20-minute guided ride along artificial rivers, passing reconstructed scenes of Africa, India, Japan, and the Pacific—complete with sounds, lights, and narrated tales in multiple languages. Discover how spices, gold, and ideas flowed across continents, sparking the first wave of globalization.
The journey ends in a vibrant exhibit hall showcasing the human and natural exchanges that followed: exotic animals, plants like sugarcane and coffee, and cultural fusion that still defines our world. Perfect for history lovers and families, this compact yet captivating experience blends education with entertainment in the heart of Porto.
Why Choose This Attraction?
World of Discoveries distills centuries of epic exploration into a concise, engaging hour that’s ideal for all ages—especially those short on time in Porto. The boat ride adds a unique, almost theme-park thrill to a history lesson, making complex maritime achievements accessible and fun without overwhelming detail.
Wheelchair-friendly, multilingual, and centrally located near the Douro River, it’s a smart cultural stop between wine tastings and tram rides. Unlike static museums, its interactive format lets kids touch, listen, and “sail,” turning Portugal’s golden age into a living story you’ll remember long after leaving.
What’s Included
- Admission ticket to World of Discoveries
- Audioguide during the boat ride (English, Portuguese, French, Spanish)
- Access to all 20 permanent thematic installations
- Interactive multimedia exhibits and sensory displays
- Host or greeter assistance at entry
- Wheelchair-accessible pathways and boat accommodations
- Free digital map and exhibit guide via QR code
- Photo opportunities throughout the voyage scenes
Pricing
From $21 per person
Meeting Point
Meet at World of Discoveries main entrance. (Rua de Miragaia 106, 4050-387 Porto – Open in Google Maps)
How to Get There
- Metro: Line D (yellow) to São Bento station, then 10-minute walk downhill along the riverfront
- Tram: Historic Line 1 stops at Infante, just 5 minutes from the museum
- Bus: Lines 500, ZR, or 1M from Ribeira or Bolhão to Cordoaria/Alfândega
- Walking: 15 minutes from Ribeira or São Bento along the scenic Douro promenade
- Taxi/Rideshare: Quick drop-off at Rua de Miragaia; affordable from city center
- Funicular: Dos Guindais from Ribeira brings you close—then a short stroll
Good to Know
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
- Light jacket (cool inside exhibits)
- Charged phone for photos and QR guides
- Water bottle (refill stations available)
Know before you go
- Voucher exchanged directly at reception on your scheduled day—arrive 10 minutes early
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Boat ride may have short queues during peak hours; last entry 17:30 Tue-Fri, 18:30 weekends/holidays
- Duration about 1 hour, but self-paced in exhibit areas
- Not suitable for unaccompanied minors for safety during boat segment
- Photography allowed (no flash); drones prohibited
- Museum is fully indoors and air-conditioned
Reviews
- Excellent for kids; we really enjoyed the immersive experience and learned so much in a fun, light-hearted way.
- I’m recommending it to everybody; I’ll be back every year—it’s a brilliant, entertaining way for the whole family to absorb Portugal’s history.
- Very nice experience; wish the boat ride was longer than 20 minutes—the youth staff were super friendly and made it even better!
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FAQ's
What is the cancellation policy and how does reserve now & pay later work?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans shift due to weather, flights, or fatigue after exploring Porto’s hills. The “reserve now & pay later” option lets you secure your slot instantly without payment, ideal for locking in timed entries during busy seasons—payment is only processed closer to the date or at the gate. This system reduces stress when coordinating with river cruises or wine tours. Refunds appear within 3-5 business days. Always keep your confirmation email handy for smooth redemption.
How long does the full experience last and what is the boat ride like?
The visit lasts approximately 1 hour, though you can linger longer in the 20 interactive exhibit zones after the guided boat segment. The boat ride itself is a gentle 20-minute journey in small, stable vessels floating through themed waterways recreating Africa, India, and the Pacific with lights, sounds, and multilingual audio narration. It’s fully accessible for wheelchairs (with staff assistance) and safe for young children when supervised. The pace is relaxed, allowing photo stops and immersion without motion sickness risks.
Are there any age or accompaniment requirements?
Children of all ages are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult throughout—especially during the boat ride for safety and to enhance the storytelling experience. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted entry due to the interactive and water-based elements. The content is designed to engage kids from age 5 upward with visuals and simple facts, while teens and adults appreciate the historical depth. Strollers are allowed but may need folding for the boat; baby carriers are recommended.
What languages are supported and how does the audioguide work?
The boat ride audioguide is available in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish, automatically triggered as you pass each scene—no buttons needed. Exhibit panels include text in these four languages plus German and Italian in select areas. A host or greeter at entry speaks multiple languages to assist. Download the free digital guide via QR code for extra facts on your phone. This multilingual setup ensures international visitors fully grasp the global impact of Portuguese navigation.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible and what facilities are available?
Yes, the entire museum is wheelchair accessible with ramps, wide pathways, and adapted boats that lower for easy boarding. Elevators connect levels, and accessible restrooms are available. The boat ride accommodates one wheelchair per vessel with staff support. Baby changing stations and a small café area with seating are inside. While compact, the layout avoids steep inclines common in old Porto. Notify staff upon arrival for any special assistance needs.
