Your definitive guide on the best areas to stay in Porto, Portugal, so you can soak up the best of this historic seaside city.
Porto is quickly becoming a popular and highly sought-after travel destination, and it’s easy to understand why! Between its seaside location, historic old town, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there is something for everyone. You’ll find pastel-colored buildings, incredible food, views of the Atlantic, and Beaux-Arts and Baroque churches all in one beautiful city.
One of the best parts about Porto, however, is the food. You have local markets, high-end restaurants, and everything in between available.
I’m a budget traveler, and if you’re like me, you’ll love Porto, where a range of high-quality accommodation options won’t leave you checking your couch for change. Keep reading for the best hotels and hostels for your stay in Porto!
Read more: How to Spend 3 Days in Porto: Itinerary for First Timers
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Best Time to Visit Porto
The best time to visit Porto is the summertime, for good weather at least. The summer sees sunshine and high temps in the 80s and 90s. But if you’re looking to beat the crowds and take advantage of lower prices, I actually recommend Porto in the spring or fall. I visited in November and had a great time and enjoyed temperatures in the 50s and 60s and endless sunshine, comfy for walking around.
What is Porto known for?
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, best known for its coastal locale and ever-flowing Port wine. Porto is characterized by rolling hills and colorful buildings that sit along the Douro River and the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
Some of the best things to do in Porto include visiting port wine cellars, touring the vineyards in nearby Douro Valley, and snapping photos of the city’s incredible azulejos (decorative and detailed blue tiles).
5 Best Areas to Stay in Porto, Portugal
Deciding which part of the Porto to stay in is an essential part of trip planning! It dictates how close you are to certain attractions, the price of your accommodation, and the overall vibe.
Thankfully Porto is a very walkable city (minus the hills), so you should be good no matter what you choose. But here’s a quick rundown of the best areas to stay in Porto to help you decide.
The best areas to stay in Porto, Portugal are Baixa, Riveira, Bolhão, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Foz do Duoro.
1. Baixa
Baixa is the very heart of the city and is the official downtown district. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Porto, especially for first-time visitors, because it’s easy to find incredible restaurants and walk to top attractions. However, this area is popular and busy.
2. Ribeira
Riberia is the neighborhood nestled along the river and is an official UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s centrally located downtown, and many hotels and places to stay in Ribeira offer incredible views and easy access to riverfront bars and restaurants.
3. Bolhão
Bolhão is a vibrant district bordering downtown. Named for the Bolhãol Market that stands in the area, it’s a lovely area for shopping and lodging. The city’s two famous shopping streets are found in Bolhão, like Rua de Santa Catarina and Avenida dos Aliados. The Chapel of Soul is also in Bolhão.
4. Vila Nova de Gaia
Often confused as a neighborhood of Porto, Gaia is actually its own city. It’s located immediately across the river and is home to all of the best Port wine cellars and yours. It offers a quieter experience for those who prefer to avoid crowds without sacrificing location, with Porto a short walk across the Luis I Bridge.
5. Foz do Douro
Foz is the city’s neighborhood nestled along the ocean. It’s a bit far from downtown (a 15-minute taxi or 25-minute bus ride, to be exact), but it is the place to stay for easy access to Porto’s beaches. Here visitors can also enjoy visiting a historic lighthouse and fortress while away from the bustle of downtown.
9 Best Hotels in Porto, Portugal
1. Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments
Why stay here: A truly stunning hotel in the heart of Porto in Baixa.
The Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments captures all the beauty and charm of hotels from days gone by. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and all feature flat-screen TVs, a closet, a private bathroom, and slippers. If you want to treat yourself, you can even book a room with a large bathtub. There is also a bar, a seating area filled with books, and an airport shuttle.
Should you wish to leave (I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t), Ribeira Square, Clerigos Tower, and the Luis I Bridge are all a short distance away!
2. Chic & Basic Gravity
Why stay here: An ultra-modern hotel with a tranquil rooftop terrace in Baixa.
The Chic & Basic Gravity has everything you’d expect from a modern hotel. Minimalist design, rooms with desks, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines express check-in and check-out, and a minibar. Each room also has a pair of shoes on the wall or ceiling, which is a little quirk that I love. Plus, the green rooftop terrace and the bar won’t disappoint.
In terms of location, the gorgeous Lello Bookshop is just a short distance away should you wish to add to your collection.
3. Zero Box Lodge Porto
Why stay here: For a hotel experience like no other for a great price in Bolhão.
Housed in a building that was once a bank, Zero Box Lodge is one of the most unique and best Porto hotels. The rooms are minimalist with an industrial twist and feature a bed, private bathroom, bedside table, and reading lights. In fact, none of the rooms have a TV, window, or mini bar. The idea is to encourage you to get out of your room and explore!
You can enjoy the many features of the hostel, including the rooftop terrace and pools, movie nights, and temporary exhibitions. Alternatively, you can explore the nearby city!
4. Hostel One Ribeira
Why stay here: A budget-friendly hostel with dorms and privates known for its friendly atmosphere in Riberia.
Hostel One Ribeira is one of the best places to stay in Porto if you’re on a tight budget. You can choose from private rooms or more spacious group rooms, all of which are clean and modern. The building itself is historical, an aspect that you can enjoy in the communal kitchen with stone walls.
All of this and the central location just minutes from the Porto Cathedral make Hostel One Ribeira excellent value for money.
5. Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel
Why stay here: A classically styled hotel located in the city’s historical center.
The Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel has everything you need – WiFi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. The in-house restaurant serves Portuguese dishes with a modern twist, and most of the rooms offer views of the nearby historic buildings.
Many of Porto’s main attractions, including the Porto Cathedral, Dom Luis I Bridge, and the riverfront Ribeira are all a short distance away.
6. Descobertas Boutique Hotel Porto
Why stay here: A beautiful boutique hotel in Ribeira.
Every room in the Descobertas is decorated with the theme of Portuguese discoveries, which sets the tone for what you might discover during your time in Porto. They also contain a TV, mini bar, and a safe for you to store your valuables. The is also a highly-rated continental breakfast available too.
There is an airport shuttle, and many of the city’s highlights are a short walk away.
7. Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira
Why stay here: A stylish, affordable hotel with a riverfront view in Ribeira.
Old meets new in the Hotel Carris. The rooms have hardwood floors, and the original stone walls can be seen throughout the hotel. Each room has modern amenities, including private bathrooms, complimentary toiletries, free WiFi, and a TV. If you want to make the most of your stay, I recommend getting a room with a balcony to soak up the view of the river.
8. The Yeatman
Why stay here: A luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool and panoramic views of the city.
The Yeatman may be the most expensive hotel on this list, but it is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Porto. It has not one but two pools, one of which offers an unbeatable view of the surrounding city. The rooms are beautiful and have everything you could want, including luxury toiletries. There is also a spa and wellness center, a restaurant, and a gym on offer too.
The Yeatman is a 5-minute walk from General Torres Station and just 10 minutes from the Douro River. If you want to treat yourself in Porto, this is the place for you.
9. Hotel Boa – Vista
Why stay here: A homey oceanside hotel near the top-rated beaches of Foz do Douro.
For those more interested in sea and sand than city living, consider the quaint Hotel Boa – Vista. While the rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean is the standout feature of this 3-star hotel, plenty of other amenities are worth mentioning, like a swimming pool and a fitness center that guests can enjoy during their stay. Hotel Boa is just a 5-minute walk from Ingleses Beach and about 25 minutes from downtown Porto via bus.