Leixões Cruise Terminal Porto
A striking modern cruise terminal with unique 'fish scale' tiles, offering coastal views and easy access to Matosinhos' renowned seafood.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views
Leixões Cruise Terminal Porto
Best Time
Golden hour views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking modern cruise terminal with unique 'fish scale' tiles, offering coastal views and easy access to Matosinhos' renowned seafood.
"Interesting architecture for a cruise terminal, near the beach with beautiful details."
🚗 Uber is Your Friend
Uber is affordable and convenient for getting to Porto's city center from the terminal. :car:
🚇 Take the Metro
For a cheaper alternative to Uber, the Metro is a reliable way to reach Porto. :metro:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Striking Modern Architecture
Leixões Cruise Terminal Building
Admire the unique, fish-scale-inspired tile work and modern design of this striking cruise terminal.

Matosinhos Beachfront
Adjacent to the terminal
Enjoy a stroll along the Atlantic coast, with cafes and seafood restaurants nearby.

Ocean Race Europe Stopover
Leixões Cruise Terminal
Witness the excitement of The Ocean Race Europe, with a pit stop at this iconic location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Porto: Plan Your Transfer
Exploring the Terminal and Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Uber is Your Friend
Uber is affordable and convenient for getting to Porto's city center from the terminal.
:car:🚇 Take the Metro
For a cheaper alternative to Uber, the Metro is a reliable way to reach Porto.
:metro:🚶♀️ Beachfront Stroll
Walk along the Atlantic front towards Castelo do Queijo and Parque da Cidade.
:athletic_shoe:🍽️ Seafood Delights
Matosinhos is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants, perfect for a meal.
:forkandknife:Getting from Port of Leixões to Porto
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Uber is Your Friend
Uber is affordable and convenient for getting to Porto's city center from the terminal.
:car:🚇 Take the Metro
For a cheaper alternative to Uber, the Metro is a reliable way to reach Porto.
:metro:🚶♀️ Beachfront Stroll
Walk along the Atlantic front towards Castelo do Queijo and Parque da Cidade.
:athletic_shoe:🍽️ Seafood Delights
Matosinhos is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants, perfect for a meal.
:forkandknife:📸 Architectural Details
Don't miss the unique 'fish scale' tile patterns and modern design of the terminal.
:camera:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Leixões Cruise Terminal for its striking modern architecture and unique tile work, often highlighting its beautiful coastal location. While not a primary tourist attraction itself, its proximity to Matosinhos' beaches and seafood restaurants is a significant draw. Some note the distance to Porto's historic center, emphasizing the need for transportation.
"Really Nice View and with a lot of Beautiful details on the architecture of the Building
💙🩵💙✨"
Duarte Miguel Marramaque Cabral de Matos
"Well organised with some local shops. Security staff friendly and well layed out with escalators."
Dave Cutts
"Interesting architecture for a cruise terminal. Unfortunately we were told you can't visit it as an attraction in its own right when we came to the entrance to the port. You can go up to the crane and that's it. It must be nice to experience sunset from the terrace and viewing platform.
Apparently there's a research centre inside. The tiles laid out like fish scales from others' pictures look outstanding.
It's near the beach, which is just the other side.
Follow here and on IG for more travel and food and drink tips, ideas and reviews @one.more.step.along.the.world"
J L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended options are Uber, which is affordable (under €10), or the Metro for a budget-friendly journey.
The bus 500 also offers scenic views along the coast.Information on free shuttles is scarce. Travelers generally recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber or public transport like the Metro for reliable and cost-effective transfers.
No, the city center of Porto is a significant distance from the Leixões Cruise Terminal, making walking impractical. Transportation is necessary to reach the historical sites.
While some sources mention a hop-on hop-off bus, finding its exact stop near the terminal can be challenging. It's often easier to rely on Uber or the Metro for city access.
For travel between Matosinhos and Porto, consider the Metro for affordability and efficiency, or the scenic bus 500 which runs along the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The terminal itself is primarily a functional port and not typically open as a standalone tourist attraction. However, its architecture is notable, and the surrounding area offers attractions.
As it's a working port and not a typical attraction, there are generally no entrance fees to access the immediate vicinity. However, specific areas or events might have associated costs.
The terminal operates based on cruise ship schedules. While the building's exterior and surrounding public areas are accessible, specific internal access might be restricted.
No advance booking is typically required to visit the public areas around the Leixões Cruise Terminal or Matosinhos beach.
The terminal is generally well-organized with escalators and accessible layouts, but specific accessibility details for all areas should be confirmed if needed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Admire the unique architecture, enjoy views of Matosinhos beach, and experience the vibrant atmosphere, especially if a cruise ship is docked or during events like The Ocean Race Europe.
The terminal is described as well-organized with some local shops. Nearby Matosinhos offers numerous seafood restaurants.
Capture the striking modern architecture, the 'fish scale' tile patterns, and the coastal views, especially during sunset.
Yes, the terrace and viewing platform are noted as potentially offering beautiful sunset experiences.
The 'she changes' sculpture is an art installation located along the Atlantic front, near Parque da Cidade, which is a pleasant walk from the terminal area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Matosinhos, adjacent to the terminal, is renowned for its excellent seafood restaurants, offering fresh catches and a lively dining scene.
While there are some local shops within the terminal, the primary dining experiences are found in the nearby Matosinhos area.
Matosinhos is famous for its grilled fish and other fresh seafood dishes, making it a culinary highlight for visitors.
Yes, there are local bars and cafes along the Matosinhos beachfront where you can enjoy a drink with ocean views.
Dining in Matosinhos can range from casual to more upscale, but it's generally considered to offer good value, especially for the quality of fresh seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the terminal's unique architecture, the 'fish scale' tiles, and the expansive coastal views. The surrounding beach and sculptures also offer great shots.
Absolutely. The terminal's elevated position and proximity to the ocean make it an excellent spot for capturing sunset colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the architecture and coastal landscapes. A standard zoom lens will be versatile for details and wider shots.
Generally, photography in public areas is permitted. However, be mindful of any security personnel or restricted zones within the active port.
Drone usage is often restricted in port areas and near airports due to security regulations. It's advisable to check local drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When heading into Porto, consider using Uber for ease with strollers and tired little legs. In Porto, many attractions are walkable once you arrive, but planning your transport to and from the terminal with kids in mind is key to a smooth experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Exploring the Matosinhos beachfront and enjoying the views is free. For dining, Matosinhos offers a range of seafood restaurants, and you can find more affordable options by venturing slightly away from the immediate beachfront. Packing snacks and water can also help save money on the go.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
In Porto, many attractions are within walking distance of each other once you've arrived via public transport. The city is known for being welcoming, and solo exploration is highly encouraged.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: The Leixões Cruise Terminal
Inside, the terminal is noted for being well-organized and modern, featuring escalators and a clean layout. While it's not typically open as a standalone tourist attraction, its aesthetic appeal is frequently highlighted by visitors. The building's design has been praised for its beauty and the interesting details, making it a point of interest even for those not arriving or departing by cruise ship.
For photography enthusiasts, the terminal offers numerous angles to capture its unique form. The interplay of light on the tiled facade and the building's integration with the seascape provide excellent photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Exploring the Matosinhos Coastline
Matosinhos is a culinary hotspot, particularly famous for its freshly grilled fish. Along the beachfront, you'll find numerous restaurants where you can savor the catch of the day, often cooked simply to highlight its natural flavors. It’s a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an authentic Portuguese dining experience.
Beyond the beach and dining, the Matosinhos coastline offers other points of interest. You can walk towards Castelo do Queijo (Cheese Castle) and the expansive Parque da Cidade (City Park), offering green spaces and art installations like the 'she changes' sculpture. This makes the area around the terminal a surprisingly rich destination for exploration.
Navigating to and from Porto
Ride-sharing services like Uber are frequently cited as the most convenient and cost-effective option, with fares typically under €10 for the journey into Porto. This provides a direct and comfortable transfer, especially for those with luggage or limited mobility. Alternatively, the Metro system offers a more budget-conscious choice, connecting the terminal area to Porto's extensive public transport network.
For those seeking a more scenic route, the Bus 500 is a double-decker bus that travels along the ocean and riverfront streets from Matosinhos towards downtown Porto. This option provides beautiful views of the coastline and is a more sustainable way to travel, offering a different perspective of the region.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit