Where To Stay In Porto: Boutique Hotels, Hip Hostels + The Best Areas
Headed to Porto? Boa viagem! Check out our where to stay in Porto guide, featuring the best luxury hotels, mid-range and boutique hotels, and hostels in Porto.
Updated April 2024
Porto might just be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with a range of world-class attractions, UNESCO world heritage-listed quarters, and exceptional food & wine options (Port, anyone?!).
Charming, colourful, and beautifully authentic; it’s a city made for explorers, weekend visitors, backpackers and photographers alike.
From every angle, in every light, Porto is achingly beautiful.
Beyond the obvious beauty, Porto is blessed with some of the most beautiful, charming and unique accommodation options in Europe. As a result, choosing where to stay in Porto can be a tough ask.
That’s where this guide comes in handy.
We’ve reviewed some of the best hotels, apartments, boutique hotels, and hostels in the city to help you find accommodation that’s right for you, based on budgets and travel styles.
We’ve also included an overview of the districts you should stay in, based on our own experiences.
In short, our curated guide on where to stay in Porto is everything you need to book the accommodation of your dreams, in the city of dreams.
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PORTO
HOTELS
&
HOSTELS GUIDE
Here’s our TL:DR list of the best hotels and hostels in Porto
OUR TOP PICK | Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments
BEST VALUE | Rosa Et Al Townhouse
BOUTIQUE BEAUTY | Malmerendas boutique hotel
BEST HOSTEL | Gallery Hostel
OUR PORTO POCKET GUIDE
Our Porto City Guide is a curated travel guide, designed to be downloaded to your phone and used as your trusty companion when exploring the city.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find our recommendations on the best things to see, eat and drink, places to stay, and things to know, gathered over many trips to the city.
BUY NOW | Porto City Guide
THE BEST AREAS TO STAY IN PORTO
The beauty of travelling in Porto is that its historic and general tourist areas are quite compact and close together, which means most things are only a stroll away and less time wasted sitting on public transport.
And yet, despite its smaller centre, the neighbourhoods in Porto are diverse and fascinating, each bringing something unique to your visit.
Here's some info on where to stay in Porto to get you started:
BAIXA / SÉ | BEST FOR FIRST TIMERS
Where we chose to stay during our time in Porto, and where most first-time visitors will spend most of their time, the Baixa and Sé areas are home to bustling streets, neoclassical buildings, and many of Porto’s major attractions.
The benefit of staying in Baixa is that you’re within walking distance of some of Porto’s best things to do, including Avenida dos Aliados (walking avenue), Mercado do Bolhão, Church of Saint Ildefonso, the famous tiled facade of Igreja do Carmo, Majestic Cafe, Rua Santa Catarina, Palácio do Bolsa, and so many more.
The gorgeous São Bento railway station, famous for its tile-adorned walls, is just a short walk (and also the perfect place to enjoy a day trip from Porto), as is the uber-famous Livrario Lello bookstore, while the vertiginous Torre dos Clérigos offers stunning city views, especially at sunset (booking your entrance ticket here).
In addition to all the major attractions, the culinary scene in Baixa is exceptional. Celebrating Portuguese and international cuisines, expect traditional Portuguese taverns offering local classics (like francesinha and bacalhau) to modern bars and cafes where you can enjoy a glass of Port wine. The highlight is of course the recently renovated Mercado do Bolhão, the much-loved city market which offers market stalls and pop-ups that showcase local food and produce, as well as our favourite pastel de nata on the planet, Confeitaria do Bolhão.
But the best part of central Porto is the pedestrianised avenues, such as Rua das Flores, Avenida dos Aliados, which are lined with shops, cafes, historic buildings and street performers. And If you like a party, Rua da Galeria de Paris is home to the best bars and clubs in town.
Nearby hotels we recommend: Torel Palace, Casa da Companhia, Torel 1884
RIBEIRA | BEST FOR CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Home to rows of colourful houses and riverfront views, Ribeira is the most iconic area of Porto, and during our visit to Porto, wandering its cute cobblestone streets was our favourite thing to do.
Choosing to stay in Ribeira will place you directly in the heart of Porto's UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by medieval architecture, narrow, winding streets, incredible viewpoints, and some of the city’s most famous attractions, but if you don't like crowds (or noise), another area might suit better.
Cais de Ribeira is the famed riverfront promenade where traditional Rabelo boat cruises, which offer the best views of the city and its famous bridges, depart from; they often sell out, so book your ticket ahead of time. It’s also one of the best places to sit back and enjoy a sangria in the sun while watching street performers and drinking in the view of Dom Luís I Bridge.
Nearby are the popular São Francisco Church, Palácio da Bolsa, while the Casa do Infante-Museum (Porto City history museum) is worth a look.
Ribeira's dining scene is as authentic as it gets, with a plethora of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Portuguese cuisine against the backdrop of the river - our favourite is Adega São Nicolau (try their fried octopus rice + Vinho do Porto).
Staying in Ribeira means experiencing Porto in its most authentic form, so if you can afford it, we suggest basing yourself here.
Nearby hotels we recommend: Exmo. Hotel, Rio da Vila
VILA NOVA DE GAIA | BEST FOR PORT & WINE TASTING
Lining the river Douro on the south side, Vila Nova de Gaia (or simply, Gaia) is where all the most famous port houses have their cellars built into the hillside. Technically, Vila Nova de Gaia is a separate city from Porto, but it's easily accessible in a couple of minutes via the Dom Luis I Bridge.
Choosing to stay in Gaia means having the best of both worlds: easy access to the hustle and bustle of Porto's city centre via the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and the scenic beauty of the Douro River's south bank. Plus wine. Lots of wine.
Gaia is famed for its port wine cellars, where you can learn about the production of Portugal's most famous export and sample various types of port in historic lodges that have been operating for centuries, including Sandeman and Graham’s. It's also home to Sierra Do Pilar, a 16th-century monastery now used by the army, which offers epic 360* views of Porto and the River Douro.
Gaia's riverfront (Cais de Gaia), is a vibrant promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes, where you can enjoy local seafood and wine while overlooking the Douro. This area becomes lively in the evening but offers a more laid-back experience to the bustling streets of Porto.
Accommodation options in Gaia range from luxury hotels and boutique lodges nestled among the port wine cellars to cozy, family-run guesthouses - many of which offer stunning views over the river towards Porto. There are, however, far fewer options than on the North side of the river, so you’ll have to want to stay here to make it worthwhile.
The benefits of staying here are easy access to copious amounts of port, obviously, but also beautiful views of the river, and back to Porto itself.
Nearby hotels we recommend: The Yeatman, Oh! Porto Apartments, House of Sandeman
CEDOFEITA | ART, CULTURE & HIPSTER AREA
Cedofeita, particularly the cosmopolitan Rua de Miguel Bombarda area, represents a more bohemian and artsy facet of Porto (read: hipster), offering a blend of contemporary art galleries and independent boutiques.
Set within the larger Cedofeita district, the area is home to the makers and creators and has recently emerged hub for culture, fashion, and gastronomy, appealing to those looking to escape the more tourist-centric areas of Porto.
Choosing to stay in Cedofeita, with a focus on the Bombarda sector, will immerse you in a neighbourhood celebrated for its innovation and youthful energy. The accommodation options in Cedofeita range from modern apartments and boutique guesthouses to charming traditional homes, offering a quieter stay compared to the bustling downtown areas.
But where Cedofeita comes alive is in its dining & bar scene. Diverse restaurants sit alongside hipster bars making the area hard to resist for those in the know - in particular, Epoca, which serves excellent coffee and brunch, and Espiga, a gallery-cum-restaurant.
On our next visit to Porto, we’re staying here.
Nearby hotels we recommend: Rosa Et Al, Torel Avantgarde, Predicados do Douro Palace
READ MORE | 16 amazing things to do in Porto
WHERE TO STAY IN PORTO | LUXURY HOTELS
TOREL AVANTGARDE
Staying at the Torel Avantgarde is a sumptuous feast for the senses, evocative of an art gallery from the 1930s and 40s and mere minutes from Porto’s eclectic centre.
Each of the 31 rooms and 18 suites is named (and decorated) in homage to artists who transformed their craft, from Hitchcock to Hemingway, Da Vinci to Dalí.
If you can tear yourself away from the elegantly unconventional styling, head upstairs to Digby, where you can delight in modern Portuguese cuisine backdropped by the meandering Douro.
THE DETAILS
Where | 336 Rua da Restauração, Porto
Amenities | Rooms, suites, wellness centre and spa, restaurant, bar, tearoom
Price per night | €227 to €794
Tips | Book afternoon tea in the Flower Room between 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm for a special treat
Book | Torel Avantgarde
PESTANA PALACIO DO FREIXO
Set on the banks of the Douro, a short taxi ride out of town, Pestana Palácio do Freixo blends irresistible 18th-century charm with 21st-century comfort.
Picture historic arches flooding the room with golden sunlight, and designer furniture evoking the colourful complexities of Porto’s most quaffable attraction, port wine.
All that, surrounded by 10,000 square metres of tranquil terraced gardens and an infinity pool overlooking the gently meandering river. If heaven has a heritage-listed Baroque hotel, this is it.
THE DETAILS
Where | Estrada Nacional 108, Porto
Amenities | Rooms, suites, infinity pool, Turkish bath, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna
Price per night | €227 to €794
Tips | Organise a tour through the hotel to taste Porto’s world-famous port wine at local cellars
TOREL PALACE PORTO
Torel Palace embodies everything we love about a trip to Porto.
Lush greenery dangles over pastel walls by the pool, while warm spaces invite you inside to unwind and discover local flavours.
Built in 1861 and now one of central Porto’s most charming luxury hotels, thoughtful renovations give the building’s original splendour a five-star facelift with 24 rooms paying homage to local writers.
Like much of Porto, Torel Palace manages to balance quirkiness and elegance, with an undercurrent of character captivating your imagination.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua de Entreparedes 40, Porto
Amenities | Rooms and suites, wellness suite, on-site restaurant and bar
Price per night | €237 to €541
Tips | At Bar Blind, celebrated Portuguese chef Vitor Matos serves up tastes of his childhood with a modern twist
Book | Torel Palace
VILA FOZ HOTEL & SPA
We’re all about soaking up those sea views whenever we get to Portugal.
Part luxury hotel, part beach escape, and part spa retreat, Vila Foz is situated just west of Porto on golden sands fronting an endless ocean horizon.
With 68 rooms appointed in five-star comfort, plus plenty of indulgent amenities to unwind after a day exploring Porto, time has a way of slowing down at Vila Foz.
THE DETAILS
Where | 36 Avenida de Montevideu, Porto
Amenities | Sea view, wellness and spa, restaurant, tours and experiences
Price per night | From €271
Tips | Organise a picnic basket through the hotel to enjoy a dreamy afternoon in Porto’s city park
Book | Vila Foz
CASA DA COMPANHIA
Nestled in the prestigious Rua das Flores (Flowers Street) in the historic heart of Oporto (Porto), Casa da Companhia (company house, or house of companionship depending on your translation) requires little explanation.
Seriously, it’s no wonder Casa da Companhia is one of Porto’s most popular new luxury hotels.
Forty spacious rooms, natural materials, abundant sunlight, rooftop pool with views to Porto’s famous Sé Cathedral – can we live here forever, please?
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua das Flores 69, Porto
Amenities | Rooms and suites, restaurant, bar, spa and pool, gym, Turkish bath, city views
Price per night | From €200
Tips | Dissolve your tension with a massage, workout or dip in the indoor pool
Book | Casa da Companhia
BEST MID-RANGE HOTELS IN PORTO
D'AUTOR APARTMENTS ALEGERIA
Porto is bursting with the holidaymaker’s holy trinity of comfort, culture and character. D’Autor Apartments, in the central neighbourhood of Alegria, just a short stroll from the famous Clerigos Tower, has all three in abundance.
Incorporating the city’s DNA into 20 artfully designed apartments, D’Autor is everything you want in a city break apartment.
Central location, check. Ridiculously comfortable beds, check. Interior design straight from a catalogue and the city’s best landmarks on your doorstep, check and check.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua da Alegria 171, Porto
Amenities | Close to public transport, city centre,
Price per night | €184 to €471
Tips | Capela das Almas just around the corner is one of the best azulejo displays in Porto
Book | D’Autor Apartments
EXMO. HOTEL
A few steps from the waterfront in the very centre of Porto, Exmo. Hotel is a laidback mid-range hotel with little touches that make you feel at home among the vibrance of central Porto.
If there’s one word we can use to sum up Exmo. it would be “harmony”. Think stone walls and Scandi furniture; sunlit penthouses and cosy double rooms; the city on your doorstep with tranquillity inside.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 55-61, Porto
Amenities | Breakfast, city views, rooms, penthouse suites
Price per night | €196 to € 375
Tips | Stroll across the nearby bridge linking Porto and Gaia to learn, taste and explore the city’s port cellars
Book |Exmo. Hotel
RIO DA VILA
Everywhere you turn from Rio da Vila, you’ll find Porto’s best sights, tastes and experiences within a very short distance.
The guesthouse makes excellent use of an iconic building in downtown Porto, with 8 comfy rooms and a wine bar on the ground floor.
Staying at Rio da Vila means waking up in the heart of Porto, less than 100 metres from the famous Ferreira Borges Market, now home to a restaurant and nightclub (and a terrace bar with one of the best Porto Tonico cocktails in town).
THE DETAILS
Where | 80 Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira, Porto
Amenities | 8 rooms, breakfast, restaurant downstairs, tour bookings
Price per night | €124 to €174
Tips | Rio da Vila is a short walk from São Bento train station, where you can gawk at incredible azulejo or take a train to explore Portugal
Book |Rio da Vila
TOREL 1884 PORTO
Our favourite staircase in Porto is inside Livraria Lello. But the sweeping palatial stairs inside Torel 1884 come a very close second.
The mid-range hotel option in the suite of Torel properties (alongside Torel Avantgarde and Torel Palace), Torel 1884 offers a world of discoveries in 23 rooms, suites and apartments.
Anyone with an adventurous spirit will feel at home in the property’s rooms, each named for discoveries that shaped modern Portugal.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira 228, Porto
Amenities | Rooms, suites and apartments, bistro, wine bar, tour bookings.
Price per night | From €174 to €509
Book | Torel 1884
PREDICADOS DO DOURO PALACE
One of our favourite Porto guesthouses is nestled in an unassuming building across the road from the Gardens of the Crystal Palace, a delightfully sprawling park complete with resident peacocks and river views.
With 8 rooms of varying sizes, Predicados do Douro Palace is a cosy home-away-from-home for couples, families, business travellers and wanderers looking for a place to rest (that’s us to a T).
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua de Dom Manuel II 246, Porto
Amenities | Studios & standard rooms, Bar, Airport shuttle, Travel sustainable property
Price per night | From €157
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN PORTO
ROSA ET AL TOWNHOUSE
Rosa Et Al is not your typical boutique hotel – and that’s why we’re so enamoured with this little guesthouse/deli/restaurant/exhibition space in the artists’ district of Cedofeita.
There are only 7 private suites, all designed by architect and co-owner Emanuel de Sousa, and you better believe they regularly book out.
Rosa Et Al is all about the simple things done well. Natural materials, warm light, wooden features and tasteful retro touches are a total delight for the senses.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua do Rosario 233, Porto
Amenities | Suites, Garden, Private library, Airport shuttle, Travel sustainable property
Price per night | From €261
Book |Rosa Et Al
OCA FLORES HOTEL BOUTIQUE
Housed in an 18th-century heritage building between São Bento train station and the Sé Cathedral, a few minutes’ walk from Clerigos Tower and Livraria Lello, Oca Flores Hotel exudes the elegance you’d expect from such a historic location.
The building’s exterior is stunning and the rooms are definitely comfortable, even if some of the décor looks a tad dated compared to Porto’s more quirky offerings.
Still, you can’t go wrong with the location!
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua das Flores, 139, Porto
Amenities | Bar, Wellness centre, Room service
Price per night | From €214
Book |Oca Flores Hotel
APARTHOTEL OPORTO ANSELMO
The range of rooms at Aparthotel Oporto Anselmo is decidedly modern. Still, there are touches of the quintessential Porto vibrance if you know to look for it.
In a way, the boutique hotel-style apartments, which range from 50m2 singles to 115m2 deluxe doubles, embody how Portuguese design is modernising.
Every detail is carefully chosen for comfort and convenience. Inside, that means big bedrooms and trendy furniture; outside, the spacious garden and pool are incredibly inviting, especially considering the central Porto location.
THE DETAILS
Where | 163 Rua de Anselmo Braancamp, Porto
Amenities | Continental breakfast, Kitchenette, Garden with sun terrace
Price per night | From €140
MY STORY APARTMENTS
Porto is chock-full of stories and storytellers.
Many of those stories are set along Rua Santa Catarina, in the beating heart of downtown Porto, and the place to watch is from your balcony at My Story Apartments.
There are quirky little touches in each of the 12 rooms that reminded us to pay attention and soak in Porto’s tales.
Some are decidedly mid-century, others ultra-modern, all of them making for a fun stay in the city centre.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua de Santa Catarina nº200, Porto
Amenities | Apartments, Kitchenette, A/C, Travel sustainable property
Price per night | From €140
Book | My Story Apartments
MALMERENDAS BOUTIQUE LODGING
If you want to experience what life was like for the Portuguese bourgeoisie in the 19th century, then this, friends, is the place to do it.
Malmerendas boutique hotel in Porto’s bougie Bolhão neighbourhood feels like a winery on the ground floor and a Frank Lloyd Wright building upstairs. The building was renovated in 2015, although traces of its history still exist in the 6 charming rooms and ground-floor common area.
Every detail is almost obnoxiously beautiful, and we want to move in ASAP.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua Dr Alves da Veiga 186, Porto
Amenities | Suites, Airport shuttle, Library, Terrace
Price per night | From €160
BEST HOSTELS IN PORTO
THE HOUSE OF SANDEMAN
Just across the Dom Luís I Bridge from Porto is Gaia (Porto + Gaia = Portugal), home to the city’s world-famous port wine cellars.
It’s not where you might expect to find one of Porto’s best hostels, but here we are, at the House of Sandeman!
The upscale dorm rooms feature custom king-sized single beds shaped like port barrels, plus there are 12 private rooms (9 with river views), a guest lounge, kitchen, and daily breakfast that earns rave reviews from budget travellers.
THE DETAILS
Where | Largo Miguel Bombarda Nº3, Porto
Amenities | Suites, Dorms, Complimentary breakfast & bath towel, Traveller bar
Price per night | From €20
Tips | Book in advance
Book | House of Sandeman
GALLERY HOSTEL PORTO
You can’t get much more Porto than a combination art gallery and boutique hostel in a restored 19th-century building clad in blue tiles.
Gallery Hostel is one for art and music lovers. The space is filled with art and artfully decorated, although it’s clear the designers were travellers as well as artists.
Backpackers will appreciate little details like comfy beds with power and a reading light, nightly Portuguese dinners, a summer terrace, a winter garden and a common room to meet fellow travellers.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua Miguel Bombarda, 222, Porto
Amenities | Dorms & Rooms, Summer terrace and winter garden, Art-filled walls, Weekly events
Price per night | From €25
Tips | This popular hostel must be booked well in advance
Book |Gallery Hostel
NICE WAY PORTO
Nice Way is the kind of hostel where you’ll meet friendly souls from all over the world to continue your travels through Portugal.
Considering the hostel’s comfy and well-appointed beds and its location just behind São Bento train station in the city centre, Nice Way is excellent value.
What truly makes it one of Porto’s best hostels is the staff. They are walking encyclopaedias of Porto and all too happy to exchange tourist tips (if you ask nicely).
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua Sampaio Bruno, n. 12 - 3rd Floor, Porto
Amenities | Dorms, Private ensuites, Bar, Happy hour
Price per night | From €20
Book |Nice Way
SELINA PORTO
Like the city of Porto surrounding it, Selina is an eclectic mix of experiences, textures, and sights for excitable travellers.
The beds are comfy, although some dorms are on the small side for a boutique hostel. The hostel also shares space with a public bar, so things can get a little noisy on busy nights.
But if you’re anything like us, after spending the day exploring Porto, you will look forward to drawing the curtain across your bunk bed and getting a night of good sleep so you can do it again tomorrow.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua Das Oliveiras, n.61-65, Porto
Amenities | Suite,s, Dorms, Summer garden/terrace, Yoga and wellness classes, sustainable ethos
Price per night | From €30
Book |Selina
URBAN GARDEN PORTO CENTRAL HOSTEL
Urban Garden has that “settled in” feeling that can make budget accommodation feel like home. The staff are sociable, and the large kitchen is a great place to meet new people.
But the garden is the real attraction. Swing in a hammock, bask in the sun, cook up a communal BBQ or just relax in the shade of thick bougainvillaea and spreading trees.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rua da Alegria, 291, Porto
Amenities | Rooms, Apartments and Bed pods, Garden terrace, kitchen
Price per night | From €24
Book |Urban Garden
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO PORTO
UNDERSTANDING THE PORTO TOURIST TAX
Something to keep in mind when find where to stay in Porto is that the city charges a tourist tax for each night stayed.
These taxes go towards funding tourism infrastructure within the municipality and while some might not agree, we think it’s a great way of managing over tourism and ensuring infrastructure is maintained.
These taxes are defined by the municipality, which in Porto’s case, is €2 per person per night, up to seven nights.
In addition, those with a disability of 60% or more are also exempt from payment, provided they present a document proving their disability.
The tax is usually included in your final booking price, however, it does depend on each accommodation. In some cases, you may have to pay separately (mostly at check out). Check when booking, or with your accommodation provider.
THE PORTO CARD | A PORTO CITY BREAK ESSENTIAL
If you plan to cover most of the key Porto highlights during your visit to the city, we absolutely recommend you purchase a Porto Card.
Choose between 1,2,3, or 4-day cards, which get you free public transport and access to 6 museums, plus up to 50% discount (and some skip-the-line priority) at the majority of Porto’s major attractions, including the Igreja E Torre Dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower) and Palácio Da Bolsa, and some restaurants.
It’s entirely worth it for those keen to see as much of the city as possible!
BUY | Purchase your Porto Card here
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN PORTO?
Porto is a city you could stay in for the rest of your life and still be happy, such is its splendour.
Sadly, this isn’t the reality for most travellers.
We recommend spending 2-3 nights in Porto, as it makes for the perfect weekend getaway.
Here’s our selection of the best day tours in, and from Porto, to make the most of your time in the city.
READ | The best day trips from Porto
HOW TO GET TO PORTO
If you're coming from Europe, getting to Porto easily (and on a budget!) is a dream.
BY AIR
Porto is a major hub for northern Portugal, which means it's really well-serviced by various international airlines. If you're coming from Europe, the easiest, and cheapest, option is to book a budget flight on Transavia, Air Berlin, EasyJet (we flew EasyJet from London), Ryanair, or TAP (Portugal's low-cost airline) to Porto's main airport.
If you're coming from outside Europe, you'll likely need to connect in another major hub, but the transit time is worth it, we promise.
There are regular metro and bus services connecting Porto airport to the city, and we found it to be a totally seamless, and efficient system!
TRAIN
If you're already in Portugal - in Lisbon, Faro, Coimbra or Braga to be exact - you can take a high-speed train to Porto called the Alfa Pendular.
These services run every day and take about 2:45-3 hours normally. There's also free wifi on board. You'll need to reserve your seat ahead of time, which you can do on the Comboios de Portugal page.
There are also slower intercity trains between Lisbon and Porto, which run about once every hour. Trains will arrive at Campanhã Train Station, and from there it's a short metro ride to São Bento (or any other local metro station you want).
BUS
It is possible to travel to Porto from other city hubs in Portugal and surrounding countries; however as there's no one main bus line servicing all areas, it can be a little confusing to work out the routes.
We'd recommend checking in with a local tourist office for the best way to navigate around via the bus network.
HOW TO GET AROUND PORTO
Porto is an extremely easy city to navigate on foot, and a lot of its magic is found in exploring the quiet corners and local neighbourhoods.
That said, the distances between tourist spots can be large, so it's worth checking out the 'Porto Card' which gives you access to the public transport system, over 170 discounts and benefits and free access to 11 museums (and a free visit to a port wine cellar!) for between 1-4 days.
BOOK | Book your Porto card on GetYourGuide from £11 now
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR PORTO
Overwhelmingly, we’ve found the country to be extremely safe and friendly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues with petty theft or personal safety at times.
You absolutely need to have travel insurance that ensures you and your belongings are protected here.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
* The Common Wanderer readers 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
READ THESE POSTS BEFORE VISITING PORTO!
PORTO GUIDES | A 48 hour guide to Porto, A guide to Livraria Lello Bookstore, The Best Airbnbs in Porto, The best day tours in, and from Porto
PORTUGAL GUIDES | The best things to do in Aveiro, How to visit the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world?
Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR PORTO TRIP WITH THESE TRAVEL GUIDES
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