Porto is one of the most populated cities in Portugal, just behind Lisbon. It has a population of 220,000 inhabitants and like many ancient cities, it has an incredible historical heritage. However, in recent decades it has been modernizing.
Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. The main attractions of Porto are the Ponte Dom Luís I, the Cathedral of Porto, the Stazione di São Bento and the Torre dos Clérigos. In this article you will learn about the best areas and hotels to stay in Porto.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Porto
Porto is a city with a huge amount of accommodations and different neighborhood options for a great vacation. The metropolis is small and can be toured in two or three days, and although it has a large number of options where to stay, it is always a good option to opt for a centrally located hotel to easily reach its most touristic places.
You must remember that Porto is a very popular destination and is visited by thousands of tourists at any time of the year, for this reason, if you want to find affordable accommodation, you should book in advance. Another aspect to take into account is the location.
Accommodation in the central part of Porto tends to be the most expensive. A good alternative to the center is the Bolhao neighborhood. Other cheap areas to spend the night in Porto are in the neighborhoods of Vila Nova de Gaia and Boavista, very nice areas close to the center.
However, the whole city has an excellent public transport service, which is why staying in a neighborhood a little away from the historic center can be profitable and would not represent any problem for your comfort and enjoyment.
Centro-Baixa
The Portuguese know it only as Baixa. It is located on the banks of the river and, as already mentioned, is the preferred area to stay in Porto for those who prioritize location. Staying in Baixa is very convenient because it is within walking distance of all of Porto’s tourist attractions.
By staying in this area you will be exposed to the most typical and traditional part of the city. Some of the most renowned places are the Liberty Square, the Clérigos Tower and the statue of King Pedro IV. The atmosphere in this area is very lively and offers an extensive number of restaurants and bars where you can taste the typical dishes of Portuguese cuisine.
Baixa is an ideal option for those people who enjoy nightlife, due to the high movement that occurs in it at any time. The hotel offer is very wide and you will notice that there are all kinds of establishments, from simple and inexpensive hostels to luxurious and expensive hotels.
Catalonia Porto
One of the recommended hotels to stay in Porto in the Centro-Baixa area is the Catalonia Porto. This fabulous hotel has a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a wellness and fitness center, a garden, a terrace and a bar. The reception is open 24 hours a day. Room service and Internet access are available.
The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a safe, desk, flat-screen TV, bed linen, towels and a private bathroom. All rooms have a kettle and some have a patio or garden view. A rich buffet breakfast is served daily in the hotel restaurant. The double room is priced at 162€ and booking users have given it a score of 9.3.
Legendary Porto Hotel
This is a hotel that has been recently renovated. Its rooms are soundproofed and have beautiful new furniture and dark curtains. The rooms have air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, seating area with sofa and satellite TV. The bathroom has a hairdryer. A continental breakfast is served daily, and you can order gluten-free or lactose-free dishes in advance.
The hotel’s elevators were also renovated and are now quiet and more efficient. There is a lounge with a variety of flat-screen TVs. The front desk staff works 24 hours a day. There is also a fitness center open at all hours. One of its advantages is that it is only a 7-minute walk from the subway. The double room costs 163€ and booking users have given it 9.4.
Ribeira
Another interesting neighborhood where to sleep in Porto is the Ribeira neighborhood. This beautiful neighborhood is positioned at the foot of the river and is part of the historic center of the city. It is one of the most touristic areas of the city and has an unparalleled beauty, showing the typical postcard image of colorful houses overlooking the banks of the Douro.
In this area you will have the privilege of taking lazy strolls on the river while enjoying an environment full of bars and restaurants. Ribeira is very active during the day and at night, so you can enjoy multiple leisure activities such as going for a walk or having a beer on the terrace of its bars and restaurants. Ribeira is one of the most coveted areas to stay in Porto, which makes its prices are higher compared to other neighborhoods.
Descobertas Boutique Hotel Porto
This is one of the most modern and comfortable hotels to stay in Porto in the Ribeira area. The rooms have a typical Portuguese theme and feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, safe, private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries. Breakfast is served every morning in its restaurant and its reception is open 24 hours a day. Laundry and ironing services are also available. The double room is priced at 163€ and booking users have given it a score of 9.7.
Porto River
It is in fact a spectacular aparthotel whose rooms are nicely decorated and are located just 10 minutes walk from the wine cellars of the metropolis. The rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, wooden floors and stone walls. As if that were not enough, these accommodations have been soundproofed and have designer furniture.
The kitchen of the apartments has all the necessary utensils so that guests can cook without any problem, but if you want to eat out, you will be happy to know that there are many restaurants nearby that serve traditional food. The double room costs 252€ and booking users have given it a score of 9.8.
Sao Nicolao
One of the most central areas to sleep in Porto is Sao Nicolao. If you choose the Sao Nicolao area to spend a few nights in Porto you will be really close to numerous points of interest such as the Stock Exchange Palace, the churches of Sao Nicolao and San Francisco and the Sao Bento train. In fact, its territory is still part of the Ribeira, which means that it shares many of its characteristics. This is a privileged area with plenty of services and a fun nightlife.
Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel
It is housed in an old historic building that has been completely renovated. It is a 7-minute walk from several important tourist sites. Its rooms are spacious and have private bathrooms, some of them even have a classic-style bathtub.
The rooms offer panoramic views of Porto and are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is home to a famed restaurant serving typical Portuguese dishes with a light contemporary touch. The double room is priced at €178 and has been rated 9.8 by booking users.
Hotel Exmo
The facilities of this hotel include a bar, restaurant, 24-hour reception, room service and wireless Internet access. The rooms have air conditioning, desk, kettle, minibar, safe, flat screen TV and private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is served in the mornings in the hotel restaurant. The double room costs 220€ and has been rated 9.8 by booking users.
Sé (Cathedral quarter)
Sé is the name of the Cathedral of Porto and the neighborhood located inside the downtown area. It could be defined as the true heart of Porto and of course, its greatest attraction is its cathedral of Romanesque style with Gothic influences. This area where to sleep in Porto was walled during the Middle Ages, which gives it an ancient but charming appearance. Sé is located on top of a hill from which there are beautiful views of the river. Those who want a central location steeped in history can stay in this neighborhood known for being one of the most valuable spots in the city.
S.Bento Residences
Rooms at this aparthotel have a safe, cable TV, desk, sitting area with sofa and a kitchen with microwave and dishwasher. The bathroom is showered, has a hairdryer and free toiletries. A continental breakfast is served in the mornings and the residences provide car rental service. The superior studio costs 260€ and booking users have given it a 9.8.
Guest House Triunfo
One of the most interesting places to stay in Porto is the Guest House Triunfo. It is an accommodation with 24-hour reception, free internet access, bright rooms with wooden furniture and bathroom with bathtub or shower. This family-run establishment is located just a 5-minute walk from Porto’s São Bento train and metro station. The double room costs 84€ and booking users have given it a 9.2.
San Ildefonso
It is one of the most elegant and safe neighborhoods of the center, even though its boundaries are outside the area declared a World Heritage Site. It is a great neighborhood to sleep in Porto and among its attractions are the Church of San Ildefonso, the Church of Trindade and the Bolhão Market. In addition, it communicates perfectly with the rest of the city through the subway system. The accommodation offer is quite large and it is a good choice for those who want to be close to the best shopping area and enjoy a crazy nightlife.
Porto City Hotel
Rooms at this hotel have air conditioning, safe, desk, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with shower. A buffet or continental breakfast is served daily. The double room is priced at 133€ and has been rated 8.1 by booking users.
Moov Hotel Porto Centro
One of the recommended hotels where to stay in Porto in the San Ildefonso area is the Moov Hotel Porto. The hotel is just a 3-minute walk from several train and metro stations. Its rooms have a modern style and are decorated with striking cinematographic photographs. They are air-conditioned, have a desk and a private bathroom. The complex has an interior courtyard with a furnished terrace with tables and chairs. A buffet breakfast is served daily. The double room costs 120€ and has been rated 9.5 by booking users.
Cedofeita
One of the neighborhoods where to sleep in Porto with more magic is the Cedofeita neighborhood. Locals know it as “the neighborhood of the arts” for its bohemian, alternative and youthful atmosphere. The place is full of galleries, stores and cafes. It is a quiet residential neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle of the most visited areas. Its hotel offer is nothing but interesting for its balanced quality-price ratio. Besides, its location is not a problem since you can reach the center in 15 minutes if you walk or in 5 minutes if you prefer to take the subway.
Eurostars das Artes
One of the most spectacular hotels to stay in Porto is the Eurostars das Artes. It has a very particular facade with a mix between a historical and a modern building. This accommodation is very special because it exhibits art exhibitions that change gradually. Its rooms are spacious and decorated in great detail. All rooms have air conditioning, cable TV and free wifi.
In the mornings, the restaurant serves a delicious breakfast prepared with seasonal ingredients. The property has a garden area and a bar where you can enjoy a glass of classic port wine. There is also a concierge service and car and bicycle rental. The double room costs 109€ and booking users have given it a score of 8.5.
Exe Essenzia Porto
Hotel facilities include a fitness center, 24-hour reception and free internet access. Rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, desk and safe. The hotel is responsible for serving a buffet breakfast daily. An airport shuttle service is also provided. The double room costs 119€ and booking users have given it a score of 8.1.
Miragaia
The magic of this neighborhood is that it allows you to admire its older side and its more modern side at the same time. It is divided into two parts, the upper part is located on top of a hill from which you can see views beyond the Douro and its lower part (closest to the river) is full of bars and restaurants specializing in fish. As the neighborhood is adjacent to the Ribeira, it is important to book as far in advance as possible.
Porto Serviced Apartments
One of the most interesting apartments to stay in Porto are the Porto Serviced Apartments. They have a garden area, terrace, patio, private parking and free wifi. The rooms have a sofa, living room, cable TV, kitchen with all the necessary appliances to prepare your meals, dining area, safe and private bathroom with hairdryer. A continental breakfast is served daily and an airport shuttle service is provided. The two-bedroom apartment with balcony and river view costs 270€ and booking users have given it a score of 9.0.
Menina Colina Guesthouse
This fantastic hotel offers private parking, terrace and garden. Its rooms have satellite TV, private bathroom, closet and living room. There is a shuttle service to the airport, and it stands out from other hotels because in its vicinity are positioned several tourist attractions such as the Ferreira Borges Market, the Palacio da Bolsa and the Lello Bookstore. The double room costs 135€ and booking users have given it a 9.2.
Vila Nova de Gaia
It is famous for being dotted with wineries that organize wine tastings and guided tours for people who want to learn about this traditional winemaking aspect of the city. It is well connected to the historic center both by public transport and on foot. One of its advantages is that the prices of its accommodations are lower than those in the center and maintain the same quality.
Park Hotel Porto Gaia
The rooms of this hotel are decorated in a sober style with neutral colors. They have modern furniture made of wood. All rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception. A buffet breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon and freshly squeezed orange juice is served every morning. Similarly, there are vending machines that provide snacks and lighter options. The hotel bar serves cocktails and typical port wine, and also has a good-size LCD TV for watching sporting events. A double room costs €72 and has been given a score of 8.3 by booking users.
Hotel ibis Porto Gaia
One of the most interesting and economical hotels to stay in Porto in the Vila Nova de Gaia area is the Ibis Porto Gaia, located just 5 minutes drive from the Porto wine cellars. This hotel has modern style rooms with air conditioning. Free Internet access is available throughout the hotel and the restaurant serves delicious meals and drinks. The hotel staff is available around the clock to recommend the nearest places of interest in the area. The double room costs 72€ and booking users have given it a score of 8.2.
Boavista
It is one of the most modern areas to sleep in Porto. Its prices are cheap, but it is a bit far from the city center. Despite this, you will have no problem getting there because it has many transportation options. It is an exclusive neighborhood where the upper class of the city lives. In this area you will find very good lodging offers and several tourist attractions such as the Casa da Música or the Serralves Park. If you are a fan of culture, you will be excited to know that in this area there are many cinemas, theaters and shopping malls.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
The property offers spacious rooms, a modern spa and a restaurant with a glass cellar. Its designer rooms are decorated with materials such as steel, wood and glass. All have a minibar, sitting area and bathroom with bathtub. The spa has an indoor pool, 8 treatment rooms, a yoga room, a relaxation area and a juice bar. Its restaurant serves traditional food accompanied by a glass of wine. The double room costs 158€ and booking users have given it a score of 8.4.
ABC Hotel Porto – Boavista
Facilities at this hotel include a private parking, a common lounge, a bar and a garden. There is free Wi-Fi in all areas, 24-hour reception and room service. A buffet breakfast is served daily. The double room costs 100€ and booking users have given it a rating of 8.4.
Where to stay in Porto for less than 100€ per night?
Hotel Universal
Despite being a two-star hotel, the Hotel Universal is one of the best value for money establishments in the Baixa (historic center) and one of the recommended hotels to stay in Porto. Not only is it very well located -just 600 meters from the Sé Cathedral- but it is also very comfortable, with clean rooms and private bathrooms. Its rate is 95€ per night and Booking users rewarded its incredible location: 9.6 points for two-person trips.
Zero Box Lodge
The Zero Box Lodge is located in the center of Porto and has spectacular ratings on Booking: 9.1 in the overall score and 9.7 for its privileged location, less than 700 meters from the Coliseum of Porto. This hotel offers a very interesting detail: its rooms are like wooden boxes, all with private bathrooms. The Zero Box is just a 5-minute walk from the Bolhão metro station and Aliados Avenue. The rate is 68€ per night, plus 4€ for taxes and charges.
Maria da SÉ Historic House
With a rate of 86€ per night (plus 4€ taxes and charges), the Maria da SÉ Historic House is one of the most recommended hotels in Baixa and a great option to stay in Porto. It is located very close to the main sights of Porto, such as Ribeira Square, the Palacio da Bolsa and the Ferreira Borges market. All of its rooms have private bathrooms and a very good standard of quality and cleanliness, which has earned the hotel a rating of 9.3 points on Booking (and an incredible 9.8 for its location).
Gardenia Aparthôtel
The Gardenia Aparthôtel is an aparthotel located just 500 meters from the Bolhao municipal market. Its rate is 96€ and includes a very complete breakfast, which can be enjoyed while contemplating the views over the city, as some rooms have a terrace and balcony. Booking users were very generous with the Gardenia: they gave it a rating of 9.7 points and defined it as “Exceptional”.
Where to stay in Porto between 100 and 200€ per night?
Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
On Rua do Bonjardim, very close to the Lello Bookshop (where it is said that the writer J. K. Rowling was inspired to write the Harry Potter saga), you will find a beautiful hotel to stay in Porto, the Mercure Porto Centro Aliados. This hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center that is worth discovering. In addition to its beautiful sun terrace, with great views over the center of Porto, highlights the neatness of its rooms, which have free WiFi. Booking users gave it 9.1 points. The rate is €132, plus €4 for taxes and charges.
Catalonia Porto
The Catalonia Porto hotel is located in the historic center, near the Torre de los Clérigos. It is an excellent choice in the €100 to €200 per night range, with excellent ratings on Booking (9.1 points). It has a large seasonal pool and many of its rooms overlook a very nice garden. It has a rate of €125 per night and a breakfast that Booking users describe as “fabulous” for an additional €17.
PortoBay Teatro
Another four-star hotel to stay in Porto is the PortoBay Hotel Teatro. Completely renovated in 2021, this hotel is located steps away from the main points of interest in Porto (very close to the well-known Cais da Ribeira area, facing the Douro River). The establishment has 75 very spacious rooms -the decoration of its entrance hall is fantastic- and a very good Italian restaurant, called Il Basilico. PortoBay Hotel Teatro’s rate is 195€ per night and its Booking score is 9.1 units.
Pousada do Porto – Rua das Flores
The Pousada do Porto – Rua das Flores is a four-star superior, located just 200 meters from the Clérigos Tower, with a Booking score of 9.2. Its rooms are very modern and comfortable and include bed linen and towels. The establishment has a magnificent terrace and an indoor swimming pool. The rate is 190€ per night (plus 4€ for taxes and charges), with breakfast included.
