Porto is a compact city: the historic centre can be crossed on foot in half an hour, though the hills make distances more tiring than they look on the map. Each district has a clear character. It is part of the Porto guide.
The historic centre
| Neighbourhood | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ribeira | The medieval riverfront, restaurants, the bridge | Atmosphere, photos, sunsets |
| Sé and Batalha | The cathedral hill, ancient lanes | Monuments, history |
| Baixa and Aliados | The 19th-century centre, São Bento, Clérigos, cafés | First visit, all on foot |
| Vitória and Miragaia | The old Jewish quarter, viewpoint, riverfront | Quiet, views |
Creative and working-class districts
| Neighbourhood | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cedofeita and Miguel Bombarda | Art galleries, design, cafés, independent shops | Art, alternative shopping |
| Bonfim | Working-class, changing, new bars and restaurants | Authenticity, lower prices |
| Massarelos | By the river, the Palácio de Cristal, the architecture faculty | Walks, gardens |
Towards the ocean and across the river
| Neighbourhood | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Boavista | The modern city, Casa da Música, offices and malls | Business, concerts |
| Foz do Douro | Villas, seafront, beaches and ocean cafés | Sea, quiet |
| Matosinhos | Fishing port, seafood restaurants, surfing | Fish, beach |
| Vila Nova de Gaia | The lodges, the riverfront, the view of Porto | Wine, sunsets |
The Ribeira and the Sé
The oldest core, on the hills sloping to the river, is a maze of lanes, stairways and narrow houses. The Ribeira is the most touristy and photographed; the Sé area above keeps a more working-class neighbourhood life, with washing lines and small taverns. See the Ribeira and bridges.
Baixa and Aliados
The 19th-century centre, around Avenida dos Aliados, the Clérigos Tower and São Bento station, is the commercial heart and the most convenient area for a short visit, with hotels, restaurants, historic cafés and the Galerias de Paris nightlife. See central Porto.
Cedofeita and Bonfim
Cedofeita is one of the most creative districts: Rua de Miguel Bombarda has dozens of art galleries and design shops, and pedestrian Rua de Cedofeita has shops and cafés. Bonfim, to the east, is a working-class district that has recently attracted young people, artists and new venues, while keeping its working-class character.
Miragaia, Massarelos and the Palácio de Cristal
Following the river west, Miragaia keeps colourful houses and a quiet life, with World of Discoveries and the Port Wine Museum. Higher up, the 19th-century Palácio de Cristal gardens offer peacocks, ponds and some of the finest viewpoints over the Douro; the original glass palace was replaced by a domed pavilion, now the Super Bock Arena.
Which neighbourhood to choose
- First visit: Baixa, Aliados, the Clérigos area.
- Atmosphere: Ribeira and Sé.
- Quiet and art: Cedofeita, Miguel Bombarda, Boavista.
- Sea: Foz, Matosinhos.
- Budget: Bonfim, Campanhã, Gaia away from the river.
For hotels and prices see where to stay in Porto.