Miragaia With A Great Choice Of Museums & Palaces To Explore
Situated on the banks of the River Douro, Miragaia is a historic 14th-century neighborhood, featuring winding cobbled streets and tall, picturesque houses.
Churches, museums and palaces provide the chance to delve into the areas history, while souvenir shops give you the opportunity to take a piece of history home with you. Its riverfront location also makes it perfect for hiring a boat or joining a tour, to cruise up and down and see the sights in style.
Popular attractions in this area are the Soares dos Reis National Museum, the Alfândega Nova, and the Church of São Pedro.
When it comes to relaxing, you could take a tour of a Portuguese port house or sip drinks in a bar overlooking the water. Perhaps you would prefer to enjoy some authentic local cuisine or indulge in some retail therapy? Either way, Miragaia is a fabulous place to unwind.
Stay In Miragaia If you are interested in the history of Portuguese port you want to take a river cruise you want a selection of churches, museums and palaces to explore.
Best places to stay in Miragaia:
Ribeira Where To Stay In Porto For Nightlife And Charm
Ribeira is named for being Portos riverside district and is known for being exceptionally beautiful. This is the most photographed area of the city and for good reason Praça da Ribeira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The pastel colored buildings with their red roofs at the edge of the Rio Douro are like a postcard from any angle!
Formerly an industrial area known for its shipbuilding, Ribeira is now a charming area of cobblestone lanes and a whole host of cafes to sit in and watch the world go by. This small area is easy to walk around and thats the best way to see it, wed say.
Youll have an excellent time in Riberia by day and by night. This area is one of the best places in Porto for nightlife with a buzzing scene.
Best Places To Stay In Portos Batalha And Belas Artes District
Note: this area might also show up on maps as Santo Ildefonso.
On the road between the funicular stop and the cathedral, Condes de Azevedo Palace Apartments offer bright, spacious and modern self-catering accommodation in a 13th century building with great views and access to a garden. Check prices and availability.
Cocorico Luxury Guest House is a gorgeous collection of unique rooms, many of which have original stucco ceilings and touches of old world glamour mixed with modern comforts. Fall in love with the photos
For a stylish bed and breakfast in this area, consider Feels Like Home Santa Catarina prime suites, which are at one end of this very long shopping street. Try to get a room with a terrace.
A little further away from the centre but worth a mention because its a delightful and affordable place to stay is Dukes Corner Guesthouse. Its in a typical traditional townhouse with the added bonus of a garden and terrace. See photos and prices.
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Why Stay In Bonfim
Bonfim has a special place in my heart since it is was there that my grandparents first settled in Porto, and it is still where I live today.
It is an interesting neighborhood in Porto as it combines hipster coffee shops and craft beer pubs , with businesses catered for the locals.
It is the neighborhood of Porto with the finest balance between locals and tourists and I love it for that. So if Cedofeita is the artistic neighborhood in Porto, Bonfim is definitely the hipster one.
Bonfim is not a touristic hot spot because none of the important monuments of the city are located there. However, here you can find hidden gems like the first public garden in Porto and the first public cemetery, among others.
Moreover, if you decide to stay in Bonfim you will be just 15min walking distance from the city centre, but without all the noise and the traffic, which is perfect.
Bonfim is the best neighborhood in Porto for everyone except young people who want to party and meet new people.
What is the catch?
I think Bonfim is perfect really, but if you prefer to be close to where the action takes place, particularly when it comes to the nightlife, you should consider Baixa / Sé or Cedofeita neighborhood.
Centro / Baixa Best Area To Stay In Porto
We begin at the heart of the city, in Portos historic centre. Designated a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1996, this part of the city is simply brimming with history, dating all the way back to medieval times.
Cathedrals, churches, palaces, historic railway stations and even a museum housed inside of a historic building are just some of the attractions waiting to be discovered by any history or culture aficionados visiting the city.
The changing art styles through the centuries can clearly be seen here as well, with the buildings displaying a combination of Art Nouveau, Baroque, Gothic, Neoclassical and Rococo architecture. Whether you study art or simply enjoy beautiful buildings, there is plenty on offer to keep you occupied here.
Even the streets surrounding these attractions are lined with history, featuring buildings that, while smaller and less notorious, feature just as much character. This gives you the opportunity to take in the traditional feel of the city, even if it isnt the primary reason for your visit.
For example, the Rua De Santa Catarina is one of the most popular streets in the city. Running for over a mile, it is lined with bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants and bars all set in buildings that ooze with the history the city is known for.
The Dom Luis I Bridge is a double-decker bridge, an icon of the city that was built from 1881 to 1886 to connect the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto across the Douro river.
Best places to stay in Porto Center:
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Pestana Porto A Brasileira
Guests rave about A Brasileiras fantastic location just a 4 minute walk from Avenida dos Alidos and a stones throw from the São Bento train station. The hotel is divided into six floors with 90 luxurious rooms and suites. Interior designers took inspiration from the spice trade during the Portuguese Age of Exploration. From cinnamon to chocolate, tea to cocoa, and anise to pepper each floor provides a sensory immersion, which ranges from scented corridors to pictures covering the walls behind the headboards. Other highlights we love, the historic A Brasileira café, a popular spot among locals.
Where Is The Best Area To Stay In Porto
Good day,
Where is the best area to stay in Porto? My husband and I like to walk and do not plan to have a car while in Porto. We plan to use the trams and other means of transport. We are not party people. We like to visit markets, churches, nice restaurants, parks etc.
Recommendations appreciated. We will be there in October. Thank you.
25 replies to this topic
The Ribeira district is popular with vistitors. Bottom centre of this map –
You will also see the Batalha area, up on the hill, where a number of hotels are located. Zoom in on the map to see them.
You most certainly do not want a
We paid 2 for a five minute ride back to our hotel last night.
There’s also a good tram,bus and metro network in Porto.
Personally I would find the Ribeira district too full on touristy to stay in – I’d suggest somewhere in the centre which is really only a short distance away.
Thank you for the advise and feed back. We plan to stay 4 nights. We were all booked March 2020 when Covid began and we had to cancel. We hope to make it this time. Any recommendations for a hotel? Hotel prices have doubled in price!!! Not complaining as we know the reason.
I’m hopefully visiting Portugal end of the month starting with Porto. I found a really good deal on Airbnb near Clérigos you should look there or try hostel with a Private room Spot hostel looks good.
PortoBay Hotel Teatro in the centre just sufficiently far enough from the tourist maelstrom.
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Some Of My Favorite Hostels In Porto Portugal
I stayed at three greatbut very differenthostels while in Porto. The Passenger Hostel in Porto is literally in a historic train station, and has over 100 beds. Its been ranked one of the best hostels in Portugal, literally. The bathrooms look more like spas, and the top floor common space is epic. The Gallery Hostel is what a hostel would look like if it were birthed from a hotel that hooked up with an art museum. Super-thick mattresses, spacious private bathrooms, and a restaurant in the bottom that will cook you a full breakfast each morning for about $4 euro.
The Porto Wine Hostel was like coming home. A small hostel with the lovely owners onhand to chat and help with anything, and a fantastic wine bar in the heart. A smaller hostel with less high-end amenities than the others, but it makes up for any of that with heart and soul. Im actually heading back there in a few days since I need some chill time in a happy place to recharge. There are dozens of other hostels in Porto and hundreds throughout Portugal. You can filter by rating, location, amenities, cost, etc., here!
Vitria Torre Dos Clrigos
Vitória is located in the center of Porto, next to Sao Nicolau and Sé.
This small neighborhood is part of the four districts included on the list of World Heritage by UNESCO.
The most important attraction in this area is the Torre dos Clérigos, an 18th century baroque building visible from many points in town which has become the icon of the city of Porto.
The area is bordered to the east by the famous Avenida dos Aliados and the Santo Ildefonso neighborhood. It is an area accessible by metro and the train station of Sao Bento is within walking distance.
What makes this the best area to stay in Porto
- Very central
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Our Favourite
Rua de Trás Apartments is an apart-hotel located one minute walk from the Torre dos Clérigos. All apartments at Rua de Trás have a kitchenette and free Wi-Fi.
- Budget Option
The Potes Inn is a boutique guesthouse decorated with contemporary style located one hundred meters from the Torre dos Clérigos and four hundred from the Sao Bento station.
- Midrange Option
The Oporto House is located in an old restored house in the Vitória district. Its exquisite ambiance and modern decoration make it one of the top accommodation options in Porto.
- Luxury Option
Flores Village Hotel & Spa is housed in an old restored building dating back to the 18th century. Its decoration is blends contemporary and traditional elements and it has a spa, sauna and swimming pool.
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Cagliari On A Budget Hotel Residence Ulivi E Palme
Looking to save some money on accommodation? Check out Hotel Residence Ulivi E Palme. Its located in the middle of Cagliaris city centre, making it perfect for a cultural tour of Sardinia.
Some packages include complimentary breakfast for 2, free wifi for every room, and access to the hotels restaurant and fitness centre.
Where To Stay In Porto: Foz Do Douro
Foz do Douro is the central neighborhood closest to the beaches. It is right in Douro river mouth in the Atlantic Ocean, hence the name.
With some very peaceful beaches, the region brings together many forts and the glamour of one of the most expensive areas in the city. Like much to enjoy in Porto, the forts of São Francisco Xavier and São João Batista are part of the history of Portugal and can be visited, where you will find a junction between culture, history and nature, with the best of Porto and Portugal.
It is definitely worth to visit Foz do Douro, even if you are not staying there.
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Where To Stay In Cais De Gaia:
If you are looking for a fancy place to stay, I have two great recommendations for you:
One is the Yeatman hotel, the best wine hotel in the country and home to a fantastic wine bar.
But today what I REALLY want to write about is the new Vincci hotel because it has the most MESMERISING view of Porto. And you can enjoy it while having a drink at the terrace or at the swimming pool. It is truly, truly a unique experience and one that you dont want to loose.
Cais de Gaia is also home to great apartments, many of them with fantastic views of the river and cute little terraces.
I particularly like 296 Heritage Apartments, Your Opo Apartments and Porto View by Patio 25, given their locations, views and decor .
If you are a foodie like me then I strooooogly recommend you 7 Gaia Roaster Apartments, because they are owned by my favourite brunch place in town, 7groaster so you will be able to enjoy THE BEST breakfast in Gaia. Trust me
If you feel like making new friends then I can only recommend you The House of Sandeman Hostel & Suites. As the name says, it is owned by Sandeman and it has erm, dormitories and private suites The common areas are really pretty and the best place to mingle with other guests.
Another great possibility is the Bed and breakfast Bridge It.
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Top Areas For Shopping
Rua de Santa Catarina is the place to stay for shopaholics. Hotels near this pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare offer access to the city’s best shopping, as well as a few favorite sightseeing spots, including the Igreja dos Congregados and Bolhão Market. Choose accommodations in Baixa for its popular bookshop, Livraria Lello, inspiration for J.K. Rowling as she penned the Harry Potter series. Stylish boutiques abound in Flores Village and pedestrian-friendly Rua das Flores, home to the Flower Market and all kinds of Portuguese goodies. Lordelo do Ouro is another great place to stay for authentic, hometown shopping – Rua do Ouro, or Gold Street, offers everything from olive oils to patés to wine.
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Cedofeita Santo Ildefonso S Miragaia So Nicolau And Vitria Very Convenient Neighborhood
Before 2013, the parishes of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau and Vitória, were individual areas within Porto, some of them with a land area of less than .5 km².
Strangely, having merged the communities in 2013, instead of renaming the new parish, the council chose to maintain each individual community name in the title.
Now an area of some 5.5 km², Cedofeita stretches from the centre of Porto to the river, and is considered to be one of the citys up and coming districts, with popular fashionable shopping areas, bars, restaurants, guest houses, hotels and self-catering apartments.
It is particularly favoured by older families and couples, as a base to explore the city and enjoy the local attractions.
Dotted around the area there are a number of beautiful parks and gardens such as Jardim do Palácio de Cristal and the Rotunda da Boavista. Admire the statues at the Jardim Teófilo Braga, and the water features at the Jardim do Marquês de Pombal.
Throughout the area you will find modern trendy shopping malls alongside traditional stores, markets, and souvenir and antique shops. If you have an interest in the arts head to the Rua Miguel Bombarda and its Art Galleries.
Many of Portos major tourist attractions are within a short walk or tram ride, with plenty of cafes and coffee shops offering the chance to stop and take in the local atmosphere.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PORTO IN CEDOFEITA
Where To Stay In Porto Bonfim:
Bonfim has some of the best hotels in Porto, such as Cocorico Luxury Guest House. What I love about this hotel is its particularly large and bright rooms. It also has a nice patio where you can enjoy a cocktail in the evenings. Right next to it is one of my favourite specialty coffee shops in town, The Bird of Passage.
More recently, NH Porto Jardim, Catalonia Porto and Eurostars Heroísmo opened, which are corporate hotels, perfect for large groups, that never fail to impress.
If you are looking for a cheap hotel in Porto, you will be able to find it in Bonfim more specifically, Moov Hotel, My Stay Porto Batalha and Legendary Porto Hotel are what you are looking for. They all have the same location and the same vibe, so just go for the cheapest option.
If you prefer to stay in an apartment, Bonfim has plenty of great options such as B.Arts, Trait Houses , The Gallery Studios and Home Made Guest Studios.
If all of these are taken , you can try one of this under the radar apartments in Porto: Nomads Boulevard Flats or Lusitania Garden Apartment.
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Accommodation In Porto Istana North
Porto Istana is a village in Olbia, Sardinia within the Sassari province. This picturesque village offers crystal-clear water at its beaches, as well as glistening white sand and lush green vegetation throughout the town. You will also be treated to beautiful views of the neighbouring island, Isola Tavolara.
Other destinations around Porto Istana include Li Cuncheddi, Bunthe, Costa Corallina and Murta Maria.