Porto is best known for its beautiful setting along the Douro River and the famous Port wines.
A very convenient city for visitors, Porto has a walkable Old Center that is easily navigable by foot. The inexpensive public transportation system makes it easy to reach all the main attractions.
You will not want to miss visiting the wine cellars and tasting the local gastronomy while sightseeing around this Unesco Historical Center.
As you plan for your own food quest to explore the local flavors, you will want to know where to stay in Porto for food.
If you are looking for the best places to stay in Porto for food lovers, here are our recommendations based on location, neighborhoods and the local food scene.
Porto City Center
Porto City Center is the best area to stay for the first time visitors. Although not as affordable as other areas, you will find all the major sights within walking distance.
This is the best area to stay in Porto to take advantage of the many cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and the main farmer market.
Read more about the Top 10 Authentic Foods to have in Porto
Praca da Libertad in Porto City CenterVila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is located across Porto city on the other side of the Douro River. It is the “home base” of the Port cellars in Porto and easily accessible with the tramway as well as the bus system.
If your visit to Porto is focused on exploring Port wines and visiting many Port cellars, this is the best place to stay in Porto.
Read more about Port Tasting in Porto
Stunning views of Porto from the Port cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia Local Porto Neighborhoods
Beyond Porto City Center and Vila Nova de Gaia, you may want to consider staying in a local neighborhood.
These are some of the best areas to stay in Porto for a local experience and they are all accessible via public transportation.
Here are a few local neighborhoods to consider for where to stay in Porto.
Near the second train station named Campanha, you have a local neighborhood easily reachable by public transportation.
By the Marques Square, you will find a lively local scene still within proximity to the city center by metro.
Finally, near Estádio do Dragão the famous stadium where the soccer team FC Porto plays, you will be sure to get into the local culture each game night.
These neighborhoods will have a more local feel and they offer affordable accommodation options.
If you are comfortable taking local transportation or shared car services like Uber, these local neighborhoods are some of the best areas to stay in Porto for affordable options with a local flavor.
Dragao Stadium in PortoAuthentic Food Quest Tip: To explore the city and make the most of your visit to Porto, we recommend getting a Porto Card. A Porto Card is an official city pass that offers benefits and discounts for over 170 attractions and cultural sites in Porto and the region.
Read more about how to make the best of your Porto visit with the Porto Card.
Where to Stay in Porto City Center for Food Lovers
In the Porto City Center area, we recommend the following hotels and accommodations for the best places to stay in the Porto City Center for food lovers.
Cafes and restaurants on the Ribeira in PortoPorto White City Lofts
If you are looking for “a home away” with access to your own kitchen, book your stay in a spacious modern loft-like apartment.
Porto White City Lofts are located within walking distance of the historic Bolhão market.
You’ll also enjoy access to numerous restaurants and other gastronomy options that are within walking distance.
Prices start at $100 for an apartment
Book Your Stay on Booking | See the reviews on Trip Advisor
Casa Carolina
This renovated guesthouse is the former residence of prominent scholar and writer Carolina Michaelis, the first female professor of Portugal’s prestigious University of Coimbra in the 1900s.
The building features typical Portuguese design architecture, including a central staircase, skylight and Juliet balconies overlooking, Rua de Cedofeita, a pedestrian shopping street.
One of the highlights of Casa Carolina guesthouse is the breakfast. Follow the smell of freshly baked breads to the garden.
Find a wide selection of local and seasonal produce including cherry tomatoes, olive oil and balls of butter and avocado. Fresh orange juice is squeezed on the spot.
Prices start at $145 for a double room with breakfast
Book Your Stay on Booking | See the reviews on Trip Advisor
Charm Palace Porto
For a luxury stay in Porto check out Charm Palace Porto, one of the most romantic buildings in the city which retains its charm from the early 1900s.
Conveniently located near Santa Catarina street and Bolhão Market, you are a stone throw away from Porto’s main shopping center and a typical market not to be missed.
Feel like royalty at this lovely boutique hotel with extremely helpful staff willing to go the extra mile for you.
Prices start at $200 for a standard suite
Authentic Food Quest Tip: To explore Porto city center and get an introduction to the local Porto food, we recommend taking a Porto food tour. On this half-day Porto food tour, you will taste a variety of local food and wine specialties. As you walk around Porto, you’ll learn about the history of the city and finish off with a local Portuguese sweet treat.
Where to Stay in Vila de Gaia for Food and Wine Lovers
Port wine and food lovers will love any of these accommodation recommendations in Vila de Gaia.
Newly opened Sanderman Hostels & SuitesThe House of Sandeman – Hostel & Suites
For a budget friendly place, we recommend the House of Sandeman.
One of the world’s first branded hostels, you’ll find it located within the historic building of Sandeman Port Wine Cellars. Dormitories and double room, some with private bathrooms are available.
This riverfront property also has a bar and restaurant which proposes live music on specific nights. A buffet is served for breakfast every morning.
One nice perk are the bicycles which are available for rent to easily reach the city center or the many Port cellars at your leisure.
Prices start at $84 for a double room with private bathroom
Book Your Stay on Booking | See the reviews on Trip Advisor
Oh! Porto Apartments
Ideally located on the riverfront, this modern apartment with a fully equipped kitchen offers wonderful views on the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge.
You will find several restaurants right next door on the promenade and various port cellars around. It is also very convenient to get to Porto City by crossing the nearby bridge.
One of the perks of Oh! Porto is you get quality hotel service as a hotel with delicious breakfast delivered every morning to your apartment.
Prices start at $92 for a studio apartment with breakfast included
Book Your Stay on Booking | See the reviews on Trip Advisor
The Yeatman – Luxury Stay
For a luxury stay in Vila de Gaia, look no further than the Yeatman. This wine hotel and luxury spa combines gastronomy with wellness.
The spa offer panoramic views over the Douro Valley and Porto. And, the 2-Michelin star restaurant serves excellent regional Portuguese cuisine and wines.
A stay at the Yeatman is the perfect place for a gastronomic experience at the doorstep of Porto port cellars.
Prices start at $400 for a standard suite
Where to Stay in Porto For a Local Experience
For local and budget friendly options, we recommend the following hotels and accommodations for where to stay in Porto for on a budget.
Inside the impressive FC Porto soccer stadiumMy Home in Porto Suites
Whenever we travel, we always use Airbnb and stay with locals to better understand the local food culture. This was the case in Porto, where we stayed at an Airbnb near the famous Porto soccer stadium.
We stayed at Aida & Francisco’s home, a couple from northern Portugal. Their spacious house comes with three bedrooms that are rented out to guests.
There is also a lovely suite with private bathroom.
The kitchen is well equipped with spices and you might want to cook a meal Plus, there is always something on the dining room table to savor and enjoy.
You can also enjoy the garden in the back of the house and have breakfast outdoors.
There are regular buses that go to Porto city center. The bus stop is located around the corner and it takes about 15 mins to get to the center of town.
You are also walking distance from the Dragao, the famous soccer stadium for the FC Porto Club. Campanha train station is about 15 mins walking downhill to go on any day trips from Porto.
If you decide to book this place of any other Airbnb place in Porto, click here for a $40 discount and get your first night free at Aida & Francisco’s home.
Prices start at $40 for the bedroom with the private bathroom.
Descobertas Boutique House
For a luxury stay at a mid range price, we recommend this boutique hotel within a beautiful classic Porto house.
A stone away from the Marquês Metro Station, you can reach the city center in minutes by foot or metro.
Local restaurants are available within walking distance. You can have your breakfast served in the garden near the outdoor swimming pool, if weather permits.
Descobertas Boutique House is a gem right in the middle of the city.
Prices start at $62 for a standard bedroom with breakfast
Book Your Stay on Booking | See the reviews on Trip Advisor
Castelo Santa Catarina
Have you ever stayed in a castle? For a luxury experience, check out this unique Castle with a Moorish style and beautiful gardens.
Located a few minutes from the Marquês Metro Station station, you can easily get to the city center by metro, bus or even walking leisurely.
The interior combines antique furniture and modern design. An amazing breakfast, with local dishes is served every morning.
Prices start at $77 for a standard bedroom with breakfast
Book Your Stay on Booking | See the reviews on Trip Advisor
In Summary
Porto has been recognized as the Best European Destination three times in the last 10 years and for good reason.
The city offers beautiful sights and historical venues as well as an amazing local food scene.
With these neighborhood recommendations and a list of accommodations, we want to give you a head start to plan your food quest in Porto.
For more accommodation options in the various neighborhoods, check out additional places of where to stay in Porto by browsing on booking.com
What is your favorite neighborhood and best place to stay in Porto? Please tell us in the comments below.
Savor the Adventure!
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Claire, ex-engineer, is a digital nomad and content creator at Authentic Food Quest. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, they travel the world in search of the best local food experiences. Their mission is to help you enjoy the best local specialties on your travels or via recipes in your home kitchen. Favorite country for food: Vietnam. Favorite local dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice. Favorite way to keep fit: Cycling. Claire is responsible for the website and the fun food & travel videos on Youtube. She is also co-author of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.
I visited Porto briefly going in and out on a river cruise. I toured around for 1/2 a day and very much want to go back. Thanks for doing all the research about where to stay while I am there. I am a foodie and will definitely appreciate all the work you have done!
Thanks Andi, and glad to here you also enjoyed your time in Porto. A river cruise is definitively a wonderful way to explore the Douro Valley. Hope you get back to northern Portugal soon. Cheers.
Haven’t been to Porto yet, even though I love Portugal thus far. So, this will come handy. 🙂 Love how the Oh! Porto Apartments offer hotel like breakfast, and that apartments have good view of the Douro River. It must be a great scenery to wake up to.
So glad you enjoyed the article, Danijela. It’s too bad you missed Porto on your previous travels to Portugal. It is definitively a city worth exploring. And yes, Oh! Porto is a great choice for the views and convenience. Thanks for stopping by.
Ooh, I’m planning on visiting Porto in November and I definitely qualify as a food lover! A luxury stay in Vila de Gaia sounds good to me
Perfect, Thomas. Please use this guide to help you have a wonderful time in Porto. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Cheers.
These are great tips for visiting Porto! I would love to take a food tour and try all of the local cuisine! xo – Kam
I haven’t been to Porto or Portugal, for that matter, but it’s on the list! I enjoyed reading your detailed article and these are some great photos of the place, and though I’ve never been there I feel like I am with your photography 🙂 I’m not really into Port wine, too sweet for me, but I’d take a few sips of it in Porto! Kudos for including some budget options for places to stay!
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed the article. Before visiting Porto we had the same impression about sweet wines. However, after visiting the region and seeing the variety of Port wines, we were quite impressed. There is more to Port wines and if you are in Portugal, it is worth a trip to discover these wines in Porto 🙂 Cheers.
I would love to visit Porto. This is a great list. The prices seem pretty good for the different areas too. I am def a food lover so this is even better.
Porto is a great city and quite affordable. Would highly recommend a trip especially if you are in Portugal. Hope you get a chance to visit soon. Cheers.
Porto looks like a cool city and where to eat is oober important! My and my hubby always prioritize where and what we are eating while on vacay! haha
If you do make it to Porto, keep this guide handy and you’ll have a delicious time. Thanks for stopping by.
One of my favorite parts of traveling, is trying the food. If we ar ever in the area, I’ll know where to go.
Great breakdown of each area and who it would appeal to, I’d pick by the stadium and hope to be able to catch a game.
Great local location. We didn’t make it to a game, but we did walk by after a game and it was so full of energy and a very exciting atmosphere. Lots of good food cooking loads of fun. Hope you make it to Porto soon. Cheers.
Amazing and IN DEPTH travel guide! Love it. Definitely on my wish list of places to visit.
You have summed up the neighbourhoods very well. I loved the roughness of the city, which is very unlike many of the clinically-perfect destinations in Europe. My fave part was the Ribieria. What about yours?
Thank you Punita. We stayed by the stadium and really liked that area. However, we did enjoy exploring the other local neighborhoods, including Ribeira. Cheers.
Posts like this are always so great for my travel planning. I love being able to know the different neighborhoods and choosing a place to stay based on food, attractions, etc. 🙂
Thank you, Katherine. So glad you enjoyed the article 🙂
Wow What a beautiful city! I really need to get out and travel more!
What a beautiful place to visit. You had me at port wine! I can’t wait to return to Portugal and go to Porto.
If you’ve already been to Portugal then a visit to Porto is a must on your next trip. Northern Portugal is amazing and worthy of spending time there. Hope you get back there soon.
Wow! So many recommendations but considering your itinerary visiting Porto will narrow down your choices! I’d want to wake up and seeing the port and ships, so I’d choose Vila Nova de Gaia for days. I’d also want to visit the oldest university so Casa Carolina would be a perfect choice! Food Tour is always a yes yes to me so I would also do it!! Porto on my list!
Awesome to hear Kate and glad you like the recommendations provided. Indeed, staying in Nova de Gaia is a great choice. The views are spectacular and it is also a little less crowded than Porto city. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers.