Museu do Carro Eléctrico (Tram Museum), Porto

The Porto Tram Museum (Museu do Carro Eléctrico) in Porto offers a fascinating journey through the history of tram transportation in the city. Opened in 1992, this museum is housed in a former thermoelectric power station built in 1915, located along the scenic River Douro in Massarelos. The building, originally constructed to generate power for the city's tram network, continued as a substation for the remaining tram lines even after energy production ceased in the 1960s.

The museum's collection includes 16 electric trams, 5 trailers, and 2 maintenance vehicles, offering visitors a glimpse into Porto's historical transportation system. In addition to the trams, one of the large halls still holds the power plant's original equipment. Guests can explore unique vehicles like Dolly No. 66, used for transporting coal, and Wagon No. 80, designed for fish transport. Electric Car No. 100, which is available for hire for special events, and other historic railcars are also part of the extensive exhibit.

The museum, which underwent significant renovations between 2012 and 2015, also features an archival library, café, gift shop, and meeting facilities, making it not only a historical experience but also a community hub. It's a rich cultural site where visitors can immerse themselves in the technical, economic, and social impact of trams on the city of Porto.

Why You Should Visit:
All the exhibits are working trams that have been meticulously restored by volunteers, and the museum itself is very pleasant, too.
One hall has the tram selection, while the other still contains the alternators, rectifiers, and switchgear used to control the electricity.

Tip:
If you have ridden on Porto's trams, keep your ticket(s) as you may get a 30% (for a single ticket) or 50% discount (for 2-day tickets) on entry into the museum.
One of the easiest ways to get to the museum is actually via tram – either route 1 or 18. You can then take the historic tram back to the city or to the beaches.