The 10 best hotels in Porto

The Palácio das Cardosas was meant as a monastery for the Loios friars, but (to cut a long story short) ended up being converted into a sumptuous palace by local bigwig Manuel Cardoso da Silva, some time in the nineteenth century. So grand an institution is the InterContinental that it feels as though it’s been welcoming guests for ages, so it’s a surprise to learn it was only converted into a hotel in 2011 – though that does explain why everything feels fresh as a daisy, with nothing dated or faded. And although the vibe is mostly rich-people chic, a few details – arty photography on the walls, Byredo toiletries in the rooms – lend a hint of curatorial cool. My room (a Two Storey Suite) was all white wood panelling and dove-grey linen furniture, with plenty of marble and chrome in the bathroom. The Astória restaurant is in a modern extension with a glass roof, dangling houseplants and an outdoor terrace (to be used only if you’re lucky with the Atlantic city’s changeable weather). Here you’ll find the real breakfast of champions: an impressive buffet spanning at least three groaning tables, including all the key components of a fry-up in a smart row of orange casserole pots. 

Time Out tip: Raining outside? Feeling footsore after tackling all those hills? No worries: head to the hotel’s wood-panelled, library-esque Cardosas bar for a martini or three – and live fado singers on Thursdays.

If you’re somewhat of a vino and Champers connoisseur, you’ll feel right at home when staying at The Yeatman. This five-star hotel is an actual ambassador for Portuguese wines, with its own wine cellar and partnering with almost 100 wine producers. It’s perched on the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia, which means there are fantastic views from the rooms, an exquisite open-air pool, and the restaurant is incredible which is a two-time Michelin-awarded establishment specialising in Portuguese cuisine.

What’s nearby? A stellar location, just a ten-minute walk to the closest train station and just over a mile to Porto Cathedral.

Budget range: A little more spenny, but so worth it for the spa and the panoramas.  

Students from Porto’s hospitality school take charge of this hotel and restaurant, which has a cool creative edge in keeping with its former function as an arts college. Check out the grades of former students on the report cards lining the walls, and there are 150+ paintings and sculptures scattered throughout the building. The dining room in particular doubles as an art exhibition, with a vibrant selection of paintings on the bright blue walls. Arty!

What’s nearby? A short walk from the bustling Rua Santa Catarina street, you'll find a mixture of modern and artisanal shops and traditional markets. 

Budget range: A pocket-friendly two nights for a chic five-star.   

This former monastery and palace is conveniently positioned at the end of Porto’s main square, Praça da Liberdade. Step out the door and you’ll see Porto’s iconic Clérigos Tower on your left, then nip around the corner to your right and run straight into the equally iconic São Bento Train Station. As well as having a top location, the hotel has five-star class with an opulent foyer adorned with marble and Swarovski chandeliers. There’s also a swish shopping arcade inside should you care to casually pick up a new Rolex. The elegance continues in the rooms upstairs, where you’ll find heavy curtains, studded ottomans and silky bedspreads.

What’s nearby? Close to Ribeira, known for its colourful façades that reflect on the river for a cool photo-op. 

Budget range: Impeccable rooms for a modest price. 

The five-star Porto Palácio boasts elegant rooms, marble bathrooms and a splendid spa. It’s geared towards business types, but if you’re a fan of getting your zen on in a mood-lit underground pool with steam, spray and bubble jets galore, you might just fancy it too. It’s located in Porto’s corporate district of Boavista, meaning it’s a little removed from the city centre for sightseeing (around three kilometres from the main square), but the Casa da Música concert hall and metro are just a ten-minute walk away. You’ll also find the indoor food market Mercado Bom Sucesso nearby if you plan a sneaky picnic in your room, you rebel.

What’s nearby? Reach Casa da Musica concert hall and Estadio do Bessa football stadium in less than 15 minutes. 

Budget range: Super cheap for a weekend getaway. 

If you want to feel like a real king on your trip to Porto, head to the Pestana Palácio do Freixo’s eighteenth-century palace. The building’s Baroque architecture is well worth plastering all over your Instagram, and it overlooks the Douro with impressive river views. Inside, the sky-high frescoed ceilings and gilt detailing steal the show, while the Nasoni Bar and Palatium Restaurant offer delicious regional food and drink. When it comes to unwinding, you’ve got the hotel’s outdoor terrace, infinity pool and jetty, which is lined with sun loungers. There’s also a spa, heated indoor pool, steam room, gym and sauna.

What’s nearby? Close by you'll find Paue Oriental, a peaceful park where you'll find a number of hiking trails.
Budget range: A pricier stay option for a romantic city break.

Porto Bay Teatro (formally Hotel Teatro) has many quirks. The hotel is located inside Porto’s former Baquet Theatre and has been fitted out with a thespian theme. Meanwhile, the entrance is like stepping into a box office, as heavy curtains block the outside world and room cards are handed out under dim lighting from a circular reception area decorated with film rolls. As you stroll the dark corridors you’ll pass racks of costumes illuminated by theatre spotlights, which eventually lead to the stylish Bar Plateia, where black-and-white films are projected on a loop. Très cool.

What’s nearby? Situated right in the historical centre where can you go for leisurely walks and the Douro River. 

Budget range: Pretty affordable for such a convenient location. 

Oca Flores Hotel Boutique provides all the luxury of a four-star hotel that you could possibly need. In fact, it combines hotel facilities, apartment convenience and the personalised service of a guesthouse to make you feel right at home. Found on one of the city’s liveliest streets, Rua das Flores, the hotel is within walking distance of shops, cafés and restaurants. If you’re having a lazy day? Then you can just hang at the on-site wine and tapas bar which serves quality food in a chic enclosed courtyard.

What’s nearby? Clérigos Tower for the stunning vistas at the top, and the iconic Livraria Lello 

Budget range: A pretty affordable weekend trip - great for families. 

This heritage-listed building has been converted from professor Carolina Michaelis's home into a guesthouse with heaps of Portuguese character. Casa Carolina’s eight rooms vary in size, with some offering bathtubs and/or a balcony, and the top floor suite is fitted out with a fully equipped kitchen. One of the highlights of this place is the breakfast, which goes beyond your usual continental spread with thoughtful extras like balls of avocado, plus fresh ginger and mint to make tea. When dinnertime rolls around you have plenty of food options on the doorstep, which happens to be the pedestrianised shopping street, Rua de Cedofeita.

What’s nearby? Close to Ribeira Square for the food and the chill riverfront vibes. 

Budget range: A gorgeous light-filled apartment for an idyllic weekend under £300.