Where to stay in Porto: guide to the best neighbourhoods

Rivoli Cinema Hostel

We spent three nights at Rivoli Cinema Hostel, a friendly hostel in a great central location in Baixa. You couldn’t find a more convenient spot – it’s within just a couple of minutes of São Bento, Porto City Hall and the main shopping street, Rua Santa Catarina.

Rivoli Cinema Hostel is set in an old townhouse over several floors, and has a panoramic rooftop terrace with a bar that opens in the warmer months of the year. With a cinematic theme to match the name, you will find classic movie posters and decor throughout the communal spaces, dorms and bedrooms. Very cool!

This hostel has the kind of sociable vibe that we always look for – not a party hostel, but a great atmosphere for meeting people and lots of organised activities. There are regular events like communal dinners and movie nights (of course!) to get people together.

We stayed in a private room, which was basic but absolutely fine for our needs while exploring the city from this convenient base. You can also book dorm beds and the prices are very reasonable. And we enjoyed the free breakfast, with self-made cheese and ham toasties plus plenty of fruit, pastries and coffee.

Passenger Hostel

Not many hostels have a cooler location than Porto’s Passenger Hostel, which is set within the same building as São Bento Railway Station. This is one of those rare transport stations that is also a visitor attraction in itself, and São Bento is as impressive as the likes of New York’s Grand Central Station.

More than a century old, the station’s interior is decorated in stunning ceramic tiling in the city’s traditional old colours of blue and white depicting important scenes from its history.

Aside from being visually spectacular, the location is also perfect for exploring downtown Porto or hopping on a train somewhere.

The hostel is not just a gimmick, either. The overall quality is excellent. It’s clean, spacious with its high ceilings, and has very good facilities (especially the showers which is always a bonus!). Some days you can even enjoy a free dinner, and there are social events organised too.

Zero Box Lodge Porto

Zero Box Lodge Porto brings a new, minimalistic concept of accommodation that might not sound the most appealing at first, but is actually pretty cool.

Set in a former bank, the old vaults have been transformed into rooms set within wooden cabin-like boxes that have no windows. The idea is that, after sleeping in a box room with no natural light, you will be mesmerised by the city when you emerge into the open air.

The box rooms do feature some comforts, including spacious private bathrooms, good air conditioning and storage space. And, as you might expect given the simplicity, the nightly rates are cheap.

Beyond the rooms, the hotel has a chic urban feel and some funky features. The bottom floor has the Big Bad Bank cocktail bar that stays open late for dancing, plus the O Carniceiro restaurant. On the rooftop there’s a terrace where you can hang out, or – if you wish – dive into a tank and listen to music underwater.

The location is superb, right in the heart of Baixa a block away from Mercado do Bolhão. So, if you’re up for trying something a bit different, this place might be up your street.

Vera Cruz Porto Downtown Hotel

With a superb location right next to Porto City Hall (with some bedrooms overlooking it), Vera Cruz Downtown Hotel is a great option in Baixa if you are looking for a balance of comfort and good value.

The hotel is also just a few paces away from Aliados metro station, so it’s very easy to reach and get around from here. And, as it’s towards the north-west wide of Baixa, it’s a short walk into the Cedofeita area that has some of the best places to eat and drink at night.

Rooms have big, comfy desks and top quality amenities, while some are kitted out with working space, making it a good choice if you’re in Porto during a workation in Portugal.

It’s worth having at least one meal at the hotel’s restaurant, which has some great views and access to the rooftop terrace area.

Exe Almada Porto

Exe Almada Porto, also situated on the north-west of Baixa, is a large 4-star hotel in a renovated old building set in a highly convenient location.

Part of the Eurostars chain, it has very good facilities including a fitness centre, bar and café, while also retaining the charm of a typical Portuguese period building. The original balconies and façades have been carefully preserved to maintain the historic atmosphere.

There is a touch of class about the place at prices that won’t burn too big a hole in your pocket. The food choices on site are very good, especially the breakfast, and some of our favourite little wine bars are just a couple of blocks away.

Torel Saboaria

If you are looking for luxury hotels in Porto, then Torel Saboaria is our top recommendation in the downtown area.

This is a beautiful five-star boutique hotel in a building that was once a renowned 19th-century perfume and soap factory, Saboaria do Bolhão, as well as the home of the high-society Galician family that created it.

Recognising this legacy, the hotel has scent-themed apartment rooms with a subtle, stylish decor. The accommodations feature kitchenettes, and some have balconies or city views.

The sun-kissed gardens of the hotel are a real highlight, featuring a pool, hot-tub and steam room, providing a relaxing setting to unwind at the end of the day. Overall this is the perfect choice for a romantic weekend in Porto.

Onefam Ribeira

Onefam Ribeira is one of the best hostels in Porto for solo travellers looking to socialise, and has a fabulous location on the sloping cobbled hill between Baixa and the riverfront, and a short walk from Porto Cathedral.

The hostel has quite a party vibe, with social events like pub crawls held on a regular basis, but it’s also chill enough to get a good night’s sleep. There’s usually a youthful crowd here, and the hostel has an age limit range of 18 to 39.

Set in a repurposed medieval building, the hostel is full of character and charm, with beautiful views over the city’s terracotta rooftops from the terrace and some rooms. The facilities are great for the price, and for a small donation you can have a communal dinner here too.

The Central House Porto Ribeira

If you prefer hostels with a more relaxed atmosphere, The Central House is our pick of the options in Ribeira, nestled just up from the riverside promenade in view of the water.

As one of the newest hostels in the city, it has excellent modern facilities, including roomy pod-style dormitory beds, with lots of in-built storage space. Meanwhile, the setting has the essence of old Porto, within a classic old townhouse covered in traditional blue-and-white tiling.

The ambiance is relaxed but there’s still plenty going on, including live music in the ground floor bar and restaurant. If you want yet more entertainment, you can walk a few paces down to the riverfront at night and see street performers, one of our favourite spots to hang out in Porto.

Ribeira Douro Hotel

Tucked away one block above the riverfront, Ribeira Douro Hotel is a gorgeous little spot in a cosy corner of the neighbourhood. This is a great choice for a couple’s getaway or a trip for small families with one child, featuring a handful of beautifully furnished en suite rooms (some with river views).

The location has an old Porto feel about it, set on a narrow cobbled alleyway overlooked by ornate balconies, and the hotel itself has been created inside two restored period buildings.

You can get an especially good price here if visiting in the off season, and if not, it’s worth a treat if you’re planning a summer city break.

Oca Ribeira do Porto Hotel

Oca Ribeira do Porto Hotel is situated in the heart of Ribeira by the riverfront. If you’re looking for hotels in the mid-priced range, you won’t find any at a better price with such a desired location, in full view of the Luis I Bridge.

The corner rooms have the most spectacular river views. All bedrooms are spacious, comfortable and well furnished, with some featuring a work desk.

There is a bar and restaurant on the second floor, where an excellent daily breakfast is served. Overall, this is one of the best hotels in Porto when it comes to value for money.

Pestana Vintage Porto

For a similarly stunning location but with an injection of luxury, Pestana Vintage Porto tops our list of places to stay in Ribeira. This 5-star hotel is perched right on the riverfront overlooking Ribeira Square, a spot that is one of the city’s liveliest at night, and where you can see a breathtaking sunset across the water.

The hotel is set in a prestigious 16th-century building, one of only 18 that comprises the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. By day, the riverside views are bathed in brilliant sunshine, and at night, the shimmering lights reflect beautifully off the water – quintessentially Porto, any time of day.

Even though it’s an old building, the facilities and furnishings are top class and modern. The in-house restaurant, Rib, isn’t the cheapest option around, but the food is genuinely fantastic – worth the investment if you’re after something extra special.

GA Palace Hotel & Spa

If your Porto budget knows no bounds, a night or two at GA Palace Hotel & Spa will give you a truly decadent experience of the city.

Set in a quieter part of Ribeira, a little walk to the east of Porto Cathedral, this luxury hotel is set in a lavish 19th-century villa featuring a spa, wellness centre, and outdoor and indoor pools.

The property is as impressive as that of any luxury hotels in Porto, tastefully restored and elegantly furnished. This is a great choice for a next-level romantic getaway or wellness retreat in a quiet yet central corner of the city.

Gallery Hostel

Gallery Hostel is without a doubt one of the best hostels in Porto, set in a 19th-century building in the artsy quarter of Cedofeita.

The hostel itself is like an art gallery, and has more the feeling of a hotel than cheap backpacker accommodation. For such a bougie hostel in a great location, the rooms are very reasonably priced! It’s one of the most luxurious and comfortable hostels we’ve encountered before.

One thing we love about the location is it’s just around the corner from Capela Incomum, that fabulous little wine bar set in a converted church I mentioned above. Make sure you come here for a glass and to soak up the atmosphere – and try the mackerel pate, it’s excellent.

The hostel has its own restaurant too, which serves modern Portuguese-style dishes and snacks, plus wine and cocktails among the drinks options.

Pilot Design Hostel & Bar

If “cool” and “fun” are high on your list of priorities in choosing a hostel, then Pilot Design Hostel & Bar should be top of your list in Porto. Situated on the threshold of Baixa and Cedofeita, it has a great location right amid one of the city’s liveliest bar scenes (this is personally our favourite area for a night out).

The hostel has an ultra modern feel, with bright LED lights and bold colours integrated throughout. There’s a big emphasis on socialising, with a superb terrace area that features a barbecue and a waterfall, plus an indoor communal area with some quirky musical instruments.

If you’re a solo traveller looking to meet people and hang out, this place is an excellent shout. The staff team is very friendly and runs a superb pub crawl that is focused on getting people socialising.

Exe Essenzia Porto

Exe Essenzia Porto, nestled in a spot where downtown Porto starts to blend into the suburbs, is an 80-room 4-star hotel that gives you impressive quality for what you pay. The location is nice and quiet, while being about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the heart of downtown.

The hotel has a contemporary feel that is also reflective of Cedofeita’s bohemian charm. Rooms are furnished with natural wood features, giving them a warm and calming tone. The in-room facilities are excellent, especially considering the mid-range rates.

There is a relaxed café-bar on site (where you can enjoy a very good breakfast, included in some room rates) and a fitness centre.

The Rex Hotel Porto

The Rex Hotel is another Cedofeita hotel that offers outstanding value. With some room rates lower than $100 per night even in the height of summer, you get to stay in a historic mansion on a quiet corner of Praça da República, a large and leafy Cedofeita square just outside downtown.

It’s very easy to get around from here too, as it’s a 10-minute walk from the well connected Trindade metro station.

The old mansion has a grandiose atmosphere with its high ceilings, a vibe that is accentuated by vintage furnishings and wooden features. The rooms are bright, spacious and equipped with modern facilities. Overall, it’s a hotel that really punches above its weight and is a great option for a relaxing getaway.

Hotel Tipografia do Conto

On a quiet side street at the north-west side of Cedofeita, close to where it merges into the suburbia of Boavista, Hotel Tipografia do Conto is a lovely small boutique 4-star hotel where you can relax and feel at home.

Inside, the hotel has a quirky design that blends vintage and modern styles. The building, about a century old, was once a typography and graphic arts workshop, hence the name – and that creative spirit very much lives on.

Around the hotel you can read excerpts of text from historical authors. For this imaginative repurposing it was awarded the National Prize for Urban Rehabilitation in 2020.

Outside, the hotel features a charming central courtyard and a rear garden, complete with a swimming pool. Overall, it’s a lovely place to stay full of charm and character, while still being within close reach of the city’s attractions.

One Shot Palácio Cedofeita

One Shot Palácio Cedofeita is a 5-star boutique hotel set in an opulent 19th-century mansion in Cedofeita. It’s a truly classy place to stay for a romantic getaway, with highlights including its lavish Le Palais restaurant, which is the setting for breakfast.

The hotel has an outdoor pool set among decorative gardens that stays open all year round, while you can stay active and refreshed in its excellent fitness centre.

Perhaps the best thing about this hotel is the beds! They are huge, comfy and firm, so good you’ll wake up feeling like you had a massage.

So Cool Hostel

A bright and breezy hostel in a simple 19th-century townhouse with long gardens, So Cool Hostel provides good value backpacker accommodation set nicely out of the way in Boavista, but within a short trip to downtown.

The hostel has some extra touches you’ll appreciate, like towels for guests and a very good breakfast. It’s not the most social hostel, but if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and comfortable away from the crowds, you can’t go wrong here. With a strict curfew at night, it won’t be to every backpacker’s taste, but the flipside of this is you’re guaranteed some peace for an undisturbed sleep.

There are some other house rules in place, such as rooms need to be vacated between 11am and 1pm for cleaning daily – not typically a problem for us as we like to be out sightseeing then anyway!

By Doors Hostel is a clean and comfortable hostel in a quiet residential area of Boavista, within a 10-minute walk of Casa da Música. It has a cosy and colourful charm, and you’re sure to feel welcome here.

The hostel has a well equipped kitchen and sells drinks on site too, including wine and beers. There’s a pleasant outdoor sun-trap area for hanging out and meeting other travellers.

Overall this is a safe and friendly hostel that provides good value for money away from the city centre.

Hotel da Música

Perched in a central neighbourhood location, right next to Rotunda da Boavista, Hotel da Música is a quirky design hotel that aligns with the concept of Casa da Música. Offering mid-priced accommodation, you get a lot of character here without spending a fortune.

True to its name, the hotel’s decoration and furnishings are inspired by music, with staves of classic composers emblazoned on walls and majestic instruments on display in communal areas. Bedrooms are bright, spacious and comfortable.

Another highlight of the hotel’s location is its close proximity to Mercado Bom Sucesso, a lively market and food hall with gourmet stalls that’s a favourite among locals. It’s also a short distance from a metro station for easy access to downtown.

HF Tuela Porto

A couple of blocks further to the south of Rotunda da Boavista, HF Tuela Porto is a snazzy and comfortable modern hotel with nearly 200 rooms.

The hotel’s relaxing bar and lounge, along with a generous and varied buffet breakfast, make it easy to settle in. You’re also just a short stroll from a multitude of dining options in the heart of the neighbourhood.

We put this firmly in the great value for money category – perfect for an affordable city break in Porto. It’s also a solid pick for remote working, with rooms equipped with desks and communal areas that strike the right balance between productivity and laid-back comfort.

Porto Palácio Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere on the more refined end of the scale to stay in Boavista, Porto Palácio Hotel is a 5-star option with some spectacular city views (especially from its bar), and top-class facilities.

Located towards the west side of the neighbourhood, where you will find wider streets, little parks, the stadium of Boavista FC and a handful of high-rise chain hotels, the area has a businesslike feel about it, which rubs off in the hotel. It’s slick, well polished, and you will be well taken care of.

The facilities include a spa with massage rooms, fitness centre, and an indoor swimming pool, while rooms are all fitted with large flat-screen TVs and well stocked minibars.

Crowne Plaza Porto

If you’ve stayed at a Crowne Plaza hotel before you know what to expect, and it’s no different at Crowne Plaza Porto in the Boavista neighbourhood. It has a polished, professional vibe with a layer of class and comfort on top.

This is another 5-star hotel that exudes the vibe of the city’s business district, with swanky, spacious rooms and a range of excellent, modern facilities. You can be sure of a relaxed and indulgent stay here.

A ten-minute walk directly south of the hotel will take you to Jardim Botânico do Porto (the botanical gardens), a cultivated little oasis of calm, which is also part of the city’s Museum of Natural History.

The House of Sandeman

How does staying in one of Porto’s most famous port cellars sound? That’s exactly what you get at The House of Sandeman.

This iconic building in the Gaia district overlooks the Douro River, sitting right on top of the historic Sandeman cellars. While we were here, we took the classic tour and tasting, which gave a great introduction into the history of production and its role in local life.

The hostel itself is top quality – clean, comfortable and spacious. And it’s not as pricy as you might expect for such a prestigious setting. You can choose accommodation from 14-room dormitories to private suites.

Hostel Gaia Porto

Hostel Gaia Porto sits in a slightly more tucked-away spot in Gaia, perched up the hill a little back from the river. Naturally, this setting comes with some fabulous views over the city, which are best enjoyed from its rooftop.

This is a friendly, laid-back hostel that is social without being a party hub, which fits perfectly with the easygoing feel of the neighbourhood. There are regular themed events, especially revolving around food and typically held in the cute secluded garden area, weather permitting.

The rooms are clean and comfortable, and it’s very peaceful here at night. Dorms are spacious, but this is also the kind of place where we’d happily book a private room, which are great value here. For a small extra fee, you can start your day with the hostel’s excellent breakfast.

Caléway Hotel

Situated in the heart of the port and wine cellar scene of Gaia, Caléway Hotel is set in a charming and distinctive old building, with some lovely city views from its location midway up the hillside.

The building has been beautifully modernised in a way that seamlessly blends historic features with contemporary style. It has a bright, minimalist style throughout, with lots of white space, accentuated by natural light from skylights and large windows. Outside, there are pretty gardens and sweeping terrace views for you to enjoy. The place has a really uplifting feel about it throughout.

Rooms also come with great views from their balconies, and the mid-range rates are extremely reasonable for the quality you get. This is our go-to hotel for a long weekend break on the Gaia side of the city.

Douro Garden & Rooftop

We don’t often stay in guest houses or B&Bs on our travels, but Douro Garden & Rooftop is one we would gladly make an exception for! This gorgeous little family-run Portuguese guest house is set on the quieter outskirts of Gaia, away from the tourist crowds that flock to the port cellars.

As you probably guessed from the name, the highlight of this guest house are its outdoor spaces. The sun-kissed rooftop terrace is a lovely place to hang out and enjoy the views, maybe with a good book on its comfy seating. There are also very good facilities for self-catering, including a kitchen and washing machine.

This is a great pick if you’re travelling on a slender budget but don’t want to compromise on comfort, with some double rooms available for as little as $50. The friendly, detail-oriented hosts will make sure you feel right at home.

Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel

Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel has a prominent hillside setting that you can spot from a distance across the water from the banks of Ribeira. This is another of Gaia’s most distinctive buildings, home to the oldest port house in the city, set amid a lavish country estate – and you can stay here in indulgent comfort.

This is the kind of place we’d consider as so-called “destination accommodation”, a bucket-list place to stay. While it’s one of Porto’s larger hotels, it doesn’t feel like you’re among a crowd.

The price of a night’s stay is not quite as high as you may expect for a 5-star hotel in such an iconic setting. This is a great option for a relaxing and romantic couple’s escape in Porto, combining your city exploration with relaxation at the hotel’s spa and pools.

The Rebello Hotel & Spa

If you are looking for the highest-end decadence in Porto, The Rebello Hotel & Spa might be the city’s most luxurious hotel. Small and secluded in a scenic riverside spot about half a kilometre along from the heart of Gaia (which is still walkable), this place is the perfect idyllic city retreat.

The hotel is built within the stoneworks of the warehouses that were the engine of Porto in the mid-19th century, a setting that has been transformed into an imaginative modern design.

You can enjoy glorious views of old Porto across the river from the rooftop terrace and bar, while many rooms have views as well. And the hotel breakfast? It’s possibly the best in the city.

Hotel Boa-Vista

If you’re looking for a seaside hotel in Foz do Douro that doesn’t cost a fortune, Hotel Boa-Vista is a great pick. Nestled on the south side of the neighbourhood’s coastal stretch, it has some great sea views from its terrace, and is only a 5-minute walk from the beach.

Room rates are cheaper than downtown, and you can relax in its outdoor features including a swimming pool and café. There’s also a fitness centre on site.

The hotel is clean and comfortable, and within close vicinity of shops, bars and places to eat. Meanwhile, the city centre is also very easy to reach from here via a bus connection.

Hotel Portofoz

Hotel Portofoz has the feel of a traditional local guest house. It isn’t the most polished and slick place to stay, but it’s full of authentic charm and has a home-from-home vibe.

The hotel sits on a quiet residential street just one block back from Ingleses Beach. Most rooms feature balconies with either sea or city views. The breakfast is excellent, prepared with fresh local produce, and you have the option to take it to your room.

Casa da Marechal

Casa da Marechal is an adults-only 4-star hotel that is ideal for a wellness retreat near the beach in this quiet little corner of Porto’s coastal neighbourhood. It features a spa and wellness centre with a sauna, steam room and hammam. You can also relax in the sunshine around the outdoor pool.

This is a small boutique hotel that is elegantly decorated throughout. You can use bikes from the hotel free of charge to explore the area.

Breakfast is continental-style with pastries, breads, fruit yoghurts, eggs, cheese and ham. There’s also a restaurant and honesty bar.

Vila Foz Hotel & Spa

We conclude our recommendations on places to stay in Porto with one of the swankiest hotels in the city. Vila Foz Hotel & Spa is the only 5-star hotel in the beachside Foz do Douro neighbourhood, and it’s a truly fabulous one.

The hotel is set in the 19th-century Casa Palaciana, a which looks like a majestic mansion from the outside and feels like a grand palace within. It has been beautifully maintained, and has top-class modern facilities.

The spa and wellness centre feature an indoor pool and sauna, while you can also use free bikes to head off for a ride along the coastline. Best of all, the hotel features a Michelin star restaurant where you can sample the delights of local celebrity chef Arnaldo Azevedo.