Porto is a picture of tranquillity resting on the western edge of continental Europe. Old cobblestone streets tumble into a vibrant riverside of charismatic multi-toned buildings as sweet aromas of port drift through the air.
Porto is often overlooked in favor of Portuguese capital. But Porto has just as much to offer as Lisbon!
We think Porto is destined to be the next ‘it’ destination. Knowing where to stay in Porto will help you plan your vacation to suit your needs. Written by our travel experts, we break down Porto by interest to help you plan the best possible vacation, to find the best restaurants and museums in this charming city.
No matter what you’re looking to do in Porto, you’ll be able to find a hotel that’s right for you.
Let’s get started – here are our top picks for where to stay in Porto.
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At A Glance: Where To Stay In PORTO
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our top recommendations for places to stay in Porto.
WHERE TO STAY IN PORTO | |||
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Best Air BnBBest Air BnBClerigos Air BnB room hosted by Tomas |
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Book on Air BnB → | |
Best Budget HotelBest Budget HotelRibeira do Porto Hotel |
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Book on Booking.com → | |
Best Mid-Range HotelBest Mid-Range Hotel1872 River House |
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Book on Booking.com → | |
Best Luxury HotelBest Luxury HotelInfante Sagres Luxury Historic Hotel |
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Book on Booking.com → |
There’s no Air BnB listing quite like this Clerigos room. Not only is it located in the heart of Porto, but it’s also housed inside a UNESCO classified building.
Of course, it’s a short stroll to some of the must-see Porto attractions and landmarks. And, as you stay at this Air BnB, you’ll get awe-inspiring views of the historic and famed Clerigos Tower.
Amenities include heating, WiFi, cable television and a whole lot more.
This swish gem of a hotel is found on the riverside in Ribeira and gives you all the amenities and facilities you need to enjoy your stay in Porto, plus it’s within moments of the top sights and nightlife. There is a pool and breakfast is included in the rate.
This 4-star riverside retreat radiates romance, charm and warmth. It features 8 uniquely decorated boutique rooms with exposed brickwork for rustic charm. A copious breakfast is included and the rooms come with river views. Bicycles are available for rent and the exceptionally friendly staff can arrange a babysitting service.
Let’s make this simple. These are the best hotels in Porto!
Found within Vinho Verde, this luxury, 5-star hotel radiates glamour, decadence and style. Lounge by the pool, soak in the spa or sip a cocktail at their elegant bar. Modern amenities and bathrooms blend seamlessly within this historic setting. The hotel offers babysitting and limousine services and honeymoon suites.
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and the capital of the north. Clinging to a multitude of hills sat alongside the flowing River Douro, Porto offers a gorgeous perspective from any spot in town.
Porto was founded as a port city under Roman rule and still maintains this sort of ambience as you stroll along the riverbanks.
Getting around Porto is easy, thanks to its metro system. It also has a decent network of trams for something more scenic. Porto is small enough to explore predominantly on foot or by bicycle. Many hotels provide rental bikes – be sure to ask.
In terms of where to stay in Porto, there’s plenty of options. Downtown Baixa is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s must-see attractions, so we recommend first-time travelers stay around here. Porto is generally not as expensive as other European cities, but the cheapest accommodation in town can be found in the buzzing hub of Boavista.
Scenic, historic Ribeira is as lively by night as it’s pretty by day. Its equally bonnie neighbour, Miragaia, is the coolest place stay in Porto as it blends riverside charm with the flurry of local life.
A short walk over the Luís I Bridge or a hop on the metro brings you to Vila Nova de Gaia, a large district known for its port cellars and beautiful beaches. We think this is the perfect place for families who are trying to decide where the stay in Porto.
Interested in Porto? Read up on the history of Porto!
Here’s our guide to where to stay in Porto, written by our travel experts.
Baixa is the downtown neighborhood of Porto where you’ll find most of the major landmarks and tourist attractions, making it a good shout for first-time visitors.
At the core runs the sprawling Avenida dos Aliados. The central promenade is flanked by grandiose buildings and shops and is the place to experience Porto at its busiest.
Baixa’s architecture is a delicious cocktail of imposing Baroque, playful Rococo and elegant Art Nouveau. Be sure to take a closer look at the azulejo tile-work. Among museums, churches and shopping you’ll also find a huge range of cuisine to try!
Treat yourself to arguably the best view in Lisbon from one of the city’s best and coolest flats! Aside from its spectacular views, the listing is also perfect for those who are traveling to Lisbon with kids. It’s roomy and has a lot of books and toys for the little ones.
Location-wise, the flat is surrounded by pharmacies, banks, pastries, groceries, caes, restaurants, supermarkets and shops.
This unique hotel tumbles into a beautiful urban garden that guests can relax in. Rooms come with spacious private bathrooms, a flat-screen television and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a bar and restaurant on-site and a daily breakfast is included in the rate. Ask for a garden view!
Portugal is amazing! You can see more of it with these great day trips from Porto!
This 4-star studio and loft suites are real head-turners in the world of interiors! Within a boutique building, these six holiday apartments come with ample spaces to relax inside and in outdoor terraces and balconies. Apartments include basic kitchen facilities and a free continental breakfast is served daily.
Tired of making plans? Our favorite tours in Porto remove stress from the equation!
In the historic heart of Porto, guests can soak up the sun on the hotel’s terrace, plunge into the indoor pool, pamper themselves in the spa or have a drink at the bar. These ornate rooms prioritize the comfort of guests. Breakfast is included, and the hotel has stunning views.
Do you have an open schedule? Figure out the best things to do in Porto before you visit!
Boavista is a large neighborhood north of Baixa, comprised of grand boulevards, lofty architecture and swarms of busy Portuguese going about their daily business.
Further back from the riverside, Boavista is where you’ll generally find cheaper accommodation – although in whole Porto isn’t too pricey for lodgings.
The area is well-connected by metro for exploring further afield, but right on your doorstep, you have the architecture to swoon over, peaceful green spaces, an endless supply of shops and restaurants and cafes for as far as the eye can see.
Gariel’s Air BnB is the place to be if you’re planning to make Boavista as your base for your Porto vacation. With its convenient, central location, this Air BnB makes it easy for you to explore the beauties and charms of Porto. It’s pretty close to the metro, and if you love walking, you may also reach Douro River from this apartment.
And, since it has all the facilities, you’ll feel like you’re at home as a guest of this Air BnB.
This quaint guest house has 21 rooms and has been recently refurbished. Rooms are compact, clean and air-conditioned. It boasts a lovely outdoor terrace where guests can unwind or plan their holiday under the sunshine. Breakfast is included in the rate and the property has a bar on-site.
Behind its charming, turquoise facade is a contemporary hotel with airy rooms, all equipped with a private bathroom with shower, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included in the rate. There is an interior patio and outdoor terrace for guests to relax upon after a day of exploring.
This 4-star property is modern and unique. Stylish rooms are kitted out with all the necessary amenities and furnished with a musical theme; the hotel is moments away from the Casa da Música and its metro station. The hotel has a 24-hour reception, as well as babysitting services.
Ribeira is Porto’s exceptionally beautiful riverside district, immediately south of Baixa. The neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its oh-so-pretty colorful buildings are brandished on postcards throughout the souvenir shops of Porto.
Ribeira is charming to explore on foot. You can admire wooden ships that line the river and the pastel-pretty buildings. Having swapped its shipbuilding reputation for riverside bars, Ribeira has the best nightlife in Porto. The riverside bars have a relaxing ambiance, perfect to unwind in after a busy day of sightseeing and there are a couple of late-night options and clubs.
Start your day on the right foot with a picture-perfect view of the Douro River from this fantastic Air BnB in Ribeira. Moreover, this property enchants guests with parquet wood floors, vibrant artworks and eclectic furnishings.
Then, you may indulge on a hearty breakfast in the apartment’s white-tiled, clean and bright kitchen.
Once you’re done, you may explore the numerous shops, wine bars, restaurants and attractions surrounding the Air BnB.
These delightful apartments give holidaymakers the chance to feel like a real local! Apartments are furnished with kitchen facilities so you can cook if you wish, and savior the river views from your own balcony over a glass of port. A peaceful nook located only 300m from Ribeira Square.
This ultra-hip boutique hotel comes with tasteful rooms and spacious, ornate bathrooms. A stone’s throw from the Douro River and the bars of Ribeira, the locals can’t be beaten! The hotel has an airport shuttle, 24-hour reception, a well-stocked on-site library and provides a tasty daily breakfast.
This luxury hotel is the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site! Rooms are furnished with a vintage flair and offer terrific views of Ribeiro’s riverfront. Each comes with a bathtub or a walk-in shower. Their bar serves some of the best cocktails in Porto, to start your night!
This small, riverside neighbourhood lays west of the city. Miragaia is really an extension of Ribeira. Architecture-wise they could be twins – sharing colorful, quirky houses wrapped around higgledy-piggledy streets.
There are plenty of small guesthouses and boutique hotels in Miragaia found alongside the homes of residents. Miragaia is diverse, with a mix of Portuguese and international residents opting to live here.
There are some fantastic attractions to check out locally, and Miragaia is perfect for eating, drinking and talking walks along the river,
You’ll, no doubt, love the charming Alexandra’s Air BnB! Located at the center of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this wondrous flat is the perfect base for sightseeing in Porto.
Here, you’ll have quick access to the wine cellars, bridge, and the top tourist attractions in Porto.
Set in a historic traditional building, this fully renovated Air BnB has a double room, a kitchenette, a small living area and a balcony that faces the Douro River.
The rooms at this restored 19th-century guesthouse all feature unique décor, contemporary artwork and come with a modern bathroom. The friendly hotel has a patio with garden access and provides a free daily continental breakfast (which may be enjoyed in your room) and they also provide bicycles for free.
In the core of Miragaia, this hotel provides luxurious, comfortable lodgings from where you can explore the city on foot or by bicycle. Guests rate the breakfast for its quantity and quality, and the views of the river are unparalleled. Helpful staff will help you find your way around Porto!
This luxury 5-star hotel features a sundeck and outdoor swimming pool which boasts terrific views of the city. The super-chic rooms are each eclectically designed with quirky art pieces. There is a gym and on-site restaurant where guests can dine and have their breakfast. Top-notch quality!
Cross over the Luís I Bridge and hey presto, you’re in Vila Nova de Gaia – the region of Porto’s most famous export, port! Technically a separate city in its own right, this extension of Porto’s center is so well connected by public transport that you won’t notice the distance.
Port’s south bank district is oozing with port cellars, green spaces and beautiful wonders to explore. There’s also sandy white beaches and dazzling riverside walks. The area is calm, chilled and abundant with spacious (and affordable) vacation apartments making it perfect for a family trip.
Choose to stay near the bridge for easy access to Port’s historic center, or head further west for ocean views.
With stunning vistas of the Arrabida Bridge and River Douro, this Air BnB is truly a slice of paradise in Porto. Plus, it boasts a strategic and convenient location, and is within walking distance to the train station, bus stop, metro and the river.
A perfect family accommodation, this Air BnB has a couple of bedrooms with 4 beds, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen with a bunch of basic amenities.
Featuring a terrace and free Wi-Fi, these modern self-catered holiday apartments are big enough for a family a four, cribs can be provided. The Jardim do Morro Metro Station is 15 minutes’ walk away. They have a fully-equipped kitchen and fresh breakfast supplies are delivered every morning.
These apartments are right by the bridge, for easy access to Ribeira and Baixa. Some units feature a terrace and/or balcony with river views. Breakfast is provided in a basket every morning. There is also a kitchenette, fitted with a microwave and refrigerator. Perfect spot for the family vacation!
In the heart of the port district, this 5-star luxury hotel comes with a gym, Turkish steam bath, rooftop terrace and an outdoor pool. There is a kids club and supervised childcare/activities. It’s even pet-friendly! Rooms are air-conditioned and spacious. You’ll want to stay forever!
Porto is a city full of twists and turns – literally and figuratively! The energetic hum of its center, its delectable port, its world-class museums and churches. The sprawling length of Avenida da Boavista, the cascade of riverside Ribeira and Miragaia. You’ll lap up this town and that city-break will swiftly become a fortnight summer holiday!
To recap our travel guide, Ribeira is our top choice for where to stay in Porto.
This bohemian neighborhood is one of the coolest in the city with its riverside eateries, its laid-back nightlife and its ancient buildings.
Our top pick for the best hotel in Porto is the 1872 River House thanks to its great riverside location, friendly vibes and impossibly chic décor. You seriously won’t find a better place to stay in Porto!
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Born in Los Angeles, Aaron Hovanesian is one of the original staff writers for Hotel Jules. Having backpacked the world as a young man, Aaron now prefers to travel the world in luxury, proudly staying in the world's most amazing hotels and properties. When Aaron is not traveling he lives in Western Colorado he can be found brewing his own beer (probably an IPA) or spending time with his two amazing golden retrievers.