Why stay in Porto?
photo: Francisco-PortoPortugal
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, and it is not very big. It is a hilly and picturesque city with a proud history and even prouder residents. What Porto lacks in the social graces of a place like Lisbon, it more than makes up for in the feeling of being a real working Portuguese city. Do not forget to sample some of the local Port wine, which the area is famous for.
Porto is very easy to get around in, thanks to an excellent light rail system and buses, so traveling between your hostel and anything you would want to see or do is no problem. There are not as many hostels and budget hotels in Porto as in other European cities, because it is not as touristy; so if you want to make sure to get a cheap bed, book early. Keep in mind that "hostels" are not just for young people or the backpacking crowd (even if the place has the word "backpacker" in the name!) - hostels are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who are interested in meeting other travelers. A few Porto hostels worth mentioning are highlighted below.
Grande Hotel de Paris-Residencial is in the center of Porto's historic area near the San Bento railway station.
Residencial Pão de Açucar is a short distance from the river and the historic old town.
Andarilho Oporto Hostel offers dorm style rooms and free internet access. Residencial Dos Aliados is in a great old building and some rooms have private balconies.
If none of these hostels sounds like it will be perfect for you, do not worry. There are other Porto hostels where those came from. Just keep reading the listings until you find the one that suits you.
Is there anything else you still need for your trip? Do not forget that you can search for the best deals on international airfare to Portugal and book your ticket now. You can also learn more about the area in our Porto Travel Guide.
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