Where to stay in Porto? The best areas and places to stay

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Looking for hotels in Porto and short on time? Discover traveler’s favorite hotels in Porto on Booking.com by clicking here!

Pro tip: They are in high demand, so be sure to book quickly!

And for an extensive guide on where to stay in Porto, along with my selection of the best hotels, read this article.

Where to Stay in Porto: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Porto? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Porto very well, I have created this guide of:

  • Porto’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
  • For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My Favorite Hotels in Porto

Here’s a quick summary of my hotels in Porto, in case you don’t have time to read the entire detailed article.

You just have to click on the hotel name in orange to access the details and rates:

In Ribeira District

The district of Ribeira, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, corresponds to the historic center of Porto.

Situated on the northern bank of the Douro River, it’s the city’s most picturesque and most visited district. It features narrow cobbled streets, beautiful houses with colored facades, and historic buildings.

It’s also a particularly lively area, with its many bars and riverside terrace restaurants.

For me, it’s simply the best neighborhood to stay in Porto.

I recommend this district for your stay in Porto:

  • If you want to be in the heart of the city, while being able to easily access other districts
  • To stay close to Porto’s best places to visit
  • To enjoy the nightlife.

Ribeira district is the ideal place to discover:

  • Dom Luis I Bridge, Porto’s most famous bridge
  • Sé Cathedral, a 12th-century church offering superb views of Porto
  • Sao Bento Station, known for its frescoes made in azulejos, the typical Portuguese decorated ceramic tiles
  • Waterfront houses
  • Palácio da Bolsa, a beautiful neoclassical building
  • Sao Francisco Church and its catacombs
  • Douro River during a cruise.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Porto’s old town

  • Rio da Vila: Located just a 2-minute walk from the Sao Francisco Church. Modern and cozy double rooms starting at 110€, with breakfast at 19€. Strong points: the perfect location, the charm of the place, and the excellent welcome. My favorite for its excellent value for money in the historic center of Porto.
  • Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira: Located 150 meters from the Stock Exchange Palace. Comfortable double rooms from 180€, breakfast at 18€. Strong points: the staff’s kindness, the perfect location, and the hearty breakfast.
  • Memoria Porto FLH Hotels: Situated right next to the Douro River. Cozy double room with river views from 220€, breakfast included. Strong points: the view, a great breakfast, very nice staff, and the quiet atmosphere. An excellent choice for staying in the old town of Porto!
  • Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site: Located by the river. This 5* hotel is housed in a 16th-century historic building and offers vintage-style rooms with river views starting at 400€, breakfast included. Strong points: the location is great for exploring Porto on foot, very friendly staff, and a comprehensive breakfast.
  • GA Palace Hotel & Spa, a XIXth-Century Villa: A luxury hotel located in the heart of the historic district. You’ll stay in superbly decorated elegant rooms from 400€, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor and outdoor pools, the Spa, and attentive staff. My favorite 5-star hotel in Porto!
GA Palace Hotel & Spa Quartier de Ribeira Porto
GA Palace Hotel & Spa in Ribeira district, Porto

In Aliados and Bolhao districts

Aliados and Bolhao districts, adjacent to Ribeira, are located to the north of the old town.

They are also part of downtown Porto.

These neighborhoods are very lively, with an abundance of restaurants and shops.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Porto for a weekend in the center, this is an excellent choice!

This area is ideal for accommodation in Porto:

  • To stay in the city center without being right in the historical center
  • For exploring on foot or with the metro
  • To experience local life in an authentic neighborhood.

In Aliados and Bolhao, you shouldn’t miss:

  • Bolhao Market with its colorful stalls
  • The City Hall and its clock tower 
  • Clerigos Tower, for its panoramic views of the city
  • Lello Bookstore, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful bookstores. JK Rowling is said to have found inspiration here for Hogwarts’ staircases and Flourish & Blotts library, where Harry Potter buys his schoolbooks.
  • Aliados Avenue, lined with beautiful bourgeois buildings.

Where to Stay in Aliados and Bolhao District (Porto)?

  • Pao de Acucar Hotel: Located just 100 meters from Aliados Avenue. Double rooms starting from 100€, breakfast at 9€. Strong points: the location, the hotel’s unique decor, the comfortable beds. A great place to stay in Porto!
  • Hotel Internacional Porto: Situated 2 minutes from Aliados metro station. Classic double rooms starting at 150€. Strong points: peaceful atmosphere, excellent service, close to the historic center.
  • Chic & Basic Gravity: Located 300 meters from Clerigos Tower. Spacious and chic double rooms starting at 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent breakfast, beautiful decoration, complimentary happy hour, cozy inner garden.
  • Mercure Porto Centro Aliados: Close to Bolhao Market. Comfortable and contemporary double rooms starting at 210€, breakfast at 15€. Strong points: the outdoor pool and small garden, the tranquility, great location.
  • Eurostars Aliados: Next to Porto Town Hall. This 5-star hotel offers well-decorated double rooms from 260€, breakfast at 20€. Strong points: spa with pool, sauna and steam room, friendly and helpful staff, generous breakfast. This is my recommendation for a romantic getaway!
  • Hospes Infante Sagres Porto: Luxury hotel located in the heart of Aliados district. Elegantly decorated rooms starting at 330€, breakfast at 20€. Strong points: the outdoor pool, the beautifully renovated spaces in 2024, the delicious breakfast buffet. One of my favorite luxury hotels in central Porto!
Hospes Infante Sagres Porto Quartier d'Aliados Porto
Hospes Infante Sagres Porto Quartier d’Aliados Porto

In Boavista District

Boavista is an upscale district of Porto.

Located to the Northwest of the old town, it is easily accessible by public transport.

Boavista is a posh neighborhood featuring both a chic and relaxed atmosphere.

The streets of this affluent area, much more modern than the other districts I’ve mentioned, are lined with numerous boutiques and trendy restaurants.

You’ll enjoy this neighborhood:

  • If you’re looking for somewhere quieter in the evening
  • For shopping
  • If it doesn’t bother you to take the bus or metro to reach central Porto.

Best places to visit in Boavista neighborhood:

  • Casa da Musica, a building with a very modern design
  • Boavista Street, perfect for window shopping
  • Bom Sucesso Market
  • Jardim da Rotunda da Boavista and its panorama over the Douro.

Where to Stay in Boavista, Porto?

  • BessaHotel Boavista: Located just a 5-minute walk from the botanical garden. Comfortable double rooms starting at 110€, breakfast for 14€. Strong points: the comprehensive breakfast, parking, and welcoming staff. A great value for money in Boavista area.
  • HF Fenix Porto: Located a 5-minute walk from Boavista Avenue and all the shops. Spacious double rooms starting at 125€. Strong points: only 15 minutes from the historic center, the varied breakfast options, and tranquility. The perfect hotel for a good night’s sleep in Porto without breaking the bank.
  • Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory: A 5-star hotel situated directly on Boavista Avenue. Cozy double rooms starting at 160€, breakfast for 25€. Strong points: the friendly staff, the excellent 19th-floor restaurant with city views, the pool/jacuzzi/sauna/steam room amenities.
  • Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa: Located 100 meters from Boavista Avenue, this luxury hotel offers spacious and cozy rooms with large windows starting at 180€, breakfast for 26€. Strong points: the spa, exquisite cuisine, lounge area. The perfect luxury hotel in Porto for a romantic getaway!
  • Crowne Plaza Porto, an IHG Hotel: A 5-star hotel located a 10-minute walk from the botanical garden. You’ll stay in classically elegant rooms starting at 200€, breakfast for 22€. Strong points: the spa, the location, attentive staff, and the hotel’s decor. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Porto, in Boavista neighborhood!
Crowne Plaza Porto Boavista District Porto
Crowne Plaza Porto Boavista District Porto

In Vila Nova de Gaia District

I’m bending the rules a bit by talking about Vila Nova de Gaia, as it’s not actually a district of Porto, but a small town located just across, on the south bank of the Douro.

You can easily reach the historic center and Ribeira district in just a 10-minute walk, by crossing Dom Luis I bridge.

So, it remains a very convenient place to stay in Porto!

The advantage is that Vila Nova offers a superb viewpoint over the entire old town and the riverbank houses.

It’s worth noting that the city is renowned for housing the best wine cellars in Porto. Of course, you can visit them and enjoy a tasting of their finest wines!

The Best Hotels to Stay in Vila Nova de Gaia, Across from Porto

  • Caléway Hotel: Located 500 meters from the bridge. Modern and spacious double rooms starting at 120€, breakfast for 15€. Strong points: the charming blend of ultra-modern design with old stone walls and traditional tiles, easy access to the historic center, and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • The House of Sandeman: Located by the river in the Sandeman wine cellars building. Double rooms with river and Porto views starting at 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: the views, the tasty breakfast, and the warm welcome.
  • Hilton Porto Gaia: A 5-star hotel located 1 km from the bridge. Sleek design double rooms starting at 200€, breakfast for 23€. Strong points: the indoor pool, the Spa, the location, and the views from the hotel’s bar.
  • Vincci Ponte de Ferro: This luxury hotel is situated at the foot of Porto’s most famous bridge. It offers elegantly decorated rooms starting at 280€, breakfast for 17€. Strong points: the outdoor pool, impeccable service, exceptional decor, incredible breakfast, and stunning views. This is my favorite hotel to stay in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto)!
Vincci Ponte de Ferro Vila Nova de Gaia District Porto
Vincci Ponte de Ferro Vila Nova de Gaia District Porto

Where to Stay in Porto on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, here’s a selection of affordable hotels to stay in Porto:

  • The Central House Porto Ribeira: Hostel located in the historic center. Dorm bed from 30€ and double room from 110€, breakfast for 8€. Strong points: Location, excellent staff, comprehensive breakfast. An excellent choice for where to stay in Porto without breaking the bank.
  • Nice Way Porto Hostel: Hostel in the city center, next to the train station. Dorm bed from 30€ and double room from 90€, breakfast for 3.50€. Strong points: Cleanliness, great atmosphere, very friendly staff. The best solution for cheap accommodation in the center of Porto.
  • Moov Hotel Porto Norte: Located 5 km from the historic center but with a metro station right next door. Double room from 75€, breakfast for 12.50€. Strong points: Next to a large shopping center, good reception, cleanliness.
  • Zero Box Lodge Porto: Original concept hotel in the Aliados district. Rooms are wooden boxes but each has their own private bathroom. From 90€, breakfast for 9€. Strong points: The very cool concept, the rooftop, super location. Our recommendation for a unique hotel to stay in Porto!

Staying in Porto with Family

  • Porto Deluxe Suites: Located in the Boavista district. Apartment for up to 4 people from 110€ per night. Strong points: Spacious, cozy, quietness. I highly recommend this place for an affordable hotel for a family stay in Porto.
  • HF Tuela Porto: Also located in Boavista. Room with two double beds from 180€. Strong points: Well-located, comfortable beds, helpful staff. This family-friendly hotel offers and excellent value for money!
  • BessaHotel Boavista: I’ve already mentioned this hotel in Boavista. It also offers rooms with a double bed and two single beds from 200€, breakfast for 14€.
  • Hotel Spot Family Suites: Located in the Bolhao district. Suite for 4 from 225€, including breakfast. Strong points: Close to the metro, hearty breakfast, room size.

What is the Best Hotel in Porto?

If you’re looking for the best hotel in Porto, I can only recommend the GA Palace Hotel & Spa, a XIXth-Century Villa.

And if you’re searching for something more affordable but still outstanding, you should book a night or more at Vincci Ponte de Ferro or Eurostars Aliados.

Where to Stay in Porto: A Summary Table of the Best Hotels

To give you a better idea of the best hotels to stay in Porto, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve created a table summarizing all the ones I’ve talked about in this article. You can sort them by price or by district!

HotelDistrictPrice (from)
Rio da VilaRibeira 110€
Hotel Carris Porto RibeiraRibeira 180€
Memoria Porto FLH HotelsRibeira 220€
Pestana Vintage Porto HotelRibeira 400€
GA Palace Hotel & SpaRibeira 400€
Pao de Acucar HotelAliados et Bolhao100€
Hotel International PortoAliados et Bolhao150€
Chic & Basic GravityAliados et Bolhao190€
Mercure Porto Centro AliadosAliados et Bolhao210€
Eurostars AliadosAliados et Bolhao260€
Hospes Infante Sagres PortoAliados et Bolhao330€
Bessa Hotel BoavistaBoavista110€
HF Fenix PortoBoavista125€
Porto Palacio Hotel by the EditoryBoavista160€
Sheraton Porto Hotel & SpaBoavista180€
Crowne Plaza PortoBoavista200€
Caleway HotelVila Nova de Gaia120€
The House of SandemanVila Nova de Gaia190€
Hilton Porto GaiaVila Nova de Gaia200€
Vincci Ponte de FerroVila Nova de Gaia280€
The Central House Porto RibeiraCheap Hotel30€
Nice Way Porto HostelCheap Hotel30€
Moov Hotel Porto NorteCheap Hotel75€
Zero Box Lodge PortoCheap Hotel90€
Porto Deluxe SuitesHotel for Families110€
HF Tuela PortoHotel for Families180€
BessaHotel BoavistaHotel for Families200€
Hotel Spot Family SuitesHotel for Families225€
Book your trip now and save money!

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best area to stay in Porto
Best area to stay in Porto

 

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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