More discreet than Lisbon, Porto cultivates the art of living and traditions. Azulejos façades, bicentenary buildings, old-fashioned cobbled streets, tree-lined squares, good restaurants and bars playing fado... follow the advice of Artur, our cellar master, a native of this Portuguese jewel.
A hotel with character, a table with its feet in the water, a rooftop with breathtaking views... A look at our favorite places in Porto.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse
With just seven suites, including one in the garden pavilion, Rosa Et Al is an intimate, design-led boutique hotel ideally located in Porto's popular art district. Opened in 2012, the hotel is actually housed in an 18th-century building whose renovation won the 'Respect for Architecture' award. The Cedofeita neighbourhood, known for its local and traditional trade, art galleries and alternative bookshops on Miguel Bombarda Street, is a must-see in Porto. In addition to its comfort and tranquillity, Rosa Et Al serves a weekend brunch that is a local legend.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse Rua do Rosário 233, 4050-524 Porto
Casa da Música
Designed by Dutchman Rem Koolhaas, the Casa da Música is a must-see for its architecture alone. The building was designed to host all kinds of music, whether classical or electronic, jazz or fado, international productions or experimental projects... The programming is dynamic, innovative and prestigious, and you can attend shows in all kinds of repertoires.
Casa da Música Avenida da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto
Pestana Douro Riverside
Located on the right bank of the Douro River, 10 minutes from the city center, Pestana Douro Riverside, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers breathtaking views of the river. Housed in a former 19th-century soap and candle factory, this urban resort has been completely renovated with colorful, contemporary décor that pays playful homage to the building's history. The hotel has made the most of the large industrial structure to create bright, open spaces and comfortably sized rooms. Its perks? A rooftop with stunning views and an infinity pool.
Pestana Douro Riverside Avenida Escritor Costa Barreto nº60, 4420-445 Porto
Dick’s Bar Yeatman Hotel de Gaia
Porto is a city of rooftops, but many Oporto residents say that the best view of the city is from Vila Nova de Gaia. And that the most spectacular view is from Dick's Bar at the Yeatman Hotel. The view of the Douro River and the D. Luis I Bridge from the pool terrace is simply breathtaking. For wine lovers, Dick's Bar & Bistro offers the opportunity to choose from an extensive list of aged or vintage Port Wines to drink by the glass or to order by the bottle.
The Yeatman Holtel Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto Wine Cellars
Surrounding the Yeatman Hotel are the famous old Port Wine Cellars with their red tiled roofs. Whether you are an expert, a novice or just curious, a visit is a must. Among the best cellars is Graham's House, which houses nearly 2,000 casks, 40 giant barrels and an extraordinary collection of vintage port bottles. Taylor's, one of the most prestigious port brands, founded in 1692 and the first to open its doors to the public in the 1980s. And the Real Companhia Velha, founded in 1756 during the reign of D. José I, which is undoubtedly the Portuguese's favorite port brand, as it is closely linked to the history of port wine. A visit to these cellars also tells of the great adventure of this exceptional wine. The site also houses a cellar with almost 3,000 vintage bottles, including a truly exceptional one dating back to 1765. It is the oldest bottle of Port in the world.
Fancy some fish? Head to Matosinhos
A fishing town about ten kilometers from Porto, Matosinhos is known for its beautiful sandy beach and seafood restaurants. You can experience it at the Mercado de Matosinhos. The original idea of some restaurants located in the market is to offer you to cook the fish you just bought. We love it! Along the coast on Rua Herois de Franca, there are many restaurants, including São Valentim (beautiful roof terrace), Lage do Senhor do Padrao Restaurant (very family friendly), Dom Peixe... Gaveto, on Rua Roberto Ivens, is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and serves a wide variety of quality seafood.
