Where To Stay In Porto — Best Areas & Accommodation

If you’ve been thinking about an idyllic vacation but are wondering where to stay in Porto, you’re not alone. People worldwide love traveling to the historic neighborhoods of Porto, such as Ribeira, Cedofeita, and Bonfim.

There are several neighborhoods in central Porto, meaning you have the best access to the city’s restaurants and attractions while only a 20-minute taxi ride from Porto airport. In the historical city centre of Porto, everything is condensed enough that you can walk between most areas — and if you choose to find accommodations closer to nature, your public transport or car rides will not add much time to your Porto itinerary.

To help you find the best accommodation options in Porto Portugal, I’ve compiled information from my own experiences and research to tell you about the best places to stay to suit any budget and taste.

What Are The Best Neighborhoods In Porto?

There are many great neighborhoods in Porto to choose from! A great way to determine where you might like to stay is to start with your tastes: would you prefer to focus on enjoying nature, or would you rather enhance your stay with a wine tasting? Would you like a picturesque view to explore in the sunshine, or are you looking for exciting nightlife once the sun has gone down?

No matter your preferences, Porto has a place to welcome everyone.

Ribeira

Located just along the riverside, Ribeira is easily the most beautiful neighborhood in Porto. The colorful homes and warm sunshine are a delight to experience. Whether you prefer exploring novel attractions or fascinating history, Ribeira has something to satiate any curious mind.

When you visit Ribeira, you can expect to see attractions like the magnificent Dom Luis I Bridge and the Stock Exchange Palace. Ribeira Square, in particular, has a lot of tourism and foot traffic, so you should expect to see crowds. However, the experience of walking along the riverside in Ribeira is enough to make it all worth it. And due to the flat ground and safe environment, Ribeira is an excellent neighborhood for anyone to visit, including families and the elderly.

If you like a fine drink, you’ll also be delighted to know that Ribeira is within walking distance of Port wine lodges. This is easily one of the most essential experiences for any Ribeira vacation. The only caveat of visiting is that you can expect to spend quite a bit of money on accommodations and dining because of just how touristy Ribeira is.

If you’re looking for accommodation options in Ribeira, luckily, there are lots of great spots:

• Offering all of the signature experiences of a hostel, the Bluesocks Hostel in Ribeira is an affordable option for anyone looking to socialize!
• If you prefer a private room, the 1872 River House offers an incredible view from an elegant deluxe room.
• Luxury boutique hotel Torel Palace Porto is a 3-minute drive from the heart of Ribeira and offers stunning accommodations in a 24-room mansion.

Cedofeita

A haven for artists and is considered one of the trendiest places in Portugal.

If you’re looking for a place to stimulate your mind with incredible art, delicious food, and gorgeous natural foliage, then there’s no better destination for your next vacation than Cedofeita. If you enjoy fresh produce, you can even take a Saturday to visit Cedofeita’s Centro Comercial Bombarda.

If you visit the art district at Rua Miguel Bombarda, you can enjoy a lot of exciting spectacles like art galleries. Once you’re done viewing the magnificent artwork that calls Cedofeita home, you can finish your evening with a dinner at one of Cedofeita’s famous cafes like Rosa et Al.

Once it’s time for a weekend trip, there’s always the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis to enjoy. And while Cedofeita is far away from the bulk of the action in Porto to be pleasantly quiet, you’re still close enough to neighborhoods like Centro Baixa to take a day trip and enjoy everything they offer!

Whether you’re planning to spend a quiet weekend in Cedofeita with your family or partner, there are many incredible stays to choose from:

• The Casa Carolina will offer you a fascinatingly authentic experience as you rest with gorgeous sun-filled rooms and a delightfully old-world ambiance.
• If you’re looking for an extravagant place to rest your head and enjoy all the lushness of Portugal, there’s no better choice than the boutique hotel Rosa Et Al Townhouse.

Foz do Douro

Located just west of Riberia, Foz do Douro is a gorgeous neighborhood with a long history. Long ago, Foz was a fishing village that inhabitants of Porto would go to during the summer to work. This history remains evident in the historic architecture that populates the entire neighborhood.

While Foz does, Douro doesn’t have any monuments or attractions that directly draw tourism. It offers everything at the heart of what a vacationer could want: pure enjoyment and relaxation. Whether you intend to spend an evening dining with friends or locals at one of Foz’s incredible restaurants or watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll feel rejuvenated when you visit Foz do Douro.

And as a seaside fishing village, Foz easily has the best beaches to visit anywhere in Porto — and arguably some of the best in Portugal! People around Porto love to visit Foz’s beaches, run along the sand, or play in the warm, crystal-clear waters. If you’re looking to relax like the locals, there’s no better destination than Foz.

When you’re visiting a scenic place like Foz de Douro, it’s essential to rent a room that lets you enjoy the natural beauty of your destination.

• While the Lighthouse Apartment might initially seem understated, it offers excellent proximity to the beach and a gorgeous view — all at a fantastic price.
• If you’ve never been to a panoramic cafe, it’s time to add it to your bucket list and visit the Hotel Boa. This Porto hotel was designed with 19th-century architecture and amenities meant to allow you to enjoy Foz’s sun and surf fully.

Bonfim

Quirky neighborhoods like Bonfim are well-suited to any visitor looking for a fascinating vacation.

While Bonfim might not be as popular as neighborhoods like Ribeira and Cedofeita, it offers just as much charm. And while none of Bonfim’s monuments are especially popular, you might find that visiting landmarks like Prado do Repouso, Porto’s beautifully-constructed first public cemetery, or Senhora Presidenta, a new art gallery in Bonfim.

Due to the lower tourist traffic in Bonfim, it’s a very genuine neighborhood. Whether you enjoy a deliciously well-crafted coffee or even craft beer, you can enjoy everything Bonfim offers just like a local would! If you want fun nightlife, you’re better off considering a neighborhood like Centro Baixa.

When visiting a unique place like Bonfim, your hotel must offer all the same appeal. As luck may have, Bonfim has many beloved hotels with fascinating offerings.

• With spacious windows and contemporary, colorful interiors, the Editory Artist Baixa Porto Hotel is as much a hidden gem as the neighborhood it inhabits.
• For Bonfim visitors looking for a luxury hotel, the Oca Oriental offers decadent, modern rooms and an incredible location.

Centro Baixa

Centro Baixa, also known as Baixa or Downtown Porto, is a neighborhood adjoining Ribeira known for its luxurious attractions, historical monuments, and incredible nightlife. Whether you’re looking to spend New Year’s Eve celebrating with the locals or want to experience all the traditions of Portugal, you’ll find Centro Baixa fascinating.

Centro Baixa is divided into two holes, with the Porto Cathedral, where the city was founded, on one side and the incredible Clérigos tower on the other. Joining the two holes is the Avenida dos Aliados, an incredibly ornate avenue housing many of the city’s most luxurious establishments.

While viewing the luxury on Avenida dos Aliados might worry you about your budget, Centro Baixa is also an affordable place to visit! Visitors from any background can all share the experiences of trying delicious Portuguese foods, exploring traditional markets and attractions, and even visiting the famous Lello bookstore in this beautiful neighborhood.

In Baixa, there’s no need to compromise between having an excellent room and staying within your budget. There are plenty of beautiful hotels to stay at.

• If you’ve decided to explore Porto with your partner, one of the best choices for a stay is the PortoBay Teatro. This popular hotel was recently refurbished and offered attractive natural light and an authentic, spacious design.
• The BessaHotel Baixa is the best hotel if you prefer luxury and style. Whether you intend to use their refreshing sauna or gorgeous indoor pool, you won’t get bored during your stay here.
• The Hotel Infante Sagres is a city center luxury hotel that is a popular meeting place for the rich and famous of the city. This hotel is part of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” and is on the doorstep of many of Porto’s best attractions.

Boavista

While this neighborhood might be too uptight for most vacationers, it offers incredible modern and contemporary attractions that appeal to the right person.

Generally known as the professional and business neighborhood of Porto, Boavista houses many businesses and wealthy families looking for a peaceful place to get things done. Throughout the day, you’ll notice many white-collar workers traveling across Boavista.

And while Boavista might generally have a reputation as the business neighborhood in Porto, it has a lot of fascinating places to explore during the day. Some many incredible restaurants and pubs mainly serve locals, so you’ll enjoy fantastic prices and deliciously authentic food. After you’ve satiated your hunger, you can visit unforgettable institutions like Casa da Música, the synagogue of Porto, and the Serralves to fill your mind.

Boavista is a great area to visit, with plenty to do during the day and easy enough travel to more exciting parts of Porto. But if you’re looking to spend your whole day in an exciting sprawl, a neighborhood like Centro Baixa might be a better fit than Boavista.

Whether you prefer sleek contemporary design or traditional and spacious interiors, Boavista has plenty of appealing and high-quality lodgings for visitors.

• One of the best all-around choices for any Boavista visitors is the Porto Palácio, which offers luxurious amenities like an awe-inspiring rooftop lounge and high-tech fitness center.
• If you prefer to stay close to the action, the HF Tuela Porto is only 10 minutes away from the Douro river — and when you’re done spending the day out and about, you’ll love the comfortable beds the HF Tuela offers.

Marquês

Unlike many other neighborhoods in this list, Marquês isn’t famous for tourism. There aren’t many restaurants or attractions aimed toward tourists in this area, and it’s primarily residential in many areas. Depending on what you’re looking for, that can make Marquês all the more appealing.

Due to the lack of tourists, Marquês faithfully serves its residents. You can enjoy much cheaper meals and treats from the restaurants, bakeries, and cafes scattered around this pleasant neighborhood. It offers perfectly walkable attractions like the Jardim da Arca d’água and the Fábrica Social art foundation.

While Marquês might not have the nightlife or sunny beaches that draw tourists to other areas of Porto, it’s an incredibly peaceful and pleasant neighborhood that couldn’t be more worth visiting. And it can’t be understated: the affordability of a stay in Marquês is just incredible!

• Rated as one of the most exceptional hotels in Marquês, the Casa Velha Guesthouse redefines comfort as something truly incredible with its cleanliness and updated amenities — all for as little as $50 a night.
• If you prefer to rest at a luxury historic hotel, you’ll adore the 20th-century decorations and traditional glazed tiles displayed at the Santa Catarina Castle.

Vila Nova de Gaia

Located just across the Douro river, this riverside neighborhood offers much of the same appeal as Ribeira — all with the same accessibility and authenticity.

Last but not least, if you’re still wondering where to stay in Porto, you might find your answer across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia. This neighborhood is similar to Ribeira and is located across the Douro river. Aside from the incredible authentic restaurants and Port wine lodges, Vila Nova de Gaia has a refreshing sea breeze, a gorgeous view of Porto from across the river, and an infectiously pleasant atmosphere.

And while you might be concerned about how you’ll visit all of the best attractions in Porto from across the river, there’s no need to be worried: Vila Nova de Gaia has an incredibly well-developed system of public transportation, and aside from the bus and subway systems that can take you anywhere you need to go, there’s a cable car from Vila Nova de Gaia to the Dom Luis I Bridge that will bring you right to the city.

Since Vila Nova de Gaia is located right along the Atlantic Ocean and the Douro river, you can splash and play on the shorelines in the city’s excellent Mediterranean climate. And in such a large area, you can enjoy everything Vila Nova de Gaia has to offer on any budget.

• If you’re looking for a luxury stay, there’s no understating the awe-inspiring architecture found at Vincci Ponte de Ferro. If the bold internal design doesn’t catch your eye, you’ll quickly be won over by the delicious complimentary breakfast and warm sun terrace.
• Closer to the city center, the Hotel Black Tulip offers elegance and accessibility, all at an affordable price. After checking in with their friendly staff, you can relax in your comfortable and spacious room or dine with one of the most gorgeous views found in the city.

What’s the Best Place to Stay in Porto?

The second-largest city in Portugal is the best place to stay to enjoy all that northern Portugal has to offer. Whether you’re looking for an affordable boutique hotel, the best luxury hotel, or alternative accommodations, there is something for everyone in the city of Porto!