Portugal is draped with dazzling architecture and drool-worthy food. If you’re planning a trip to northwest Portugal and are wondering where to stay in Porto, here’s what makes Moov Hotel stand out from the crowd.

I’ve been to Portugal a handful of times, but somehow, I’ve never managed to make it up to the country’s northwest corner.

Porto has long been at the top of my travel bucket list, and this autumn, I’m finally making it happen. Boom bam, baby!

I’m a big fan of the country’s cuisine, colourful architecture and captivating mix of cultural influences. But I know that if it’s your first time visiting, trying to see everything can feel a little overwhelming.

If you want to plan an epic trip to this end of Europe, check out my Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 14 days. Or combine your holidays in Porto with my 3-day Lisbon Itinerary or 7-day Algarve Itinerary.

And for accommodation, opt for a stay at one of the best hotels in Porto. Moov Hotel is located in the beating heart of Bathalha Square, offering the ultimate escape for culture vultures and history buffs.

This hotel is packed with history and stories on end, and there’s plenty to discover beyond the building’s Art Deco facade. So without further ado, let’s get into it!

My Experience at Moov Hotel Porto Centro

I’ve lived in Barcelona for over 6 years, and my time has been filled with fiestas, food and fun-packed trips. Portugal quickly became one of my favourite travel destinations in Europe. The captivating cultural influences, coveted beach destinations, culinary experiences and awe-worthy architecture really stood out.

I’ve visited hot spots like Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and the Algarve Coast, but up until this year, I’d never ventured up north. Porto has been on my bucket list for a long time - the sprawling sunsets, river views and wine-tasting experiences… gosh. The list goes on and on.

I was determined to make it up to Portugal’s northwest coast this fall. I booked a trip towards the end of September, hoping to avoid the high season but still enjoy some of the country’s sunny weather.

My friend and I dove deep into the planning process a few weeks before the trip. We scoured the web for highlights, hot spots and hidden gems. Slowly but surely, our itinerary began to take shape and we felt pretty chuffed with the wealth of experiences we had coming our way - centuries-old churches, Port wine tastings, local bars and lush gardens.

I reached out to Moov Hotel Porto Centro to find out more information. I’d read about their historic facade, breakfast buffet and contemporary style and was immediately intrigued. Most of all, it was the central location that drew me in.

After speaking with their team, we organised a stay for two nights. As our Portugal trip got closer, I began to look into what makes this hotel so unique. There are many places to stay in Porto, but this gem really stood out from the pack.

This hotel isn’t your average accommodation in Portugal. It’s lapped with centuries of history and culture, offering an authentic insight into the city’s past. Lain in the heart of buzzing Bathalha Square, this five-story hotel has warped and changed with what has gone on around it.

This hotel in Porto was originally a cafe and hostel, then a circus venue, and later on, it became an Opera House. In 1908, the building became the Aguia D’Ooro Cinema, and it was pinned as one of the first cinemas in Portugal to feature sound.

So now that you’re up to speed on the history of this hot spot, let’s dive into what went down when I arrived in Portugal on a misty Tuesday morning. As the aeroplane descended into Porto Airport, I felt a rush of excitement sweep through me.

We scrambled out of the airport and jumped in an Uber (heads up - Uber is very affordable in Porto, and it’s a great way to get around). The rain made the city seem more magical, and I couldn’t wait to see what was on offer.

We drove through the heart of the city and wound through the cobblestone streets, chatting with our driver. Naturally, I asked him as much as I could. He gave us a handful of recommendations for restaurants, monuments and tourist attractions. Heck, I even asked him how to say a few words in Portuguese.

Before, I knew it, we had arrived in Bathalha Square, locally known as Praça da Batalha. My eyes were immediately drawn to the Church of Saint Ildefonso, a gorgeous building that’s adorned with blue and white azulejos (famous Portuguese tiles).

I observed the square from afar, admiring the vibrant-coloured buildings and harmonious discord of tourists and locals. When I spotted Moov Hotel Porto Centro, the salmon-pink, cream-coloured facade looked like something straight out of a postcard. I’m a sucker for Art Deco, so I felt like I’d hit the jackpot.

We crossed over the tram tracks, dodging traffic and colourful tuk-tuks. As we entered the hotel, I got a feel for the site’s cinematic past. There were splashes of bright red and famous film star’s photos spread throughout the vicinity.

We approached the reception, where we were greeted by the staff’s friendly faces. We decided to drop off our suitcases in the luggage storage room and head out to grab a bite to eat. By this point, it was 8 am, and I’d been up since 3 am.

Early morning flights always take it out of you, but they sure are worth it. It means that you hardly ever experience delayed flights and that you can make the most of your time abroad.

Because I was running on just three hours of sleep, I felt that another coffee was in order. We strolled down Porto’s main shopping street, Rua de Santa Catarina, before finally stopping at a historical hot spot Cafe Majestic.

As I sipped on my third (and not final) coffee of the day, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the interiors. The gold-painted details and high-quality service were a real highlight. I loved that it felt like I’d stepped back in time. I’m somewhat fanatical about authentic experiences, and this gem had me head over heels.

As we got ready to leave, the sound of rain pelted down on the mosaic-tiled streets outside. Even though I’m usually a meticulous packer, I’d somehow forgotten a rain jacket, beanie and gloves. I’d expected to enjoy sunny weather, but hey, when you travel in the off-peak periods, sometimes you get a mix of both.

We continued up towards the store-lined shopping street in Porto, stopping to buy an umbrella. We dipped in and out of the shops and made our way to the iconic Church of Souls, also known as Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina.

Next up, we walked through Bolhao, past Clerigos Tower and then joined the queue for the famous Livraria Lello. This epic bookstore is well-known for inspiring the Harry Potter books, and I couldn’t wait to see what was inside.

Travel tip: If you want to visit the Livraria Lello Bookstore, be sure to book your tickets online and a few days in advance.

After dashing around the library and dodging the overwhelming amount of tourists, we fuelled up with some delectable brunch at a cool concept store known as Eleven Lab. We strolled back to the hotel and checked into our room.

It was so easy to dip between big attractions and Moov Hotel, and that’s what made it feel like it was one of the best places to stay in Porto, Portugal.

We took the lift from reception to level three. And I do have to note that this hotel smelled absolutely incredible - every corner was fresh and clean. I stepped inside the room and took a look around. The large windows illuminated the room and the light danced with shadows perfectly. An image of a famous film actress hung on the walls, offering a slice into the building’s cinematic past.

The bathroom was spacious and modern, perfect for getting refreshed after a big travel day. Large mirrors, a waterfall shower and sumptuous bedding were the real highlights of this hotel room.

My friend took a quick nap, while I buckled down on my laptop to get some work done. After a few hours of rest, we were ready to hit the streets again. We scurried through the alleyways and avenues on our way to the Luís I Bridge. Although it was cloudy, you could still spot the iconic terracotta-tiled rooftops of the Ribeira neighbourhood.

Across the Douro River, we spotted Vila Nova de Gaia. Hoping to have a wine-tasting experience, we added it to our list of things to do the following day. We continued to walk through the streets, stopping every so often to take photos, admire the buildings, and of course, film for YouTube.

After venturing through Sao Nicolau and Miragaia, we decided to drink an aperitivo, a pre-meal drink that’s a cultural ritual in countries like Portugal, Spain and Italy.

We stopped at BOSCO Porto and ordered a passionfruit sangria. The garden was graced with locals, vibrant flowers and gorgeous decor. There was even a disco ball hanging from a tree. Epic, right?

We wound up the evening eating francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich that’s made with toasted bread, hot meats, melted cheese and tomato-and-beer sauce. Mmm. I’m drooling just thinking about it.

The next day, we woke up early to head down to the breakfast buffet. Usually, when I stay at hotels, I see the same standard breakfast. But Moov Hotel’s selection exceeded my expectations.

With crispy pastel de nata, croissants, almond biscuits, cereals, fresh juices and a coffee machine, we were eager to taste a bit of everything. The breakfast buffet here really makes it one of the best hotels in Porto, Portugal.

My favourite part? The pancake machine. Without a doubt. Back when I was 15, I had an obsession with pancakes. Every week, I’d go to the Pancake Parlour in Melbourne’s city centre. And to this day, I can’t help but go crazy for these fluffy sweet treats. Anyway, I loaded up my plate with plenty of pancakes and sat down at the table.

There was a beautiful terrace area outside, but because of the rain, we didn’t go out. I could imagine that spot of a sunny summer’s morning - a picture-perfect spot to soak up the sun before a day of sightseeing.

We spent the rest of our trip seeing top-rated attractions, sipping Port wine in local cellars and surprisingly talking more Spanish than English. The landmarks, buzzing streets and postcard-worthy corners reminded me of what made me fall in love with the country. And it’s those very things that keep me coming back, time and time again.

If you’re visiting Portugal for the first time and you’re interested in sightseeing, Moov Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Porto. You’ll have easy access to most of the city’s famous attractions and top restaurants. Getting around is easy, thanks to the city’s extensive public transport network.

The building’s heritage made our time in Portugal all the more memorable, and peering up at that facade never got old. If you’re planning a longer vacation in Portugal, you could combine a stay at Moov Hotel with some of these top places to stay in Porto.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this hotel in Porto, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Obrigada!

Rooms at Moov Hotel in Porto, Portugal

Now that you’re up to speed on my experience at this hotel in Porto, let’s brush over some useful information. This accommodation is located in Praça da Batalha in Porto, Portugal, and there are a variety of room options available.

Standard Double Room

This is the perfect option for couples, with a comfy double bed, a bathroom and a handful of basic amenities. The room is cosy and fit for a three to four day stay.

• Room size: 15 m² approximately

• Double bed size: 160 cm

Standard Twin Room

This twin room is ideal for friends, with two single beds and a private bathroom. The room comes with extras like 2-in-1 shampoo, hand gel and a hair dryer.

• Room size: 15 m²

• Double bed size: 80 cm

Reduced Mobility Room

This option features a double bed, a bathroom and standard amenities for your convenience. With extra space, it’s ideal for a three to four day stay.

• Room size: 23 m²

• Double bed size: 160 cm

Twin City View Room

If you want to know where to stay in Porto, this room provides a pinnacle experience with picture-perfect city vistas. Overlooking the iconic Batalha Square, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of Porto’s downtown area. The room features a double bed and private bathroom and is equipped with an array of amenities. I’d highly recommend this option if you want a unique holiday in Porto.

• Room size: 17 m²

• Double bed size: 80 cm

Superior Double Room

This superior double room is ideal for travellers who want a more spacious stay. This option is furnished with 2 comfortable double beds and a bathroom. Plus, you’ll find amenities like body gel, shampoo, a hair dryer and hand gel. Thanks to its ample size, this is a great option for a longer stay in Porto.

• Room size: 22 m²

• Double bed size: 160 cm

Amenities at Moov Hotel in Porto Centro

It’s no secret that there are many places to stay in Porto, Portugal. But there are a handful of features at Moov Hotel that make it a must for travellers.

Whether it’s your first time in Porto or you’re a seasoned traveller, here are some of the factors that’ll help you make the most of your trip.

• Buffet Breakfast: This place is a foodie’s haven. Fuel up before a big day of sightseeing with the mouth-watering range of treats - pancakes, coffee, biscuits, fruit juices, bread, pastries, season fruit and oh, so much more! Plus, there are vegan and gluten-free options available. Score!

• Parking: There’s a private underground car park. If you want to do day trips or explore beyond Porto, this is a must-have for any accommodation. Just be sure to book in advance to avoid missing out!

• 24-hour Reception: Whether you’re arriving at 2 am or 2 pm, this is what makes Moov Hotel one of the most popular places to stay. Any queries, you’ll be sure to be greeted with a friendly face at any hour of the day.

• Outdoor Terrace: Perfect for the warmer weather! Make the most of the fresh air from the hotel’s patio. Perch up in the sunshine with your morning coffee, get stuck into a new novel or set up your laptop and get some work done.

FAQs

Which part of Porto is best to stay?

If it’s your first time in Porto, I’d recommend staying in the city centre. Many hotels surround the Torre de los Clérigos and Praça da Liberdade, but places near Praça Batalha and Mercado do Bolhão can offer a more authentic experience.

How many nights should I stay in Porto?

A four or five day stay in Porto is the perfect amount of time to make the most of the city’s experiences. During this time, you can see the top attractions in Porto, eat at the best restaurants and enjoy the gardens and river activities. If you have more time, I’d suggest visiting the nearby countryside and lovely fishing villages.

Is it worth it to stay in Porto?

Porto is well-worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in history, culture and Portuguese food. The city offers a mix of experiences, from lively markets and rooftop bars to river cruises and wine-tasting experiences.

What is the best month to visit Porto?

Although Porto is very popular in June, July and August, the best time to visit is during May or September. During these two months, you can enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds and more affordable prices on accommodation.

The Best Hotels in Porto, Portugal, and Beyond!

So, know you’ve got the rundown. Moov Hotel Porto Centro is packed with charm and history, offering a unique experience in the centre of the city. The buffet breakfast, Art Deco facade and unmatched history make it one of the best places to stay in Porto, Portugal. Hands down.