Where to stay in Porto - A local’s guide to Porto’s neighborhoods
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As Portugal’s second largest city, Porto is squarely on the map for most international visitors. And with good reason! However, most travelers only spend a day or two here, which doesn’t give you much time to explore the city or to really get a feel for local life. That’s a shame, because Porto is quite distinct from Lisbon, and it has a totally different atmosphere.
While Lisbon is indeed bigger, busier, and more international than Porto, it’s also actually more traditional in many ways. The food, culture, and the style of daily life in Lisbon are much more typical.
Porto is less “Portuguese”, if you will, and the city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Baroque and Gothic architecture, cultural offerings (museums, galleries, etc.), and vibrant, contemporary nightlife. The pace of daily life here is also more relaxed than in Lisbon, and the city is smaller so you can discover almost everywhere on foot.
As you begin to get a feel for Porto and try to figure out where to stay, which areas to visit, and what to see and do, it’s important to first understand how the city is laid out and where you’re likely to be spending the majority of your time.
Keep reading for in-depth descriptions of each neighborhood, along with my recommendations for what to see and do and where to stay in each.
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Table of contents
My 4 recommended neighborhoods
Clérigos
Neighborhood overview
Hotels in Clérigos
Things to see and do in Clérigos
Cathedral area (Bairro da Sé)
Neighborhood overview
Hotels in the Cathedral area
Things to see and do in the Cathedral area
Aliados and Bolhão
Neighborhood overview
Hotels in Aliados and Bolhão
Things to see and do in Aliados and Bolhão
Ribeira
Neighborhood overview
Hotels in Ribeira
Things to see and do in Ribeira
Other neighborhoods to consider
Cedofeita
Bonfim
Boavista
Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto planning cheatsheet
Plan your itinerary with expert advice
- Book a Portugal travel consultation with a local expert
My favorite hotels in Porto
- Torel Palace - boutique hotel in the Cathedral district. $300/night
- The Editory - iconic style in Aliados & Bolhão. $250/night
- Se Cathedral Hotel - fabulous location steps from the Cathedral. $200/night
- Hotel Carris - riverfront views in Ribeira. $150/night
- Chic & Basic Gravity - good value in Clérigos. $100/night
Guided tours and activities
How to get around
- Car rentals with DiscoverCars
- Train tickets from Comboios de Portugal
- Bus routes at Redes Expressos
Guided Tours of Porto with Leonor
If you want to see Porto like a local, I’d love to show you around on a private guided tour!
I’m a born and raised Tripeira (Porto local), and I’ve lived in the city my entire life.
I love to help visitors see a side of Porto that’s a bit more local, away from the overcrowded tourist spots. My goal is to show you back streets, little-visited neighborhoods, and places that still feel like old Porto.
My 4 recommended neighborhoods
When visiting Porto, most visitors (especially those with only a few days) should plan to stay within the city center.
With that in mind, I’ve chosen four of the most historic and central neighborhoods as the best places to stay for first-time and short-term visitors.
And while there are other very nice neighborhoods that stretch a little ways back from the river, and still further out, there are lovely residential areas such as Boavista or Santo Ildefonso, staying in these areas away from the center will mean that you’ll have to rely on public transportation to get in to the main sights and areas of touristic interest, and will lose a lot of time in transit.
If this is your first time here and you want to do a fair deal of sightseeing (which you absolutely should), I absolutely recommend that you stay as central as possible. Save the outer neighborhoods for a return trip!
Here are my recommendations:
1. Bustling and central Clérigos
Clérigos is always lively and packed with people - visitors and locals alike. There’s no question that the area can be touristy, but that’s because it’s beautiful, is within easy walking distance of almost all the main sights, and is absolutely packed with great restaurants, shops, and cafes.
Still a very popular area for locals, it offers a great balance between busy city life and touristic convenience. It’s simply a great choice.
2. The medieval Cathedral district (also known as Bairro da Sé)
If you’re looking for historic charm and a medieval atmosphere, stay in the Cathedral district. Don’t even look anywhere else. Filled with winding, narrow streets, medieval architecture, and old world charm, this area will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Just be aware that it has become intensely touristic, and the shops and restaurants here cater heavily to tourists. You will find little in the way of a local atmosphere, as there are very few residents who still live here.
3. City-center Aliados and Bolhão
The absolute center of the city, this is our downtown. Here, the narrow hilly streets of other neighborhoods give way to grand, wide boulevards and monumental architecture. You’ll find lots of offices, government buildings, and designer shops and department stores.
While very few people live here (it doesn’t have a residential feel), it’s always busy and whether it’s daytime or evening, you’ll find politicians, business people, and wealthy visitors going wandering the streets and dining in its excellent restaurants.
4. The historic and lively riverfront Ribeira district
With riverfront charm (and views) and a wealth of lovely historic buildings, Ribeira is probably Porto’s prettiest neighborhood, especially at sunset. Definitely the most atmospheric part of the city, this is where locals come in the evenings to meet up, grab a drink or have a meal, and go for riverside strolls.
It’s extremely touristy and almost no local residents remain, but it’s exceedingly pleasant. While central and very flat itself (a rarity in Porto), it’s an uphill walk from here to any other area you’ll want to visit.
See below for detailed overviews of each of these neighborhoods.
Clérigos
A busy day on Rua dos Clérigos in central Porto.
Neighborhood Overview
The Clérigos area is the place everyone talks about in Porto. It’s so packed with attractions and is so centrally located that you don’t even need a sense of direction when staying here. Just head out into the streets and wander aimlessly until you bump into the first of many attractions and sights! Almost anything in Porto is within a 20-minute walk of here, so it makes a fantastic base in the city.
Here, you’ll find a good mix of both local people and tourists, which gives the neighborhood a lively, young, and vibrant atmosphere. As a central hub of the city for locals and visitors alike, the neighborhood is filled with bars, restaurants, and also touristic highlights.
Right in the neighborhood are major attractions like the Clérigos Tower, the Lello bookstore, the old prison (now converted into a photography museum with spy cameras), and many beautiful churches with their exterior walls covered in Porto’s iconic glazed tiles.
This is also a prime shopping area and you can get a real taste for Portuguese style by browsing the storefronts. You’ll find a nice mix of big department stores, trendy new shops, art galleries, and boutiques.
While it’s undoubtedly a bustling area, there are still secluded spots where you can find some peace and relaxation. As a local, one of my favorite places to have a rest, meet friends, go for a picnic, or even just people watch is the Base Garden. This tranquil green space with its 18th century olive trees and picturesque outdoor bar provides the perfect respite from the busy city.
And if you’re a foodie, there’s simply no better neighborhood to be in Porto. Two of my favorite eateries are Casa Expresso, where you’ll find fantastic local products, and Mesa Luísa, which offers modern and elevated Portuguese cuisine. For something a little different, the Bar Galeria de Paris is decorated with the remnants of an old bazaar and is filled with trinkets and odds and ends that make us Portuguese feel nostalgic for Grandma’s house. A visit there is certainly unique.
For nightlife, you can’t beat the bar-lined street of the Rua Galeria de Paris. Always bustling in the evening, especially on the weekends, this is a great area to go if you’re looking for a night of bar hopping.
The Clérigos tower
A busy street in Clérigos
The twin façade of the Igreja do Carmo church
Where to stay
Choosing hotels here is never easy because there are so many great options.
Infante de Sagres - The historic 5-star Infante de Sagres is a must if you have the budget for it. Classy but not too chic, with stained glass windows and beautiful furniture and chandeliers that make the hotel worth a guided visit on their own. A room usually costs around $300 USD.
PortoBay Flores - Another great option for 5-star luxury smack in the heart of the city. On a pedestrianized street, the hotel is housed in a historic building that has been immaculately updated with modern comforts and amenities. Nightly rates start from $300 USD.
Chic & Basic Gravity - The Chic & Basic Gravity hotel is another good choice. This is a very creative place that is doing things very differently from other hotels, so staying here is a unique experience (you’ll understand what I mean when you walk inside!). Rooms from $125 USD.
Casa Carolina - A charming guesthouse just far enough from the the busiest part of Clérigos to be quiet and relaxed, but still convenient. $120 USD.
Selina - For something entirely different but extremely fun, there’s the Selina. This is a very hip hotel, with all different room types and stylistic choices. The decor is lovely and their garden is the perfect place to hang out. Private rooms from $70 a night.
Main sights
The blue tile side of Igreja do Carmo
Lello bookstore
No visit to Clérigos would be complete without admiring the Lello bookstore. There’s no question that this is the most beautiful bookstore, and one of the most beautiful buildings, in all of Portugal.
I’m from Porto, so my opinion may be biased, but I’m willing to be that you’ll agree once you’ve seen it. And if you’re a fan of Harry Potter, it’s rumored that JK Rowling found her inspiration for the book series during a visit here. True or not, this is a must-visit location in Porto.
Parque das Virtudes
Technically, the park is just outside of the Clérigos neighborhood (slightly to the south), but it’s right next door so we’ve included it here! The park is a pleasant place to go for a wander, but its main attraction is the incredible view that it offers over the city and Douro River. Come at sunset if you can!
Igreja dos Carmelitas & Igreja do Carmo
Just around the corner from the Lello bookstore are the amazing sister churches of the Carmelitan Order, Igreja dos Carmelitas on the left and Igreja do Carmo. These two architectural marvels are beautiful examples of Porto’s Baroque style, but it’s their history that is even more compelling.
The two churches appear to be one structure, but they are actually separated by a secret house in between them. You’ll have to come and see it for yourself to discover the full story!
Clérigos tower
If you’re feeling energetic, you must climb the 240 steps to the top of the Clérigos tower, from where you’ll have the best views of the city. Try to be in this area for 12:00 PM, as the adjacent church plays a free organ concert at noon every day.
Simply put, Clérigos is the beating heart of Porto. With so much to see and do here, it can make you feel like you don’t have to go anywhere else in the city!
Jardim da Cordoaria
If you’re looking for a break after a day of exploring, the serene greenery of the Jardim da Cordoaria offers the perfect respite from the busy city.
Walk along the main path under the archway formed by the interlacing branches of the park’s London Plane trees, check out the numerous sculptures, or just have a seat and watch the world go by.
This is a popular hang out spot for university students (it’s right next to the campus of the Universidade do Porto), so there are also lots of affordable bars and cafés where you can grab a drink or snack.
2. The Cathedral area (Bairro da Sé)
Porto’s Sé Cathedral
Neighborhood Overview
The unmissable Cathedral area, or Bairro da Sé in Portuguese, is the oldest and most original and untouched part of Porto. The fortified cathedral is the neighborhood’s most iconic landmark, and it has sat perched high above the Douro River since the very start of the city of Porto.
This medieval area is an intricate puzzle of narrow streets and alleys. The packed shotgun houses and the formidable and steep hills make us wonder “how does anyone still live here?”.
Despite the difficulty of living here (no car access, no elevators in the buildings, small and dark houses), many inhabitants have decided to stay, even despite being offered better housing. This has made the community here extremely tightknit, which you will undoubtedly notice when visiting.
The people are the life and soul of this place, and this is a community where neighbours watch over one another and people greet each other with a smile and a loud “olá” (hello). When staying here or exploring the area, you’ll as if you’re being welcomed by old friends.
Many of the buildings were built in grey granite stone, which characterizes the neighborhood, but the brightly painted facades, beautifully glazed tiles, and porch front vases filled with plants and flowers make this area a maze of rainbow-colored streets. Being here is like going centuries back in time.
While this is a great area to explore and can be a nice place to stay for a short visit, it’s important to note that most of the shops and stores here are tourist oriented. You’ll find mostly souvenir shops, cafes, and some restaurants, but very few functional stores that you’d use in your daily life.
Outside of the residents, most other locals don’t typically spend much time here, as there aren’t many places for people to gather and hang out, and the lifestyle is quite traditional.
That said, if you’re interested in experiencing traditional Portuguese life, are a fan of historic architecture, or want to feel like you’ve gone back in time, this is a great neighborhood to stay in. Sitting on one of the little terraces while sipping a coffee and watching the world go by is a fabulous way to spend a few hours.
The Bairro da Sé and Ribeira districts seen from Miradouro da Rua das Aldas viewpoint
Where to stay
Torel Palace - Housed in a sort of palace from the mid-1800s, this is one of Porto’s most stunningly beautiful hotels. There are just 25 rooms, each elegantly appointed with delightful furniture and fittings that manage to be modern while still complimenting the building’s period design. Rooms from $300 USD per night.
Torel 1884 - Owned by the same group as the Torel Palace, this is a slightly less expensive option that stills offers lots of opulent style with beautiful rooms and common areas. Nightly rates run around $200 USD.
Sé Cathedral Hotel Porto - The highly recommended Se Cathedral Hotel Porto by Hilton is also a top choice. The location is central, it’s easy to get to, the rooms are nice, and the lounge and bar is somewhere that locals like to go for events on special days or occasions. Rooms start at about $150 USD.
Oca Flores Boutique - This hotel from the small Oca group is cheerful and pleasant with a gorgeous interior garden. It’s on Rua das Flores, so it’s technically probably in the Clérigos area, but it’s very close. Rooms from $150 USD.
Apartments
If you prefer Airbnb-style apartments, that can be tricky in the cathedral area. While you might be able to find an apartment with beautiful views over the city, there will be no car access and your top-floor apartment will have no elevators and only narrow staircases. Doing that climb multiple times a day will get tiresome. Skip this and thank me later.
Main sights
Sé Cathedral seen from below
A grittier section of the Bairro da Sé neighborhood
Sé do Porto Cathedral & Cloisters
The cathedral is the main sight here and getting there is very easy as it lies right in the center of town. From the cathedral, you can begin your journey into the rest of the city, either on foot, by bus, or even with the subway. There are lots of good transportation options.
Visiting the 13th century cathedral & cloisters is a mandatory part of the experience in this part of town. The cathedral, which is a fortified church, is unique to Portugal and it holds the first hand-painted glazed tile panels depicting religious themes.
Episcopal Palace - Paço Episcopal do Porto
The 13th century palace, built for the city’s bishop and special guests, is also a nice place to visit.
Wander the streets
Outside of those two primary sights, the rest of your time here should be spent simply exploring the neighborhood and enjoying the historic atmosphere. This is a part of Porto to be savored.
And without giving away all of the area’s secrets, be on the lookout for a medieval washing machine and the small steps popping out of a medieval wall. Keep your eyes peeled!
Miradouro da Rua das Aldas
As a city of hills, Porto is full of excellent viewpoints and this is one of the best. Being right next to the cathedral, it’s also one of the easier ones to find and access. It affords 180 degree views and an excellent vantage point over the Palácio da Bolsa.
Hit the must-see sights while also getting way off the beaten path on a walking tour with lifelong resident and local guide Leonor!
3. Aliados & Bolhão
Porto’s town hall in Praça do Municipio Square
Neighborhood Overview
No guide to Porto’s neighborhoods would be complete without including Aliados and Bolhao, and yet this is a tricky one to describe: while this is the very center of the city, it’s also essentially without inhabitants.
The old fancy office blocks are all now being transformed into hotels and the many shops formerly used in daily life are becoming upscale storefronts for the big international brands. Commercial development has come hard and fast for the city center, and with these changes, the former residents have almost all moved out by now.
Despite all of this, this area still houses the city’s principal square and our city hall, where we organize most of the annual celebrations. Known simply as the “square” to us locals (no name needed), this is an important and festive spot, and in the summertime, it hosts a swimming pool (naturally fed by spring water) for kids.
To give you a little more history about the neighborhood, at the turn of the 20th century, this was the area to see and be seen in Porto. Big, elegant cafés lined the streets and residents flocked here. Over the years, these types of establishments went out of fashion though and many of them closed down.
Two of these elegant buildings survive though: the Café Guarany (well worth checking out) and the fanciest McDonald’s that you are likely to ever see. Yes, you are reading this right: this is a McDonald’s with a chandelier, stained glass, ornate mirrors, and plaster decorations. The food is what you would expect, but this amazing place is a must-see in the city of Porto.
Rua Alexandre Braga street with the Mercado do Bolhão market on the right
Where to stay
The new hotels located in the main square are amongst the best in the city. Some great choices would be:
Maison Albar is one of my favorite hotels in the city and it almost seems like the set of an Agatha Christie movie. Rooms from $350.
Editory Hotel is a relatively recent addition to Porto’s hotel offerings, but it’s a very good one. It’s new and very modern, but still quite classy. It’s great if you want up-to-date amenities. Nightly rates are from $200.
Royal Bridges Hotel is a more moderately priced option that’s pleasant, comfortable, and very well run. You’ll spend $100-200 per night.
Mercure Porto Centro is a bit corporate, but it offers good comfort, modern everything, and a great location. Also $100-200 per night.
Main sights
A busy day on the commercial Rua Santa Catarina street
Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso church
The São Bento train station (right) seen from Praça Almeida de Garrett square
From the neighborhood’s main square (“the square”) you have within eyesight and easy walking distance: the Clérigos tower, the train station, the cathedral, the city hall and the beginning of Saint Catherine Street (our fully pedestrianized main shopping street). So, while this isn’t an area buzzing with local life, it’s extremely central and is an excellent base for sightseeing.
São Bento train station
Speaking of “must-see’s”, the Porto train station, São Bento, is also right in this neighborhood. This is the most beautiful station in Portugal and one of the best in the world. I’m certainly not being modest, but to undersell the train station’s beauty would be to do you and it a disservice.
Famed for its 20,000 hand painted tiles, the ceiling also provides a masterclass in engineering, history, geography, and local traditions. It’s also a place where you can take fantastic photos.
Mercado do Bolhão
Moving on from the train station, you can visit the local market, the Mercado do Bolhão. The market was closed for a few years, during which it underwent extensive renovations.
Now fully restored and brought back to life, the original vendors mix with the new generation, and everybody is happy. You’ll see multigenerational groups of locals here, as the grandparents, parents, and kids can all find things to interest them.
If you’re looking for a really traditional treat here, search out a “furinho da Regina”. This is a traditional game of chance for children where they can win pieces of chocolate. This innocent game was made illegal a few years ago as it was included in anti-gambling laws, and it was only legalized again following a petition from locals. Quite a story, so if you’re looking for something authentic, seek this out!
Capela das Almas
The Chapel of Souls is quietly tucked away on the corner of two nondescript streets, but be sure to pay it a visit. Built in the 18th century, the exterior of the church is covered in 16,000 blue and white tiles, painted with scenes depicting the lives of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi.
Rua Santa Catarina
Fully pedestrianized, Rua Santa Catarina is Porto’s main shopping street and it’s lined with boutiques, international brands, and the famous Café Majestic. The street cuts through the center of the neighborhood, and a leisurely stroll along it is a great way to spend an hour or so.
Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso
Right nearby to Batalha square and at the start of Rua Santa Catarina’s pedestrianized portion, the Baroque 18th century Church of Saint Ildefonso is definitely worth a visit. Covered in blue tiles (added in the 1930’s), the church’s facade is vibrant and striking. Snap a photo or two, wander around the interior, and continue exploring the neighborhood.
4. The Ribeira
The riverfront Ribeira district seen from across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia
Neighborhood overview
The Ribeira, or Riverside area, is the postcard image that you’ve undoubtedly seen of Porto, and you can’t say that you’ve been to Porto if you don’t at least pass through here.
This is probably the liveliest part of town, and many locals still live in the area’s maze of small winding streets. Sunset is the best time of day to visit, as you can enjoy the view while having a drink at the many terraces or climb the historic riverside walls to watch the crowds and excitement below.
This was the busiest part of the city back when the shipping industry dominated Porto and when rivers offered the fastest means of transportation. Ships were everywhere. Nowadays, commercial shipping has largely been replaced by recreational boating, but ships are still a way of life in Porto.
The old gondola-like boats now take passengers on one-hour river cruises, where you can enjoy great views of the surrounding hills and cliffs. There are also many custom-made ship hotels that run multi-day river cruises up and down the river.
A busy commercial area for hundreds of years, some of the oldest buildings in the city are found here. The riverfront was once filled with small storage depots for merchants to house their wares, but as the city adapted to modern times, these have been transformed into tiny, atmospheric bars and restaurants.
Many larger open spaces have become markets or food courts, and the squares where women used to sell their pottery or baskets are now filled with great street musicians.
This is the place where people come for fun – to meet friends, for a night out, a date, or just to hang out – and the atmosphere here is simply unbeatable. You have an almost unlimited number of places to eat and drink, a great selection of hotels, and people from all over the world. And we haven’t even mentioned the view yet, which is, of course, incredible.
An evening stroll along the river in the Ribeira district
Where to stay
Vincci Ponte de Ferro Hotel almost certainly has the best views in all of Lisbon. This recently renovated hotel sits directly at the end of the Dom Luis I iron bridge, overlooking the Ribeira district and the Douro river. Technically it’s in the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia, but it’s just a 5 minute walk across the bridge to get into Porto city center and the Ribeira, so I’ve included it here. The design is sleek, elegant, and stylish, and the pool and multiple bar areas are divine. Nightly rates start at $300.
Hotel Pestana is a great option in this part of town. The hotel is very pleasant, the staff is friendly and helpful, and if you can get a river view, the views are outstanding. Nightly rates from $200-300.
1872 River House - The 1872 River House is more casual than the Pestana, but has a local charm from having preserved much of the original structure. The stained-glass windows throughout the hotel make the lighting inside very fun, and when I tour with clients who are staying here, they always say they love it. A room normally costs between $250 and $350.
Carris Hotel is a very pleasant small hotel with a great location. It’s only a few steps from the river, but also on one of the few Ribeira streets from which it’s easy to catch a taxi or bus. Rooms run from $150-275.
Hotel Vincci Porto - This stylish spot on the edge of the Douro river just outside the city center is the sister hotel to Vincci Ponte de Ferro. It costs about half the price, but still features many of the design-forward accents of its more expensive sibling. Built inside a completely refurbished fish market, the focus here is on nautical accents. Regular rooms are tight, but the river-facing suites are excellent. Nightly rate begins at $200.
Stay In Apartments are excellent value, but they tend to book out early. One bedroom apartments typically cost $80-125 USD.
RIBEIRA by YoursPorto is a solid hotel at a reasonable rate. $100 USD
Oca Ribeira do Porto is another good budget option. $100 USD.
Main sights
Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique Sq. and monument in the Ribeira district
Meccano Bridge and Medieval Walls
Some landmarks in Ribeira are the city’s medieval walls (incredibly well-preserved) and the “Meccano” iron bridge dating from 1886.
Sometimes mistakenly called the “Eiffel bridge”, Gustave Eiffel actually turned down the Porto Chamber of Commerce’s offer to build this bridge. Instead, Theophile Seyrig, one of the founders of Eiffel and Company, took on the job and built the bridge. This double-decker bridge is still in use and is now the most iconic of Porto’s 6 bridges crossing the river.
Praça do Comercio or Commerce Square
Walking up the street from the river, we find the old Commerce Square, where we now have the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator. The most important of all names in Portuguese history, the prince was born in Porto in 1394, and he was responsible for turning Portugal into the maritime giant that it became. He’s also often credited for starting the “Age of Discovery”.
If this history is of interest to you, the Casa do Infante Museum and the World of Discoveries are great places to visit.
Palácio da Bolsa or Bolsa Palace (Stock exchange)
The amazing and incredibly opulent Palácio da Bolsa building is also here. Built in 1834 by the city’s Commercial Association, the palace is actually on the grounds of the old cloister of the neighboring Church of Saint Francis. The cloister had been destroyed in a fire in 1832, and in 1841, Queen Mary II donated the property to the Commercial Association.
In Portuguese history, this was the moment when we separated church from State, nationalized church grounds, and transformed the social and economic organizations.
Today, the Palacio da Bolsa continues to serve as a reception hall for dignitaries and heads of state visiting Porto. For tourists, visiting on your own is not easy: you have to go with a guide, and the Palace offers guided visits at different hours of the day taking groups of about 50 people.
If you’re considering hiring a private tour guide during your time in Porto, this is certainly one of the places where you will most benefit from a guide’s expertise. With a licensed guide you can visit the Palace on your own and don’t have to go on a generic visit at set times with a big group.
Igreja de São Francisco - Church of St. Francis
Next door to the Palacio da Bolsa, you also have the Franciscan church, known to all Portuguese as the “cave of gold”. This is technically a Gothic church, but that architecture can hardly be seen amongst all the carved and gilded wood on display.
A competition between the craftsmen of the time, the church is covered from altar to altar in wood carvings that depict different narrations from the Bible and other religious stories.
Spend a half-day wandering Porto's maze of twisting alleys while also trying all the city's best local treats with our favorite guide, Leonor!
Other neighborhoods worth considering
As mentioned at the start of this article, for visitors with only a few days in Porto, we recommend staying in one of the 4 central neighborhoods that we’ve described above. Each of them is historic and filled with noteworthy sights and attractions, so they are excellent bases for sightseeing.
Yes, they can be a bit touristy, but who cares! Did you come to Porto to see locals doing their laundry at the laundromat and waiting in line at the bank, or to see the beautiful sights of a historic and vibrant European city?
Of course, there are many other interesting neighborhoods in Porto, and if you’ll be visiting the city for an extended period, staying in a more local neighborhood a bit outside of the center can be a great way to get a feel for local life. Here’s a quick look at some other areas you might be interested in:
Bonfim
Bonfim is a lovely little neighborhood east of the city center heading in the direction of the Campanhã train station. Until recently it was a hidden gem of the city. The University of Porto Faculty of Fine Arts (AKA the art school) is located here, so it’s a very trendy and artsy neighborhood filled with great local shops, good restaurants, and cute cafes.
Tourists have started to “discover” the area so it’s not quite as local as it once was, but it’s still an authentic slice of Porto. You won’t find big chain hotels here, but there are lots of nice and good value B&Bs and guesthouses.
Here are a couple of my favorite
Oca Oriental Porto is always a sure bet with updated rooms and a good location. $120 USD.
Dukes Corner Guest House is a nice little guesthouse just outside of the main tourist areas. $110 USD.
The Convo Porto Hotel, now sometimes listed as the Metier Boutique Porto, offers really excellent value for money. $100 USD.
Cedofeita
To the northwest of Clérigos, moving away from the center of Porto, Cedofeita has become a very hip neighborhood. Also known for its art scene, there are lots of great galleries and independent shops to check out here. Rua Miguel de Bombarda is filled with galleries, while Rua de Cedofeita is a principal shopping street mostly with well-known international brands.
If you’re here on a Saturday, definitely check out the weekly market at the Centro Comercial Bombarda.
One Shot Palácio Cedofeita is a lovely modern and elegant option just outside the city center. $150 USD.
ABC Hotel Porto is simple, but clean and comfortable and it’s the best price-quality ratio in the area. $100 USD.
Boavista
A bit north of the city center and fairly far from the main attractions, upscale Boavista is a mix of corporate offices and residential buildings mostly populated by wealthier Porto residents.
The neighborhood was heavily developed during the 1960’s so it’s not very historic, but it does have great access to the impressive Casa da Música concert hall, the Bom Sucesso Market (a great place to go for a drink, tapas, and Portuguese specialties), and Avenida da Boavista, which is a pleasant avenue that leads all the way out to the sea.
In the evenings this is a fairly quiet area, as many of the people here during the day are workers who will have returned to their own neighborhoods by nighttime.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Technically, Vila Nova de Gaia is actually a separate city from Porto, but for travelers it makes sense to think of it more as just another neighborhood. Right across the Douro River and just a bridge away from Ribeira, Gaia (as it’s often called) is a very local neighborhood.
It fills up during the day with tourists doing tastings at the many Port wine cellars, but in the evening the crowds disappear and it’s almost all locals.
The Praia de Madalena is a great city beach in the neighborhood, and the riverside Cais de Gaia street offers excellent views over the Douro River and lots of cafés with lovely terraces.
- See the city like a local
- Casual and fun walking tours
- Day trips all over North Portugal
- Private and fully customizable
Explore with Leonor!
