Where to stay in Porto for families with kids: 4 Best areas

Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Porto for first-timers (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Porto for families with kids.

I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Porto for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Porto and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for all budgets.

Porto, also known as Oporto, is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stunning riverside views, historic architecture, and port wine production. It is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and is located along the Douro River estuary.

Popular points of interest in Porto include the Ribeira District, Dom Luís I Bridge, Port Wine Cellars, São Bento Train Station, Livraria Lello (a famous bookstore), Clerigos Tower, Porto Cathedral.

The Ribeira District is the historic heart of Porto, characterized by narrow cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and charming cafes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers beautiful views of the riverfront.

The Dom Luís I Bridge is a renowned double-deck metal bridge spanning the Douro River, linking Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. You can walk across the upper deck for fantastic panoramic views of the city.

Vila Nova de Gaia, located just across the river from Porto, is home to numerous port wine cellars. You can take tours of these cellars, learn about the history and production of port wine, and enjoy tastings.

Is Porto a good place to visit with family?

Yes, Porto is a great destination to visit with family. Your family can explore the historical attractions, take a stroll along the riverfront, take boat tours along the Douro River, visit family-friendly attractions like the World of Discoveries and the Porto City Park.

Where to stay in Porto for families with kids?

The best areas to stay in Porto for families with kids are Porto City Centre (Ribeira/ Baixa), Bonfim, Boavista/Cedofeita, and Vila Nova de Gaia. These areas provide plenty of accommodations, amenities, and easy access to major sights, making them great locations for families to book their stay in Porto.

Porto City Centre (Ribeira/ Baixa) is the overall best location for families who want to be in the heart of the action. This area is known for its historic charm, with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and iconic landmarks like the Dom Luís I. Your family will have easy access to attractions, restaurants, and shops.

For a quieter atmosphere, while still having easy access to the city center, you can consider booking your family accommodation in Boavista/Cedofeita and Bonfim. These areas are also great bases if your family travels with a car as you can find free/ reasonable price parking spaces.

Vila Nova de Gaia is just across the river from Porto city center and offers stunning views of the city skyline. Your family can visit the Port wine cellars for tours and tastings, enjoy leisurely walks along the riverside promenade, take a cable car ride for panoramic views, or relax on the beaches along the coast.

During my trip to Porto, I traveled with my partner at the Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira. It has a super convenient location, a small walking distance to everywhere. I chose the river view room and had a great view with a very reasonable price. Easy access to the riverbank with many restaurants and boat trips.

Below is a map of the popular areas in Porto for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.

Map of the best areas to stay in Porto for families with kids
Map of the best areas to stay in Porto for families with kids

Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Porto, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget. 

All hotels in Porto have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. 

If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.

4 Best areas to stay in Porto with family:

1. Porto City Centre (Ribeira/ Baixa)

Porto’s city center, particularly in the neighborhoods of Ribeira and Baixa, is a great area to stay in Porto for families. It is best suited for those who want easy access to attractions, dining options, and public transportation.

Ribeira and Baixa are at the heart of Porto’s historic center, meaning you’ll be within walking distance or a short tram ride away from major attractions like the Porto Cathedral, São Bento Train Station, and Livraria Lello bookstore.

Ribeira, in particular, offers stunning views of the Douro River and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. You can take a boat tour along the Douro River, visit the World of Discoveries interactive museum to learn about Portugal’s Age of Exploration, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade.

Porto’s city center is filled with restaurants and cafes catering to all tastes and budgets. You’ll find plenty of options for family-friendly dining, including traditional Portuguese taverns and international cuisine.

Both Ribeira and Baixa are well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, including buses, trams, and the metro. Great base for families to explore the city without needing a car.

Best places to stay in Porto City Centre with kids:

Luxury ($$$): Condes de Azevedo Palace Apartments, beautiful family-friendly aparthotel in downtown Porto, within walking distance from the picturesque Ribeira area, D. Luis I Bridge and Santa Catarina shopping street. It has air-conditioned rooms with a fully equipped kitchen, 24-hour front desk, and very good breakfast. The Two-Bedroom apartments can accommodate up to 6 family members.

Mid-range ($$): Eurostars Porto Douro, popular 4-star children-friendly hotel located along the riverfront area, only a few mins walks from the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira and the D. Luís I Bridge. It has family rooms, excellent breakfast, and paid airport transfer. Easy walk to restaurants and stores.

Mid-range ($$): Apartamentos The Arc Carrís, great 4-star family-friendly accommodation in the historic Porto center, a few minutes walk from popular points of interest such as from Ribeira, Aliados Avenue, and São Bento Train Station, and the traditional Rua das Flores pedestrian street. They have one, two-bedroom apartments, which is great for families of 4,5, and 6.

Mid-range ($$): Ceuta Terrace Suites, 4-star good value for money kid-friendly guest house in central Porto, featuring family-suits which can accommodate up to 5 members. Easy distance from Bolsa Palace, Ferreira Borges Market, Clerigos Tower, and Oporto Coliseum. It has a wonderful breakfast, paid airport shuttle, and a sun terrace.

Budget ($): bnapartments Loftpuzzle, 3-star family-friendly apartment hotel located in a prime location in the Porto center, close to the Aliados Avenue, São Bento Train Station, and Galerias de Paris. It features studios with a full kitchenette and a private bathroom. Great place for families of 4.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PORTO CITY CENTRE

2. Bonfim

Bonfim is a residential neighborhood, located just east of the downtown Porto, offering a more local and relaxed atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center. Families can enjoy a quieter environment while still being within easy reach of Porto’s attractions.

Best places to stay in Porto in Bonfim with children:

Mid-range ($$): Vila Gale Porto – Centro, 4-star family-friendly hotel in central Porto, close to Campo 24 Agosto Metro Station and Rua de Santa Catarina commercial district. It has an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and spacious rooms/suites with a private bathroom. 

Mid-range ($$): Thomaz Palace, 4-star children-friendly accommodation in Bonfim, close to major sights including the Clerigos Tower and Oporto Coliseum. The hotel has free parking, which is a bonus for those who drive. Rooms are clean with convenient kitchen facilities. Comfortable place to stay, especially for a family of 4.

Budget ($): Aparthotel Oporto Palace, 3-star family-friendly condo hotel  in central location. It has free parking, airport shuttle, and rooms for families of 4,5,6. It’s within walking distance from all major sites.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BONFIM

3. Boavista/Cedofeita

Boavista and Cedofeita are two adjacent neighborhoods located next to Porto city center. These areas offer a mix of modern amenities, cultural attractions, and family-friendly features, making them great areas for families with kids to stay.

Both neighborhoods are home to several parks and green spaces, such as Parque da Cidade and Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and picnics.

Your family can visit local attractions like Casa da Música, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Serralves, and the Soares dos Reis National Museum for enriching experiences.

You can explore the shops along Avenida da Boavista and Rua de Cedofeita and enjoy meals at restaurants serving Portuguese and international cuisine.

Best places to stay in Porto in  Boavista/Cedofeita with kids:

Mid-range ($$): HF Ipanema Porto, 4-star family-friendly hotel in  Boavista, close to Boavista Roundabout, the lush Crystal Palace Gardens, Romantic Museum. It features furnished family rooms, and delicious breakfast. 

Mid-range ($$): Serviced Apartments Boavista Palace, 4-star apartment complex near Carolina Michaëlis Metro Station and Praça Mouzinho de Albuquerque. Each apartment comes with a  fully equipped kitchen. Quiet location with a nice roof terrace. It’s a great base to explore the city, especially if you’re arriving by car.

Budget ($): Three Houses & Bedrooms, 3-star children-friendly accommodation in Porto, close to the famous Casa da Música and its metro station. It has many rooms, including the Five-Bedroom Holiday Home, which can accommodate up to 14 family members. It is in a quiet area, away from the busy center but being able to walk there easily.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BOAVISTA

4. Vila Nova de Gaia

Vila Nova de Gaia is located just across the Douro River from Porto and offers a unique and family-friendly atmosphere. Gaia is known for its port wine cellars, where families can take guided tours and tastings. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Porto and take a stroll along the riverside promenade.

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to several beautiful beaches along its coastline, including Praia de Lavadores and Praia de Miramar. Families can spend a day relaxing on the sandy shores, building sandcastles, and enjoying water activities like swimming and beach volleyball

The Teleférico de Gaia, or Gaia Cable Car, offers a fun and scenic way for families to explore the area. The cable car ride provides panoramic views of the river, city, and coastline, offering a memorable experience for kids and adults alike.

Best places to stay in Vila Nova de Gaia with family:

Luxury ($$$): Hilton Porto Gaia, 5-star kid-friendly hotel located on the waterfront in Vila Nova de Gaia, a 10 mins walk from D. Luis I Bridge. It has a fitness center, indoor pool, and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious. It is a quick Uber to Porto center.

Mid-range ($$): 296 Heritage Apartments, great accommodation, featuring family-friendly one and three-bedroom apartments. It has a wonderful breakfast, and stunning views of the river, bridge and Porto.

Budget ($): Oh! Porto Apartments, 3-star family-friendly accommodation in Vila Nova de Gaia, within walking distance from Gaia Cable Car and the Port Wine Cellars. They have one, two-bedrooms apartments and studios with a kitchenette. There are also many restaurants along the Douro River where your family can try local cuisine.

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA

In conclusion, Porto City Centre (Ribeira/ Baixa), Bonfim, Boavista/Cedofeita, and Vila Nova de Gaia, are the best places to stay in Porto for families with kids. These areas have plenty of family-friendly accommodations for all budgets and preferences.

You can continue reading about Porto and other destinations in Portugal in these articles:

There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Porto. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.

If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.

About Author: Ocean Cameron

I'm Ocean, founder and main editor of travelhotelexpert.com. I’m a passionate traveler who specializes in uncovering the best hotels and locations in every city, especially for first-timers, all without the need for a car.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. This means that, at absolutely no additional cost to you, I'll earn a small commission if you click through and purchase something I've recommended. I only recommend products that I use myself or firmly believe in. Thank you!

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