Where to stay in Porto

The Complete Guide to Neighborhoods and Accommodation in the City

Deciding where to stay in Porto is tough, but our guide can help!

This guide not only explores some of the most popular neighborhoods in Porto, but will also help you find the top hotels, apartments, budget-friendly hostels, and unique accommodation options in them as well.

Discover where to stay in Porto and begin planning your trip to the city with this guide by your side!

 

Popular Neighborhoods in Porto

Before you choose your accommodation, you need to choose your neighborhood. Porto is full of diverse neighborhoods, but these five come out on top.

 

Ribeira Neighborhood

The Ribeira neighborhood is one of the best places to stay in Porto, Portugal because it’s right on the riverfront.

Here you’ll be steps away from the sun-splashed cafes, seafood restaurants, and the famous Luis I Bridge. Ribeira is also a great home base because its conveniently located with the central historic districts of Baixa and Cedofeita on one side and the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood on the other, all of which are within walking distance.

The only downside? This is the most famous district in Porto so it can get quite crowded with tourists during the day.

 

Vila Nova de Gaia Neighborhood

If you’re wondering where to stay in Porto for the best wine experience, Vila Nova de Gaia is your answer.

The neighborhood spreads down the south bank of the Douro river, directly across from the Ribeira neighborhood. Most of the city’s Port wine cellars are located here so you can rest assured that the sweet drink is within reach at all times.

The only downside? Vila Nova de Gaia is separated from the rest of the city by the Douro river, so sightseeing in Baixa and Cedofeita will require long walks to the historic center or a quick taxi ride.

 

Foz do Douro Neighborhood

In the summer, the Foz do Douro neighborhood is one of the best places to stay in Porto, Portugal because it’s right on the beach. Although the city is known for Port wine and its historic charm, Porto also has a long stretch of coastline on the Atlantic ocean as well. If you want to enjoy the sun and sand every day, Foz do Douro a lively place to do so.

The only downside? It’s located a few miles from the Porto historic center, which can be inconvenient for sightseeing. However, there is public transport between the two so the trip is possible without a car.

Baixa and Cedofeita Neighborhoods

Many vacationers want to know where to stay in Porto to experience its history and exciting nightlife, and Baixa and Cedofeita are the answer.

These two next-door neighborhoods are packed full of trendy bars, restaurants, galleries, shops, cafes, churches, and markets. The winding cobblestone streets and colorful old houses are a mesmerizing place to lose yourself in when you visit the city.

The only downside? Baixa and Cedofeita aren’t on the water, unlike like Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Foz do Duoro, so if you’re looking for classic waterfront or ocean views, they may not be right for you.

Top Hotels in Porto

Once you decide where to stay in Porto, it’s time to explore the best hotels!

The Yeatman is widely renowned as one of the top luxury hotels in Porto. The five-star accommodation is located in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood and boasts a Michelin-starred chef, multiple pools, and lovely views of the city and river.

The Grand Hotel do Porto is also a fantastic hotel choice in Porto, especially for history lovers. Built in 1880 in the Baixa neighborhood, the hotel has more than a century of history hosting diplomats, politicians, artists, nobility, and even spies on their visits to the city.

Where to Find the Best Apartments in Porto

If you’re looking for more of a low-key, local experience, staying in an apartment in Porto may be more up your alley. Luckily, there are hundreds of verified Airbnb Plus apartments in Porto, which is a new Airbnb classification that means they have “exceptional quality, comfort and style.”

A quick glance through the options confirms this – they’re light, they’re airy, and they’re available in almost every neighborhood in the city. Apartments in Porto are ideal for long-term stays or for any travelers who just want the comforts of home even while they’re away.

Unique Places to Stay in Porto

If you want to ditch the hotels and apartments and stay somewhere memorable, check out these five unique places to stay in Porto!

  • Click here to explore boat and yacht options in Porto.
  • Want the freedom to travel where you please? These mobile campers and RVs let you explore the region on four wheels while also providing comfortable accommodation wherever you park for the night.
  • If you don’t mind staying outside of the city, this cozy windmill is located near a nature preserve, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind for a few days.
  • For beach bums and budding surfers, the Surfivor Hostel and Surf School in Foz do Douro is one of the best places to stay in Porto, Portugal.
  • Finally, for travelers looking to get a bit closer to nature (or just save some money) camping is possible at Parque de Campismo de Municipal da Madalena. If tents are a little too rustic, you can rent small cabins at Campsite Orbitur Canidelo instead.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options in Porto

Porto is a perfect destination for backpackers and budget-travelers because there are plenty of affordable places to stay in the city. If you’re on a budget and unsure where to stay in Porto, start your search on Hostel World or Booking.com where you’ll find dorm rooms as low as $10 to $20 per night, depending on the season. As with most vacation destinations, accommodation costs increase in the summer, so consider visiting Porto in the winter to maximize your savings.

Where to Stay in the Porto Countryside

If you’re looking for a truly relaxing getaway, consider a stay at the many vineyards dotting the quiet Portuguese countryside. Quinta de Tedo has a romantic bed and breakfast on their grounds, Quinta da Pacheca offers rooms at their Wine House Hotel, and Quinta do Vallado even has a refurbished manor house from 1733 for guests to spend the night in!

Of course, they all offer food, tours, and everything else you need for a weekend escape. Just be aware that the most convenient way to reach these vineyards is with a rental car – if you’re relying on public transportation, the historic center is the best place to stay in Porto.

Discover Where to Stay In Porto With This Complete Guide!

There’s no single answer to the question of where to stay in Porto. The truth is, this city is just as diverse as the travelers who pass through it every year.

Whether you want a historic neighborhood or an escape to the countryside, a five-star hotel or budget accommodation, a night on a yacht or the freedom of a camper van, this guide has you covered.

No matter where you stay in Porto, it’s easy to explore the city with GoCar Tours. Book a one, two, three, or four-hour tour (or even a full-day excursion) to see the city at your own pace with our state-of-the-art GPS-guided tours.

Are you ready to experience Porto in a completely new way?