Where to stay in Porto

In a city dominated by independent hotels, Porto offers a plethora of unique and interesting boutique places to stay. From converted warehouses and 19^th-century palaces to properties in and around the famous wine district, you’re never far from a sense of history and occasion in Portugal’s second city. And with visitor statistics on the up, Porto is seeing a growing number of new openings and renovations to keep up with its newfound popularity. Baixa, in the heart of the city, and Ribeira, by the River Douro, are two of the most obvious places to stay but, across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia is the centre of the historic wine trade, while neighbourhoods such as Bonfim are on the up.

M.Ou.Co

Discreetly tucked away on a quiet road in the trendy Bonfim neighbourhood, a brisk 20-minute walk east of the centre of Porto, M.Ou.Co occupies a former warehouse reimagined as a casually cool boutique hotel. Bonfim is perhaps the obvious place for such a venture; it was dubbed one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out, with the creative crowds drawn to the area’s elegant townhouses and charming, old-school spots to eat and drink.

M.Ou.Co ticks all the necessary design boxes for the resurgent neighbourhood. Concrete, dark wood, glass and natural light feature highly and, alongside vintage, mid-century furniture, there’s a distinctly analogue feel to the place. The music area has more than 600 vinyl records to play, with turntables in the rooms, and guitars are even available to practice on. 

The 62 rooms are minimal and stylish, their stripped-back nature reflecting the understated vibe of the hotel. The room rates are very reasonable, too. The ground-floor bar is distinctly retro-cool and casual — with DJs in the evenings — while the basement restaurant offers an impressive breakfast buffet as well as modern and traditional dishes such as brás-style cod. And complementing the music theme, there’s a 300-capacity live venue that hosts concerts, exhibitions and discussions. There’s also a small outdoor pool and terrace, both of which are ideal for the warmer months. From €111 (£93).

The Rebello

Housed in restored industrial buildings, The Rebello brings cool to the Vila Nova de Gaia riverbank overlooking the city centre. The 103-suite hotel offers uninterrupted views across the Douro River to the historic heart of Porto and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Mornings at the hotel begin with an abundant breakfast spread — made-to-order hot plates, pour-your-own mimosas and bite-sized pastéis de nata. Come evening, head to the rooftop bar, Bello, for inventive cocktails and sweeping views of the city. But the best part of the hotel is the serene, dimly lit pool and spa area clad in peachy terracotta walls, offering a tranquil escape after a day of urban exploring. From €220 (£185), B&B.

(Related: How to spend an active weekend in Porto, Portugal’s riverside city)

The Yeatman

In the heart of the city’s historic wine district, this 10-storey hotel is set within seven acres of land, has 109 rooms and boasts one of the best views across the Douro. Add to that Relais & Châteaux membership, a two Michelin-starred restaurant and two infinity pools, and it’s undoubtedly one of Porto’s best hotels. From €305 (£256). 

Torel Palace

It’s easy to spot the theme at Torel Palace, the 19th-century mansion hotel near central Batalha Square, with its book-filled library, well-thumbed coffee table tomes and 24 lavish rooms named after famous Portuguese authors. Its restaurant pays homage to José Saramago, with a multi-sensory menu. From €183 (£154).

The House of Sandeman

Wine-themed House of Sandeman is in Vila Nova de Gaia and has affordable dorms with bed frames inspired by port barrels as well as private rooms. Artwork from the Sandeman wine brand features throughout, and the cellars are close for tastings. From €26 (£22) in a dorm and €118 (£99) in a private room.

(Related: 10 of the best new hotels in Lisbon.)