Where to Stay in Porto (9 Best Places & Areas)

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After living in Porto for well over a month, it became one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. For first-timers visiting Porto, the best area to stay is Ribeira since it’s right in the heart of the city and within walking distance of attractions, restaurants, and other neighborhoods. 

There are plenty of Ribeira hotels to choose from, but the crème de la crème is the stunning Ribeira Douro Hotel for its stylish rooms, outstanding reviews, and prime location next to the Douro River. 

With that being said, there are so many vibrant Porto neighborhoods, and each has its own distinct personality. We’re going to cover all the best ones, what makes them so special, and who they’re ideal for. But first, let’s start with a list of my favorite hotels in the city. 

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Best Places to Stay in Porto 

If you’re short on time, these are my top picks for hotels: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Ribeira Douro Hotel 
• 📍 Best Location – Casa da Companhia
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – GA Palace Hotel & Spa, a XIXth-Century Villa 
• 👪 Best for Families – Predicados do Douro Palace  
• 💻 Best for Business – Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory 
• 🔔 Best Boutique – Porta Nobre Boutique Hotel by Aspasios 
• ❤️ Best for Couples – Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site 
• 🏖️ Best Near the Beach – Casa da Marechal
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Fervença Suites 

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area in Porto: 

9 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Porto

The compact and highly walkable city of Porto is split through the center by the scenic Douro River. There are so many unique things to discover across its neighborhoods. Luckily, they’re all easily accessible from each other, even on foot.

Ribeira

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Ribeira Hotels: Ribeira Douro Hotel • RIBEIRA by YoursPorto • Oca Ribeira do Porto Hotel • Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site

Every city has a neighborhood that’s seen as its emblem. In Porto, that place is Ribeira. Nestled right next to the beautiful Douro River, Ribeira embodies a lot of Porto’s distinct charm. Its prime location makes it a top choice for first-time visitors. 

Ribeira is encircled by other incredible districts, like Sé and Vitória. There is a diverse variety of restaurants available in this popular tourist hub, and Porto’s most famous attractions are nearby. The Porto Cathedral, Luís I Bridge, and Palácio da Bolsa are all within walking distance when you stay in Ribeira. 

The other big draw is that there are so many amazing hotels here, including our choice for the best hotel in the whole city: Ribeira Douro Hotel. We love this stay for its perfect location, immaculate rooms, and useful amenities like a child-friendly breakfast buffet.

Another wonderful hotel in this neighborhood is Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site. Not only is it right next to the Douro River, but the building is from the 16th century. Giving this 5-star hotel a very regal feel that makes it perfect for a honeymoon. 

Pros of Staying in Ribeira Neighborhood:

• Prime central location next to the Douro River
• Plenty of restaurants and bars
• Lots of great accommodations 
• Near attractions and other neighborhoods

Cons of Staying in Ribeira Neighborhood:

• Very busy 
• Expensive

Bolhão

👉 Best Area For Shopping & Dining | ✨ Best Bolhão Hotels: B The Guest Downtown  • Oporto Trendy Formosa  • YOUROPO – Bolhao 

The Bolhão neighborhood is home to Porto’s finest food market – Mercado do Bolhão. Here, you can sip on a glass of Port wine while wandering stalls selling all types of delicious handheld snacks. Just outside the market is one of the district’s best accommodations, B The Guest Downtown, with its welcoming staff and quaint, intimate premises. 

If you prefer a sit-down meal, there are even more incredible restaurants to try around this district. At Gruta, for instance, you can get a Michelin-star dining experience for a very reasonable rate. 

Bolhão is an equally good place to drink, whether your poison is a strong coffee or a cocktail. Esquires Coffee brews the tastiest espresso in Porto, and Apothek Wine Bar provides a cozy atmosphere and huge drink selection. 

Between meals, check out Bolhão’s gorgeous historic sites, such as the photogenic Chapel of Souls. Or, take the chance to go shopping along Santa Catarina Street. This avenue is lined with shops on both sides where you can find clothing, souvenirs, art, and more. 

Pros of Staying in Bolhão Neighborhood:

• Walkable location 
• Iconic market and restaurants 
• Pretty architecture
• Huge shopping scene

Cons of Staying in Bolhão Neighborhood:

• Crowded
• Can feel touristy and inauthentic

Sé

👉 Best Area For Central Location | ✨ Best Sé Hotels: Casa da Companhia • Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection By Hilton  • Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments

The centrally located neighborhood of Sé is so close to Ribeira that it almost looks like the same area on a map. However, these two spots are quite distinct from one another. The main similarity is being right in the middle of the city center. 

This location makes it ideal for people who only have a short time to experience Porto. While Ribeira is overflowing with eager tourists, though, Sé is a little more refined. You can really sense that in the many luxury accommodations available here. 

The expertly designed rooms and pampering amenities at Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments will make you feel like genuine royalty. Casa da Companhia is another great example of the lavish Sé hotels, and they even allow dogs. I always travel with my dog Bear, so this touch really caught my eye. 

You’ll have easy access to Porto’s top cultural attractions in Sé, like the jaw-dropping Porto Cathedral and São Bento Station. There are also stunning viewpoints around where you can capture your ultimate Porto photo, such as Miradouro da Rua das Aldas. 

Pros of Staying in the Sé Neighborhood:

• Perfectly central location 
• Historic neighborhood with cultural attractions
• Luxurious hotels  
• Lots of pretty and free viewpoints

Cons of Staying in the Sé Neighborhood:

• Hilly streets
• Pricey

Vila Nova de Gaia

👉 Best Area For Affordability & Relaxation | ✨ Best Vila Nova de Gaia Hotels: Fervença Suites • The House of Sandeman • Caléway Hotel 

I might have a slight bias for Vila Nova de Gaia because this is actually where I lived in Porto. It took no more than a day of walking around the district to fall in love with its appeal. Although it is a trek across the Dom Luís I Bridge, Gaia is much calmer than other neighborhoods. 

There are laid-back wine bars serving regional Port, less dense crowds, and divine family-run restaurants like Restaurante Casa Dias, along with lots of street artists and souvenir sellers lining the streets near the Douro. 

Gaia is definitely the most budget-friendly area to stay, which is still a reasonable walking distance from the city center. Even the district’s main attractions are free, like the Half Rabbit by Bordalo II 3D mural and Jardim do Morro. 

You can get yourself a really lovely hotel for a surprisingly low price in Gaia as well. Just look at Fervença Suites. Their rooms are spotlessly clean, beautifully designed, and can cost as little as $120 per night (depending on when you visit). 

Pros of Staying in Vila Nova de Gaia Neighborhood:

• Affordable 
• Great wine bars
• Relaxing, less touristy environment
• Beautiful views of the city center and the Douro River

Cons of Staying in Vila Nova de Gaia Neighborhood:

• Far from major attractions
• More laid-back nightlife scene 

Vitória

👉 Best Area For Attractions & Nightlife | ✨ Best Vitoria Hotels: Hotel Moon & Sun Porto  • Hospes Infante Sagres Porto • The Brewmaster’s House 

Travelers who prefer to be in the center of all the action will love Porto’s Vitória neighborhood. This part of the city is known for its exciting, eclectic nightlife scene. 

There are quaint, romantic places to grab a drink, such as Capela Incomum, which is housed inside a retired chapel. Along with higher energy joints where you can party the night away, like the enormous, outdoor Base Porto bar. 

After taking in the city’s nightlife, recharge by sleeping in at the 4-star Hotel Moon & Sun Porto. It has a beautiful rooftop terrace where you can recover from an evening out. They even offer bar crawls and other activities right through the hotel, so it’s great for solo travelers. 

Even if you’re not visiting Porto for a party, Vitória is still conveniently located near many of the city’s best things to do. Livraria Lello, Igreja do Carmo, Torre dos Clérigos, and Jardim da Cordoaria are all located in this neighborhood. 

Pros of Staying in Vitória Neighborhood:

• Iconic attractions nearby
• Upscale and trendy atmosphere
• Lots of shopping
• Lovely viewpoints

Cons of Staying in Vitória Neighborhood:

• Very touristy
• Limited parking

Miragaia

👉 Best Area For Families & Street Art | ✨ Best Miragaia Hotels: Predicados do Douro Palace • Bombarda Homes 

When you’re traveling as a family with young children, it can be tough to find somewhere for everyone to stay comfortably. Luckily, Predicados do Douro Palace in the Miragaia neighborhood solves that problem. This aesthetic hotel has duplex studio rooms that can accommodate up to a family of five and offers a tasty, fresh breakfast every morning. 

Besides having spacious hotels, Miragaia is a charming neighborhood that’s fitting for families. It’s less crowded and easy to walk around. Plus, there are quite a few family-friendly activities here, such as the World of Discoveries museum and Parque das Virtudes. 

The other nice thing about Miragaia is that it’s a very colorful area. You can find huge street art murals around random corners and that definitely adds an intriguing element to the district. If you’ve had enough Portuguese food (somehow), Miragaia has some great international eateries too, like Out To Lunch Kitchen キッチン and Subenshi. 

Pros of Staying in Miragaia Neighborhood:

• Artsy environment 
• Amazing eateries
• Family-friendly activities available 
• Peaceful and lovely to stroll around

Cons of Staying in Miragaia Neighborhood:

• Slightly removed from the city center
• Less of a shopping scene

Boavista

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers & Quiet Atmosphere | ✨ Best Boavista Hotels: Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory • Blau 1911 • LM art apartments

Anyone who is traveling to Porto on business or just prefers a quieter atmosphere should book a hotel in Boavista. Specifically, the Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory is ideal for staying focused on a business trip because it has a full business center and a nice restaurant right on the rooftop. 

When you leave the hotel, you’ll be surrounded by an equally peaceful environment. There are a couple of cultural attractions around this area, like Casa da Música, where you can occasionally catch a live performance. 

Boavista is also home to one of the best markets in Portugal, Mercado Bom Sucesso. You can embark on a full Porto food tour in this one convenient location alone. The only downside of Boavista, though, is that there are very limited attractions in this area. But this means reduced crowds, too. 

While it’s a bit outside the city center, Boavista is still well-connected via public transportation. So, you won’t have to worry about missing out on anything when you stay here. 

Pros of Staying in Boavista Neighborhood:

• Modern, calm atmosphere with fewer crowds
• Great, convenient places to eat 
• Easy access to public transportation
• Lots of accommodations to suit business travelers

Cons of Staying in Boavista Neighborhood:

• Less of that cobblestone, European charm 
• Far from other neighborhoods and attractions

Foz do Douro

👉 Best Area For Beach Access | ✨ Best Foz Do Douro Hotels: Casa da Marechal  • Suites Foz O Porto  • Vila Foz Hotel & SPA 

Most travelers assume that the best beaches in Portugal will all be located in the southern portion of the country. This is a misjudgment, though, because there are actually lots of beautiful beaches around the northern Porto region. 

Foz do Douro is an ideal neighborhood for appreciating the city’s scenic shores. This slightly removed district is the ultimate destination for a relaxing beach vacation. It has a very safe atmosphere and feels a little more like a town than Porto proper, so it’s awesome for couples or families. 

There are so many comfortable accommodations right next to the shores, like Casa da Marechal. This adults-only stay is literally steps from Praia da Luz and has lots of swanky touches, like a rooftop pool, spa, and even its own garden. 

Even though it’s outside the city center, Foz do Douro still upholds the culinary excellence of Porto. There are high-end premium dining establishments, such as InDiferente. Plus, plenty of quirky brunch spots like The Bird. 

Pros of Staying in Foz Do Douro Neighborhood:

• Next to multiple beaches
• Safe, relaxing atmosphere 
• Yummy, diverse array of places to eat 
• Walkable, scenic environment 

Cons of Staying in Foz Do Douro Neighborhood:

• Outside central Porto (requires a taxi or public transit)
• Expensive 

Massarelos

👉 Best Area For Green Space & Culture | ✨ Best Massarelos Hotels: Oporto Yellow Villas  • HF Ipanema Porto • HF Tuela Porto 

As a semi-retired budget traveler who still loves a good deal, I absolutely adored the district of Massarelos in Porto. As I’ve touched on, Porto is already a reasonably-priced place to visit, but this neighborhood takes it up a notch with its array of free activities. 

First and foremost is the enormous Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. I’m a New Yorker, but this place even rivals Central Park. There are stunning views all around and even free-roaming peacocks and chickens at this free park. Museu Romântico is free on certain days of the month as well. 

I also appreciate Massarelos because it has an authentic atmosphere that doesn’t feel overwhelmed with tourists. Yet, it’s still close enough to major neighborhoods like Ribeira and Miragaia to walk there or catch a quick cab. 

There are fewer hotels to choose from since it is less touristy, so make sure you book a good place in advance. HF Ipanema Porto is an excellent option for its modern furnishings and nice location, surrounded by yummy restaurants. 

Pros of Staying in Massarelos Neighborhood:

• Easy access to green spaces and free attractions
• Good mix of authenticity without lacking attractions 
• Feels less constricted than city center neighborhoods
• Quiet and lowkey

Cons of Staying in Massarelos Neighborhood:

• Long walks between points of interest
• Less nightlife nearby

Tips for Staying in Porto

Take the opportunity to drink Port wine 

Appreciating the culinary traditions is one of the best things to do in Portugal. In Porto, that means Port wine. This libation has been created in the region since the 17th century. By now, they have really perfected the art form. [source] 

You’ll be able to find delicious Port all over the city, but I’d specifically recommend the many wine bars in Vila Nova De Gaia for a down-to-earth experience. 

Remember – Portuguese is different than Spanish 

It may seem like a given, but many visitors seem to forget that Portuguese is nowhere near the same as Spanish. Although the countries are neighbors and the languages can have similar-sounding phrases, they are completely distinct. 

So, take care to switch out the “Gracias” for “Obrigado” when you’re visiting Porto. 

Be prepared for crowds and sold-out hotels in the busy summer season

The summer months from June through August are some of the best times of the year to visit Portugal for picturesque weather on a daily basis. However, the season also comes with an influx of tourists hoping to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. 

If you’re dead set on visiting during the summer, know that you’ll be sharing the city with these crowds. Just make sure you book your accommodations well in advance. Things sell out fast in Porto’s high season. 

Check out Porto’s viewpoints at sunset 

Every time I visit a new city, I need to catch at least one sunset from a scenic location. In Porto, I was spoiled for choice. Due to its location on the western coast, the city is privy to some of the most vibrant sunsets I’ve ever witnessed, and there are so many cool spots to watch it happen. 

My favorite was Miradouro da Serra do Pilar in the Gaia district. While a few sunsets definitely belong on your Portugal itinerary, be aware that these spots can get extremely busy, even during the off-season. 

Take advantage of Porto’s walkability by exploring on foot

Just before I arrived on my multi-month stay in Porto, I came across an official report published by Forbes on the world’s most walkable cities. To my delight, Porto was ranked as the 4th most walkable city on the planet. [source] 

After living in Porto for over a month without a car, I can attest to that ranking. Walking always felt like the obvious choice, and I’d constantly stumble across beautiful corners of the city along the way. Plus, it’s great for traveling on a budget because it cuts out transportation costs. 

Take advantage of free activities around the city 

Porto is one of the best places to travel on a budget in Europe because there is such a wealth of amazing free activities around the city. Some of the most iconic things to do in the city don’t cost anything at all. 

Walking across the Dom Luís I Bridge, meeting the free-roaming peacocks of Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, and taking photos at the blue-tiled São Bento Station are all completely free. I spent hours entertained by simply walking around the aesthetic neighborhoods and taking photos, too.  

Stock up on affordable perfume while you’re in the city 

While the city might not have a reputation as a shopping hotspot, Porto actually has a lot of one-of-a-kind, affordable shops that are worth a visit. Just another reason why it’s one of the best places to visit in Portugal. 

An absolute favorite of mine is CLONE, a perfume shop near the Vitória neighborhood. The woman who owns CLONE is very helpful with recommending scents based on your preferences. 

The walls are literally covered in options, and many of them have similar notes to luxury perfumes that could run you hundreds of dollars per bottle. The difference is that here, I got three amazing scents for €30 total. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Porto

What are the best areas to stay in Porto for first-timers?

Ribeira, Sé, and Vitória are the best areas to stay in Porto for first-timers. Both of these neighborhoods are right in the middle of the city near the Douro River and surrounded by excellent places to eat, attractions, and high-end accommodations. 

What are safe areas to stay in Porto?

The safest areas to stay in Porto are Miragaia, Villa Nova de Gaia, and Foz do Douro. While Porto is a very safe destination as a whole, these neighborhoods tend to be a little more laid-back with less intense nightlife, and that can make it feel safer. 

What are the best parts of Porto to stay on a budget?

Villa Nova de Gaia and Massarelos are the best parts of Porto to stay on a budget. Porto is a very affordable city in general, but these districts tend to have lower prices for hotels and food, plus many free activities readily available. 

What are the best parts of Porto to stay for a long time? 

The best parts of Porto for a long stay are Vila Nova de Gaia and Miragaia. These authentic neighborhoods have lots of accommodations and are much less touristy than the central neighborhoods of Ribeira and Sé, which makes it more comfortable for the long haul.

What are the best parts of Porto to stay with kids? 

Miragaia and Foz do Douro are the best parts of Porto to stay with kids. Miragaia has spacious hotels for large families, and it’s less crowded while still being in the city center. Whereas, Foz do Douro is very safe and near many beaches, making it a great place to stay when you’re traveling with kids. 

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Thanks for reading my complete guide on where to stay in Porto! Let me know in the comments which neighborhood you want to call home on your Portugal trip. 

Did you know that you can reach Lisbon from Porto in just three hours on public transportation? If you’re planning on visiting the Portuguese capital too, don’t forget to read my guide on where to stay in Lisbon.