Porto is a popular stop on any Portugal itinerary. This populous city only covers a small area along the banks of the Douro River, yet it is filled with charm and bustling with activity. Porto has a very old vibe to it – with the narrow cobbled streets and the ancient architecture. Yet somehow it still feels full of young and vibrant activity. But every neighborhood has differences. Which one is perfect for your vacation? Keep reading for our full guide to Porto neighborhoods and recommendations on where to stay in Porto for your vacation.
Where To Stay In Porto – Choosing A Neighborhood
There are lots of neighborhoods in Porto and if you’re moving there for a long period, this probably isn’t the right post for you. However, if you are visiting for a short period of time, you’ll definitely want to stay close to the city center. While there is a well organized public transit system in Porto, most commutes take 20-40 minutes from outer neighborhoods. For this reason, we’re focusing on the neighborhoods that are closest to the most popular things to do in Porto.
Additionally, we’ll give a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of staying in each neighborhood AND we’ll give you a low budget and a high budget option for hotels in that neighborhood.
But what about home rentals? You may be inclined to look for home rentals in Porto and they do exist. However, home rentals have to be licensed and are taxed like a business so keep in mind that home rentals are basically hotels with less staff. They don’t save you much money and in our experience, don’t have the same level of connivence as a hotel.
Riberia
Riberia is the most popular area to stay for first time visitors. It is right along the Douro River and is busy with life at all times of day. It’s got great views of the river that many hotels are able to capitalize on. However, it is also the most popular tourist district and the neighborhood doesn’t give you a great Porto-y experience. While there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area, the food isn’t great and they have very high price tags. However, for those looking for a really great location, near activities with high quality standard accommodations, Riberia is one of the best places to stay in Porto.
Pros of Riberia:
- Centrally located
- Very standard tourist destination – as in all visitors will recognize hotel setups and restaurant menu offerings
- Great river views
Cons of Riberia:
- It’s downhill from everything – because it is close to the river, you’ll have to walk uphill for everything
- Expensive area – hotels, restaurants, even souvenirs are pricier here
- Very crowded at all times
If the Riberia is right for you – and we do recommend it for first time visitors, especially families, check out our recommendations.
Baixa (Bairro da Sè)
The Baixa or the Sé Cathedral neighborhood is the other most popular neighborhood for first time visitors to Porto. In combination with the Riberia, the majority of hotels in Porto are located in these two neighborhoods. Where Riberia has more charm, albeit a bit manufactured, Baixa has a rougher but more authentic feel. The Porto Cathedral, Town Hall, and Clerigos Tower are all located in this neighborhood. This area ripe for the tourists, you’ll find not only attractions but amazing dining options, nightlife, and shopping. The Baixa area, while full of tourist attractions, also has more grit and authenticity pouring out into its streets. We think the Baixa is a great place to stay in Porto because it combines easy walks, authentic experiences and heaps of options in one small geographic area.
Pros of Baixa
- The most centrally located for tourists
- Lots of hotels=cheaper hotel prices
- Quality restaurants
Cons of Baixa
- Touristy area can attract crime – we saw a lot of drug use; avoid Sao Bento train station area
- Popular spot for nightlife=loud at night
- Lots of hills
Baixa is one of the most popular choices for first time visitors to Porto. If this is the neighborhood for you, check out our recommendations.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is technically the city across the river from Porto. However, for tourist purposes, it is one of the best places to stay “in” Porto. It is a quick walk across the Dom Luis I bridge or a short tram ride to the Baixa or Riberia district. Additionally, there is a lot going on in this neighborhood. This neighborhood is the home of all of the port wine cellars and sampling port is one of the top activities in the neighborhood. The neighborhood has plenty to do but it is easier to escape the tourist crowds. It is charming and has great views like the Riberia but fewer crowds. We liked this neighborhood the best and we wished we would have stayed here.
Pros of Vila Nova de Gaia
- Lots of port wine
- Great views
- Good mix of locals and tourists
Cons of Vila Nova de Gaia
- Expensive
- Longer walk to attractions
Vila Nova de Gaia is our favorite neighborhood and the place we would recommend to couples. If it sounds right for you, check out these hotels.
Luxury: The Lodge Hotel, beautiful views and immaculately decorated rooms.
Mid-Range: Vincci Ponte de Ferro, located right next to the footbridge for easy walking
Budget: 7g Roster Apartments, a few blocks back but spacious
PS: Click on the luxury links, prices are variable and when I added this link, the luxury option was cheaper than the budget option due to a flash sale.
Miragaia/Cedofeita/Boavista
The Miragaia, Cedofeita and Boavista neighborhoods are West of city center. These neighborhoods are filled with more modern businesses and attractions, including a few museums. These neighborhoods are good for families looking for a bit more space or more modern accommodations. You’ll likely need to use public transportation to get to city center from these areas but they do offer a more spread out feel than other neighborhoods in Porto.
Pros of Western neighborhoods
- More modern and chain hotel options
- Quiet
- Cheaper
Cons of Western neighborhood
- You’ll need to use public transport more – likely with connections
- Shops close earlier
- Less “Porto” charm – the tiled roofs thin out a bit the farther north you get
Bonfim
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels more like a livable neighborhood – check out Bonfim. Bonfim is just a short walk away from the Baixa neighborhood, yet locals actually live here. As such, it’s much quieter and has less tourism offerings. However, if you want a more authentic Porto experience or a quieter vacation, this is the best neighborhood for you.
Pros of Bonfim
- More budget friendly options
- Local vibe
- Quiet at night
Cons of Bonfim
- Less hotel options
- More walking is necessary
- Fewer dining options nearby
If Bonfim is right for you, here are some hotel options for different budgets.
Our Recommendations On Place To Stay In Porto By Trip Type
First Time Visitors: Riberia
Less Commuting: Baixa
For Couples: Vila Nova de Gaia
The Authentic Experience: Bonfim
We hope these have given you some inspiration for places to stay in Porto. We thank you for coming to this site and hope that you use one of our links to book your trip if you enjoyed this article – it’s how we make money so we can keep this website active.
For more information to plan your Portugal vacation, check out our Portugal page here.