Where to stay in Porto, Portugal
As a first time visitor to Porto I recommend staying in Ribeira, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful neighbourhoods in Porto. It stretches along the northern bank of the Douro River, right in the heart of the city’s historic centre. Its colourful buildings, narrow winding streets and lively waterfront are some of the most recognisable sights in Porto. So if you’re looking for hotels in Porto, why not stay in an area that is part of Porto’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre.
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The Douro river was historically an important centre for trade. The Douro played a major role in connecting Porto with the interior of northern Portugal. Today, the Cais da Ribeira is filled with restaurants, cafés and terraces overlooking the river. From here, you can also see the stunning Dom LuÃs I Bridge. This iconic bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and its famous port-wine cellars.
Best Hotel to Stay near the Douro River
The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel is in an excellent location in the Ribeira area. It is just a minute’s walk from Ribeira Square and less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Douro River and the iconic Ponte de Luis I. Just around the corner you’ll find lots of local restaurants and cafes. The hotel welcomes you with a glass of port wine and a traditional Portuguese treat, Pastel de Nata, as a welcoming gesture.
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What Are the Rooms Like at The Editory?
My room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling big windows that opened up to views of the main street. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean, and there was a spacious bathroom that had plenty of room to move about. The room was came with all the amenities you’d expect, like air conditioning, a fridge, complimentary water and lots of storage to store away your things. I was really impressed with my room and couldn’t fault it.
What Is the Service Like?
The reception staff at The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel were super nice and friendly. They were great with their local knowledge and suggested lots of local restaurants and attractions I could visit. All of these were within walking distance from the hotel.
What facilities does The Ediorty have?
There is a restaurant that serves breakfast daily; they have a good selection of fresh fruit, pastries, and hot drinks. They also have a working space for people to do work or just relax in the lounge.
If you prefer to eat out, there are many cafes just outside the hotel, like Brunch It, it’s opposite the hotel and I loved it so much. I recommend it. They have won “Travellers’ Choice 2026,” which is well-deserved. It’s a lovely brunch place with the loveliest staff; they serve fantastic, delicious dishes, from pancakes to burgers to my favourite acai bowls. The atmosphere is calm, and the place is quite aesthetic.
Is The Editory Hotel good for solo travellers?
I travelled alone and stayed at The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel for 3 nights, and I loved my stay here; I felt safe and comfortable. The staff at this hotel were very friendly and attentive. I would definitely recommend it for solo travellers, as the price was excellent too. I paid half of what the other hotels were offering for a single person.
Best day tours to do in porto
I highly recommend you book the Porto: Douro Valley Half-day Tour, which is perfect if you don’t want to spend long hours on the road. This tour was undoubtedly the highlight of my visit to Porto. Our guide, Maria was so lovely and the diver was a very good driver who drove safely on the winding, hilly roads. We visited a family vineyard and got to taste a variety of wines, including port wine and small nibbles. Followed by an hour on a boat, sailing along the Douro River with some more wine. We learned a lot about port wine and enjoyed drinking this Portuguese wine.
The meeting point for Porto: Douro Valley Half-day Tour is only a 2-minute walk from The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel, which is perfect. The tour starts at a tourist store located around the corner where you’ll meet your guide, and then you’ll walk over to the van where the driver waits.
Would I Recommend The Editory?
Absolutely yes, as I mentioned before, this hotel is in an excellent location in the Ribeira neighborhood, within walking distance to Porto’s historical spots. It’s one of the best hotels in Porto. Porto’s main attractions are within walking distance, including Ribeira Square, Porto Cathedral, São Bento Station and Dom LuÃs I Bridge.
Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon
If you are visiting Porto for an overnight stay and plan to stay in Lisbon for the duration of your trip, check out my posts on the best boutique hotels in Lisbon and where to stay in Lisbon. Looking for activities to do in Lisbon?, check out my post on the best things to do in Lisbon.
Things to keep in mind
Just like Lisbon, Porto is a hilly city. Ribeira’s narrow streets can involve steep climbs and cobblestones, so wear comfortable shoes. Other than that, a stay at The Editory House Ribeira Porto Hotel is a great choice, as the location is a huge plus. You are right in the centre of everything, yet the hotel feels calm and quiet.
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