Where to stay

First-time visitors to Porto flock to historic Ribeira, a picture-perfect UNESCO World heritage neighborhood by the Douro River, awash with terraced houses in every color of the rainbow. From your hotel in this Porto Historic Center, walk across the famous iron Dom Luís I bridge, visit the Stock Exchange Palace, tour the Gothic St. Francis Church, and check out renowned Port wine cellars. Hotels in the Centro/Baixa near the Sé cathedral are close to the city's major landmarks, including the Praça da Liberdade, gorgeously tiled São Bento railway station, and architecturally rich Avenida dos Aliados.

Choose accommodations in Cedofeita, recognized as one of Porto's most creative neighborhoods and beloved for its art district. Or, stay along the Rua Miguel Bombarda in Massarelos, where you can pop into the famous Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis or take in a fado performance. If you'd like to be farther removed from Porto's city center, opt for a hotel in modern Boavista, where you can visit the Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. Stay in Vila Nova de Gaia and take a Douro River cruise on a traditional rabelo boat or look for a seafront hotel in Foz do Douro to experience Porto's beach life.

Rua de Santa Catarina is the place to stay for shopaholics. Hotels near this pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare offer access to the city's best shopping, as well as a few favorite sightseeing spots, including the Igreja dos Congregados and Bolhão Market. Choose accommodations in Baixa for its popular bookshop, Livraria Lello, inspiration for J.K. Rowling as she penned the Harry Potter series. Stylish boutiques abound in Flores Village and pedestrian-friendly Rua das Flores, home to the Flower Market and all kinds of Portuguese goodies. Lordelo do Ouro is another great place to stay for authentic, hometown shopping - Rua do Ouro, or Gold Street, offers everything from olive oils to patés to wine.