Porto

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About Porto

Porto’s charms are easy to draw, it rises out of the Douro river so steeply, that you can easily capture the layers of red-roofed buildings as they rise out of the historic part of town like steps — but not neat ones! There’s the pleasing jumble of angled streets and alleyways, winding between elegant churches and historic buildings, that makes a city magically open up to on-foot wanderers. Many of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Porto can be found within these historic areas — wonderfully converted palaces and grand townhouses — or even less grand ones. But there are options closer to the coast too, near the river mouth, where the views are spectacular and there are beaches, and in the up and coming areas on the outskirts of Porto’s historic heart, where innovative contemporary architects are adding their own flair to the skyline.

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Porto works beautifully in three dimensions too, it’s a wonderful city to spy from all angles, and some of the best places to stay in Porto have great roof terraces, or lookout points to make the most of the views. Up high it’s easy to appreciate the variety, yet cohesion of Porto’s architecture, and plan your wandering routes. In the most maze-like parts of town, Riberia, Massarelos and Miragaia, there’s always somewhere to stop and have a drink, or chat to a local, who will help you get your bearings. You can also try remembering where you are using Porto’s iconic azulejos tiles like way-markers, as you can spot them all over the city.

The best places to stay in Porto have likely long been on bucket lists for anyone with a penchant for port. This tawny wine begins its days in the vineyards surrounding the city, the grapes growing plump on water from the Douro, and this is definitely the place to get into it. But there’s a lot more to sup in Porto. This city has a myriad of food markets, colourful and fragrant, and a well regarded stable of impressive chefs drawing from them, and translating them into meals in Michelin-starred restaurants, Petiscarias (like tapas bars), steakhouses and cafes. If you're here with kids consider our recommendations for the best family hotels in Porto and if not, you might want to consider the most romantic hotels in Porto — it’s that sort of a city!

The Best Places to Stay in Porto

For a Special Occasion

Le Monumental Palace is deserving of its grand name, a wonderful Art Deco era building with a grand Gothic facade to match its neighbours on Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s magnificent main avenue. This is a relatively freshly refurbished hotel, though, with 76 newly designed and decorated rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art Nuxe spa with a heated pool, and two excellent restaurants. The first is the stylish Monumental Cafe, a grand affair when it opened in the 30s, and now returned to its grandeur, and a gastronomic option, Le Monument. We love the American Bar too.
If you prefer your decor palatial, the Palacio Freixo offers just that: triple height ceilings, gilt flourishes and frescoes, and parquet flooring as standard. Though it’s not all like that, some of the 87 rooms and suites have a contemporary flavour, though still an overwhelming sense of luxury. The views are incredible, over the Douro, and some rooms benefit from windows on two sides — these are our favourites. The building dates from the 18th century, and its grand facade and gardens will impress anyone. You'll also find a fabulous river-side pool, plus a spa and several dining options.
Torel Avantgarde is on a hill overlooking the river, and the historic part of Porto, so it’s views are some of the best in the city, and it’s within a charming stroll of the major sights. It’s a chic property, with super-stylish design interiors, and individually designed rooms, 47 in all, that elevate it to ‘boutique’ status. The bar is especially impressive, a riot of coloured flowers covering both walls and ceiling. The restaurant is excellent, the spa is expansive, and the infinity pool has spectacular views.

For the Views

Located on the other side of the river mouth from Porto’s historic centre, The Yeatman is able to offer views of Porto. And it certainly looks pretty from here. The Yeatman is one of Porto’s grand dames, with 82 spacious, luxurious rooms and suites, a two Michelin starred restaurant, an impressive Vinothérapie spa with Roman tepidarium and hamman, spacious grounds, and one of Porto’s most beautiful infinity pools.
1872 River House is a cosy townhouse conversion right on the river, with water views from all of the eight rooms and suites. Interiors are done in a pared back style that makes the most of the original stone walls, huge windows and stained glass; this is a safe choice for minimalists. The bathrooms all have waterfalls showers, and other mod cons, and there’s a charming breakfast room which offers a generous spread each morning.

For A City Break

Many of the hotels in Porto’s historic centre are small traditional conversions, but if that’s not your taste, consider the Portobay Teatro, a large and stylish contemporary hotel, with 74 rooms and suites, and the amenities to match. Expect plenty of space, and lots of light in both the rooms and communal spaces, with the option of a private balcony, or terrace with some room types. The hotel also has great family suites. The decor is neutral and elegant, there’s a chic gym, and the Italian restaurant on the ground floor is lively and hip.
The Rosa et Al Townhouse is what the Portobay Teatro is not, a small and charming conversion in historic Old Porto. It has just seven rooms and suites, simply decorated to make the most of the building’s original features — like the double height windows, stylish fireplaces and beamed ceilings. Expect light and space, wonderful three course suppers, and fancy brunches in the hip restaurarnt.
Flores Village Hotel & Spa is situated in a very central sport in historic Porto, converted from a very elegant historic mansion. We like this property for its views over Porto — especially from the roof terrace — and its range of room, suite and apartment sizes. All are spacious and well laid out, with lots of light, and chic, yet simple furnishings. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer breakfast, and many rooms have self-catering facilities.

For Historic Porto

Porto A S 1829 has been converted from one of the oldest stationary shops in Europe and the building is appropriately decorated with vintage typewriters, printing paraphernalia, and beautiful prints. It has 41 rooms and suites, in varied layouts, but all feature contemporary bathrooms. Our favourites come with either a balcony or terrace. The hotel restaurant is a great place to sample local delicacies, even if you’re not staying here.
The Hotel Infante Sagres is another of Porto’s grand dame hotels, an historic and very charming choice — actually Porto’s very first five star hotel — located just off the magical Avenida dos Aliados. The Infante Sagres’ original features include colourful tiles, parquet floors, stained glass and wrought iron, beamed ceilings and chandeliers. The 85 rooms and suites are elegant, decorated with original antiques and contemporary art, the spa is Asian inspired, and the restaurant is gorgeous. As is the pool.

For Families

Armazém Luxury Housing started out as a warehouse in downtown Porto, close to the river and Sé do Porto, Porto’s cathedral, but what was a warehouse in the 19th century, is now a collection of 13 self-contained apartments. The decor is simple, making the most of the building’s original exposed stone walls, wood and beamed ceilings, and huge windows. Definitely warehouse chic, and ideal for families and groups.
Malmerendas Boutique Lodging has been converted from a late 19th century building just to the north of the historic part of Porto. The townhouse has been divided up into six suites, all of them light, fresh and airy, and decorated with a chic collection of mid-century style furnishings. Some of the suites overlooking the shady courtyard and gardens. The Garden Studio is our recommendation for families, with its self-catering facilities, and a lounge area. But there are other family-sized options too.

For Couples

Gran Cruz House is another beautifully restored townhouse turned boutique hotel in Porto’s old town. Its seven rooms and suites are all individually decorated, making the most of their original features and dimensions, and the style and taste of the owners. We love the river views, unique art, and intimate size. The hotel restaurant is intimate too, and also overlooking the water.
The Torel Palace is another gorgeous palace conversion, this time of the 19th century Palacete Campos Navarro. Many of the beautiful original features behind this salmon-coloured facade have been retained, like the fancy plaster-worked ceilings, chandeliers, high ceilings and French doors, but the decor in the 24 rooms and suites suggests contemporary luxury, with artwork that pays homage to the greats in Portuguese literature. We particularly like the sophisticated bar, chic library lounge and lap pool in the courtyard.
Cocorico Luxury Guesthouse is an utterly charming ten room townhouse conversion in União de Freguesias do Centro. Expect individually designed rooms, romantic in their simplicity, with whitewashed walls, lots of natural light, and beautifully designed bathrooms. The restaurant is beautiful too, and serves European fusion cuisine in the sunny courtyard.

For Something Different

Casa do Conto is a unique, six room design hotel in hip Cedofetia, just to the north of central Porto. This is a hotel for architects, and lovers of contemporary design — its six rooms are all uniquely decorated to make the most of their space and location; some of the walls and ceilings are engraved concrete, and the huge windows are just simple glass boxes. There’s no restaurant, but you’re surrounded by cool places to eat and drink, and they offer breakfast.
M Maison Particuliere is another charmingly converted townhouse in historic central Porto, with ten rooms and suites, some wonderful original features, and memorable views over the rooftops. The townhouse is 16th century, but the interiors have a much quirkier set of influences than period, with some hints at Asian design, one very striped room, and some with beautiful-albeit-unusual colour schemes. Our favourites have private patios. And they all have access to a butler service.

For Great Value

Centrally located, spacious and beautiful, Casa dos Lóios offers guests fantastic value. Converted from a 16th century residence in the historic heart of the city, its 20 rooms and suites have been carefully reimagined to make the most of the original building, both when it comes to space/layout, and original features. Some of the larger suites — with up to three double beds and two bathrooms — could easily accommodate families, but they also have comfortable single rooms. If you have a choice always opt for one of the rooms with a balcony or terrace. No restaurant, but they do offer breakfast, and there are plenty of eateries nearby.
Still super centrally located, but converted from a rather grander building, the Charm Palace Porto offers affordable opulence in its five rooms and suites. Built around 1900, with double height ceilings, beautiful tile-work, elegant wrought iron balconies and huge windows, these rooms haven’t needed much in the way of contemporary decoration to make them look impressive.

Best B&Bs

The InPatio Guesthouse is another well priced and located choice, a 19th century townhouse conversion in the Old Town. There are just six guest rooms, all decorated with pared-back, contemporary style, but making use of the building’s original azulejo tiles and exposed stone walls. Guests are within a ten minute stroll of many of Porto’s attractions, and you can borrow a bike if you want to explore on two wheels.

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Travel Information

Porto Airport, or to give it its full name, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, is a convenient 25 minutes on the subway from the centre of town, or 13 minutes in a shuttle bus, or by car or taxi. Porto has two large train stations, São Bento, which is the start of the scenic Douro line to Pocinho, and Campanhã, which is linked to Lisbon.
If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
While Porto is a fantastic city break destination (usually we’re all about recommending cities as year round destinations), it does have some distinctly wet seasons. Autumn and winter are mild, but can be damp, especially in October, November and December. Porto’s proximity to the coast means it’s busiest in summer, when visitors combine trips with holidays to the Costa Verde. Citywide celebrations for the Festas Santos Populares are great to line your visit up with if you can, and happen mid June. If you’re hoping to avoid peak season, and the rainiest months, the best time to visit Porto is May, June, or September.

Still not sure where to stay?

You might want to refine your search to just our guru’s recommendations for their favourite luxury hotels in Porto or the best family hotels in Porto
Our Gurus have a great list of great value hotels in Porto as well as knowing about the best five star hotels in Porto.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

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The best hotels in Porto

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Casa dos Lóios

Porto (União de Freguesias do Centro)

This boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful renovated 16th-century residence nestled in Porto's historic centre. The interior design pairs period touches and modern furnishings; the best rooms boast original features like magnificent painted ceilings. A charming heritage hotel in a great location.

Value chic - Despite the luxury offered (think grand historic rooms with modern touches) room rates start as low at 58 Euros
Families - The deluxe family suites with three double beds and two bathrooms are ideal for families
Boutique - Stunning interiors where traditional features sit comfortably alongside smart modern design touches
Sights nearby - Close to the Sao Bento Station, Clerigos Church and the Ribeira river zone

from $61 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees