13 Best Hotels in Porto
While Lisbon remains a favorite weekend break destination, hot on its heels is Porto; a city home to some of Portugal’s best hotels, with culture aplenty, arguably the most beautiful train station in the world, and port tastings available at every wine bar on every corner. The Douro Valley, Portugal’s most famous wine region, is just a two-hour scenic train ride away, while the city itself is home to the vertigo-inducing Luís Bridge (yes, you can climb it), stunning street art and a gluttonous local dish, the francesinha sandwich.
Whether you’re looking for a quirky boutique hotel, or somewhere to relax with views of the Douro river, this is our selection of the best hotels in Porto, starting off with a few favorites.
- Best hotel in Porto for design lovers: Torel 1884
- Best hotel in Porto for views of the Douro: Torel Avantgarde
- Best hotel in Porto for a prime location: PortoBay Flores
- Best hotel in Porto for affordability: Tipografia Do Conto
- Most tranquil hotel in Porto: Pestana Palicio do Freixo
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Luís Ferraz1. Gran Cruz House
Best hotel in Porto for riverside dining
Overlooking the Douro River on the corner of one of the city’s oldest squares, this small design hotel is right in the thick of it. Inside, cooling ice cream colors welcome guests from the flurry outside—think pistachio-hued walls, mango-toned cushions, and a berry-red 17th-century facade. Seven boutique bedrooms are set across four floors, each inspired by a different Port Wine—the Pink room, for example, evokes hazy summer days, where bright colors and fun patterns give way to giant windows and a balcony looking out over the square. The restaurant, however, is this hotel’s crowning jewel. Inspired by Porto’s history and landscape, Casario is an ode to the city’s gastronomy and viniculture. Under the helm of Miguel Castro Silva, one of Portugal’s most famous chefs, the menu is uniquely split into cold dishes and hot dishes. Highlights include flaked bites of deep-fried skate with a hazelnut and celeriac puree and sea bass, pan-seared for extra crispy skin, served on a bed of creamy saffron rice—both of which I could have eaten endless servings of. —Olivia Morelli
Address: Praça da Ribeira - Viela do Buraco 19, Porto, 4050-132 Portugal
Price: Rooms from $148 per night
2. Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection
Best hotel in Porto for modern elegance
In the middle of Rua das Flores, one of Porto’s most iconic pedestrianized shopping streets, entering this hotel feels like you’ve stepped straight into the city’s ancient history. Built in the 16th century as a family home by Brás Brandão, a merchant nobleman, before becoming the headquarters of the Port company Real Companhia Velha. As a nod to the building’s past, staff host a bi-weekly tradition of ‘fire opening’ a bottle of Port for guests to learn more about the building’s history and the city’s port culture. The hotel’s design is a perfect blend of modern touches and traditional architecture; gold-panelled windows and mirrors feature in all of the rooms, paired with elegant minimalist furnishings and large marble bathrooms. Cathedral or garden rooms have the best views—depending on whether you prefer something tranquil or a lookout over the city. Stop by the spa for a slice of tranquillity, laze by the outdoor swimming pool with views of the cathedral, and be sure to drop into the hotel’s restaurant during your stay, where terra-cotta walls, backlit shelves of wine and fresh, local food welcome you. —Olivia MorelliAddress: Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection, R. das Flores 69, 4050-416 Porto
Price: Doubles from about $131 per night
Luís Ferrazhotel3. Torel 1884
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Hot List 2020Best hotel in Porto for design lovers
Breakfast here isn’t just breakfast; it’s proof of how brilliant Portuguese design is right now. Elegantly tapered knives and forks, jade-green ceramics holding quince jelly, a chalky-white espresso cup indented with abstract patterns—all handcrafted by family-run ateliers. The rest of the hotel takes a similar outlook. In the plant-lined entrance, clay faces grimace and grin down at guests—gods on one side, earthly mortals on the other—the work of sculptor João Pedro Rodrigues, alluding to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Paying impressionistic homage to that era, three floors of high-windowed bedrooms riff on Africa, the Americas, and Asia with tactile compositions of raffia, cane, silk, leafy greens and Atlantic blues, a roar of tiger print. All about are heavily textured paintings by Jorge Curval—a black-and-white portrait of a gentleman in mustache and bicorne hat; a thick-daubed woman smoking a paint brush. Climb to the top banister, peer down at the patterned tiles, and it feels like watching a Portuguese Downton Abbey. When it comes to the country’s post-millennium boom, Lisbon gets most of the column inches but Porto is just as exciting, and this is an apt poster child for the city’s revival. —Rick Jordan
Address: R. de Mouzinho da Silveira N 228, 4050-417 Porto, Portugal
Price: Doubles from about $142 per night
Luis Ferraz4. Torel Avantgarde
Best hotel in Porto for views of the Douro
If location is key, you’ll struggle to find better than Torel Avantgarde; a 60-room boutique hotel within walking distance of São Bento train station, Luís Bridge, and other local attractions, with arguably the best view of the Douro River in Porto. With an uninterrupted look out from the hotel’s outdoor pool, it feels like a slice of serenity even during a busy long weekend.
Each room at the hotel is themed differently around an artist, from Francis Bacon to Frida Kahlo, and as a result, you’re guaranteed a unique stay, even if you return. Our insider tip: If you can, book the Charlie Chaplin, Frida Kahlo, or Diego Rivera room for the biggest bathtub you’ve ever seen, with a stunning view out over the balcony. –Abigail Malbon
Address: Torel Avantgarde, Rua da Restauraçāo, 336, Porto, 4050-501
Price: Doubles from about $132 per night
Luís Ferraz5. Rosa et al Townhouse
Best hotel in Porto for creative types
A boutique hotel, spa, restaurant, deli…for a small property, Rosa et al has a lot of substance. Everything is aesthetic, from the claw-foot bathtubs in the rooms to hand-crocheted throws on the beds, while the courtyard garden is a peaceful place to take five.
Known locally as a cultural hub, residents come for the much-loved brunch and stay for the spa. There are just six rooms available, each designed differently but with a focus on aesthetics. Top tip: The Garden Pavillion is particularly beautiful. –Abigail Malbon
Address: Rosa et al Townhouse, Rua do Rosário, 233, Porto, 4050-524
Price: Doubles from about $105 per night
Luis Ferraz6. Torel Palace Porto
Best hotel in Porto for history buffs
There are three Torel properties in total in Porto, and the Palace is a beautifully-located slice of history in the city center. Dating back to 1886, the original palace was restored and reopened in 2020 with a focus on its original elegance—from the library in the entrance hall to the winding staircase and stunning skylight. There’s a feeling of grandeur throughout the hotel, with enough modern touches to suit everyone; particularly in rooms, which house giant mirrored-covered bathrooms.
The hotel’s restaurant, Blind, is a particular highlight. A tribute to Portuguese writer José Saramago's novel Blindness, the ‘Emotions’ menu consists of 8 or 10 courses, each inspired by childhood memories of chef Vítor Matos.
Address: Torel Palace Porto, Rua de Entreparedes N. 42, Porto, 4000-197
Price: Doubles from about $137 per night
Henrique Seruca7. PortoBay Flores
Best hotel in Porto for a prime location
Set in a 16th-century palace, the hotel has recently undergone a renovation but aims to retain much of its original detailing; from the wrought-iron balconies to original granite flooring in the entrance and tiles throughout. There are 66 rooms in total—55 in the new building and 11 in the old mansion—and top floor rooms offer a beautiful view of the city’s terra-cotta roofs.
Those who are new to Porto are likely to be impressed by the hotel’s location, with almost all of the main sights within walking distance.
Address: PortoBay Flores, Rua das Flores, 27, 4050-416, Porto
Price: Doubles from about $128 per night
8. Exmo Hotel
Best hotel in Porto for quirky touches
Porto’s pretty townhouses sit along the river, bringing classic Portuguese colors to the landscape. Among them is Exmo hotel, a standout building with a bright ochre exterior, home to 16 rooms over four floors—and while the building itself is traditional, the interior is anything but. Rooms feature unusual design details, from brightly-colored velvet armchairs resting against original stone walls to huge walk-in showers. Artworks and sculptures by local artists are on display throughout the hotel, and the bar pays homage to the building’s warehouse roots—the metal beams and industrial feel in the bar would be at home in a downtown New York location.
Address: Exmo Hotel, Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 55-61, 4050-297 Porto
Price: Doubles from about $124 per night
Courtesy The Yeatman Hotelhotel9. The Yeatman
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Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023Best hotel in Porto for wine lovers
The Yeatman’s star attraction is, undoubtedly, the decanter shaped pool and terrace that allows you to enjoy the view of Porto’s winding streets from the other side of the river. The hotel has six storys, but domineering tower block it is not; each floor is arranged on the banks of the Douro, giving guests a lookout no matter which room they stay in.
Those who visit Porto with a plan to enjoy as many wines as possible will love this property, which is heavily focused on the local tipple; images of vineyards decorate the walls, while there’s a cellar available to tour between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Be sure to check into the Michelin-starred restaurant while you’re there to enjoy the traditional flavors of Portugal. –Abigail Malbon
Address: The Yeatman, Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia
Price: Doubles from about $234 per night
10. The Artist
Best hotel in Porto for creatives
Unsurprisingly, art is the focus at this hotel, which focuses on its art college heritage as the theme. Around 150 artworks are on display throughout, and nosier guests will enjoy looking closer at student grades from as far back as the 1960s. Rooms are simple but spacious, but it’s the restaurant, A Escola’s, degustation menu that’s the real star of the show, thanks to the creative dishes on offer. Choose between five or seven dishes, all beautifully presented in keeping with the hotel’s theme of art. –Abigail Malbon
Address: The Artist, R. da Firmeza 49, 4000-228 Porto
Price: Doubles from about $148 per night
Luis Ferraz11. M.Ou.Co
Best hotel in Porto for music lovers
Opened in April 2022, this hotel is something new for Porto: a music-focused property with a 180-seated or 300-standing concert hall, a music library featuring 600 vinyls for guest use and even a music therapy room. But while there's a focus on music, the final result feels cool rather than gimmicky—think 1970s-inspired decor courtesy of exposed walls and vintage wooden furniture, with leather and rattan furniture (and the odd plant). By request, a complimentary record player, guitar, and keyboard can all be hired from reception to be used in the bedrooms, should you wish to flex your musical muscles during your stay.
Facilities at the hotel include a small pool, which becomes particularly busy in the warmer months—during high season, you'll struggle to secure a lounger. There's a bar serving lunch and drinks (cocktails are particularly good; the blueberry mojito comes highly recommended) while breakfast and supper are served in the hotel's restaurant. Guests are varied, with couples, families and, of course, musicians taking advantage of the affordable room rates.
The motto here is Stay, Listen, Play, but should you wish to explore there's plenty on your doorstep. Found in the up-and-coming cool neighborhood of Bonfim, this property isn't as central as many Porto hotels—but it's worth bearing in mind that the city is very small (it's a pleasant 20-minute walk to São Bento station, for example), so it's actually a great way to see a new side of Porto, particularly if it's not your first time in the city. –Abigail Malbon
Address: R. de Frei Heitor Pinto 65, 4300-252 Porto
Price: Rooms from $69
Courtesy Tipografia Do Conto/Jo&So12. Tipografia Do Conto
Best hotel in Porto for affordability
You'll find one of Europe's nicest affordable stays in a 19th century former workshop and warehouse in Porto. Originally used as a printing press, the history of the building is referenced throughout: in the bar, hundreds of independent titles are displayed; the ceilings are engraved with phrases by different artists; and the wooden façade in the courtyard resembles the drawers used for storing fonts. There are only 10 rooms, some face the courtyard, while others overlook the city. There’s no restaurant—breakfast is served in the green-tiled bar—but plenty of hot tables are nearby in the emerging Cedofeita area; try Namban and Early Cedofeita. One of the best things about it, however, is the secret garden with its swimming pool and a hammock strung at one end. It’s perfect for hanging out with a glass of port or Vinho Verde, surrounded only by the sound of birds and a rare moment of stillness in this otherwise happening neighborhood.
Courtesy Pestana Palicio do Freixo13. Pestana Palicio do Freixo
Best hotel in Porto for tranquillity
Those who have been to Porto before might not be quite so concerned about seeing the main tourist attractions; in which case the Pestana Palicio, located further down the river, is ideal. Classified in 1910 as a national monument, the restored Baroque-style palace and surrounding gardens are welcoming, with soaring indoor dining areas and spectacular open views of the river.
The hotel has 87 rooms in total, with superior rooms offering a river view. If you stay in summer, it’s a great time to make use of the outdoor pool or to grab a sundowner from the poolside bar. –Abigail Malbon
Address: Pestana Palicio do Freixo, Estrada Nacional 108, 4300-316 Campanhã , Porto
Price: Doubles from about $199 per nightThis article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
