Where to stay in Porto, Portugal
Any area in the historic center of Porto and its surroundings, or Vila Nova de Gaia, are good options to stay in Porto. Below, I give you more details.
1. Ribeira, on the banks of the Douro river
The Ribeira is one of my favorite areas of Porto. Located on the banks of the Douro River, it has a charming atmosphere. Colorful houses, numerous bars and restaurants, and a special magic make this neighborhood one of the best places to stay in Porto.
The great advantage of sleeping in this neighborhood is its good location, since, apart from being a beautiful area, it is close to many points of interest, such as the Stock Exchange Palace or the Church of San Francisco. In addition, you can cross to Vila Nova de Gaia by the Don Luis I Bridge in a moment.
On the other hand, some of the negative aspects of staying in Ribeira are that it is always crowded, being a very touristy place, and that hotel prices are usually much higher. If your budget is tight, it is better to look for a hotel in another part of the city.
Recommended hotels in Ribeira:
- $$: Ribeira do Porto Hotel.
- $$$: PortoSense Ribeira.
- $$$$: Exmo Hotel by Olivia.
2. Sé, a great option to stay in Porto
Sé is one of the most interesting and special areas of Porto. Located in the historic center of Porto, this neighborhood is one of the oldest and most authentic in the city. Strolling through its cobblestone streets and discovering its colorful facades is a unique experience that you cannot miss during your visit to this Portuguese city.
In addition, Sé has become a great option for those looking for accommodation in the city. It offers a wide variety of apartments, hostels, and hotels, making it an ideal alternative for all budgets. Located in the heart of the city, it allows you to walk to all places of interest.
Of course, the main tourist attraction of this neighborhood is the Sé do Porto, or, if the same, the Cathedral of Oporto. Due to its location on a hill, it is impossible to miss it.
Recommended hotels in Sé
I would like to highlight the Passenger Hostel, located next to Sao Bento Station. They offer private and shared rooms and have several common areas. At the reception, you can find a bar, open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight They also have lounges, a library, laundry, and a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook.
More recommendations:
3. Bolhão, one of the best areas of Porto.
Bolhão is one of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in Porto, as it has a lot of charm and a good location to get to know the rest of the city. In fact, I have slept in this area on my three visits to the city, and I always recommend it. The three accommodations I have stayed in, and which I recommend, are Belas Artes Apartments, Cocorico Luxury House, and Trendy Flats Fontainhas.
Bolhão stands out, among many other things, for its historic architecture, of which we can name the Chapel of the Souls and the Church of Santo Ildefonso. The Bolhão neighborhood is also famous for its traditional market, which dates back to the 19th century and is one of the most emblematic places in the city. Here you can find a wide variety of fresh and local products, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish.
In addition, the streets of this neighborhood are full of life and movement. There are many stores, restaurants, cafes, and bars with lots of charm where you can enjoy the local gastronomy and a good glass of Portuguese wine. Don’t miss the Café Majestic, the store A Pérola do Bolhão, and the pastéis de nata from Manteigaria.
In short, if you visit Porto, you cannot miss the opportunity to stay in Bolhão and enjoy all that this place has to offer. In addition, the hotel offers are very varied, and you will reach the historic center in a few minutes on foot.
Recommended hotels in Bolhão
- $$: HaoBo Porto Center.
- $$$: Santa Catarina FLH Suites.
4. Vitória, in the historic center of Porto.
Vitória is one of the neighborhoods located within the historic center of Porto and, therefore, is another great option for where to base yourself in the city. It is a bohemian and picturesque area, full of stores, bars, and restaurants offering a wide variety of food. At night, Vitória also has some of the most atmospheric streets in the city for going out.
If you stay in this neighborhood, you will be close to places like the University of Porto, the Clérigos Tower, the Lello Bookstore, the Portuguese Center of Photography, the Church of Carmen, and some of Porto’s viewpoints. As you can see, this area is full of attractions.
🎟️ During your stay in the city, don’t miss this free tour of Porto to get to know the city with a guide.
Recommended hotels in Vitória
5. Cedofeita, a more authentic and local neighborhood
Cedofeita is a neighborhood that stands out for its authenticity. Being a little further away from the historic center, it has cheaper accommodations and many restaurants with low prices, apart from very cool cafes. If your budget is not too high, Cedofeita is an ideal alternative to where to stay in Porto.
Cedofeita retains some of its more traditional features and is known for being a place with independent design stores, art galleries, and cozy cafes. You can stroll through its pedestrian streets and discover a bohemian and relaxed atmosphere that attracts many young people. Don’t miss Rua de Cedofeita and Rua de Miguel Bombarda.
In this neighborhood, you will find other very interesting corners, such as the Plaza de Carlos Alberto or the Church of San Martin de Cedofeita. In addition, you can enjoy a more local atmosphere and immerse yourself in the daily life of the city, away from the most crowded tourist places.
Recommended hotels in Cedofeita
- $: Fatima’s House.
- $$: 7 Bridges Estúdios.
- $$$: Casa Carolina.
6. Vila Nova de Gaia, on the other side of the Douro River
Vila Nova de Gaia is a charming Portuguese town located just across the Douro River from Porto. I consider it a good area to stay in Porto because if your hotel is close to the river, you only have to cross the Don Luis I bridge and you have arrived at the Ribeira. You can also stay near the top floor of the bridge, which will also allow you to cross quickly.
Vila Nova de Gaia is home to numerous wine cellars, which you will find along the main promenade, and the views of Porto from here are beautiful. The city has a large number of commercial establishments, restaurants, and bars, perfect for relaxing and tasting the best typical products. Don’t miss out on all there is to see and do in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Recommended hotels in Vila Nova de Gaia
- $: Hostel Gaia Porto.
- $$: Serra do Pilar Porto Suites.
- $$$: 7 Gaia Roaster Apartments.
- $$$$: The Yeatman.
7. Boavista, a modern and affordable area in Porto
My last proposal is Boavista, a more modern neighborhood of the city where it is also possible to find affordable accommodation, especially apartments. It is a residential area that is home to a large number of stores, restaurants, and green areas. In fact, this neighborhood has undergone a lot of improvements in recent years, making it one of the most attractive areas of the city.
Boavista is in a strategic location, as it is moderately close to the historic center of the city and is closer to Porto airport and the coast. It is also home to interesting places such as the Buen Suceso Market and the Casa da Música.
For all these reasons, Boavista is an excellent choice for those looking for a combination of modernity, accessibility, and affordable accommodation.
Recommended hotels in Boavista
- $: Avenue View Rooms.
- $$: Uba – Heritage and Wine.
- $$$: Porto Deluxe Apartments.
Map of where to stay in Porto
I have created this map to help you choose accommodation in Porto. You can see marked in red the best neighborhoods to sleep in Porto and marked in blue the different hotels I have recommended.
You can click on each of the boxes in the drop-down menu on the map to see the areas and hotels marked. This will make it much easier for you to organize your trip and choose where you want to stay.
Check out my Portugal travel guide to further organize your visit to the country.
I hope this article about where to stay in Porto has been very useful for you to find a place to stay in the city. If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or write me an email. I wish you a great stay!
Check my itineraries to finish organizing your trip:
