From Porto to Braga, the country of Portugal features plenty of well-renowned museums. If you are planning a visit to Portugal anytime soon, there are a few museums you cannot miss. With a rich history and cultural heritage, a visit to a museum is one of the best ways to find out more about Portugal. Let’s take a look at the 9 best museums in Portugal.

1. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Located in Lisbon, the Gulbenkian Museum is one of the world’s best museums, housing a collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art. The private art collection belongs to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, gathered over 40 years.

If you are an art lover, do not miss it. You will see pieces by Paula Rego, Rembrandt, Monet, and Peter Paul Rubens. The beautiful Gulbenkian gardens are also open to the public and are the perfect place for a picnic. 

Book Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Entry Ticket  

2. Serralves Museum

Serralves Museum is probably the most famous museum in all of Porto. Located on the grounds of the Serralves Estate, it actually ranks among the top 100 most visited museums globally. 

Serralves Museum features 14 exhibition galleries over three stories, displaying modern and contemporary pieces from all over the globe. You will also find a cinema, library, auditorium, and restaurant. All of this is surrounded by the most beautiful green gardens! 

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3. Maritime Museum

Known as the Museu da Marinha, the Maritime Museum is located in Belem, Lisbon, and is administered by the Portuguese Navy. The museum is located on the neo-Manueline Western wing of the iconic Jeronimos Monastery with the National Museum of Archeology.

The life of the museum began centuries ago with 17th century King Luis I’s interest in oceanographic studies and navigation. He collected items of Portuguese maritime history, culminating in a large collection that can be seen at the Maritime Museum, which was inaugurated in 1963. 

You will find historical paintings, archaeological items, and models of ships used in Portugal during the times of navigation.

4. National Coach Museum

Known as the Museu Nacional dos Coches, this museum holds the most important collection of royal coaches in the world from the 16th to 19th centuries. The National Coach Museum opened in 1905 in Lisbon by Queen Amélia of Orleans and Bragança, the Princess of France married to King Carlos I of Portugal. 

Today, the museum’s unique collection of 9,000 objects has made it one of the most visited museums in Portugal. These include horse-drawn coaches that once belonged to Philip II of Spain in the 16th century and carriages that belonged to Pope Clement XI.

5. Coleção Berardo

Located in the Belem Cultural Center, Berardo Collection Museum opened in 2007. Ever since, it has been one of the most impressive museums in Portugal. There are around 1000 pieces in the collection, starting in the 20th century.

The initial collection from 2007 had around 860 pieces and was valued by Christie’s at 316 million euros.

The collection focuses mostly on European and American art, including Mondrian, Duchamp, Paula Rego, and more, across two floors. 

Book Museu Colecao Berardo Entry Ticket  

6. MAAT

Founded on October 2016 in Lisbon, the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) is an innovative project designed by Amanda Levete Architects’ studio and Central Tejo Power Station. With impressive architecture, the outside of this building is art itself. 

Inside, you will find four exhibition spaces: the Galeria Oval, the Galeria Principal, the Video Room, and Project Room. You will find national and international exhibitions at MAAT from artists, architects, and contemporary thinkers about current themes.

7. Museum of the Sanctuary of Fatima

Founded in 1955, the Museum of the Shrine of Fatima holds permanent exhibitions at the Sanctuary of Fatima: Fatima Light and Peace, The House-Museum of Aljustrel, and other temporary exhibitions. 

The Fatima Light and Peace includes the crown of the statue of Fatima, offerings made by the pilgrims, and more. House-Museum of Aljustrel is a house that once belonged to Lucia’s godmother, allowing you to see how the local population lived in the 20th century. 

The museum is located in the Sanctuary of Fatima. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a site with Catholic religious buildings was built in the place where three children were allegedly visited by the Virgin Mary.

The first building was built in 1919 by the locals and others developed over the decades. The sanctuary was officially consecrated in 1953 and a year later, it was given the title of Basilica by Pope Piux XXI.

Today, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima has multiple religious buildings, monuments, and statues of saints. 

8. Image Museum

Located in Braga, the Image Museum is dedicated to photography within a beautiful medieval tower which opened in 1996. The Image Museum has over 200,000 images taken by classic and contemporary photographers. 

You will also find a display of cameras from throughout the decades, as well as a library with magazines and photography books.

9. Casa da Musica

Casa Da Musica (House of Music) is an iconic concert hall in the historical center of Porto, built in 2005. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, Casa da Musica features a resident orchestra and also hosts top international orchestras from all over the world. You can get a tour inside this architectural beauty, as well as enjoy its facade that is covered in white cement and plane glass windows. 

Lisbon is magical on New Year’s Eve. Not just because this night brings about the start of the new year celebrations but because the remnants of Christmas remain. In fact, they only really end on January 6, the Day of the Kings.

The Portuguese capital has so much to offer. Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner or a gala event, Lisbon has the perfect New Year’s Eve plans for you. But first, let’s take a look at the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions in Portugal.

New Year’s Eve Traditions in Portugal

New Year’s Eve looks different all over the globe. In Portugal, there are a set of traditions and practices to celebrate the new year that might seem unusual to many. Let’s take a look at the most common New Year’s Eve traditions in Portugal:

• 12 Raisins: At the stroke of midnight, the Portuguese begin eating their 12 raisins to represent the 12 months for good luck. If you are spending New Year’s Eve at a restaurant, these will usually be handed out to you.
• Champagne toast: It’s customary to toast with your friends in attendance, making sure not to cross your arms with others and to make eye contact. 
• Money: Portuguese superstition says that you should have money with you when the clock strikes midnight for wealth. The tradition varies, with some holding the money in their hands and others keeping it in their wallet or even shoes. 
• New outfit: It is said to bring about good luck to wear a brand new outfit. Everything should be brand new, particularly your underwear!
• Ocean swim the next day: Many heads to the beach on the morning of January 1. The brave ones enjoy the first dip of the year in the ocean.

Best Hotels for New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

1. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

If you want to go all out for this special night, nothing says luxury like a Four Seasons! Whenever celebrities come to visit Lisbon, this is where they stay.

The Ritz in Lisbon is planning a magical New Year’s Eve dinner and party at its Grand Ballroom. You will be served dishes by Chef Pascal Meynard, including Dublin Bay prawn with Neuvic Oscietra caviar, daikon, and yuzu. If you want a more intimate setting, opt for a dinner at Chef Pedro Pena Bastos’ CURA Restaurant. 

The hotel has an updated Louis XVI style and has views of the Lisbon hills, located in central Lisbon. The Ritz has everything you would need: a high-end restaurant called CURA, a bar terrace, a gym, and a spa. If you fancy some shopping, Avenida da Liberdade is a 10-minute walk away.

The Ritz is probably the most expensive hotel in all of Lisbon. Therefore, expect high New Year’s Eve rates. 

2. Pestana Palace Lisboa

A member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, Pestana Palace is located in a 19th-century palace. It is the only resort in Lisbon and has a lake pool, a spa, and large gardens. With views of the Tagus river, this hotel includes a sophisticated restaurant that serves iconic Portuguese dishes. 

This year, Pestana Palace Lisbon is offering New Year’s packages from 482 euros a night. For dinner, expect welcome drinks, a 5-course gala dinner with drinks, live music, fireworks, and a DJ to dance the night away.   

3. Bairro Alto Hotel

This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. It is uncommon for a luxury hotel of this standard to be located here. It is also the only luxury boutique hotel in Lisbon that has under 100 rooms. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha. We recommend heading to the bar on the top floor of the hotel, which has some of the best views of the city!

4. Corinthia Lisbon

A stylish 5-star hotel, Corinthia Lisbon features two restaurants and the largest spa area in Lisbon of 3000m2. The large Sky Lounge is located on the 24th floor, featuring panoramic views of the city.

Stay in a lovely refurbished guest room for a luxurious night. Corinthia Lisbon’s New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner has a glamorous theme: The Great Gatsby. In a jazzy celebration, you will get inspired by the roaring twenties. You will also get to enjoy some live music with Joana Lobo Anta’s Quintet. After dinner, dance the night away with drinks and a DJ.

The next morning, a large breakfast buffet is available to celebrate the first day of the year. Prices start at 527 euros per night. 

Top Restaurants for New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

Alfaia

One of the oldest restaurants in all of Lisbon, Alfaia opened in 1880. If you’re looking to try some traditional Portuguese food that tastes like a homecooked meal, Alfaia is the place to be for an old-fashioned meal. We recommend the cozido à Portuguesa, a classic Portuguese stew with beef, pork, blood sausage, and vegetables, as well as the old-fashioned shredded duck with rice. 

Alma

Founded by Portuguese Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, Alma offers an exclusive fine dining experience. The two-Michelin star restaurant’s dishes reflect Portuguese cuisine with an influence of the Chef’s international travels. Located in the heart of the Chiado district in an eighteenth-century building, Alma offers two tasting menus and an à la carte menu. The two tasting menus are Costa a Costa, a sea-focused tasting, and Alma, the Chef’s favorite dishes. 

Belcanto

Awarded two Michelin stars, Belcanto is 42nd on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Located in Chiado, this restaurant is one of the most expensive in all of Portugal, welcoming celebrities from all over the world. Founded by Chef José Avillez, you’ll taste some of the best flavors of Portuguese cuisine, reinvented for a more elevated dining experience. You can opt for choosing dishes à la carte or select the tasting menus, the latter being the most unique option. 

Palacio Chiado

Palácio Chiado is located in the eighteenth-century Quintela Palace in the heart of Chiado, a palace that was closed to the public for decades. The restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere, with music playing at night setting a more bar-like experience. Curated by  Chef Manuel Bóia, the restaurant’s dishes are diverse in origin, from Portuguese food to international cuisine. 

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Lisbon

Lisbon puts on a show on New Year’s Eve. There might be no iconic ball drop, but the fireworks don’t disappoint. But where can you watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Lisbon? Terreiro do Paco, translating to Commerce Square. This large square has plenty of room for all and is the best place to watch the fireworks above the Tagus river.

Moreover, Terreiro do Paco hosts entertainment prior to the fireworks. Local bands start playing music at around 10 pm. The fireworks only come on at midnight, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes. After the fireworks display, more bands play, and even a DJ takes the stage.

However, the fireworks are visible from loads of places across the city, including some hotels.

Porto is beautiful in the winter. Not only due to the way the city lights up during the Christmas season and fewer hoards of tourists but because of the celebrations on December 31. The last day of the year is a memorable one in Porto, with locals and expats alike taking to the streets to celebrate and admire the fireworks. 

If you are trying to figure out your plans for your next New Year’s Eve in Porto, we have got you covered. From the best hotels to our favorite restaurants to celebrate this night, Porto has a lot to offer. But first, let’s take a look at the New Year’s Eve traditions in Portugal so you know what to expect!

New Year’s Eve Traditions in Portugal

• 12 Raisins: At the stroke of midnight, the Portuguese begin eating their 12 raisins to represent the 12 months for good luck. If you are spending New Year’s Eve at a restaurant, these will usually be handed out to you.
• Champagne toast: It’s customary to toast with your friends in attendance, making sure not to cross your arms with others and to make eye contact. 
• Money: Portuguese superstition says that you should have money with you when the clock strikes midnight for wealth. The tradition varies, with some holding the money in their hands and others keeping it in their wallet or even shoes. 
• New outfit: It is said to bring about good luck to wear a brand new outfit. Everything should be brand new, particularly your underwear!
• Ocean swim the next day: Many heads to the beach on the morning of January 1. The brave ones enjoy the first dip of the year in the ocean.

Best Hotels for New Year’s Eve in Porto

What better way to spend New Year’s Eve in Porto than in a nice luxurious hotel? Many even have special packages for the occasion that include a delicious New Year’s Eve dinner and other activities, such as a relaxing spa day. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels for New Year’s Eve in Porto.

1. NH Hotel Porto Jardim

This four-star hotel feels like its five stars. It has a 70 cm deep outdoor people, a spa a few meters away, and a gym. It is located within walking distance of main attractions like Bolhão market, Aliados Avenue, and Ribeira, great spots to watch the fireworks after dinner. 

The hotel restaurant serves local and international cuisine and has a great selection of Portuguese wines for your New Year’s Eve dinner.

2. Hotel Premium Porto Downtown

Located in the old town, this modern 4-star hotel has a sun terrace with views of the city of Porto, the perfect place to enjoy some port wine. You’ll be close to everything you need, Santa Catarina street, Aliados Avenue, and the cathedral. The hotel offers unique and affordable experiences, like driving your own plane (A320) over Porto for €30 and boat trips on the river for €15, which are the perfect activities for the first day of the year. 

3. Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

This hotel mixes the modern with rustic and has a real-life tree inside the restaurant, “O Sítio Esquecido” (the forgotten place). Mercure Porto has a restaurant, pool, and sun terrace: it feels like a retreat away from the city. One of the best locations for a hotel, you’ll be a few minutes away from the hotspots to watch the fireworks after dinner!

4. The Yeatman, Gaia

This luxury hotel isn’t really in Porto – it’s 15 minutes away, crossing the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia. You get a full view of Porto across the Douro river, showcasing the fireworks along the water. Especially at night, this view is magazine-worthy. Have your New Year’s Eve dinner with some Portuguese wine at the 2 Michelin awarded Yeatman Restaurant.

The hotel has a luxury spa offering panoramic views of the city, perfect for a relaxing day on January 1. Each double bedroom comes with a private terrace. The bathrooms have a large bathtub and shower and come with Caudalie skincare products.

5. Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace

If you want to go all out, Le Monumental is for you! Located in a historic building from 1923, this 5-star hotel has two restaurants, a bar, a Spa, and a large indoor pool. Situated in the iconic Aliados Avenue, Monumental Palace is a 6-minute walk away from Clerigos Tower and the Livraria Lello.

The New Year’s Eve celebration at the hotel include dinner, cabaret, singers, and other performances. Offers start at 550 euros per person and include dinner and a room, although there is a minimum stay of two nights. 

On January 1st, the hotel is offering a New Year’s Day brunch for 120 euros per person. 

The hotel also has two Michelin star restaurants: Le Monument and Yakuza Porto by Olivier. The latter is a famous Japanese restaurant with Brazilian influences by Chef Olivier that is well known in all of Portugal.

Best Restaurants for New Year’s Eve in Porto

The perfect New Year’s Eve needs a delicious New Year’s dinner! It is your last meal of the year, after all. Here are the 5 best restaurants in Porto for New Year’s Eve dinner. 

1. Antiqvvm

Located in Rua de Entre Quintas, Antiqvvm has one of the best views of the River Douro from its garden. The Michelin-star restaurant was opened by Chef Vitor Matos, who uses local ingredients to produce dishes, picking out produce by season.

The wines at the restaurant are specially selected by sommelier António Lopes. You can choose from a set menu or opt for the à la carte menu, where vegetarian options are available. 

2. Pedro Lemos

Located in a restored ancient stone house, Pedro Lemos was opened in 2009 by Chef Pedro Lemos, making it the first restaurant in Porto to receive a Michelin star. You’ll find this place in Foz, a historical neighborhood of Porto, 20 minutes away from the center of the city. This place has a rooftop terrace to enjoy the view of the river and watch the fireworks. 

3. Enoteca 17.56

One of the trendiest restaurants in Gaia, Enoteca 17.56 has a cool atmosphere and a modern interior design. With a terrace offering a gorgeous view of Porto and the Douro River, this restaurant is also a great spot for a sunset drink. Enoteca is known for its sushi, fillet steaks, and focaccia, as well as an extensive wine list. 

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Porto

The best part about New Year’s Eve in Porto is the fireworks display that the city puts on. These are displayed by the Douro river and can be seen both from Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. People gather on the margins of the Douro river to watch the fireworks celebrations above the D. Luis I bridge. The best way to see these is either by staying at a hotel or finding a restaurant with great views. Alternatively, walk down to Ribeira on the sidelines of the river to watch the beautiful fireworks.