Hotels in Porto

Porto Hotels

Porto is the second largest city of Portugal, and is situated alongside the wide shimmering waters of the Douro River. The entire city is registered as a World Heritage site, due to its abundance of perfectly-preserved architectural marvels. Dating back to ancient times, Porto’s bustling streets are lined with mighty cathedrals, grand neo-classical palaces and tiny candle-lit chapels. But Porto’s skyline is also flecked with sleek modern buildings, which host contemporary galleries, museums, multiplexes and designer boutiques.

Things to see

There’s an endless amount of inspirational sights to see in central Porto, but the city’s cathedral - spearing the skyline with squared-off bell towers - immediately draws your attention. The cathedral blends a number of architectural styles, offering an informative timeline of Porto’s religious history. Amble around the grey-stone gothic cloisters, be amazed at the arching interior columns and rose windows, and discover Grecian sculptures crowning the intricate baroque facade. After, be inspired in Porto’s many art museums. Start with the National Museum Soares dos Reis - which displays centuries-old Portuguese fine art - and end at the Serralves Foundation Gallery, which hosts collections of thought-provoking contemporary art. As the afternoon rolls on, visit the art-nouveau Lello Bookshop - hailed as one of the greatest in the world - before strolling down to Porto’s historic port, where you can watch old-world fishing boats smoothly slide along the deep blue Douro waters.

Hotels in Porto

For a luxurious city holiday, stay in one of Porto’s many supreme 5-star hotels. These hotels provide meticulously detailed service, where your every need is immediately attended to. Set in grand stately buildings, the enormous high-ceilinged rooms come complete with king-size beds, minibars and modern amenities. For inexpensive accommodation, Porto provides many centrally located 3-star hotels, which boast reliably comfortable en-suite rooms. If you’re an urban adventurer on a tight budget, stay in one of Porto’s cheap hostels, where you can meet other exciting travellers in the sociable bars and common rooms.

Where to stay

Stay in central Baxia - downtown Porto - and immerse yourself in the city’s thriving local culture. Wander through the labyrinth streets, stopping at fresh fruit and vegetable markets, and take in the city’s old bohemian energy. For a refined, affluent area with an academic vibe, stay in West Baxia - beside the university - where the streets are lined with antiquarian bookstores, aromatic wine bars and decorative-art museums. To experience Porto’s glitzy contemporary culture, stay in Boavista - west of the centre - where mirror-walled modern buildings and chic bijou boutiques lead onto vast well-maintained green spaces.

How to get to Porto

Gently descend through the cloudless Portuguese skies - spotting snow-capped mountains and verdant valleys - and land at Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport. This large airport provides year-round flights to dozens of international locations - including London Heathrow and Gatwick - on a variety of airlines. From the airport, enjoy a speedy and peaceful ride on the Metro into central Porto. Alternatively, experience the romance of rail travel across Europe and take a train from Paris or Madrid into central Saint Benedict train station. Once in Porto, the city is served by an excellent and affordable public transport system of buses and metro lines.