Display omitted •Strategies for pore surface engineering of MOFs are summarized.•Effects of pore surface functionalization of MOFs on catalysis are discussed.•Challenges and opportunities of pore surface engineering of MOFs for catalysis are presented. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of emerging crystalline porous materials, have received great attention for their prospective applications in various areas. In terms of catalytic application, MOFs combine both the merits of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, such as recyclability, high efficiency and selectivity, well-define active sites, etc., in which the pore structures and environment of MOFs play critical roles. To further expand the applications of MOFs for catalysis, the appropriate pore surface engineering of MOFs is imperative to create more active sites, modulate the catalytic behaviors, and thus enhance the catalytic properties. In this review, recent progress achieved in heterogeneous catalysis with pore-surface-engineered MOFs has been summarized. Different strategies for pore surface engineering of MOFs are discussed systematically, with a focus on the creation or introduction of active sites for catalysis.