Porto, Portugal's second city, offers a unique blend of energy and charm without the crowds of Lisbon. Nestled along the River Douro, its steep hillsides and riverfront provide dramatic views. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises, climb the 230 steps of Clérigos Tower, or take the Gaia cable car for panoramic vistas.
The Yeatman, a resort on the southern bank, sits among English Port wineries. It boasts 109 rooms decorated in Tiffany blues and yellows, a cellar for tastings, a spa with antioxidant facials, and an eighth-floor terrace for Sunday lunch with wine flights. King rooms offer private balconies with stellar views.
M Maison Particulière is a 10-room hotel in a red stucco townhouse in the historic old town. Each room features marble fireplaces, Baroque mirrors, and original wood-coffered ceilings. Breakfast is served à la carte on the terrace, with views of the cathedral. In-room massages are available.
Oh! Porto offers six hip apartments in Vila Nova de Gaia, with a facade overlooking the city from beneath the Luis I bridge. The designer concrete shell houses Scandi-modern furnishings and wide river-facing windows. Some apartments have balconies, and breakfast of local produce is delivered to the room. Kitchenettes are included.
Pestana occupies an Art Deco landmark with mid-century woodiness and velvet seating. Its 89 rooms are themed around spices from anise to pink pepper, honouring Portugal's maritime history. The A Brasileira brasserie serves pastries and baked octopus rice with pepper coulis and aioli.
1872 River House, a B&B with eight light-filled rooms, sits right on the River Douro. Half the rooms have small balconies with river views. The breakfast room juts over the river path, and dinner can be enjoyed at traditional tabernas in old fishermen's cottages nearby.
