SherryStay Destination Guide
Porto
A river city on the Douro, built up a slope and meant to be walked slowly.
Porto sits on the north bank of the Douro, a few kilometres before the river reaches the Atlantic. Its historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, and it is built on a slope: steep streets, narrow tiled houses, and the Ribeira waterfront down on the water. One thing worth knowing before you book: the port lodges are not in Porto itself but directly opposite, in Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank, reached across the bridge. Base yourself near the historic centre or the river, give up on seeing everything in one day, and let the slower pace work for you.
Best For
Where to Stay
Ribeira
On the river, the postcard view, busiest
Baixa
Central, shops and cafés, walkable
Aliados
Grand avenue, the city hall, good transport
Cedofeita
Independent shops and galleries, quieter
Boavista
Modern, business and concert hall, less historic
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Port tastings are across the river in Gaia; walking over the bridge costs nothing and the views are the same.
- 2Lunch menus (prato do dia) are a fraction of dinner prices in the same kitchens.
- 3Staying one street back from the Ribeira is markedly cheaper and two minutes further.
Getting Around
- 1The metro runs from the airport to the centre and is the cheapest way in.
- 2The Dom Luís I bridge has two decks: the upper one for the metro and walkers, the lower for cars and walkers.
- 3The historic trams are slow and scenic; the metro is what you use to actually get somewhere.
Most Common Mistake
Trying to fit Porto into one day. It is a city of slopes and viewpoints, and the walking is the point.
3–4 nights
- • Douro Valley
- • Braga
- • Aveiro
- • Lisbon
Porto at a glance
- Porto is in Portugal.
- Sherry suggests 3–4 nights in Porto.
Where to stay in Porto
Looking for hotels in Porto? It helps to decide on an area first — our guide to where to stay in Porto sets out which neighbourhoods suit which kind of trip.
Around Aliados the options include The Editory Boulevard Aliados Hotel - Preferred Hotels, Hotel Aliados, Eurostars Aliados and LovelyStay - 1BR Flat w AC and Balcony by Aliados.
Around Almada the options include PortoSense Almada, ApartmentsPorto - Almada 318 and Crp Almada Studio.
Around Avenida the options include Pensao Avenida and Hotel Avenida.
Elsewhere in the city you will also find The One Monumental Palace, Hotel Chique, Hotel Paulista, Pão de Açúcar – Vintage Bumper Car Hotel, Hotel Universal, Hotel Porto Rico, Rivol1 · Design Studio Next to Rivoli Theatre, Vera Cruz Porto Downtown Hotel, The A5 Smart Luxury Studios, Garça Real Flats, Hotel Internacional, Liberty 119 • Luxurious 1BD in Porto's main Avenue, Mercure Porto Centro Aliados, Aliados In and The Social Hub Porto.