Headed to Portugal and wondering where to stay in Porto? Discover my favorite areas to stay in the city center and the best hotels in each!
It may surprise you to learn that Porto is my favorite city in Portugal. Yes, I prefer it to Lisbon. And I'm not the only one. On an Instagram poll, 73% of voters chose Porto over Lisbon.
It's 100% walkable, is the entrance to the stunning Douro Valley wine region, has better restaurants and hotels (in my opinion), feels safer, and offers a lot more old-world charm paired with stunning views. Read my Lisbon vs. Porto blog post for an in-depth take.
You're a wise traveler to include Porto on your itinerary. Now the question of which hotel and what area to stay.
This post will take you through the three best areas to stay in Porto, Portugal that are within 15 to 20 minutes of the city center and all the top sights. You'll learn the best luxury hotels in each neighborhood as well as mid-range options.
This map shows the top areas and best hotels in Porto. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
- Red - luxury hotels
- Black - mid-range hotels
View from Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace
Livraria Lello is a 5 minute walk from Maison Albar
Baixa - north of the river and known as Porto's downtown (grey area)
Where to stay in Porto, Portugal for first-time visitors and those looking for luxury and spacious hotels
Baixa is known as Porto's downtown. It's in the heart of the city center, close to the Sao Bento train station, and minutes from the top sights (including the Harry Potteresque bookshop). This is my favorite area to stay in Porto.
While it's close to the action, most hotels are spacious and quiet. Many hotels in the heart of the Riberia district and close to the river can be small and loud (more on that later).
The hotels I've included for both luxury and mid-range options are excellent. The luxury hotels felt like a steal of a deal. Maison Albar offered a perfect location, incredible service, one of the best hotel breakfasts we've ever had, a nice (though small) spa area with steam room, sauna, and pool.
We would have been charged at least 5 times for a hotel of that quality in the USA.
I've mentioned in my "is Porto worth visiting" post that Porto is a great city to splurge. Unlike many tourist cities, you'll feel like it's money well spent.
Most hotels in this area are less than 15 minutes by foot to the Douro River and the lively Riberia district. You're looking at about 20 to 25 to most of the Port Lodges on the other side of the river.
If you're not up for the walk, no worries! Uber is cheap in Porto.
Best hotels in Porto: Baixa
LUXURY HOTELS IN PORTO: Baixa
MID-RANGE HOTELS IN Porto: Baixa
SEE ALSO:
7 DAY PORTUGAL ITINERARY | PORTO, DOURO VALLEY, LISBON
HOW MANY DAYS IN PORTO DO YOU REALLY NEED?
LISBON VS. PORTO | WHICH CITY IS BETTER TO VISIT?
BEST COFFEE SHOPS & CAFES IN PORTO | TOP 5
Vila Nova de Gaia - south of the river and by the Port lodges (purple area)
WHERE TO STAY IN Porto, Portugal for gorgeous views and close proximity to the Port lodges
Vila Nova de Gaia is a great area to stay if you've been to Porto before or are looking for gorgeous views. Technically, this is another city, but it's just across the river from Porto proper.
For example, it's a 13-minute walk from Vincci Ponte de Ferro (one of my hotel recommendations) to Cais da Riberia (the main riverfront promenade in Porto proper) and 18 minutes to downtown Porto (Baixa).
If you're looking for incredible views of the bridge, go for Vincci Ponte de Ferro.
The Lodge Porto Hotel has an incredible restaurant on site and is next to Enoteca 17•56 (a great spot for rooftop drinks or an upscale dinner).
The Yeatman is nice and has some of the best views, but I wouldn't go past this hotel for accommodations and you're now a bit of a walk from Porto proper.
Vila Nova de Gaia also has a lot of nice airbnbs.
Best hotels in Porto: Vila Nova de Gaia
luxury hotels in VILA NOVA DE GAIA
Mid-range HOTELS IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA
Northern RIberia - north of the river and south of Baxia (blue area)
One of the best areas to stay in Porto, Portugal for young people and those looking to be in the heart of things
Overall, I don't recommend the Riberia district because you have to be careful about where exactly you stay. The promenade along the river in the Riberia district (Cais da Riberia) has a lot of bars and late-night restaurants...i.e. potential for street noise.
If you stay out late and want to be steps from the bars and don't mind smaller hotel rooms and some potential street noise, then this area is for you.
Otherwise, stick to northern Riberia just below the Baxia neighborhood. This is the sweet spot.
You're still minutes from Cais da Riberia and close to the narrow, twisting streets the Riberia district is known for. Yet, you're far enough away to find a nice hotel that's quiet.
Best hotels in Porto: northern Riberia
luxury hotels in northern Riberia
Mid-range HOTELS IN Northern Riberia
Summary of where to stay in Porto, Portugal
I hope this post steers you in the right direction of where to stay in Porto, Portugal. These are my personal favorite neighborhoods and some of the best hotels in Porto.
Baixa is my top pick for first-time visitors. This area is north of the Douro river and Riberia district. There are plenty of luxury and mid-range hotels in this area that are spacious and quiet...yet close to all the top sights.
South of the Douro River is Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you will find gorgeous views, luxury hotels, and plenty of airbnbs. If you'll be spending a lot of time at the Port lodges, this is the best area to stay in Porto.
Northern Riberia is between the above recommended area. Just be sure to research your hotel carefully as this area can get loud if you're too close to the river.
No matter which area you pick, you’ll be walking distance of the best sights and restaurants!
SHARE THE LOVE AND SAVE THIS POST ON PINTEREST!
Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal | Top Areas and Hotels
Thank you for the full, detailed information.