Porto is a city that is full of life and culture. There are so many Porto neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique charm. The best place to stay in Porto Portugal is going to depend on what you’re looking for in a vacation. Porto is my favorite city in Portugal, and these Porto neighborhoods will show you why. I have had the pleasure of recently spending an entire month in this city, and have fallen in love. In this Where to Stay in Porto Portugal Guide, we will discuss the best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Porto Portugal. We will also provide information on what makes each neighborhood special and hotel options in each neighborhood. So, whether you’re looking for a trendy area with plenty of nightlife options or a quiet neighborhood where you can relax and take in the views, this guide will help you find the best place to stay in Porto for your trip!
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Best Porto Neighorhoods and Where to Stay in Porto Portugal
Are you hoping to spend your days exploring museums and historic landmarks? Or maybe you’re more interested in spending time outdoors, enjoying the city’s many parks and green spaces? Do you want a more relaxed vacation in one of the quieter Porto neighborhoods, or do you want to be in the center of the tourist action? Whatever your interests, there is sure to be a neighborhood in Porto that is perfect for you! Whether staying in an Airbnb or one of these hotel options, there is something for everyone! These are my top picks for where to stay in Porto Portugal!
1. Cedofeita
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Porto Portugal, look no further than Cedofeita. It is centrally located and just a few minutes walk from the main square and attractions. This vibrant neighborhood is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as some of the city’s most iconic sights. From the stylish boutiques of Rua das Flores to the historic buildings of Avenida dos Aliados, Cedofeita has something for everyone. And when it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of great hotels and apartments to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a luxurious base or a more budget-friendly option, Cedofeita is the perfect place to stay in Porto Portugal.
This is one of my favorite Porto neighborhoods becasue it has a local vibe while still being close to many tourist sights. While I didn’t stay in this neighborhood during my month in Porto, if ever returned to the city I would pick Cedofeita as my home base. It is unofficially called the arts district of Porto, with art galleries and museums all over the neighborhood. This is the best place to stay in Porto Portugal if you want to be close to everything, but far enough away form the main tourist crowds. Of the main tourist zones, Cedofeita seems to be less crazy and have a chill atmosphere. This is definitely my top recommendation for where to stay in Porto Portugal.
Top Attractions to See in the Porto Neighborhood Cedofeita
- Jardins do Palacio de Cristal
- Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
- Rua Das Flores Walking Street
Find the best place to stay in Porto Portugal Neighborhood Cedofeita here!
2. Baixa/Sé
The Baixa neighborhood in Porto Portugal is one of the best places to stay in Porto Portugal. The neighborhood is centrally located and is within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. This area is located in the heart of the city and is known for its lively atmosphere. The majority of the top city attractions are located in the Baixa neighborhood. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained, as well as some iconic landmarks like Clerigos Tower and Sao Bento Train Station.
This neighborhood is also a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to do some shopping, as there are many high-end stores and boutiques located here. Baixa is one of the best places to stay in Porto Portugal. In addition, Baixa is home to a number of excellent restaurants and cafes. This neighborhood in Porto is probably the second most popular, as there are usually many tourists in this area. It can get quite touristy at times, but certain streets are not as bad. The central location and ease of getting to the top attractions is the main draw of Baixa. Baixa may be your best choice for where to stay in Porto Portugal if you want ease of access.
Top Attractions to See in the Porto Neighborhood Baixa
- Clerigos Tower
- Sao Bento Train Station
- Main Town Squares
Find the best place to stay in Porto Portugal Neighborhood Baixa here!
3. Ribiera
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Porto that is full of character and charm, then Ribeira is the perfect choice. The neighborhood is located on the banks of the Rio Douro, and it is full of historic buildings, cobbled streets, and wonderful views. There are plenty of things to see and do in Ribeira, and there are also many great restaurants, cafes, and bars. With countless waterfront restaurants and cafes, boat tours, and more, this is one of the top tourist areas in Porto. Whenever you picture Porto in your mind, you are most likely thinking of the Ribiera area. This beautiful neighborhood has narrow alleyways, street vendors playing live music, and all the old world charm you could ever hope to find. This is one of the Porto neighborhoods that is best for strolling, as every turn is a picture as pretty as a postcard.
While this is a beautiful neighborhood, one of the downsides to the Ribiera neighborhood is that it can get quite busy. This is one of the most popular Porto neighborhoods and in peak season it can get quite crazy. If you like the excitement of being right in the center of all the action, this might not seem like a problem for you. But if you want a quieter city experience, this might not be the best place to stay in Porto Portugal for you. Either way, a visit to this iconic waterfront neighborhood in Porto is an absolute must for anybody visiting this incredible city.
Top Attractions to See in the Porto Neighborhood Ribiera
- Palacio da Bolsa
- Ponte De Luis Bridge
- São Francisco church
Find the best place to stay in Porto Portugal Neighborhood Ribiera here!
4. Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is the best place to stay in Porto Portugal for panormic views of the city. While technically not in Porto proper, it is located on the south bank of the Douro River, across from Porto city center. This neighborhood is known for its wine caves and port wine lodges. Visitors can tour the caves, where port wine is aged, and taste various types of port wine. The lodges offer a more relaxed atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy views of the river while sampling port wines. Vila Nova de Gaia also has several restaurants and cafes, as well as a few shops selling local artisan products. Accommodations in this neighborhood range from basic guesthouses to luxurious riverside apartments and high-end hotels. Whether you’re looking to sample port wine or simply want to enjoy views of the river, Vila Nova de Gaia is an excellent option for where to stay in Porto Portugal.
Like the Ribiera neighborhood on the other side of the river, Vila Nova de Gaia can also get very busy during peak season. But unlike Ribiera, Vila Nova de Gaia does not feel as confined so it does not feel as crowded. And if you are looking for the best views of the city skyline, you won’t find a better view than from Vila Nova de Gaia. The majority of the thrills of this neighborhood in Porto are along the waterfront, with countless restaurants, cafes and bars lining the Douro river. There is plenty to see and do in Vila Nova de Gaia. One of the downsides of this neighborhood is that, although you have great views of the entire city, you aren’t as close to the top attractions. You will need to cross the river to reach the main Porto tourist attractions.
Top Attractions to See in the Porto Neighborhood Vila Nova de Gaia
- Port Wine Tasting Tours
- Douro River Boat Cruises
- World of Wine(WOW)
Find the best place to stay in Porto Portugal Neighborhood Vila Nova de Gaia here!
5. Boavista
Boavista is one of the best places to stay in Porto Portugal for a livable neighborhood. This is a peaceful and safe neighborhood with a lot of trees and parks. Often referred to as the business district, Boavista is very spread out with lots of more modern buildings and accomodations. The people who live there are friendly and welcoming. The streets are clean and well-lit. There are many restaurants, cafes, and shops in Boavista. You can find anything you need in this neighborhood. Boavista is the perfect place to stay if you want to be somewhat close to all the action but still have a quiet place to relax.
The main downside to staying in the Boavista neighborhood is the distance to the city center. While it is possible to walk, it is a little far. This may be one of the benefits though if you are hoping to avoid the tour busses and craziness that the other tourist zones offer. Boavista is one of the most livable Porto neighborhoods on this list, with a mall, many grocery stores and restaurants, and just an overall local feel. Once again, you will be a bit further from the city center but if you do not mind that then this might be where to stay in Porto Portugal for you!
Top Attractions to See in the Porto Neighborhood Boavista
- Casa da Musica
- Herois da Guerra Peninsular Monument
- Serralves Contemporary Art Museum
Find the best place to stay in Porto Portugal Neighborhood Boavista here!
6. Miragaia
The Miragaia neighborhood in Porto Portugal is one of the best places to stay in Porto Portugal. The neighborhood has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, when it was first settled by the Moors. Miragaia was an important maritime hub for centuries, and its shops and businesses reflect this heritage. Today, the neighborhood is home to a number of excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. The Miragaia neighborhood is also within walking distance of many of Porto’s most famous attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring the city.
Offering up much of the same aesthetic as Ribiera like the narrow streets and cobblestone sidewalks, Miragaia is a less popular neighborhood in Porto. For this reason, you can enjoy many of the things that make Ribiera appealing, without the large crowds. While you will still see tourists in Miragaia, there is also a local vibe in this area. If you are looking to be close to the river, somehwhat centrally located but a little removed, the Miragaia may be where to stay in Porto Portugal for you!
Find the best place to stay in Porto Portugal Neighborhood Miragaia here!
7. Bonfim
The Bonfim neighborhood in Porto Portugal is one of the best places to stay in Porto Portugal for a more hispter vibe. The area is known for its beautiful views of the city, its vibrant and friendly community, and its convenient location. If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Porto Portugal, Bonfim is a great option. Bonfim is known for its cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and views of the River Douro. While Bonfim doesn’t have any of the main attractions as some of the other Porto neighborhoods, this is still a great option.
The neighborhood is home to a variety of businesses, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels. There are also a number of parks and green spaces in the area, making it a great place to relax or take a walk. And, if you’re looking for some nightlife, Bonfim is also home to a number of bars and clubs. There is a good mix between local life and some tourist spots here, while never being too touristy. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay for a few days or a few weeks, Bonfim is an ideal option for where to stay in Porto Portugal.
Find the best place to stay in Porto Portugal Neighborhood Bonfim here!
Porto Neighborhoods Guide Conclusion
As you can see, there are many options for where to stay in Porto Portugal. This city is truly beautiful and each of these Porto neighborhoods offer something special. While I usually only stay in Airbnbs, there are lots of great hotel options in Porto as well. I hope that this guide to the best place to stay in Porto Portugal has helped you decide where to stay for your upcoming trip. Where to stay in Porto really depends a lot on how long you are planning to visit as well. While most people view Porto as a quick trip from Lisbon, I recommend allowing at least several days to a week in Porto. There is so much to see and do, which you can find on my full blog post about things to do in Porto!
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