Where to stay in Porto

Porto lies on the north bank of the Douro, shortly before it flows into the Atlantic. The old town by the river has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, together with the Luís I Bridge and the Serra do Pilar Monastery. Opposite, on the south bank, lies Vila Nova de Gaia, a separate town. Depending on your plans, you can stay by the river, in the centre, on Avenida da Boavista, in Gaia or by the sea in Foz do Douro.

Ribeira and the old town

The Ribeira is the old town's riverfront on the Douro. Gaia lies opposite, and the Luís I Bridge links the two banks.

This area suits you if you want to stay in the heart of the World Heritage Site and eat by the river in the evening.

Bear in mind the arrival: in the lanes of the old town, you often cannot drive right up to the door. When booking, ask where you can park and how to get to the accommodation with your luggage.

Baixa and Bolhão

The Baixa is the centre above the Ribeira, with São Bento and Trindade stations. Metro line E runs from Trindade directly to the airport. In the Bolhão district stands the Mercado do Bolhão, the market hall on Rua Sá da Bandeira. The market is open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays and public holidays.

This area suits you if you arrive by metro or train and want to get around a lot on foot.

If you have an early flight, bear in mind the walk to the metro: if you stay near Trindade, you can board line E right there. How to get from the airport into the city is covered under Airport.

Boavista

On Avenida da Boavista stands the Casa da Música, the concert hall designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. The metro takes you to Casa da Música station.

This area suits you if you want to attend concerts at the Casa da Música.

Bear in mind the trip to the old town: to reach the Ribeira, take the metro or a taxi.

Vila Nova de Gaia

Vila Nova de Gaia lies on the south bank of the Douro, opposite the Ribeira. At Cais de Gaia and on the slope above, the port wine cellars where port wine ages line up side by side, along with wine shops and tasting rooms. The Luís I Bridge links Gaia with the old town.

This area suits you if you are planning cellar visits and want to look across at the old town on the other bank in the evening.

Bear in mind that Gaia is a separate municipality. You reach the old town across the Luís I Bridge.

Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro lies where the Douro flows into the Atlantic. Here you stay by the sea, with beaches close by.

This area suits you if you want to combine city days with time by the water. Which beaches are nearby is covered under Beaches.

Bear in mind the distance to the old town: tram line 1 takes you along the river to Infante, near the centre. When swimming, remember that currents on the Atlantic coast can be strong, so watch the flags on the beach.

Tourist tax

The city of Porto charges a tourist tax on stays in hotels and other tourist accommodation, as well as in holiday flats. It is charged per night, for a maximum of seven consecutive nights. The money goes towards the city's infrastructure, mobility, safety, cleanliness and cultural heritage.

Children up to 12 are exempt. So are guests in the city for medical treatment and people with a disability of 60% or more, each with up to two companions. You must provide proof of the exemption. Your accommodation collects the tax at the start, during or at the end of your stay.

How to get to Porto is described on the Getting there page.