I get a lot of emails asking me what are the best neighbourhoods in Porto for solo travellers, family with children, or couples on a romantic getaway in Porto.
The big question is: where to stay in Porto?
As there is so much to say about each neighborhood in Porto, I decided to write several posts, with recommendations of what to see, where to stay and where to eat at each one of them. However, if you want to get an overview of all the neighborhoods, the advantages and disadvantages of staying at each one of them, I highly recommend you to first read my guide about Where to Stay in Porto – the best neighborhoods as it is the perfect starting point.
This article you are currently reading is about Cedofeita, in my opinion the best neighborhood in Porto for short stays, especially for couples. I hope you like it!
Why Stay in Cedofeita?
Cedofeita has a strategic location close enough to the most important monuments of the city and to the nightlife district yet far away enough to ensure a good night of sleep.
It is the art district of Porto, because of the art galleries in Rua Miguel Bombarda. There are also some amazing concept stores, particularly at Rua do Rosário, and nice restaurants and bars, like Catraio (the first craft beer pub in Porto).
In this neighborhood of Porto you can also go for a romantic walk at the Crystal Palace Gardens, located in front of Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, one of the best museums of Porto.
If you want to experience the Portuguese culture, you can enjoy a Fado show at Casa da Guitarra.
Where to Stay in Porto – Hotels in Cedofeita
For me Cedofeita is the best neighborhood for a romantic getaway in Porto as it has superb hotels for couples. These are the best ones:
Canto de Luz Luxury Maison
I have to start this article of the best places to stay in Cedofeita neighborhood in Porto with Canto De Luz – a luxury boutique hotel of impeccable design, in an old building within walking distance to restaurants, shopping and historical sites.
Canto de Luz cleverly takes advantage of skylights and wide indoors windows, resulting in spacious rooms full of natural light. Some units have a kitchen, equipped with a dishwasher, microwave and fridge. Some suits include a dining area and a seating area with a flat-screen TV with Netflix. They even give you popcorn, for Christ’s sake!
But what I really LOVED about this hotel in Cedofeita is the breakfast – it is one of the best ones I ever had, with creamy omelets, amazing waffles and fresh fruits… I don’t remember the last time I had such a great breakfast in a hotel!
Another thing I really liked about Canto de Luz is that it has a WhatsApp function, where you can request recommendations or assistance with bookings, taxis, etc, and they are fast to respond and very helpful.
Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with this hotel in Porto! 🙂
Casa do Conto – Arts & Residence
Unfortunately there are no pictures that can show you how elegant and sophisticated Casa do Conto – Arts & Residence, a boutique hotel in Porto, is.
This hotel is located at a former typography, and it incorporates a fabulous bar where acoustic concerts take place, a garden and a lovely (albeit small) swimming pool in the backyard. It only has six bedrooms, which much contributes to its charm and intimacy.
Republica 157 Guest House
Republica 157 Guest House is a small oasis in the city. With just 4 rooms available, all with spacious beds, garden views and equipped with a coffee machine and mini fridge, it is perfect for families looking for a quiet place to stay in Porto.
Near the Republica 157 Guest house there are a series of mini markets, cafes and restaurants, and it is also within walking distance of the Trindade metro station, with a direct connection to the airport.
Uba – Heritage and Wine
Uba – Heritage and Wine is a guest house that recently opened. The rooms, spacious and tastefully decorated (with light woods, white walls and furniture and wooden beams on the ceiling) – are equipped with air conditioning, microwave and kettle, which is very convenient.
The hostess always welcomes her guests with port wine and a pastel de nata, and offers lots of recommendations about the city, which I think is lovely.
Near Uba – Heritage and Wine is the Cedofeita church, one of the city’s very few Romanesque monuments.
One Shot Palácio Cedofeita
The first time I went to One Shot – Palácio de Cedofeita was to have coffee with my mother, who has a branded clothing store right next door. Then I went back to properly “inspect” the hotel and I was really impressed. One Shot – Palácio de Cedofeita has a luxurious decoration, with cheerful colors, as well as a wonderful swimming pool in the back, gym and sauna, as well as a restaurant and the aforementioned terrace where I usually have coffee with my mother.
The buffet breakfast is wonderful, but even if you weren’t satisfied, One Shot – Palácio de Cedofeita has a fantastic location, close to numerous brunch places in Porto, a supermarket and just 15 minutes away from downtown Porto.
Maison Cabral
Maison Cabral is a beautiful hotel, with tastefully decorated rooms (many of them in attics, which I love) and a small pool available at the back. Each room has a coffee maker and kettle, and some rooms have small interior patios or views of the garden/pool.
In addition, Maison Cabral offers a series of very useful complementary services, such as airport shuttle, bicycle rental and even laundry service.
Hotel Tipografia do Conto
Hotel Tipografia do Conto is a boutique hotel in Porto designed by a famous architecture office, and you can tell that as soon as you step on the door as it has a pretty unique blend of modern aesthetics and traditional elements. Its location, just a stone’s throw from the city center, makes exploring Porto a breeze.
But what truly sets Hotel Tipografia do Conto apart is its bar. With its fabulous, funky, and quirky atmosphere, it is the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Hotel Republica
Hotel Republica is a new hotel located in Cedofeita neighborhood. The bedrooms are a little small, but very clean and with a clean decor. The staff is very attentive (as in most hotels in Porto), and is available to help you 24/7. The breakfast is excellent and even if it wasn’t, in the square in front there is a cafe called Buuh! which I really like.
Casa Antiga
Casa Antiga is another interesting place to stay in Cedofeita neighborhood in Porto.
The rooms are large and uniquely decorated with vintage furniture, and some even have a gorgeous writing section in it, overlooking the communal garden, which I really appreciated it. (By the way, the sunset light, in the garden, is amazing!).
There is a living room full of antiques (some of which are available for purchase) and an ‘honesty bar’ – little things that make you feel immediately at home 🙂
Casa Antiga is in a quiet street full of art galleries and concept stores, and a short walk from the major sightseeing spots in the city, so it has a superb location.
The one thing I wasn’t particularly fond of was the breakfast – it was good, but not very rich -, and the room where it takes place is very small and quite dark.
Hotel Cristal Porto
If you love the traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles, then Hotel Cristal Porto is definitely the right place for you to stay in Porto.
The bedrooms of this 4 stars hotel are decorated in blue and white, with some azulejo tiles on the walls.
Moreover, it has a big garden on the backyard which is the perfect spot to relax.
Hotel Cristal is also famous for its breakfast, that includes plenty of gluten free options.
Where to Stay in Porto – Apartments in Cedofeita
Oporto Serviced Apartments 1858
Oporto Serviced Apartments bbgourmet are large and modern and can easily accommodate families with children, or two couples as well. They are equipped with a kitchenette, a dishwasher and an oven.
Below the apartments there is a nice restaurant with a terrace facing the street, called BB Gourmet 1858, where you can enjoy a drink after a day walking in Porto, as well as a delicious brunch on the weekends.
Álvares Cabral Guesthouse
Álvares Cabral Guesthouse is such a lovely place to stay in Porto! The bedrooms are decorated in mustard tones that go very well with the granite walls. The breakfast room, shared among guests, is decorated in turquoise blue, to cheer you up in the morning.
On the backyard there is a lovely patio with some chairs, where you can soak some sun. It is truly a magical place.
Oporto Serviced Apartments – Alvares Cabral
I love the style of Oporto Serviced Apartments – Alvares Cabral, in dark blue and grey tones combined with a wood floor.
These apartments in Porto are quite large and can accommodate up to six people, so they are perfect for large families or for groups of friends.
The kitchenette is fully equipped (including a dishwasher) and a continental breakfast is served everyday (it is included in the price).
Boavista Guest House
Boavista Guest House has a fabulous location in between two subway stations, Lapa and Carolina Michaelis.
The bedrooms are modestly decorated, but they have a cute little backyard with some chaise longues where you can enjoy lasy sun baths.
MyStay Porto Centro
MyStay Porto Centro is one of the most popular guesthouses in Porto. The bedrooms are simple and some of them have a balcony or a terrace surrounded by walls, so with plenty of privacy.
The location is really good, right next to the nightlife district but on a quiet street. If you are planning to party during your stay in Porto, this is a good option!
So Cool Hostel Porto
I am waaay passed the age of staying in hostels but I used to do it a lot when I was in my early twenties as it is a great way to meet people, so I decided to include the So Cool Hostel Porto on this list of places to stay in Porto – Cedofeita neighborhood.
This hostel has a great living room and a lovely garden on the outside. The ceilings of the bedrooms are spectacular, as you can see on the picture.
However, the beds don’t have curtains, therefore bye bye privacy and welcome 6am sunshine.
Capim Dourado Apartments Cedofeita
These apartments in Porto are named after a famous Brazilian restaurant that lies below (it belongs to the same owner).
Capim Dourado Apartments Cedofeita are large, open space studios that can fit four people very comfortably.
The location couldn’t be better, close to several restaurants, two brunch cafes, a laundry shop and a craft beer pub. The subway station Lapa is 5 minutes walking distant and the Clérigos tower, Lello bookstore and the Crystal Palace gardens are 10 minutes away.
7 Bridges Estúdios
7 Bridges Estúdios, as the name suggests, has different types of studios available, all equipped with air conditioning, TV, kitchenette, microwave, coffee machine and hairdryer. Some studios have a terrace and others have a view of the city, but they are all quite comfortable (especially the beds) and, what’s more, soundproof, which is very useful because 7 Bridges Estúdios is surrounded by restaurants and at the end of the street there is a Mini Price Express (a small supermarket).
Soho Porto
Soho Porto consists of a series of studios “hidden” in a very old building. but completely renovated and with simple, tasteful decor. The studios themselves are fully equipped with a TV, an equipped kitchenette, dining area and hairdryer, and share a very pleasant garden and picnic area.
The rooms and beds are very comfortable and the owners are very attentive, welcoming their guests with fresh fruit and snacks, which is really helpful.
The location of Soho Porto is excellent: calm and central, right next to the Bombarda Shopping Center (a cute concept shopping mall that I adore!).
Casa Amarela
For those who want to cook seriously, there’s nothing like the Casa Amarela apartments. In addition to being clean and spacious AND with a beautiful decor, they have very well-equipped kitchens – with an oven, a microwave, a toaster, a coffee machine, a dishwasher, a kettle and a fridge; It’s like being at home, and I say this rarely!
Furthermore, it has a great location, with lots of restaurants and a supermarket (Pingo Doce) right next to it. It also has a private garden at the rear of the building.
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