Areas to stay in Porto

One of Porto’s most historic districts, the tangle of streets below the Sé (the cathedral) make the perfect stomping ground for anyone after a dose of cobblestone charm. The architecture here is marvellous (with more historic churches than you can shake your rosaries at) as well as the awesome São Bento train station, which is plastered in gorgeous azulejos (typical Portuguese blue tiles) that depict scenes from the country’s past. The city’s handsome civic buildings, meanwhile, find their home in Aliados.

The heart of medieval Porto, the iconic Riberia (‘riverside’) district is where colourful roofs tumble like lego bricks down to the banks of the Douro. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Porto, with riverside restaurants serving up fresh sardines and charming backstreets well worth getting lost in. UNESCO clearly agrees, as the area is protected as a World Heritage Site.

The Baixa is one of the best areas to stay in Porto for first-timers, given its concentration of must-see sights. Be sure to climb the Torre dos Clérigos for unparalleled views, marvel at the azulejos fronting the Igreja do Carmo church and pay a visit to Livraria Lello, the jaw-droppingly ornate bookshop where J.K. Rowling took inspiration for Harry Potter. Being home to the university, the area’s not short on inviting bars, clubs, cafés and shops, either. Stay in the area on a budget by checking out cheap holidays to Porto.

Across the river from the centre of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia is synonymous with the city’s most famous export: port. It’s here - along the shelving riverbank - that you’ll find Porto’s famous port-wine lodges, which began springing up way back in the twelfth century. A tour around one of these historic lodges is an essential part of any trip to Porto. Serious port lovers may want to go a step further and base themselves here. The riverfront itself is lined with attractive restaurants, cafés and bars which add to its charm. While you’re here, look out for traditional boats on the water known as barcos rabelos, which once transported casks of wine from the Douro port estates.

Massarelos is a creative district, popular with arty types. Its hub is the Rua Miguel Bombarda, lined with trendy modern art galleries and craft workshops, where you can while away the day. This is also where you’ll find the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, occupying Carrancas Palace, filled with gold, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and glassware. Decorative arts lovers will rejoice.

For anyone who loves the seaside, Foz do Douro is the best neighbourhood to stay in Porto. It’s got a long sandy beach, and plenty of upscale restaurants, cafés and boutiques where you can spend your time - and your money. You can get into the centre of Porto easily enough, and what better way to travel than by old-fashioned tram.