The choice at a glance
| Neighbourhood | Best for | Strength | Weak point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baixa | First visit | Central, everything on foot | Noise and crowds |
| Ribeira | River atmosphere | Views of the Douro | Very touristy, steep |
| Cedofeita | Galleries and cafés | Creative, quieter | A bit away from the quays |
| Foz do Douro | Families, beach | Ocean and promenade | Far from the historic centre |
| Gaia | Cellars and views | Facing the Ribeira | Crossing the bridge on foot |
Baixa: the choice for a first visit
It is the best choice for a first visit: São Bento station, the Clérigos Tower and Livraria Lello are all within walking distance, with restaurants and cafés everywhere. Hotels range from budget options to big international names. The downside: the busiest streets are noisy in the evening; ask for a room at the back or on a high floor.
Ribeira: the riverfront
Sleeping in the Ribeira means opening your window onto the quays and boats. The area is very touristy: in July and August it is dense from late morning to midnight. The lanes are steep and cobbled, which is not ideal with a big suitcase. Prices are higher than elsewhere. On Saint John's night the district is the heart of the party (see Saint John's Night in Porto).
Cedofeita: galleries, cafés and relative calm
North-west of the Baixa, Cedofeita is a district of galleries, shops and cafés, quieter in the evening. It suits travellers who want a more local stay and don't mind a ten to fifteen minute walk to the quays. Read our guide to Cedofeita and Miguel Bombarda.
Foz do Douro: the ocean and families
To the west, where the Douro meets the Atlantic, Foz is a seaside district with a promenade and beaches. Guides recommend it for families and for anyone who wants the beach. The historic centre is about twenty minutes away by public transport; see Foz do Douro and getting around Porto.
Gaia: facing the Ribeira
Vila Nova de Gaia is on the south bank. The port wine cellars are in Gaia (see port wine cellars in Gaia) and the view of the Ribeira is the best from here. Central Porto is a few minutes' walk over the upper deck of the Dom Luís I bridge. Coming back in the evening, the climb is steep.
Practical points
- From the airport: the metro links the airport to the centre, see from Porto airport to the centre.
- Slopes: Porto goes up and down all the time; check the real distance to the metro (Trindade or São Bento station).
- Peak periods: Saint John's night (23 June), the Primavera Sound festival in June and New Year's Eve (see Christmas and New Year) fill the hotels: book very early.
- Safety: the usual advice for tourist areas is in scams and safety in Porto.
- Budget: to plan your trip spending, read Porto on a budget.
My advice
First visit and short stay: Baixa. River atmosphere and views: Ribeira or Gaia. Longer, more local stay: Cedofeita. Family and beach: Foz. Whatever you pick, check the slope before booking and bring good shoes.
