Hip Apartments in Porto You'll Want to Call Home
Portugal’s second largest city, set along the banks of the Douro, has long been known for its eponymous port wine. But travellers today will find so much more. Alongside the historic cobbled streets, handsome bridges and churches, there’s vibrant nightlife, a rich arts culture and a thriving restaurant scene. Planning a trip to Porto? Discover our pick of the best holiday apartments, from cinema-inspired pads to sleek studios.
Spot Apartments Trindade
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Conveniently located in the central Trindade neighbourhood, near the main metro station, these modern apartments are just moments away from Clérigos Tower and Bolhão Market. Each two-bed apartment sleeps up to six, and has a lounge and kitchenette with a dining table. Start the day with either an American breakfast or a buffet featuring everything from fresh tomatoes and cheese to pastéis de nata, and after a day spent exploring the city, relax in the plant-filled bar or the comfortable communal lounge.
Aparthotel Oporto Batalha
Apartment
This characterful aparthotel found in two 19th-century buildings near the historic Batalha Square has preserved many of its original features – think hydraulic mosaics, ornate ceilings, granite arches and exposed timber beams. There are 10 four-star apartments over three floors, with elegant interiors rich with designer details. Solo travellers and couples will love the spacious studio apartment, while the two-bedroom apartment sleeps up to six and is perfect for families.
Your Opo Bolhão Apartments
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Looking for a designer apartment in central Porto? These 14 apartments, ranging from studios to expansive two-bedrooms, are located directly opposite the historic Mercado do Bolhão, a market with stalls selling local delicacies such as salt cod, sardines and lavender in a neoclassical building that dates back to 1914. The city’s main shopping street, Santa Catarina, is also just a three-minute walk away. The uniquely decorated apartments feature contemporary four-poster beds, traditional Portuguese tiles, and bold red kitchenettes. The communal areas are a celebration of the traditional architecture, with impressive timber detailing, stained glass, and a curvaceous central stair.
Aparthotel Oporto Alves da Veiga
Apartment
This aparthotel in downtown Porto is housed in a restored 19th-century manor house that is decorated in a charming Art Deco style, with original pottery and objets d’art, ornate ceilings and elegant timber details. There’s a variety of apartments, from studios to a three-bedroom penthouse with a 25sqm (270sqft) terrace. The highlight here, though, is the beautifully landscaped garden with sun loungers set around a swimming pool. There’s also private parking available.
MyStay Porto Bolhão
Apartment
These simple, affordable rooms in the heart of Porto are within easy walking distance of Luís I Bridge, Mercado do Bolhão, Coliseu do Porto, and Rua da Galeria de Paris. Choose a regular hotel room, or book a self-catering apartment. There are studios with city views and original timber ceilings, as well as deluxe studios with terraces. Check in is a breeze – there’s an express kiosk that takes care of everything in less than two minutes, and access to the rooms is by integrated smart lock.
Oporto Home Boutique Apartments
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These five boutique apartments on the riverfront are ideal for leisure and business travellers. Each apartment is named after the colour of its interior design – the top floor, Purple, is resplendent with impressive views, while Gold features opulent furniture and walls crafted from reclaimed stone. Looking to immerse yourself in the local style? Book Green, which is decorated with typical Portuguese design textiles.
My Story Apartments Santa Catarina
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In a restored building on Rua de Santa Catarina, these 12 apartments are ideal if you want to step out onto the main shopping street. Most studios feature a bed and a sofa bed, and a kitchenette allows guests to cook their own meals. The timber-panelled walls and modern, minimalist furnishings bring to mind mid-century Scandinavian design, while details such as potted plants and vases give the interiors a homely feel.
BO – Sá de Noronha
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Sleek Scandi-chic style meets 19th-century elegance in these modern apartments in a tranquil location less than 100m from Rua Galeria de Paris, one of the city’s most vibrant spots for nightlife, bars and restaurants. The air-conditioned studios feature hardwood floors, exposed timber ceilings and whitewashed stone walls, with minimalist furniture in classic neutrals. There’s also an open-plan kitchen and a living area with a sofa and dining table, and some studios have a balcony with views to the iconic Clérigos Tower.
Porto Cinema Apartments
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Cinephiles will love these boutique apartments found behind a golden door on Rua de Santa Catarina. Each air-conditioned apartment is named after a famous film – The Big Lebowski studio, the Lost in Translation apartment deluxe, or the Fight Club duplex – and feature movie posters and other related silver screen artwork. Furnishings are simple yet comfortable, and there is a fully-equipped kitchen and lounge area with a flat-screen TV so you can rewatch your favourite flicks. The apartments come from the same owners as Rivoli Cinema Hostel, which is popular with backpackers.