If you are still looking for where to sleep in Porto, look no further: welcome, you've come to the right place!
In this guide you will find the best neighborhoods in which stay in Porto during your stay: whichever one you choose will certainly be fine, Porto is a small city and practically all the best areas to sleep are within easy walking or bus distance.
When I travel, I always book with booking.com because in addition to that be reliable, has a very good customer support service and also the possibility of free cancellation!
Where to sleep in Porto: the best hotels and neighborhoods
There are several beautiful boutique hotels and guesthouses in Porto and an ever-increasing number of apartments. My criteria for selecting hotels in this article were The price ratio, comfort level and services, style and charm.
I ignored modern hotels and well-known hotel chains in favor of places with character, charm and history.
Ribeira, the picturesque riverside neighborhood
The heart of the medieval port, Riverside (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the picturesque riverside neighborhood of Porto, with its quaint and quirky houses plunging into the river, a beautiful promenade along the Douro, and boats moored on the shore, laden with barrels of wine.
Ribeira is super touristy and always full of people, as there are countless souvenir shops, restaurants and bars with a view here.
In Ribeira you will be close to the bridge of D. Luís, the famous iron bridge of Porto. You will also have a prime location to visit the Stock Exchange building and Church of San Francesco (a splendid example of gothic architecture in Porto).
Also, in Ribeira you can reach on foot the best wineries in Porto.
Riverside it is the best neighborhood for travelers who don't want to work too hard (as it is a flat area) and for those who prefer to be comfortable and don't mind too much crowds and confusion.
Where sleeping in Ribeira:
There are many hotels and apartments in Ribeira and you will have no problem finding some great price / quality combination.
Mine TOP choice it is however the 1872 River House for the comfortable rooms, as well as for its fantastic location right on the riverfront. Cherry on the cake? Free coffee, tea and beer for everyone throughout the day!
Another one good choice and the Ribeira Do Porto Hotel, a 3-star hotel located in a tall period building. When you choose the room, however, check the square footage, some are not very large.
Se look for an apartment instead just perfect, with charming and romantic atmosphere, look at the Porto River and I'm sure you will be happy!
Each room has its own kitchenette so you can prepare meals if you wish.
Ribeira is very touristy, so in my opinion it's not the best neighborhood in Porto when it comes to eating out, the prices are a bit inflated and the quality isn't the best.
However, if you are looking for a particular atmosphere, I recommend the restaurant inside the Ferreira Borges Market, one of the oldest markets in Porto and one of my favorites.
downtown, downtown Porto
Baixa is the neighborhood just above Ribeira and is the downtown area where most of the main places of interest are located such as the Bolhão Market (the last traditional market in Porto) and the Lello bookcase, the bookstore where JK Rowling drew inspiration for her Harry Potter books.
Don't leave Porto without fully appreciating the azulejo artwork, which decorates many of the buildings. Two of the most striking examples are there Sao Bento train station and the decorated church of The Carmo Church.
Walk to the Clérigos Tower and climb to the top for the most spectacular views of the city.
Baixa is one of the best neighborhoods not only to sleep in Porto but also to eat and drink. Here you can find both the best low-cost Portuguese food restaurants and the best restaurants to eat the famous francesinha, the most famous dish in the city.
Low it is the best neighborhood in Porto for: solo travelers; young couples; groups of friends traveling together.
Where sleeping in Baixa:
Mine TOP choice and the Flores Village e SPA, a hotel housed in an 18th century mansion on Rua das Flores, the trendiest street in Porto. It has both bedrooms and self-contained apartments and features a spa and sauna, which includes an indoor swimming pool. It is ideal for a romantic getaway in Porto and for those who want to combine a visit to the city with wellness treatments.
Among the various apartments and to stay in Porto, the Downtown Porto Studios they are another great solution if you are looking for a place to feel at home.
Each apartment is fully furnished with a sofa, flat screen TV, kitchenette, private bathroom with tub or shower, and free wi-fi.
Check here the other hotels in Porto BaixaVila Nova de Gaia, the wine cellar district of Porto
No visit to Porto is complete without a tour and tasting in a historic winery in Vila Nova de Gaia, cradle of the famous wine.
Although Vila Nova de Gaia is technically out of Porto, I thought I'd include it on this list given its proximity.
A succession of port wineries grew up in this riverside suburb in the XNUMXth century and continues to dominate the steep southern riverside to this day.
Take a ride on the waterfront cable car for bird's eye views of Porto's historic center.
Vila Nova de Gaia it is the best neighborhood in Porto for: solo travelers; young couples; groups of friends traveling together and wine lovers!
Where sleeping in Vila Nova de Gaia:
The TOP choice in Vila Nova di Gaia and one of the best hotels in Porto is definitely the The Yeatmen, with its fantastic city views, a luxurious spa and an uniquely shaped swimming pool. The restaurant with two Michelin stars is the best choice for a pleasure.
If you want to spend something less, take a look at kings of gaia, which offers a range of apartments but you have to have strong legs (up to 4 flights of stairs and no lift). Your reward will be the views, excellent service and a beautiful terrace.
Cedofeita, the trendy neighborhood
Cedofeita it is the most hipster and trendiest neighborhood in Porto. All the lively life of the "Soho of Porto", originates in Carlos Alberto Square which hosts the street market "Porto Belo". This square is also the birthplace of Porto's first café: the Mustache, which triggered the phenomenon throughout the city.
Tag, street art and the like, this is where they find their roots. The CCB (Centro Comercial Miguel Bombarda) is the heart of this intense artistic atmosphere with jewelers and furniture shops, opticians, hairdressers and galleries.
In this district of Porto you can take a romantic walk to the Crystal Palace Gardens, located in front of the Soares dos Reis National Museum, one of the best museums in Porto.
Another interesting point is Church of S. Martinho de Cedofeita, the oldest church in the city.
Tourists never usually come here, but it's worth a look especially if you come on the first Saturday of each month when the streets fill with people from one end to the other for the "collective party"!
Galleries, shops and cafes work together to collaborate and organize new openings and shows.
Cedofeita it is the best neighborhood in Porto for: families with children; travelers who want to be close to the main attractions of the city but in a quieter location; couples on a romantic getaway in Porto.
Where sleeping in Cedofeita:
Check out the delicious merchant guesthouse, a guesthouse with elegant and slightly vintage rooms that are like a step back in time. I find it very romantic and the breakfast, I assure you, is really delicious!
Mine TOP choice è Rosa Et Al Townhouse, a delightful guesthouse famous for its organic food (they have their own garden!). Rosa Et Al's suites combine modern design with a vintage touch. It has a delightful dining room facing the back garden, personalized in-room massages, and is strategically located for sightseeing.
If you are looking for a Flat, I recommend you take a look at Oporto Serviced Apartments – 1858: The spacious apartments are ideal for both families and couples, the location is perfect just 1 km from the Mercado do Bolhão and the Rotunda da Boavista.
Il restaurant with terrace just below the apartments is the perfect place to enjoy a drink after a day, as well as a delicious brunch on the weekends
Check here the best hotels in CedoifetaFoz do Douro, the beach district
Foz do Douro, also known as Foz, is the magnificent area of Porto where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. What was once a simple fishing village is now one of the most beautiful and imaginative neighborhoods in the city!
Foz is also much loved and frequented by the inhabitants of the city who go to enjoy the sun and have a drink on the beach on warm and sunny days. Gondarém.
From Porto you can get to Foz easily with a short trip along the river with the old tram.
With its attractive old town, long sandy beach and exclusive cafes, restaurants and boutiques, Foz is perfect for a day trip out of town or a nice place to take a break on visiting days.
Go shopping in the street lady of light- Here you can find Portuguese design brands, such as clothing, jewelry and home decor.
Then wander the streets of Old mouth to be impressed by the large villas until you reach the fortress of São João Baptista da Foz. In the vicinity, enjoy moments of relaxation at the joyful ride, with its palm trees and its idyllic promenade.
A gem, the public bathroom, if you can take a trip: it's the cutest public bathroom I've ever seen!
Foz do Douro it is the best neighborhood in Porto for: families with children; travelers who want a quiet location; couples on a romantic getaway in Porto.
Where sleeping in Foz do Douro:
If you are looking for an apartment which looks like a 5 star hotel, the Flattered to be in Porto is the right choice. These apartments, a 5-minute walk from the beach, are furnished with a modern design and equipped with all comforts such as flat-screen satellite TV and a CD / DVD player. Some rooms have city views, others directly over the ocean.
The area in which it is located is full of bars and restaurants to dine in, but if you like to stay at home in peace, all the apartments are equipped with a fully furnished kitchenette.
Mine TOP choice however it is Foz Loft by the Sea, apartments 3 minutes walk from the beach, for the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the parquet and equipped with all comforts. They are within easy reach of shops, restaurants and supermarkets. On booking.com it is also the structure with the best score for the quality-price ratio in Porto!
Check out all the other hotels in Foz do Douro here
