This Northern Portuguese city made its name (quite literally) through its famous dessert port wines, hence Porto. Any wine enthusiast will have a marvellous time in Porto, enjoying Portugal’s underrated wines.
That said, this charming, small city is well worth visiting, even if you don’t have a tipple.
Wander around the medieval streets surrounded by neo-classical and modernist architecture, and stroll alongside the riverside promenades while sampling Portuguese food and drink.
Eat traditional Portuguese food at a local restaurant and catch a fado show. Browse through various art shops and fashion boutique stores, then stop to grab a cup of coffee at one of the many quaint shops.
Lose yourself in the history of his port town. And yes, go wine tasting too.
With so much to dive into when you visit Porto, you’ll need the perfect spot to call home. Lucky for you, my guide’s got the lowdown on where to stay in Porto, tailored to every budget and interest.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Photo: @amandaadraper
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Looking for a specific place to stay? Here are my top picks for places to stay in Porto.
Gran Cruz House | Best Hotel in Porto
Situated on the Duoro River, this hotel has the best location in Porto. The hotel emanates elegance, and the rooms are tastefully furnished. It’s a dream to have breakfast on the terrace with delicious food and an incredible view!
Nice Way Porto Hostel | Best Hostel in Porto
Cool and chic, this hostel’s stylish design isn’t all it has going for it. It has a great location in the middle of downtown Porto and is close to transport. The uber-comfortable beds, friendly staff, super clean facilities, and lively atmosphere makes Nice Way the best hostel in Porto.
VIP! Luxury Suite in an 18th c. Palace | Best Airbnb in Porto
Relax in the historic splendour of Porto at this restored 18th-century palace, Pálacio dos Príncipes. Situated among cafés, traditional shops, the greatest nightlife, and famous landmarks like Livraria Lello and Clérigos Tower, these elegant apartments provide luxurious facilities including free WiFi and linens. From the history, details and furnishings of the property, to the proximity of sights, restaurants and bars, this Airbnb hits the mark!
Baixa (Centro)
Baixa is Porto’s bustling downtown. Centred around the grandiose Avenida dos Aliados, here is the commercial and banking heart of the city.
Boavista
With its masterpieces of architecture through the ages, Boavista can feel like an outdoor museum. Beginning as a small area in the relative center of Porto, the city’s longest road – Avenida da Boavista – acts an extension of the district and runs all the way to the coast.
Ribeira
Ribeira is named for being Porto’s riverside district and is known for being exceptionally beautiful. This is the most photographed area of the city and for good reason; Praça da Ribeira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cedofeita
Cedofeita has a reputation for being the trendiest area of Porto, and for good reason. It’s generally accepted that the city’s art district is located in this area, centered around Rua Miguel Bombarda, full of concept stores and art galleries.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Back in the 9th century, Porto and Gaia emerged as what would become modern-day Portugal. Today, Gaia – known as Vila Nova de Gaia – is more of a suburb of Porto, located on the southern banks of the Rio Douro.
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, packed full of riverside promenades, medieval streets, neo-classical buildings, modernist structures, and of course, the famous Porto wine. Overlooking the Douro River, Porto is a hilly city that dates back to the 4th century AD. Porto developed as a port city under Roman rule, falling to the Moorish invader, and then won back by Christians in the 9th century.
It’s safe to say Porto has a chequered history, and it became world-renowned as a port during the medieval period.
With this long history, the districts of Porto are diverse and choc-a-block with a variety of architectural styles as well as different local scenes and vibrant atmospheres. So, where should you crash in this beautiful chaos, you ask?
Beginning in the cultural heart of the city we have Baixa do Porto or its downtown district, an area known for its hipster cafes, cool hang-outs and decadent baroque façades. A lot of your Porto itinerary will probably focus on this area. Here is where you’ll find infamous landmarks like the stunningly gothic library Livraria Lello, perhaps one of the most famous bookshops in the world, and the area around Avenida dos Aliados.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Slightly to the northwest of Baixa, there’s the jumbled-up district of Boavista. Exploring this area is like a trip in a time machine: ancient buildings give way to modernist museums, and baroque edifices follow art nouveau structures. It’s home to the city’s largest park – Parque de Cidade – as well as the biggest synagogue on the Iberian peninsula, Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue.
Ribeira is Porto’s riverside district, just west of Baixa. Traditionally an industrial part of town, but now possibly the most picturesque, this beautiful and historic part of the city can be viewed in all its glory by crossing the astounding D. Luiz Bridge.
And to the north is Cedofeita, which is an up-and-coming area frequented by students; it’s full of vintage stores, earthy eateries, bars, and nightclubs galore.
And finally, there’s Vila Nova de Gaia. This area of town lies on the south side of the Douro River and came into being at a similar time to Porto proper over a thousand years ago. It’s famous for the cellars used for storing world-renowned Porto wine, now one of the city’s main attractions.
Porto is one of the coolest cities in Europe: vibrant, unpretentious, and full of history and culture. But where in this gem of a city should you be staying? I’m diving into more detail so you can figure that out in no time.
Porto’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Possibly the most interesting way to see the city is by foot, properly getting into the various areas of town and getting lost down winding backstreets.
Whilst Porto easily walkable, for a quicker way to get around town you can try out its trolleybuses and trams, or its slick metro system with six lines and a whole host of stops.
With public transportation, you can be in Vila Nova de Gaia one minute and in Baixa the next. Porto is a well-connected city, but since each district has its own feel, basing yourself somewhere that will suit you (and your budget) is best.
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So are you going for an up-and-coming area, or somewhere dripping in old-world charm? No matter which, I’ll give you the low down below.
1. Baixa (Centro) – Where to Stay in Porto for Your First Time
Baixa is in the heart of bustling downtown Porto. Centred around the grandiose Avenida dos Aliados, here is the commercial and banking heart of the city; there’s the busy shopping street of Rua de Santa Catarina, the traditional market of Bolhão, the famously beautiful São Bento train station, and other important monuments such as the Clérigos Church.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Whilst famous for its grand monuments, Baixa is also known for its labyrinthine side street and terrace cafes. It’s about getting lost in narrow lanes that open onto small squares of activity and local life. As such, there are famous cafes to visit and interesting sights dotted everywhere.
Porto Charming Hotel | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Baixa
Situated in a classic Porto house, this newly opened hotel is bright, light and airy. Rooms are large and clean, and the staff offer daily fresh fruit and refreshments to guests.
The historic centre is within easy walking distance, with a good array of traditional shops and restaurants to choose from. Staff members are professional and helpful, and happy to give sightseeing hints and tips.
GA Palace Hotel & Spa, a XIXth-Century Villa | Best Luxury Hotel in Baixa
GA Palace Hotel & Spa has been lovingly renovated to a very high standard with no details spared, making it one of the best luxury hotels in Porto. The rooms are large and luxurious and the outdoor swimming pool is an oasis. All the staff are exceptional – nothing is too much trouble.
Rivoli Cinema Hostel | Best Hostel in Baixa
This hostel, housed in a 1930s Art Deco building, exudes charm and reflects a whimsical cinematic theme throughout. They offer an epic terrace where you can sunbathe, BBQ, listen to music, party, or just hang out with the other guests at the bar and outdoor swimming pool. You can’t beat a free breakfast buffet either.
Things to See and Do in Baixa
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Marvel at the baroque bell tower of Torre dos Clérigos – an icon of Porto – and climb its 240 steps.
- Visit the most beautiful bookshop in the world, Livraria Lello.
- Take a guided tour of the Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical-style building located in the heart of Porto and considered one of Portugal’s most important historic monuments.
- Browse the fresh produce on sale at the traditional market, Mercado do Bolhão.
- Admire the town hall, a neoclassical 1900s building with epic city views.
- Snap 100 photos of ceramic tiles of the stunning São Bento railway station.
- Cruise past the historical highlights of this picturesque city in a guided tuk-tuk tour.
- Saunter down the picturesque Rua das Flores and stop for a coffee to watch local life unfold.
- Visit the Teatro Nacional São João and take a guided tour of this splendid space. You can even go backstage!
- Discover the historical city centre of Porto on a guided e-bike tour.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Boavista – Best Place to Stay in Porto on a Budget
Photo: @amandaadraper
With its masterpieces of architecture through the ages, Boavista can feel like an outdoor museum. Yet, it is still affordable, which makes it a great place to crash for backpackers in Porto.
Beginning as a small area in the relative centre, the city’s longest road – Avenida da Boavista – acts as an extension of the district and runs all the way to the coast. On the way, there is Porto’s biggest park: Parque da Cidade do Porto.
This district is all about grand boulevards and large buildings. Its central location means it’s super easy to walk around, but the sweeping avenue of Boavista itself can be navigated even more easily by the metro system.
Hotel da Musica | Best Hotel in Boavista
This hotel’s modern, urban style is eye-catching, unique, and unforgettable. With each room stylishly designed around the theme of music, the hotel is spotlessly clean and bright.
The staff members are always helpful. Located very close to the metro, the hotel is conveniently situated in a complex which includes shopping and dining options.
So Cool Hostel | Best Hostel in Boavista
Just outside of the main tourist area but close to the metro, this hostel’s charming Biju style makes it a fantastic place to stay in Porto.
Locally owned with a welcoming atmosphere, you can spend a peaceful afternoon in the garden chatting with new friends or take a stroll to the shops and restaurants close by. The hostel offers the choice of mixed dorms, female dorms, and private rooms.
Historical City Centre Apartment | Best Airbnb in Boavista
Located in the heart of Porto’s Art District, this flat offers a light-filled space where you can unwind after a long day exploring the city. This spacious apartment has everything you need for an enjoyable stay, including a fully furnished kitchen, a washer and dryer, a comfortable shower, private parking and even a Bluetooth speaker. It faces “Rosário” Street and has a balcony where you can soak up the peace and charm of this trendy central neighbourhood.
Need more Airbnb options? Check out my Best Airbnbs in Porto guide!
Things to See and Do in Boavista
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Explore the sprawling green space that is the Parque da Cidade do Porto.
- Taste port wine and olive oil at a port wine lodge and take in the landscapes of the Douro Valley on a full-day trip from Porto.
- Marvel at the bold modern architecture of Casa da Música.
- Imagine Porto’s heyday at the crumbling but beautiful Casa da Viscondessa de Santiago de Lobão.
- Admire the sea view from the Castelo do Queijo.
- Experience local life and have a bite to eat at the Mercado Bom Sucesso, a local market.
- Shop in an array of fashion stores at Península Boutique Center.
3. Ribeira – Best Area to Stay in Porto For Nightlife
Ribeira, Porto’s riverside gem, is exceedingly beautiful and the most photographed site in the city centre—not surprising given that Praça da Ribeira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With pastel-coloured homes and red roofs lining the Rio Douro, it’s like walking into a postcard! Ribeira, formerly an industrial powerhouse for shipbuilding, is now a lovely tangle of cobblestone streets and cosy cafes ideal for people-watching.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Everything is within walking distance here, so let your feet lead you through this charming neighbourhood. Ribeira is lively at all hours of the day and night, making it one of the greatest nightlife destinations in Porto.
Don’t miss Rua Santa Catarina, a vibrant and lively area full of boutique shops, street performers, and local flavour. Perfect for a low-cost activity that’ll give you a taste of authentic Porto life.
Gran Cruz House | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Ribeira
Situated on the Duoro River, this hotel has the best location in Porto. The hotel emanates elegance, and the rooms are tastefully furnished. It’s a dream to have breakfast on the terrace with delicious food and an incredible view!
Descobertas Boutique Hotel Porto | Another Great Mid-Range Hotel in Ribeira
Spacious and stylish, this boutique hotel is beautifully decorated. Situated in a buzzing area, chic eateries and pretty tavernas are on the doorstep and the metro is a ten-minute walk away.
The staff here are friendly and will help you with any requests and the free breakfast buffet will fill you up ready for a day of sightseeing.
Lost Inn Porto | Best Hostel in Ribeira
This hostel is homed in a fully renovated traditional building with stone walls, high wooden ceilings and traditional Portuguese tiles on its facade. The location is immaculate, the staff are incredible, and the entire layout is just fantastic. They have free sangria every day at 9 which is great for meeting new travel pals and, let’s be honest, who isn’t a sucker for free sangria.
Charming flat near Porto’s Landmarks | Best Airbnb in Ribeira
Wake up to picturesque views of the Douro River from this enchanting gem boasting eclectic furnishings, vibrant artworks, and parquet wood floors. Fix breakfast in a bright, white-tiled kitchen and dine at a hip table beside a wood-burning stove.
Things to See and Do in Ribeira
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Cross the spectacular D. Luiz Bridge and admire Ribeira in all its glory.
- Treat yourself to a sightseeing cruise on the Douro River and watch the sunset from the sea.
- Take a ride up the unique public transport of Elevador da Ribeira – an elevator to the upper-level neighbourhood of Barredo.
- Learn about the uniquely Portuguese musical form of fado with a live show in the intimate surroundings of the Casa do Fado.
- Hop aboard a typical Douro boat and discover the only city in Europe containing 6 bridges.
- Get historical at Casa do Infante, a former prince’s palace and one of Porto’s oldest buildings turned museum.
- Visit Rua Santa Catarina for some of Porto’s best shopping and culinary hidden gems.
- Go and visit the Church of Saint Francis and stand in awe of its grand interior.
- Take a guided tour of one of the region’s many wine lodges and enjoy the taste of a special reserve port wine and white wine served during a live fado performance.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Cedofeita – Coolest Place to Stay in Porto
Cedofeita has a reputation for being the trendiest area of Porto, and for good reason. It’s generally accepted that the city’s art district is located in this area, centred around Rua Miguel Bombarda, full of concept stores and art galleries.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Because of the art scene here, there are tons of hip cafes to grab a coffee, as well as a student scene that equates to great nightlife and bars; that said, it’s also a great area for families and one of the best places to stay in Porto for couples. In short: the neighbourhood holds something for everyone.
Overall, it’s a great district to be in for a local scene away from some of the more bustling tourist destinations of Porto.
Lusitana Hotel | Best Hotel in Ceidofeita
Cosy and clean, this chic little hotel has a lot to offer. Beautifully designed and housed in a historic building, the rooms are comfortable, newly decorated, and feature balconies with city views. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sights of Porto city centre, with many hotspots nearby as well as public transport links.
Gallery Hostel | Best Hostel in Cedofeita
If you’re looking to stay in a chic hostel surrounded by boutiques and independent cafes then Gallery Hostel is for you.
The dorms and private rooms on offer are large, spacious, and decorated in a chic mix of classic and modern design. The communal area is clean with a cinema room and lots of green spaces to enjoy.
VIP! Luxury Suite in an 18th c. Palace | Best Airbnb in Cedofeita
Relax in the historic splendour of Porto at this restored 18th-century palace, Pálacio dos Príncipes. Situated among cafés, traditional shops, the greatest nightlife, and famous landmarks like Livraria Lello and Clérigos Tower, these elegant apartments provide luxurious facilities including free WiFi and linens. From the history, details and furnishings of the property, to the proximity of sights, restaurants and bars, this Airbnb hits the mark!
Things to See and Do in Cedofeita
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Visit the Church of Cedofeita, the oldest church in Porto, dating back to the 9th century.
- Admire the jewellery, ceramics, and sculpture at the National Museum Soares dos Reis…
- … And then go for a walk through the romantic gardens of Palácio de Cristal.
- Take a cooking class with a local grandma and follow her recipe to make the perfect pasteis de nata.
- Hunt for street art between Rua de Cedofeita and Rua Miguel Bombarda.
- Embark on a spot of retail therapy on Rua de Cedofeita.
- Check out the exhibitions at Ó! Galería, a modern art gallery.
- Visit Igreja do Carmo, a baroque church known for its beautiful tiled side facade.
- Explore the hipster Carlos Alberto Square, with its cafes and boutiques.
5. Vila Nova de Gaia – Best Neighborhood in Porto for Families to Stay In
Photo: @amandaadraper
Back in the 9th century, Porto and Gaia emerged as what would become modern-day Portugal. Today, Gaia – known as Vila Nova de Gaia – is more of a suburb of Porto, located on the southern banks of the Rio Douro.
Modern transport links have made the distance between the two towns virtually unnoticeable.
Today, Vila Nova de Gaia is possibly most famous for its port wine lodges, with the area having a longstanding tradition of storing port wine before it was exported around the world.
These cellars are now some of Porto’s main attractions, but there’s much more to see in this sprawling area of southern Porto besides subterranean wine storage!
Why not hop on the Gaia cable car for a scenic ride over the city, it provides for some epic views of the river and Porto’s historic centre. If you’d rather stay on your own two feet, walk over Dom Luís I Bridge for some fab photo ops and easy access between Gaia and central Porto.
Hotel Mercure Porto Gaia | Best Hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia
Grab yourself a superior room with a sea view and enjoy your stay in this modern hotel, where the staff are more than happy to help with any request you may have.
Situated close to public transport and buzzing tapas bars, this hotel has top-class facilities such as a fitness centre and a restaurant where guests can socialize and enjoy the relaxing surroundings.
The House of Sandeman | Best Hostel in Vila Nova de Gaia
Stay in this unique hostel where every detail has been considered for guests’ comfort and be enchanted by the amazing location, close to the Douro River and surrounded by the vibrancy of Porto.
The beds in the dorms and private rooms are large and comfortable, plus the bathrooms are clean with funky tiles and big showers. This is the kind of place you won’t want to leave.
Home with view of River Douro | Best Apartment in Vila Nova de Gaia
With amazing views of River Douro, this apartment boasts an excellent location close to the Arrábida Bridge and Bridge D. Luis. This spacious apartment is perfect for large families or groups of 6. It has 2 bedrooms with 4 beds, a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen so you can chef up a storm.
Things to See and Do in Vila Nova de Gaia
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Visit all-things-port at Espaço Porto Cruz, an emporium dedicated to port housed in a stunning 18th-century building.
- Head to Praia de Salgueiros and enjoy a day sunbathing.
- Head to a small family-owned business in Vila Nova de Gaia to try three fine port wines, each perfectly matched with local cheeses.
- Walk or drive to the scenic riverside road of Cais de Gaia and admire the amazingly picturesque view of Porto from this side of the river.
- Turn back the clock in the tiny fishing village of Afurada with its seafood restaurants, tiled houses, and cobbled streets.
- Visit the beach at Praia da Madalena, one of the best beaches in Portugal, for seaside fun.
- Chill with a mojito at Praia da Aguda.
- Take the cable car from Cais de Gaia to the Serra do Pilar hill and marvel at Porto from above.
- Have a family day out at the Parque da Lavandeira, filled with various types of gardens and a great children’s play area.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Porto
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Porto and where to stay.
What To Pack For Porto
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Is Porto a walkable city?
Yes – Porto is super walkable! Ditch the taxi, slap on those comfy shoes, and hit the cobblestones because walking is hands-down the best way to soak in everything this city has to offer. Even the iconic São Bento Train Station is just a hop, skip, and a jump away – perfect if you’re backpacking across Portugal or gallivanting around Europe.
What is the main Centre of Porto?
Although Porto is relatively small, Baixo is the main centre of Porto if you want to get pedantic about it! All of the city’s main attractions are around this neighbourhood and it’s where you’ll feel the real charm and vibe of the city.
Where is the best area to stay in Porto for families?
Vila Nova de Gaia is ideal for families. It is an incredibly interesting part of the city and is jam-packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Porto
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Porto
Honestly, I can’t get enough of this up-and-coming, charming Portuguese city centre. It oozes history and a spectacular setting, yet it’s modern and affordable. There really is something here for every traveller! Only have a few days here? Check out this sample itinerary for Porto!
If you can afford to splash the cash, I feel like you can’t go wrong with the historical GA Palace Hotel & Spa, a XIXth-Century Villa in the centre of Porto. It’s surrounded by restaurants and near public transportation to explore the rest of the city.
Nice Way Porto Hostel is another excellent choice for backpackers looking to stay in the centre of Porto, thanks to its welcoming staff, clean facilities, and lively atmosphere.
Whether you’re drawn to the historical streets of Baixa, the oh-so-cool vibes of Ribeira or the wine that’s calling your name in Vila Nova de Gaia, there’s a neighbourhood in Porto for everyone.
Remember, the best way to ensure you don’t end up sleeping on the streets of Porto after a night of Port tasting is to book your accommodation in advance. Trust me, your future self will thank you (and your head will too).
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments below.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Porto.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Porto.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Porto instead.
- Planning out an itinerary for Porto is a great way to maximise your time.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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