The 81 best hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, tasting rooms, cafes, wineries, museums, markets, tours, neighborhoods, and things to do in Porto, Portugal.
See Also
There is far more to Portugal’s second city than Port wine alone. In addition to its colorful architecture and scenic riverfront, it bursts with contemporary creativity, with exciting new restaurants, hotels, and boutiques opening every week.
Table of Contents
Porto Hotels
Yes, there are some popular global hotel brands present here, but to truly appreciate Porto’s charms, it’s preferable to lodge at one of the city’s many independently owned hotels, mostly run by Portuguese proprietors.
1. Mo House • Ribeira • €
Charming, stylish guesthouse. The passion project of a local photographer, and filled with antiques and collectibles from everywhere. Views over the Douro River or the colorful houses on the tranquil street. • +351 919 169 507
2. Gran Cruz House • Ribeira • €€
Three major attractions: An ideal spot next to the river. Excellent cuisine and top wines from Portugal`s biggest Port exporter, Porto Cruz. Playful rooms reflecting the famous “lady in black” theme. • +351 227 662 270
3. Torel Avantgarde • Cedofeita • €€
Contemporary hotel drawing inspiration from the avant-garde artistic period of the 1940s. The 47 rooms are styled after influential figures of the era such as Coco Chanel and Marchel Duchamp. Situated a short distance from the old city center but worthwhile for the flower room, whose walls and ceiling are covered with simulated floral arrangements. – +351 220 110 082
4. Pestana Porto – A Brasileira • Baixa/Sé • €€
A contemporary hotel situated above a historic café located in the center of the city. It was here that over a century ago, a Portuguese trader first introduced strong Brazilian coffee to his compatriots. Indicators still remain prohibiting patrons from expectorating the bitter beverage onto the floor, but otherwise, everything is modern and relaxed. +351 210 417 160
5. Torel 1884 Apartments & Suites • Baixa/Sé • €€
Newly opened hotel in a lavish building just steps from Praça das Flores. Enormous, tall-ceilinged, uniquely designed rooms themed around Portuguese territorial discoveries. A sophisticated wine bar with shareable small plates downstairs. +351 226 001 783
6. Pestana Vintage Hotel • Ribeira • €€
Solid choice on the bank of the Douro River, right on the historic plaza of Praça da Ribeira. Constructed from 18 houses in the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the old city. Highly regarded steak restaurant and bar with innovative cocktails. • +351 223 402 300
7. Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace • Baixa/Sé • €€
New high-end hotel in the central Avenida dos Aliados. French ownership is evident in the architectural details and dining concepts. The head chef holds a Michelin star in his home country of France. Nice Art Deco and Art Nouveau touches. • +351 227 662 410
8. Pestana Palácio do Freixo • Freixo • €€
An actual palace renovated into a luxury hotel. It’s a bit farther away from the city center but worth it for the beautiful period details. • +351 225 311 000
9. Casa do Conto & Tipografia • Cedofeita • €
Friendly, unique guest house with a literary atmosphere. Situated in a 19th-century middle-class home, providing a strong residential feeling. Rooms have good natural lighting, and breakfast can be enjoyed in a pretty little garden. • +351 222 060 340
10. The Yeatman • Vila Nova de Gaia • €€€
Downside: Outside of the metropolis center, on the opposite bank of the river. Upsides: Fantastic scenery over the metropolis center, particularly from the pool, and proximity to the port wine tasting rooms of Vila Nova de Gaia. Owned by the household behind Taylor’s Port, it has an excellent wine program, and a 2-star Michelin restaurant. • +351 220 133 100
11. Flores Boutique Hotel & Spa • Baixa/Sé • €
Good central location with views over the Ciérigos Tower and the Sé Cathedral. It is within walking distance of most of the major points of interest and a metro station. It also has an excellent spa. • +351 222 013 478
12. Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel • Ribeira • €
This charming hotel is situated within a 19th century building that formerly operated as Europe’s oldest stationery shop. It contains 41 guest rooms. A nice Portuguese restaurant is located inside what used to be an art gallery. The hotel has a great location between Avenida dos Aliados and Ribeira. • +351 223 402 740
13. Casa Carolina • Cedofeita • €
Historic and elegant with lovely views from sunny terraces. Tasty homemade breakfast is served. • +351 912 053 039
14. Malmerendas Boutique Lodging • Santo Ildefonso • €
Four suites and two studios in a thoughtfully restored 19th-century building. Nice breakfast in a pretty dining room and courtyard garden. The wine bar has a good selection of port and table wines from the north of Portugal. • +351 925 617 444
15. InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas • Baixa/Sé • €€
Intercontinental is the only international luxury brand making a notable appearance in Porto. This hotel has a prime location, just steps from the famous São Bento train station. It occupies a historic palace. • +351 220 035 600.
Porto Restaurants
Eating and drinking could almost be considered national pastimes in Portugal, especially in the northern region. In Porto, you can find dining with Michelin stars as well as equally tasty traditional cuisine served in simple settings.
16. Minibar • Cedofeita • €€€
Trendy, lively hangout with very good cuisine from Portugal’s top chef, José Avillez. Menu is modest, consisting of shareable plates showcasing the chef’s most popular dishes from other restaurants. – +351 221 129 729
17. Pedro Lemos • Foz • €€€€
Worth a journey out to the upscale seaside suburb of Foz. Fits in with the neighborhood with Michelin-star cuisine from the namesake chef. Tasting menus with seasonal ingredients. • +351 220 115 986
18. Adega São Nicolau • Ribeira • €
Traditional dishes from the Porto region are served, such as tripe cooked in the local style, cod with cream sauce, roasted sardines, and seafood paella. Presentation is not a focus here, but the flavors are authentic. Grilled octopus is especially tasty. • +351 222 008 232
19. Café Santiago • Baixa/Sé • €
One of the most famous foods in Portugal is the Francesinha, an indulgent sandwich containing pork sausage, ham, roasted meat, cheese, a fried egg, and a rich white sauce. Served with fries. This establishment has been serving it since the 1930s. • +351 222 055 797
20. Puro 4050 • Baixa/Sé • €€
First proper mozzarella bar in Portugal. Carefully chosen ingredients—mozzarella, bocconcini, Italian chicory, and Parma DOP prosciutto—imported from Italy every few weeks. Mix and match cheese, meats, and veggies, or choose from their suggestions. • +351 222 011 852
21. Mito • Cedofeita • €€
International cuisine utilizes Portuguese ingredients. No traditional appetizers or main courses, but a menu divided into sections for cold dishes, hot ones, grilled ones, comfort food, and desserts. Of note: beef rib-eye aged for 40 days, and matcha French toast (for dessert) with bacon ice cream. • +351 222 081 059
22. Antiqvvm • Massarelos • €€€€
Excellent location in the stone arcades of a 19th-century estate within a leafy public park. Chef Vitor Matos has a well-deserved Michelin star. Ingredient-focused plates, like Wagyu beef with truffle, and sea bass with algae and saffron from the Azores. • +351 226 000 445
23. DOP • Baixa/Sé • €€€€
Another Michelin-starred fine-dining spot, focusing this time on what chef Rui Paula refers to as the food of memories. Dining room and service are informal; food is unfussy. Good vegetarian options. • +351 222 014 313
24. Casa de Chá da Boa Nova • Matosinhos • €€€€
Worth visiting for the magnificent panoramic views alone. Beachside locale. The menu is influenced in an unexpected way by the writings of Luís Camões (the “Shakespeare” of Portuguese literature). Multiple tasting menus are offered for various preferences. • +351 229 940 066
25. Mundo • Baixa/Sé • €€
A menu that tours various cultures around the globe. One receives the pun?) A sensual dining room, eye-catching murals, and vibrant atmosphere. A whole segment on the menu is dedicated to dishes that can be eaten using one`s hands. Numerous Asian flavors, from fried tandoori chicken with sriracha mayonnaise to marinated tuna with nuoc cham, peanut, lychee, and rice leaf. • +351 912 090 029
26. Euskalduna Studio • Baixa/Sé • €€€€
Intimate environment for fine gastronomy, with most guests seated at a counter watching chef Vasco Coelho Santos and his team at work, plus only two more tables. Name comes from Santos’s travels in the Basque region, which motivates his ever-changing, 10-course tasting menus. Beer pairings as well as wine pairings. • +351 935 335 301
27. Casario • Ribeira • €€
Not completely as homemade as the name advocates, this is still a area for pure Portuguese tastes. Chef Miguel Castro e Silva has been a pioneer of fine dining in Portugal, but this is down to earth. Outdoor seating by the stream. – +351 227 662 270
28. Almeja • Baixa/Sé • €€
Friendly “casual fine dining” venue in a historic grocery store, run by a young husband and wife duo. The name means “crave,” that’s the kind of fare they create with strictly Portuguese products. A la carte and tasting menus utilize ingredients from all over the country, such as cabeça de xara (hoghead cheese) from the Alentejo. • +351 222 038 120
29. Cafeína • Foz • €€€
Cosmopolitan atmosphere, plus Portuguese, French, and Italian influences. Just a block from the beach, so it makes sense that there’s an emphasis on seafood and fish. • +351 226 108 059
30. O Paparico • Antas • €€€€
Old-world, deeply Portuguese interior—stone walls, linen tablecloths—with cuisine to match. Think veal delicately prepared with wild mushrooms, or duck rice prepared in a time-honored style. Worth traveling to the northern area of town for the experience. • +351 225 400 548
31. Fava Tonka • Leça da Palmeira • €
Upscale vegetarian restaurant utilizing seasonal and organic ingredients. The ambiance exudes sophistication rather than novelty. Dishes highlight vegetables in their purest form, with no imitation meats. Wide options for vegans and those avoiding gluten. • +351 915 343 494
32. Tapisco • Baixa/Sé • €€
Second location of the more relaxed joint from two-star-Michelin chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, of Alma in Lisbon. A variety of small plates blending Spanish and Portuguese cuisines, all intended for sharing. Excellent assortment of vermouth. • +351 222 080 783.
Porto Shopping
For fashion in Porto, the city sets trends, with many independent designers demonstrating their creativity, concept shops, and incubation hubs. But at the same time, you can find heritage brands with decades of sustained success.
33. Fernandes, Mattos & Ca. • Cedofeita
A traditionally operated store since 1886. The space highlights stunning original cabinetry and staircase. Now it carries non-digital toys, home goods, and lighthearted apparel, all designed by independent Portuguese designers. – +351 222 005 568
34. Livraria Lello • Cedofeita
The best historic bookshop in Portugal—and the inspiration for Harry Potter’s library. Note that it’s popular and there’s an admission fee (ticket office up the street), so if all you’re after is the perfect Instagram photo, don’t bother. But the ticket price goes toward the purchase of a book, and there are many titles in English. • +351 222 002 037
35. The Feeting Room • Cedofeita
Leading destination for curated women’s, men’s, and home fashion and accessories from up-and-coming local designers. – +351 220 110 463
36. Claus Porto • Baixa/Sé
Over 130 years of history contribute to the soaps, colognes, hand creams, and scented candles available here. The exquisitely vintage packaging makes the products a wonderful gift for friends back home. Classy architecture too. • +351 917 215 855
37. A Vida Portuguesa • Cedofeita
Locals flock to this shop enamored by beautifully packaged goods they recall from their youth. Especially worthwhile for household items and souvenirs. • +351 222 022 105
38. Almada 13 • Cedofeto
A spot highlighting various homeware, clothing, accessories, and gifts from new Portuguese brands. • +351 224 216 002
39. Armazém • Ribeira
Super-happening spot for socializing and antiques. The inventory is more than browse-worthy, with everything from ceramic places to vintage automobiles. • +351 222 011 702
40. Say.MyNAME • Cedofeita
A Portuguese label rooted locally for sexy, cosmopolitan women’s fashion. Expect many graphic, black-and-white bold pieces at this boutique within Galerias Lumière. • +351 923 479 184
41. Fine & Candy • Fonte da Moura
Who said handwritten letters were obsolete? This trendy stationery shop makes a solid argument for conveying your sentiments the old-fashioned way. • +351 220 131 949
42. Scar.ID • Cedofeita
Creative and innovative fashion and design products from emerging Portuguese talent. Items include women`s and men`s clothing, jewelry, home goods, and skin care. Contact: +351 222 033 087
43. Hats & C.A.T.S. • Ribeira
Compact, colorful shop selling handcrafted hats of all origins and styles. • +351 936 968 369
44. Coração Alecrim • Cedofeita
Next, head back towards Mammoth Hot Springs and head south on Highway 89. There are two hikes in this area that I’d highly recommend, depending on what you’re up for.
Porto Bars
45. Galeria de Paris • Cedofeita
Fantastic decor, with light fixtures made from trumpets, trinkets filling the shelves, and a full-size Silverster doll holding a trumpet. Open from early morning (for coffee and food) until 3 am. • +351 222 016 218
46. Meridians & Parallels • Bonfim
Cozy newly opened bar holding a beverage list spanning three volumes, featuring over 1,000 drinks. Alcohol-free options available, and a “clinic department” providing remedies to ease the effects of overindulgence. Welcomes a convivial, international group. • +351 936 261 401
47. Casa do Livro • Cedofeita
A Porto staple. In business for decades as a bookshop, then eventually transformed into a classy, retro, old-school bar and café. Banquettes, amber lights, books on the shelves. Live music or DJs on some evenings. • +351 912 958 284
48. Pipa Velha • Cedofeita
One of the oldest pubs in the city, an establishment since 1981. Full of posters from live events 15 or 20 years ago, and the music continues from time to time today. Multigenerational crowd, with regulars from the ’80s mingling with folks young enough to be their children. • +351 222 082 025
49. Letraria Craft Beer Garden • Santa Catarina
Portugal was slow to enter the craft beer scene. Letraria was among the first small independent breweries aiming to change that. Indoor and outdoor areas. Twenty beers on tap—their own, other Portuguese breweries, and international selections. Snacks, sandwiches, and burgers. • +351 223 235 951
50. The Gin House • Cedofeita
Not surprisingly, gin is the specialty here, with over 100 labels available. Staff are knowledgeable. • +351 961 329 538
51. Bonaparte Downtown • Baixa/Sé
Dimmed lighting, eclectic decorations, tasty cocktails, like the original Bonaparte (which still exists) in the upscale suburb of Foz. A good place to start the evening. +351 220 962 852
52. The Royal Cocktail Club • Baixa/Sé
Hip barkeeps with ties and facial hair meticulously attend to classic and innovative cocktails. Sophisticated decor, complete with large marble bar, draws inspiration from old-time hideaways. • +351 222 059 123
53. Big Bad Bank Bar • Baixa/Sé
Not your average hotel bar. Creative cocktails and a cool atmosphere with locals and visitors. Upholstered armchairs and low tables give it a living area feel. • +351 227 662 342
54. Baixa Bar • Baixa/Sé
Stylish ornamentation, great DJs playing hits from the ’80s until currently, and customers from all eras. Eclectic vitality. The dance occasion lasts until 4 am, and it opens again at 6 am to offer coffee to a different clientele. – +351 222 015 855
55. Guindalense Futebol Clube • Baixa/Sé
Extremely vintage. No cocktails, no wine list, no gourmet snacks. Catering primarily to local soccer fans of a specific age, but a great place to find an authentic slice of Porto. The terrace offers a magnificent perspective over Dom Luís 1 bridge. • +351 222 034 246
Porto Tasting Rooms and Wine Bars
56. Espaço Porto Cruz • Vila Nova de Gaia
Multi-level, multi-concept venue from the makers of Porto Cruz. Wine boutique, educational spaces, tasting room, restaurant, and dramatic rooftop bar fittingly called Terrace Lounge 360°. +351 220 925 340
57. Prova Wine Food & Pleasure • Ribeira
Wine expert-run spot with an emphasis on creative pairings, though you can also just taste wines. Sometimes there’s a live jazz band. • +351 916 499 121
58. Capela Incomum • Cedofeita
The name means “uncommon chapel.” Indeed, it occupies a 16th-century chapel. A quiet atmosphere makes it suitable for couples or small groups. Nice selection of well-known and obscure wines, particularly from the Douro and Minho regions. • +351 222 011 849
59. Ferreira Cellars • Vila Nova de Gaia
One of the visually striking wine caves in Gaia, the Port-producing region of the city. Established in 1751 within an old convent. Guided tours incorporate sampling two glasses of wine. – +351 223 746 106
60. Sandeman Cellars • Vila Nova de Gaia
This place has a long history with Port. Visitors can choose from tours that introduce basic Port wines to experiences tasting aged versions from 10 to 40 years old.
61. Caves Churchill • Vila Nova de Gaia
This Port tasting room distinguishes itself with astonishing views overlooking the river. There are various options suited for differing interests and budgets. +351 223 703 641
62. Caves Taylor’s • Vila Nova de Gaia
One of the most touring and sampling tours from one of the world’s oldest Port makers. An updated museum explains Port history through audio guides in 12 languages. • +351 223 742 800
63. À Bolina Bar • Ribeira
Relaxed bar and terrace elevated above the Douro River. Not a tourist hotspot. Unique for pairing the wines with snacks from the northeastern Tras-os-Monts region of Portugal, including alheira sausage and cured meats. – +351 223 224 695
64. Arco das Verdades • Riberia
A pleasant surprise for us! It’s in the same place as the Tomba di Giulietta (Juliet’s Tomb, another underwhelming spot), but the museum piece contains many pretty incredible well-preserved frescoes.
65. Bartolomeu • Baixe/Sé
Wine is the primary focus at this sophisticated bistro. Small plates are intended to pair with the wine selections. One of the city’s best wine by the glass options. • +351 226 090 003
Porto Things to Do
66. Fundação de Serralves • Boavista
Contemporary artwork museum housing over 4,300 pieces in a building constructed by a notable Portuguese architect. Regular musical, dance, and performance art presentations; a cinema; and a historic park with gardens based on 19th century Victorian design. • +351 226 156 500
67. Presidential Train • Baixa/Sé
A sizable investment, though justified if one enjoys food, wine, and history. A full-day excursion aboard a beautifully restored train constructed in 1890 for king Dom Luís 1, departing from São Bento station, deep into the Douro Valley and back. Each weekend it operates, one of the country’s premier chefs (most with Michelin accolades) is on board readying an elaborate 4-course (or larger) menu.
68. Praia de Espinho • Espinho
This coastline around 12 miles south of the city is both attractive and easily accessible by train. Freezing water but rideable waves, surf schools, and boards and wetsuits available for rent. Numerous cafés and restaurants, many specializing in simply grilled fresh seafood.
69. Clérigos Tower • Baixa/Sé
Rising nearly 250 feet, this landmark dominates the city skyline. It`s part of an 18th-century building now containing a church and museum showcasing religious art from the 13th to 20th centuries. Guided tours are available including climbing the tower for panoramic views over the city.
70. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal • Cedofeito
Nineteenth-century gardens ranging from lush and wild to manicured and refined. Peacocks everywhere. River views. The palace itself presents an architectural peculiarity.
71. Palácio da Bolsa • Ribeira
Magnificent architecture in a former 19th-century palace that was once possibly the world’s most beautiful stock exchange. Guided tours last around 45 minutes and are conducted in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. • +351 223 399 000
72. Estação de São Bento • Baixa/Sé
Stunning Beaux-Arts railway station decorated with over 20,000 blue-and-white azulejos (Portuguese tiles), placed by artist Jorge Colaço from 1905 to 1916. These depict Portugal’s past, such as royalty, transportation, and wars.
73. World of Discoveries • Ribeira
Immersive museum and entertainment centre portraying the Portuguese “discoveries,” the study and following colonization of lands across the world. Guides act as though they’ve traveled through time from the 16th century. Family friendly. • +351 220 439 770
74. Casa da Música • Boavista
Rem Koolhaas designed this building to mark the year 2001, when Porto was chosen as a European Capital of Culture. Regular concerts and other musical performances of varying genres occur here, but it is worth visiting also for the architecture. Guided tours available. – +351 220 120 220
75. Mosteiro de Serra do Pilar • Vila Nova de Gaia
Location: The Rio. It’s west of the Strip and across the street from the newly renovated Palms, although it’s not an easy walk between the two resorts. Your best choice is a taxi or rideshare.
76. Sé do Porto • Baixa/Sé
Also known as the Portugal Cathedral, one of the city’s most prominent monuments and examples of Romanesque architecture. Situated so centrally that it will likely be walked by at some point—might as well go inside.
77. Dom Luís 1 Bridge • Ribeira
The one featured in all the photographs. It’s open to pedestrians and spans only about 560 feet, so walking across provides a great way to access Vila Nova de Gaia to sample some Port.
Neighborhoods
78. Ribeira
Porto`s most charming historic neighbourhood, designated a World Heritage Site. Buildings painted in vibrant hues, scenic perspectives, and relatively flat terrain. Adjacent to Baixa/Sé, Cedofeita, and the Douro River.
The most noteworthy options include: the Mo House hotel hotel, the Gran Cruz House hotel hotel, the Pestana Vintage Hotelhotel, the Porto A.S. 1829 Hotelhotel, the Adega São Nicolau (traditional food) restaurant, the Casario (modern Portuguese food) restaurant, the Armazém (antiques) shop, the Hats & C.A.T.S (hat shop) shop,Provarestaurant, the Arco das Verdades (wine bars) bar, the Palácio de Bolsa (former stock exchange) building
79. Baixa/Sé
The most vibrant section of the city center. Many of the city’s best hotels and restaurants are here, along with traditional architecture and hues. North of and uphill from Ribeira.
Highly esteemed: Pestana Porto – A Brasileira hotel • Torel 1884 Apartments & Suites • Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace hotel • Flores Village hotel • InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas hotel • Claus Porto (memorable soap) • Café Santiago (famous sandwiches) • Puro 4050 restaurant • DOP (Michelin-star dining) • Almeja (casual fine dining), Bonaparte Downtown • Baixa Bar (bars) • Estação de São Bento (train station)
Baixa/Sé is a short northward walk (5–10 minutes) from Ribeira.
80. Cedofeita
Calmer and quieter than the very center, this up-and-coming trendy neighborhood is full of concept shops, art galleries, and interesting bars. West of Baixa/Sé and not too hilly.
Best Options: Torel Avantgarde accomodation• Casa do Conto & Tipografia lodging• Casa Carolina hotel • Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (beautiful park) • Traditional shopping spots like Fernandes Mattos and Livraria Lello • New concept stores like Feeting Room and Scar.ID • Trendy bars like Galeria de Paris and Casa do Livro
Cedofeita is northwest of Ribeira. Walking distance (15–20 minutes).
81. Vila Nova de Gaia
The neighborhood on the south side of the Douro (technically its own city) features interesting Port caves and tasting rooms, as well as views back over Porto itself. Beyond that, it’s largely residential and has businesses of use to locals.
Top Recommendations: The Yeatman hotel and its 2-star restaurant • Espaço Porto Cruz and Caves Taylor’s (Port wine estates) • Mosteiro de Serra do Pilar (former monastery with panoramic views).
Vila Nova de Gaia is across the bridge from Ribeira. Walking distance (10–15 minutes.)
