Alfândega do Porto
Historic 19th-century customs house on the Douro River, now a vibrant venue for events, exhibitions, and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Alfândega do Porto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 19th-century customs house on the Douro River, now a vibrant venue for events, exhibitions, and stunning views.
"A historic and beautiful building with state-of-the-art technology and privileged waterfront views."
Check Event Schedule
Verify upcoming events to plan your visit or avoid closures. :calendar:
Enjoy Riverfront Walks
Stroll along the Douro for stunning views and a refreshing breeze. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Customs House Architecture
Main Building
Admire the impressive 19th-century architecture, iron columns, and curved ceilings of this former customs house.
Douro Riverfront Views
Exterior Waterfront
Enjoy picturesque views of the Douro River and the iconic Luís I Bridge from the building's privileged waterfront location.
Pocinha Natural Spring
Salir do Porto (near ruins)
Discover a unique natural freshwater spring flowing directly into the sea, forming a therapeutic pool.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Charm
Event-Driven Visits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedule
Verify upcoming events to plan your visit or avoid closures.
Enjoy Riverfront Walks
Stroll along the Douro for stunning views and a refreshing breeze. :walking:
Explore Nearby Ruins
Discover the 15th-century ruins adjacent to the customs house for a glimpse into history.
Discover the Pocinha
Seek out the natural freshwater spring for a unique, therapeutic dip.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedule
Verify upcoming events to plan your visit or avoid closures.
Enjoy Riverfront Walks
Stroll along the Douro for stunning views and a refreshing breeze. :walking:
Explore Nearby Ruins
Discover the 15th-century ruins adjacent to the customs house for a glimpse into history.
Discover the Pocinha
Seek out the natural freshwater spring for a unique, therapeutic dip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Alfândega do Porto is praised for its historic architecture and prime waterfront location, offering beautiful Douro River views and hosting diverse events. While the building itself is impressive, some visitors found specific exhibitions, like the Terracotta Army, to be poorly curated and overpriced, leading to disappointment.
"This place is historic and very beautiful inside. They have state of the art technology"
SIZEKA A MASHELE
"Alfandega is a wonderful multi-use space on the waterfront in Porto. The New Customs House, as it is known, was built from 1859 to 1869 on the Douro at Miragaia beach. It replaced the original customs house in Ribeira now a museum called Casa do Infante. A rail line connected the the east side of the building to Campanhã station and parts are still visible in Fontainhas. It was used for over 100 years before the customs services were relocated in part due to the airport. It has been the city's transportation museum since the 1990's. Today, the space is used for museums, trade shows, car shows, weddings, etc. It is currently the home to the Living Van Gogh immersive experience, museum of official cars of the Portuguese presidents, museum for the customs house, and the 40 meters long Panel Ribeira Negra by Julio Resende. The building is large and impressive with tracks in the floor for the carts used to move the goods through the building. Iron columns support curved ceiling sections. The waterfront behind the building is privileged with fantastic views and a recently restored crane once used to offload ships. Services include a cafe, toilets, and staffed information booth. Paid parking is adjacent and bus stops are nearby."
Mike Angove
"Really disappointing experience at the Terracotta Army exhibition.
The tickets were 15€ per adult which I think is really high anyway, but the exhibition itself was a total shambles.
I think it’s supposed to be a ‘plug and play’ showcase that is obviously touring in other countries. For such a historically significant and astounding discovery, the curation was miserable.
The signage was all laid out incorrectly so it was unclear what the chronology of the story was, further it didn’t correlate to the audio guide and the audio and signage seemed to disagree on certain facts! Many of the boxes were cracked and it was just generally a huge disappointment.
Something really heart breaking about seeing such incredible monuments totally mutilated into cash cows with little to no care or thought in the viewers experience. I have no problem paying a little more for a well curated and thoughtful exhibition but frankly we left feeling quite dejected.
I have included some photos of the cool parts of the exhibition, because the artefacts themselves are fantastic. However do your own research before as this lacklustre exhibition will only leave you with more questions and a heavy heart!
EDIT: just went home to find out more information on the Terracotta Army and realised the video they play in the exhibition (the only really clear information) is actually a National Geographic video that can be found on YouTube - from 12 years ago!!!
Boo you guys suck"
Saskia S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alfândega do Porto is accessible by public transport, including buses that stop nearby. Paid parking is also available adjacent to the building.
Yes, Alfândega do Porto is located on the waterfront, a short distance from Porto's historic Ribeira district.
It's a pleasant walk along the Douro River from Ribeira to Alfândega do Porto, offering scenic views.
From Porto Airport (OPO), you can take the Metro to the city center and then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Alfândega do Porto.
Yes, downloading apps like Bolt can be helpful for affordable rides around Porto.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the general area and waterfront is usually free. However, specific exhibitions or events held within Alfândega do Porto may require tickets.
Opening hours can vary depending on whether there are specific exhibitions or events. It's best to check the official schedule for the most up-to-date information.
While many exhibitions are ticketed, some events, like the Imobinvest fair, offer free entry with prior registration.
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the exhibition. For example, the Terracotta Army exhibition was priced at 15€ per adult.
Tickets for specific exhibitions are usually available for purchase on-site, but booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular events.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Today, Alfândega do Porto is a versatile multi-use space hosting museums, trade shows, car shows, weddings, and immersive experiences like Living Van Gogh.
It's a historic 19th-century customs house that played a vital role in Porto's trade and is now a landmark showcasing the city's history and traditions.
Yes, it houses several museums, including the museum of official cars of the Portuguese presidents and a museum dedicated to its history as a customs house.
The waterfront location offers privileged views of the Douro River and the Luís I Bridge, making it a great spot for photography.
Just nearby, in Salir do Porto, you can find the 'Pocinha,' a natural freshwater spring that flows into the sea, rumored to have therapeutic properties.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the Alfândega do Porto complex for visitors to use.
Don't miss Francesinha (a hearty sandwich), Pastel de Nata (custard tart), and Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish cakes).
For sandwiches, try sandes de rojão, sandes de presunto, bifana, or prego. Bufete Fase or Brasão are recommended for Francesinha.
Mercado do Bolhão is a popular market with many vendors offering a variety of food options, though it's a bit of a walk from Alfândega.
Jardim das Virtudes offers a great spot to watch the sunset with drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront with views of the Douro River and Luís I Bridge, as well as the historic interior architecture, are prime photography locations.
Photography policies vary by exhibition. Some may allow photos without flash, while others might restrict it entirely. Check signage at the exhibition entrance.
Mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the building and river views.
The 'Pocinha' natural spring near the ruins offers a unique and picturesque photo opportunity.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near historical sites. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby, the possibility of exploring the historic ruins and the unique 'Pocinha' natural spring could spark curiosity in younger visitors. Consider combining a visit with a walk along the riverfront, which is generally safe and offers engaging views.
+1🚶 Solo Travelers
Take advantage of the opportunity to discover the nearby ruins and the 'Pocinha' natural spring at your own pace. Checking for any ongoing exhibitions can also provide a focused activity for a solo day.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to capture the unique 'Pocinha' natural spring and the adjacent historical ruins for a more off-the-beaten-path shot. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions for dramatic and serene photographs.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Alfândega do Porto
Originally, a rail line connected the building to Campanhã station, aiding in the efficient movement of goods. With the advent of air travel and changes in trade logistics, the customs services were eventually relocated. Today, the building has been repurposed into a vibrant multi-use space, preserving its architectural heritage while serving modern functions.
Parts of its past are still visible, including tracks on the floor used for carts and the impressive iron columns supporting its distinctive curved ceilings. The waterfront area behind the building has also been restored, featuring a crane that was once used for unloading ships, adding to the historical ambiance.
Events and Exhibitions at Alfândega do Porto
+1Visitors can often find immersive experiences, such as the 'Living Van Gogh' exhibition, or historical displays like the museum of official cars of the Portuguese presidents. It's crucial to check the venue's official schedule before planning a visit, as specific exhibitions or events might dictate access and opening hours.
While some events, like trade fairs, may require tickets, others, such as certain industry gatherings, can be free to attend with prior registration. The building's versatility ensures there's often something new and engaging happening, making it a recurring destination for locals and tourists alike.
Exploring the Salir do Porto Coastline
+1Legend has it that the waters of the Pocinha possess therapeutic qualities, offering a refreshing and potentially healing experience for those who bathe in it. The contrast of the cool freshwater against the salty sea makes it a peculiar and memorable spot to discover.
This natural wonder, found near the ruins of a 15th-century customs house, adds another layer of historical and natural intrigue to the Alfândega do Porto vicinity. It's a testament to the hidden gems that can be found when exploring the less-trodden paths along the Portuguese coast.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit