Porto is a Northern Portuguese city that is well known for its dessert port wines. This is a great destination for any wine enthusiast. Although it is an attraction for wine tasters, there are other scenes that tourists can sample in the small city. You can explore the medieval streets that are marked with neo-classical architecture, and also sample some Portuguese drinks and food along the riversides.
In Porto, there are various neighbourhoods that are diverse in architectural styles, atmospheres, and local scenes.
In Baixa do Porto neighbourhood, which is a downward district, you will get hipster cafes and hotels, baroque facades and cool hangout joints. In this area, you will get to visit the gothic Livraria Lellos library and the surrounding area of Avenida dos Aliados.
In the Northern part of Baixa, there is the Boavista district, where you will find ancient buildings. The Boavista neighbourhood is home to the largest park in the city called the Parque de Cidade, as well as the Kadoorie Meko Haim Synagogue, which is the largest in the Iberian Peninsula.
In the West of Baixia, you will find Ribeira riverside district. It is a picturesque traditional part of town that offers beautiful scenery especially when it is viewed from the D.Luiz Bridge. On the Northern part of Baixia is Cedofeita, an upcoming neighbourhood that is mostly populated by students. It is an area that has lots of vintage stores nightclubs, hotels, bars, and earthy eateries.
Lastly, there is Via Nova de Gaia, a town that resides on the southern side of the Douro River. It is a famous region because it is an area famous for the storage of cellars that are used to store wine produced in Porto. It is now a popular tourist attraction.
There is a lot of history and culture in the streets of Porto, but where is the ideal place for a tourist to stay? We are going to look deeper into the details of the different options that are available in Porto.
Porto is an ideal place to get around on foot. But to visit several places quickly, you can try using trams and trolleybuses. Alternatively, you can use the six-line metro system.
What’s the best area to experience the city as a local or when visiting the first time, what’s the best district for the city’s art scene, for visiting the Port wineries or where to stay on a budget? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Porto Portugal.
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Porto?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): City Centre (Centro – Baixa)
The city centre (Centro – Baixa) is the central banking area of Porto. It is a busy downtown that is centred around the Avenida dos Aliados, the commercial centre of Porto. You can easily get access to the traditional market of Bolhao, and the shopping street of Dua de Santa Catarina, especially if you stay close by. You can also access the Sao Bento train station which can take you to other neighbourhoods. At Baixa, you also have the opportunity of seeing amazing monuments like the Clerigos Church. Besides the famous monuments, you can also get access to terrace cafes, and other local life activities.
Where to Stay in Porto City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels in Porto
InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas • Infante Sagres – Luxury Historic Hotel - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Ribeira do Porto Hotel • Flores Village Hotel & Spa (Aparthotel) - Best Cheap Hotels in Porto
Moov Hotel Porto Centro • Seculo Hotel - Best Bed & Breakfast in Porto
Porto Music Guest House • Maison Nos B&B - Best Budget Hostels in Porto
The Passenger Hostel • Urban Garden Porto Central Hostel
What is the Best Area in Porto to Stay?
What’s the best area in Porto if you want to stay at the waterfront? Ribeira (riverside area)
The Ribeira area is famous for its beauty. It’s the most photographed area in Porto for a good reason. It is also a great place to find cheap accommodation. One of the most important scenery in the Ribeira is the Praca da Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the amazing features of this neighbourhood is the red roofs on the pastel-coloured buildings at the edge of Rio Douro. The Ribeira used to be an industrial area. It is now a charming place to sit next to the river and watch boats and ships sail through. It is a small area that is great for those who want to stay by the riverside and walk around to see what the streets have in store.
Best places to stay in Porto for local experience? Miragaia – Sé (Cathedral Quarter)
At the centre of Miragaia, resides the Sao Pedro church. It was a place where the relics of St. Pantaleon of Nicomedia were saved. You can also enjoy the views of the river as you dine in the local restaurants and bars with some friends. Bairro da Sé (Cathedral Quarter) is the oldest part of the city.
What’s the best neighbourhood to explore Porto’s art scene? Cedofeita
Cedofeita is popular for its trendiness. It is an area that is primarily known for the Rua Miguel Bombarda, an area that has lots of art galleries and concept stores. The art scene provides cafes with a lot of traffic. It is a place that is popular among students who enjoy the nightlife. It is also a good place for families because to live.
Best area in Porto for visiting Port Wineries? Vila Nova de Gaia (other side of the Douro River)
Gaia and Porto became current Portugal. Gaia, which is also known as Vila Nova de Gaia, is a suburban area located in Rio Douro’ southern banks. The two towns are now linked with modern transport links. Via Nova de Gaia is now famous for its wine cellars. Storing wine has been the tradition of the area over the decades as they export to the rest of the world. Tourists now visit various wine tasting events in the area.
Where to stay in Porto on a budget? Boavista РCedofeita РBonfim РCampanḥ
Boavista, Cedofeita, Bonfim and Campanha districts are located away from the city centre. But if you choose to reside in these areas, you can stay in hotels that are close to a metro station. These areas are exceptionally good places to stay because of the affordability of the accommodation. The districts are also well stocked with good food markets, bars, and restaurants to keep you grounded so that you can explore and appreciate the sites around.
The 5 Best Neighbourhoods in Porto (Oporto) for Tourists
1. The City Centre (Centro – Baixa)
You can capture pictures of the Mercado do Bolhao traditional market, the ceramic tiles of the Sao Bento railway station, and the baroque bell tower of Torre dos Clerigos. The bell tower is a great place to spend some time climbing the 240 steps.
Additionally, you can take a guided tour of the Teatro Nacional Sao Joao, take a walk in the beautiful Palacio de Cristal garden, and also spend some time at the fashion boutiques and art shops in the Quarteirao das Artes.
- Best Hotel: Maison Albar – Le Monumental Palace
- Best Cheap Accommodation: Zero Box Lodge • Mystay Porto Batalha
2. Ribeira (Riverfront area)
Check out the fado show at the O Fado restaurant as you eat traditional Portugues food. Take a ride across the D. Luiz Bridge for an evening. You can visit the Casa do Infante, which is one of the oldest buildings in Porto that has been turned into a museum.
During the day time, you can also take a trip to the Franciscan church and witness its splendour. For meals, you can eat at the Adega Sao Nicolau, which is one the best in Porto.
- Best Hotel (Great Value):Â 872 River House (Guest House)
- Best Cheap Accommodation: Bluesock Hostels Porto (Hostel) • Ribeira Cinema Apartments
3. São Bento Train Station area
Santo Bento has a beautiful railway station. As much as the exterior is amazing, it is the interior that is special.
The tiles are well decorated with paintings by Jorge Colaco who managed to portray the transportation, daily life, and history of Portugal. This is the major tourist attraction in this area.
- Best Accommodation:Â BO – Rua das Aldas *Historic Apartments
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Porta 110 (Guest House) • Decanting Porto House
4. Cedofeita
Visit the oldest church in Porto, the Church of Cedofeita that dates back to the 9th century. Take time to see the ceramics, jewellery, and the sculpture located at the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. Walk through the romantic Palacio de Cristal gardens, or visit the multi-level gardens on Jardim das Virtudes.
Additionally, street art is also available between the Rua Miguel Bombarda and Rua de Cedofeita. For meals, you can go to the Pimenta Rosa or shop at the O Berdinho organic market for some fresh vegetables to make your dinner
- Best Accommodation:Â Art Senses | Suites & Rooms (Bed and Breakfast)
- Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels: MyStay Porto Centro • Lusitana Hotel
5. Aldoar – Foz do Douro – Nevogilde (Beach, Seafront area)
Experience romantic walks as you face the Atlantic, where the sea and the sun provide incredible scenery. Stroll under the Pergola da Foz that was built in the 1930s.
If you want to enjoy the sunset, then the beach is a great place to stroll, sprint, race, or even run. It is a great place to spend an afternoon with your family and friends.
- Best Hotel:Â Vila Foz Hotel & SPA
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Hotel Boa – Vista • Suites Foz O Porto (Guest House)
