Cheap Hotels in Porto

Famed for its magnificent historic architecture, beautiful waterside location, and friendly, easygoing atmosphere, Porto is an ideal city for travelers on a budget. Porto's old town is refreshingly unspoiled by the trappings of global tourism, and it's easy to live like a local, with a great selection of affordable places to eat delicious local seafood, plenty of bohemian cafés and wine bars, and a multitude of parks, riverside walks, and beautiful buildings that you are free to explore at your leisure.

Things to see in Porto

Simply spend a day wandering around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ribeira, Porto's medieval old town, to experience a relaxed way of life from a different era. Sit on a riverside terrace in Ribeira Square, and watch the colorful life of Porto pass you by. For a more active walk, it won't cost a dime to head to the top of Porto's hill and stroll in the shady gardens of the Palacio de Cristal, pausing to take photos of fantastic views over the city and the river Douro. Travelers on a budget vacation in Porto can snap up bargains and cheap, quality food in the Mercado de Balhão, a traditional market that is worth a visit just for the sights, smells, and colors of the stalls. If you happen to be in Porto on a Sunday morning, enjoy free access to the surreal gardens and galleries of the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.

Cheap hotels in Porto

With a huge selection of affordable hostels, guesthouses, apartments, and hotels, there's no shortage of cheap accommodation in Porto. If you don't mind sharing a dorm room, Porto's hostels offer unbelievably affordable nightly rates—and often have smaller, private rooms for a few euro more. If you're traveling in a large group or looking for a long-term stay, a self-catered budget apartment in Porto could be your best bet. Small guesthouses offer a personal experience, often with perks like free breakfast and WiFi. A little research will lead you to economy hotels in Porto in the same price range as guesthouses and apartments.

Where to stay in Porto

You'll find excellent budget accommodation in Porto right in the city center. Stay in Ribeira, the old town, to experience the flavor of local life in its quiet cobbled streets, laid-back cafés, and riverside terraces. There's a multitude of cheap places to stay around Cedofeita, the social and commercial center of modern Porto. Full of green spaces, plentiful stores, and wonderful architecture, Cedofeita is a convenient base from which to explore the city. For a different experience, stay across the river Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic heart of Porto's port wine industry, and a prime spot for riverside nightlife.

How to get to Porto

Porto is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. Visitors traveling from international destinations can access Porto via Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Porto is also well served by motorways and rail networks, making it easy to reach the city from Portuguese or Spanish destinations by public transportation. Taxis and regular buses are readily available from the airport, and metro trains depart to the city every half-hour or so. Once you reach your budget hotel in Porto, the compact city center is easily traversed on foot or by bike, while longer journeys are possible by public transportation.