These are unusual times, and the state of affairs can change quickly. Please check the latest travel guidance before making your journey. Our writers visited these hotels pre-pandemic.
Despite being named Europe’s Best Destination three times in the last decade, Porto has kept its feet squarely on the ground. Its determination not to chase the bright lights has also kept a lid on prices. Of course, there are plenty of places to splash your cash if that’s your thing, but equally there are budget options aplenty. The result is an egalitarian spirit to the streets – not to mention some great deals on where to stay. Here’s our pick of the best budget hotels in Porto, from a one-time arts school and a rescued relic to the city’s cleanest and most characterful guesthouses.
Casa Carolina
Porto, Portugal
Monarchs, dignitaries and scholars are said to have passed through the doors of Casa Carolina in the early 1900s. While the building was thereafter left in disrepair, a husband and wife team have restored it to provide homely guest accommodation in central Porto. The design is typically Portuguese, with a skylight, floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto Juliet balconies, and a wooden staircase spiralling up the centre of the building. High ceilings and white walls give a feeling of spaciousness and vintage furniture adds subtle points of interest. There is a spacious lounge area on the ground floor where complimentary tea and coffee is offered in addition to a sunny back garden with bench seating.
From
£
49
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Gallery Hostel
Porto, Portugal
So much more than just a bed for the night, Gallery Hostel, with its rooms named after local architects, writers and artists, gives you a real flavour of Porto. Housed in a building that dates back to 1906, this family-owned hostel was converted in 2011 by a local architect who has successfully met simple, modern needs while respecting century-old elements. The stairwell is lined with the original blue and white tiles, or azulejos, exhibitions of contemporary art hang on the whitewashed walls, and a 90-minute daily walking tour takes you round the main monuments and sights of the city.
From
£
47
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
• The best hotels in Porto
Yours Guesthouse Porto
Porto, Portugal
This eight-room guesthouse is located on a hilly cobbled side street in Porto’s centre which, despite being just minutes away from the city’s bar and restaurant district, retains a neighbourhood feel. The house has an upmarket backpacker vibe and exudes a warm welcome. Brightly coloured paintings by a local artist decorate the public areas and there is a pretty garden at the rear with tables and lovely views across the city. Rooms are simple but pleasant. White walls, beds covered with colourful throws and small touches, such as the rocking chair in the family room, help add a sense of individuality.
From
£
47
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Porto Vintage Guest House
Porto, Portugal
As a renovated family home, this small guesthouse is ideal for those wishing to live like a local in Porto. Owner Sofia Maia decided to transform her grandparents’ property into accommodation that was typical of the local area, and thus maintained many of the house’s original features such as the wooden staircase, decorative plaster ceilings, magnificent dome skylight and household items such as a safe and sewing table. It’s located at the top of Rua do Almada in a predominantly residential area, but keep walking and the street leads past a mishmash of hardware stores, vintage shops, designer studios and trendy cafés to the heart of Porto’s downtown area.
From
£
50
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
The Artist Porto Hotel & Bistro
Porto, Portugal
Guided by a team of supervisors, students from the local hospitality school do a fine job managing this creative hotel inspired by its art college heritage. Student grades from the 1960s are pinned along the corridor, and marks can be seen scribbled in the corners of the 150-odd artworks sourced from past students. The hotel includes an on-site restaurant and sizeable bar, as well as a courtyard where live music and other events are held during summer. Service is remarkably efficient given students are rotated through different parts of the hotel during their course. All 17 rooms are incredibly spacious and have the feel of a cool retro office with big desks, artfully placed knick-knacks and a settee.
From
£
55
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
• The best nightlife in Porto
Porto Persona Guesthouse
Porto, Portugal
Charming and romantic, Porto Persona is a traditional guest house in the very best sense. This beautiful century-old house has been lovingly restored by its owner, with plenty of original features, from tiled floors to decorative ceilings. It has been furnished with an eye to the period, too, with antique furniture, swagged curtains, tassled lamps, crystal chandeliers and delicate 1920s iron-and-glass side tables. There are just three rooms. Each is different but all have en-suite bathrooms, are generously proportioned and decorated in a traditional and romantic style, with plenty of velvet and gauze and soft lighting.
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Contributions by Trish Lorenz, Mary Lussiana & Emily McAuliffe