What is the best place to stay in Porto?
By Aimee Long. Nov 18, 2022
Porto is a magical city of colourful facades and cathedral topped hills, just begging to be explored. As the second-largest city in Portugal, Porto is a must-visit destination on a trip to this coastal country. Get lost amongst its maze of streets, go on the hunt for traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles, bask on a rocky beach, or sip port wine by the riverside. No matter what you choose to do, a visit to the City of Bridges will be an unforgettable experience. Read on to discover where to stay in one of the best value destinations in Western Europe.
Baixa is the best neighbourhood to stay in on a visit to Porto. Centrally located and surrounded by the most famous attractions, the Baixa area is the perfect place to base yourself on a quick trip or first time visit. Gaze in wonder at the colorful azulejo tiles of the São Bento Train Station or uncover J.K. Rowling’s writing trail and her inspiration for the Harry Potter series in this stunning neighbourhood. From delicious restaurants and cafés to historic sites look no further than Baixa for your ultimate Porto accommodations.On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Porto, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Porto, you may also be interested in where to stay in Lisbon and where to stay in Algarve.
Baixa, the best area to stay in Porto
Porto City Centre / Nightlife / First Time Visit
In the middle of it all, the neighbourhood of Baixa is the most centrally located area for travellers on a visit to Porto and ideal for first timers. Baixa has countless restaurants and cafes serving everything from traditional Portuguese cuisine to American style burgers. With this area’s rich selection of restaurants this is also a great location to taste some of Porto’s culinary claims to fame including the francesinha.
The Baixa neighbourhood is the best place for a night on the town and college students in their iconic Portuguese capas, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling, come out in droves on the weekends to perform for bar goers and indulge themselves.
You can find accommodations here to suit any budget. This is one of your best bets for low cost finds. Lodging here might not have a clear view of the Douro river but, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a stunning look out over the cathedrals.
Other areas to stay in Porto
Ribeira
Riverfront Dining / UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located along the riverfront just south of Baixa, Ribeira is a part of Porto’s UNESCO World Heritage area and one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Explore the winding staircases and sun washed alleyways by day and dine on delicious fresh caught fish by night.
There are frequently street performers lining the pedestrian promenade along the river. Come here to listen to live music and watch the Portuguese rabelo boats, floating in the river. If you’re feeling up for a challenge, climb the 210 stairs to the Luis I Bridge, built by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel with similar features to the Eiffel Tower.
In terms of accommodation, Ribeira has a bit of something for everyone. As it is one of the most sought after neighbourhoods to stay in the city, prices are always a bit high here but it’s worth it for the scenic river views and proximity to waterfront restaurants and cafes.
Cedofeita
Art District / Young Crowd
Known as Porto’s unofficial art centre and hipster hangout, Cedofeita is a young and lively neighbourhood located just east of Baixa. Art lovers be sure to take a stroll down Rua Miguel Bombarda, the largest concentration of art galleries in Porto or pop into Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. Cozy cafes and unique bars are on every corner. Grab a drink and wander the unique bookshops and vintage clothing shops. If you’re looking for green space, take a walk in the gorgeous Palacio de Cristal Gardens.
While the vibrant arts scene draws a bit of a younger crowd, overall Cedofeita is typically a quiet area, tucked just far enough away from the well beaten tourist path to be peaceful. Accommodation in this area runs the gamut from trendy hostels to boujee bed and breakfasts. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path with a Bohemian air, this is just the neighbourhood!
Foz do Douro
Beaches / Delicious Seafood / Off-the-beaten Path.
Craving beaches and seafood? Look no further than the far-flung neighbourhood of Foz do Douro, at the very western edge of Porto. As the furthest neighbourhood from the centre, this section of town is almost a city itself and is about a 20-minute metro ride from Baixa.
Colloquially known as Foz to locals, visitors don’t come for its central location in the heart of Porto but instead for its iconic Portuguese beaches and fresh caught seafood. Stroll along the seafront promenade or take a visit to the Felgueiras Lighthouse, perched at the end of the Earth. Foz proximity to the sea makes it the best place in Porto for delicious seafood. Be sure to make a reservation at one of the beach front restaurants to indulge.
Accommodation in Foz is a bit more sparse than other neighbourhoods in Porto, but the ocean views make up for what they lack in choice.
Boavista
Best for Families / Business / 5-Star Hotels.
Boavista is a quiet business sector of Porto about a 10-minute drive west from Baixa, bordering the lively Cedofeita. What Boavista lacks in charm and historic sites it makes up for in modernity, ease, and a residential feel. Although a bit far off the beaten path, this neighbourhood is particularly attractive for young families with its children’s activities, museums, and parks, including the largest in Porto, Cidade do Porto.
If you’re on a visit to Porto for business, this might also be the neighbourhood for you as most of the city’s financial district is located here. Boavista’s mixture of business district and affluence have drawn a large portion of the city’s 5-star chain hotels, making a quick trip to this area a breeze.
Interesting nearby attractions include the Casa da Música, the Planetarium, and the modern Mercado Bom Sucesso, perhaps the best place in the neighbourhood to grab a bite to eat.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Wine Tasting / Romantic / Scenic River Views
Located just across the Douro River from Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia is the best neighbourhood in Porto for a romantic getaway. Its claim to fame are the port wine cellars that are scattered along the riverfront and perched at the base of Porto’s craggy hills. Be sure to book a tour and tasting to get a deeper look into Portuguese wine making and the history of the city itself. Affectionately referred to as Gaia by natives, this area of town is technically not a part of Porto, although its proximity to downtown makes it feel otherwise.
Vila Nova de Gaia comes alive in the evening with couples and families strolling along the river, taking rides in the teleférico, and sipping port wine at riverside restaurants. This is the best neighbourhood for accommodations with views over the beautiful Douro River and the colourful cascade of buildings leading to its edge.
Our recommended hotels in Porto
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in PortoNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
