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Porto is a small, characterful city that lies some 200 miles north of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. With its origins dating back to the Roman Empire, Porto is one of the country’s oldest cities and has several World Heritage Sites at its heart.
This is perhaps why it attracts many history-loving travelers who are keen to explore its fascinating attractions and charming medieval streets. Plus, Porto sits in the scenic Douro Valley right on the bank of the Douro River, which adds to the city’s romantic atmosphere.
If you’re planning to visit Porto for the first time and wondering where to stay, read on to learn more about the city’s main neighborhoods. We highlight the best areas for tourists to stay in and point you toward some of the best hotels and guesthouses to help you plan the perfect trip.
Ribeira for Sightseeing & Nightlife
Highlights: Palácio da Bolsa, Rua das Flores, Dom LuĂs I Bridge
Ribeira lies along the north bank of the Douro River and is one of the city’s most beautiful and photogenic neighborhoods, recognizable by its colorful houses. It’s a flat, compact, and highly walkable area that is home to many of the city’s popular sights, including Palácio da Bolsa.
What to Expect
Cais de Ribeira is a riverfront promenade with a picture-perfect stretch of pastel houses that overlook retro flat-bottomed boats in the river. This part of Ribeira comes alive in the early evening when buskers start singing, and the restaurants and taverns begin to bustle. Rua das Flores, which was first established in the 1500s, is another must-see street in Ribeira. It’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list, given its age and importance, and is packed with elegant bars, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
There’s excellent nightlife in Ribeira — particularly around Praça da Ribeira, the main square, where there are lively bars and clubs to enjoy. Be sure to check out Prova to sample some of the best Portuguese wines. Keep in mind that Ribeira can be noisy at night, so avoid staying here if you like to get lots of sleep.
Where to Stay
Given that Ribeira is one of Porto’s most touristy areas, there’s a great mix of accommodation options to suit a range of tastes and budgets. Eurostars Oporto Hotel is a modern hotel conveniently located just 100 meters from a metro station. Each of its rooms has an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony.
For a more upmarket option, consider Torel Palace Porto — a five-star hotel inside the romantic Palacete Campos Navarro that dates back to 1861. This beautiful and luxurious hotel has a restaurant, a pastry shop, a swimming pool, and plenty of charming common areas dotted with books.
Baixa for First-Time Visits
Highlights: São Bento Train Station, Sá da Bandeira Theatre, Clérigos Tower, Mercado do Bolhão
Baixa is the downtown region of the city and is considered the very heart of Porto. It’s situated just north of Ribeira and consists of two large hills, so be prepared to get a good workout as you wander around the tourist attractions here. You can enjoy some stunning views over the city from Baixa, particularly from the famed Clérigos Tower.
What to Expect
The central location of Baixa makes it a great location for first-time visitors to stay in. Many of the city’s main attractions are situated here, including Porto Cathedral, a grand 12th-century structure that blends Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture.
Head to Rua de Santa Catarina, Avenida dos Aliados, and Bolhão market for shopping, and look out for some fantastic cuisine along the way. Be sure to eat bifana, Portugal’s renowned marinated pork sandwich, at Conga, which is known to make the best in the city.
Baixa is a hub for public transport since it’s home to São Bento Station, where a wide range of intercity trains arrive and depart. If you want to stay somewhere with convenient access to other parts of the Porto, staying in Baixa is a great choice. Keep in mind that the area is very crowded and touristy, so if you’re looking for a more authentic experience of Porto, you’ll need to venture further afield.
Where to Stay
Some of the best and most luxurious Porto hotels can be found in Baixa, particularly in the area surrounding the elegant Avenida dos Aliados. Hospes Infante Sagres is a luxury hotel that was recently refurbished to provide a modern experience in a historic, elegant building. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s sundeck and plunge pool to unwind after a busy day’s sightseeing.
Hotel Peninsular has a prime location in the UNESCO heritage site of Old Town and is close to the Sao Bento railway. Another option is the Mercure Porto Centro Aliados, a unique four-star hotel with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool!
Bonfim for Local Life
Highlights: Craft breweries and coffee shops
Bonfim is a residential neighborhood situated east of Ribeira and Baixa. It’s incredibly hilly, making the 15-minute walk from the city center fairly challenging, but a convenient funicular connects the area to the Douro riverbank.
What to Expect
There are scant sights in Bonfim, but this up-and-coming neighborhood is home to some cool craft breweries, artisanal coffee shops, and trendy bars. It’s a pleasant and relatively quiet area, and spending time here is a great way to get a feel for local life in Porto. Be sure to check out Combi Coffee for fantastic specialty coffee and Letraria Porto to sip tasty craft beer in a relaxing beer garden.
Where to Stay
Given how residential Bonfim is, there are far fewer accommodation options here than in other neighborhoods. The few hotels and guesthouses offer very affordable rates, which makes this neighborhood ideal for travelers who are on a budget and don’t mind being a short distance away from all the action.
Alternatively, you might be able to find a good vacation rental here if you’re looking for a home-from-home experience in a self-catered apartment or villa.
Vila Nova de Gaia for Luxury
Highlights: Port lodges and tasting rooms, Jardim do Morro, Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
Although it technically isn’t a part of Porto City itself, Vila Nova de Gaia is an incredibly popular neighborhood for tourists to visit and stay in. It sits on the southern banks of the Douro River, accessible via the historic Dom Luis I bridge.
Porto’s famous port wine cellars are situated in Vila Nova de Gaia because merchants in the 1700s found that it had a better climate for aging wine than Porto itself. It’s in this neighborhood that you’ll find some of the country’s best port-tasting rooms.
What to Expect
You’re some distance from the main attractions of Porto when you stay in Vila Nova de Gaia, but if you want a luxurious, indulgent vacation, this is where you want to be. The area has several historic port lodges to visit, including Taylor’s and Espaço Porto Cruz. Staying in this neighborhood will also mean you’ll be within walking distance of some of the best gourmet restaurants in this region of Portugal.
Where to Stay
Expect high prices and true opulence from the hotels and resorts in Vila de Gaia. One of Porto’s most famous hotels, The Yeatman, is situated here. It’s a luxury spa hotel with a 2-Michelin awarded restaurant, an indoor pool and hot tub, and an outdoor pool terrace with stunning river views. The Yeatman is renowned for its incredible collection of fine Port wines, and it offers tasting sessions every Thursday.
Miragaia for History and Culture
Highlights: Jardins do Palacio de Cristal, Museum of Transport and Communication, The Romantic Museum of Porto, World of Discoveries, Living Van Gogh Porto Immersive Gallery
Miragaia is a small neighborhood that sits west of Baixa and Ribeira and is lined with more of the colorful houses that the riverfront neighborhood of Porto is known for. This area was once home to large Jewish and Armenian communities who have left their mark in the way of architecture and cuisine.
What to Expect
There are several popular attractions in the Miragaia area, including the interactive World of Discoveries museum, which is great for families. Take a relaxing stroll through the gorgeous gardens of the Palacio de Cristal, or learn about Portugal’s history at the Museum of Transport and Communication.
Where to Stay
There’s a good range of hotels and guesthouses in Maragaia, with many offering gorgeous views over the river. There are also some quirky boutique hotels for those who want to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary. Hotel Tipografia do Conto by Casa do Conto has beautiful gardens and 24 hour room service.
Cedofeita for Romantic Getaways
Highlights: Soares dos Reis National Museum, Jardim das Cordoaria, the Photography Museum, Lello Bookshop
Cedofeita is a trendy, artistic neighborhood that borders Baixa and Miragaia. It has a slightly quieter, cooler atmosphere than Baixa but is close enough to the city center for easy access to downtown on foot. Its biggest attraction is the Soares dos Reis National Museum, Portugal’s oldest public museum and home to a huge collection of paintings, sculptures, and historic artifacts.
What to Expect
There are many places in this area to take in Portuguese art and culture in Cedofeita. Head to Rua Mugeul Bombarda, which is lined with art galleries, concept stores, designer clothing, and homeware stores. There’s also the Photography Museum to enjoy and the renowned Lello bookshop to browse, and you can catch some traditional live music at the Casa da Guitarra historic guitar shop.
Where to Stay
Cedofeita is a great area to stay in for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the touristy city center without being too far away from the main sights. It has a romantic atmosphere that could make it a great base for couples.
Foz de Douro for Beach Breaks
Highlights: Praia dos Ingleses, Praia do Carneiro, Jardim do Passeio Alegre, Fortaleza de SĂŁo JoĂŁo da Foz
Foz de Douro lies west of Porto’s city center, and although it began life as a fishing village, it quickly attracted Porto’s elite as a summer vacation resort. This is why the area now blends quaint fishermen’s cottages with grand mansions.
What to Expect
Today, the neighborhood is primarily residential, although there are a handful of hotels and resorts for those looking for a beach vacation.
The main appeal of Foz de Douro is its sandy beaches, with Praia dos Ingleses and Praia do Carneiro being particularly popular. There are also some attractive parks and gardens in Foz, such as Jardim do Pesseio Alegre. Keep in mind that you won’t be within walking distance of Porto’s main sights if you stay here, but you can access them in around 15 minutes via tram or bus.
Where to Stay
When visiting Foz de Douro, there are several excellent accommodation options to consider that cater to different tastes and budgets. For those seeking luxury, the 5-star HF Ipanema Park Hotel offers upscale rooms with stunning views, a rooftop pool, and an on-site restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.
If you prefer a more traditional feel, the Hotel Boa Vista is a charming historic hotel dating back to the 19th century. It’s situated right by the ocean, offering panoramic sea views from many of its rooms.
Boavista for Peace and Quiet
Highlights: Casa da MĂşsica, Serralves Contemporary Art Museum, Gallery of Biodiversity
Boavista is an affluent neighborhood situated northwest of the city center. It’s considered the city’s business hub, but it’s also home to a few popular attractions, including the Casa da Música, one of Porto’s leading concert venues and home to the National Orchestra of Porto.
What to Expect
The biggest downside of Boavista is its distance from the city center. You won’t be able to walk into the heart of Porto, but there are ample buses and subway trains to help you get there. The area is fairly peaceful at night, which could be suitable for families. This doesn’t mean to say you can’t enjoy a relaxing evening out in Boavista — there are some fantastic high-quality restaurants here, including Capa Negra II, which serves delicious traditional Portuguese dishes.
Where to Stay
Several luxury chain hotels in the area offer 5-star comfort, so if you’re looking for an indulgent break in a resort with plenty of facilities, Boavista is a good place to stay.
Book Your Stay in Pretty Porto
Porto is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for a cultural city break, and it has no shortage of fantastic places to stay. Now you know Porto’s key neighborhoods and their unique pros and cons, so you can find the perfect accommodation for visiting this charming historic city.
