Porto offers accommodation for every budget: boutique hotels in restored 19th-century buildings, some of Europe's most awarded hostels, luxury hotels overlooking the river and many tourist apartments. The centre is compact, but the hills matter: choosing the right area saves effort. It is part of the Porto guide.
The best areas
| Area | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baixa and Aliados | Central, metro, restaurants, nightlife | Noise in the nightlife streets | First visit |
| Ribeira | River views, unique atmosphere | Touristy, hills, noise | Couples, romantics |
| Sé and Batalha | Historic, close to everything | Steep streets | Walkers |
| Cedofeita and Miguel Bombarda | Creative, quiet, galleries | A bit uphill | Long stays, art |
| Bonfim | Lower prices, authentic | Less central | Budget |
| Boavista | Modern, Casa da Música, business hotels | Far from the old centre | Business, concerts |
| Foz | Ocean, quiet, villas | 20-30 minutes from the centre | Sea, families |
| Vila Nova de Gaia | The best view of Porto, lodges | Cross the bridge to the centre | Wine, views |
To get to know the districts see Porto neighbourhoods.
Types of accommodation
- Boutique hotels: many in the centre and Ribeira, in buildings with azulejo façades, wooden staircases and terraces.
- Luxury hotels: some in historic Baixa buildings, others on the Gaia bank with city views, or in Foz by the ocean.
- Hostels: Porto has excellent, often award-winning hostels with private rooms and dorms in restored central buildings.
- Guesthouses (pensões, residenciais): cheap and family-run.
- Tourist apartments (alojamento local): very common in the historic centre; the city has limited new licences in the most saturated areas. Check the registration number.
How much it costs
As a rough guide, for a double room:
- Hostel bed: 20-40 euros.
- Guesthouse or two-star: 55-90 euros.
- Three-four star or boutique hotel: 100-220 euros.
- Luxury: from 280 euros upwards.
Prices rise sharply for São João (23 June), in summer, for Primavera Sound and during big FC Porto matches. January, February and November are the cheapest months.
Tourist tax
Porto charges a municipal tourist tax per adult per night, up to seven nights; it has been increased in recent years. It is paid at the property and almost never included in online prices. Vila Nova de Gaia charges a similar tax.
Booking tips
- If arriving by train at Campanhã, the Baixa is minutes away by train or metro; from São Bento walk.
- In the Ribeira and Sé taxis can't reach every street: ask how to get to your accommodation with luggage.
- In the nightlife streets around Galerias de Paris ask for a quiet room.
- Porto houses can be damp and cold in winter: check the heating.
- Many historic buildings have no lift.
- Book months ahead for São João.