CR Adventures 080623: Porto - Baixa and Cedofeita Adventure

Baixa, commonly known as Downtown Porto or simply as “Baixa”, is the neighborhood just above Ribeira.

It basically consists of two hills: one around the cathedral of Porto, where the city was founded, and one where the famous Lello bookstore and the Clérigos tower are located. To move from one hill to the other you have to cross the most important avenue in Porto, Avenida dos Aliados.

A lot of the best luxury hotels in Porto are located in Avenida dos Aliados, but don’t worry because there are plenty of affordable apartments to rent in this area. This is also where we celebrate new Year’s Eve, the exciting São João festival, major sports events and music concerts.

Baixa is also one of the best neighborhoods in Porto for partying – check my guide of the best bars of Porto.

Moreover, São Bento train station is right there, which might be useful if you are planning to do some day trips from Porto.

Baixa is the best neighborhood in Porto for solo travellers looking for some fun, young couples and for group of friends travelling together. It is also great from people who want to stay as close as possible to the main city attractions.

Baixa or Downtown Porto is a phenomenal area but it is also where the nightlife district is located, more specifically the streets Galerias de Paris, Rua Cândido dos Reis, Praça Guilherme Fernandes and Rua José Falcão.

Moreover, in Portugal we like to drink on the streets, especially if the weather allows it. Therefore, Baixa or Downtown Porto is a very loud neighborhood to stay in Porto during Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays nights.However, currently Avenida dos Aliados is under renovation (they are building a new subway station there!) so you really need to be careful when picking a place to stay in Porto – Baixa, otherwise you will end up in the middle of the mess, as we say in Portuguese.






Cedofeita is the trendiest neighborhood in Porto as it has an art district at Rua Miguel Bombarda, full of interesting art galleries and concept stores (particularly at Rua do Rosário). For me it is the most romantic neighborhood to stay in Porto.

Besides the art district, Cedofeita has some lovely brunch cafes like Early and Rosa et Al. It also has a cute shopping mall, with concept stores and an organic market on Saturdays, called Centro Comercial Bombarda.

Cedofeita is particularly interesting because it is right next to Baixa, where most monuments are located (as well as great bars and restaurants), but “far away enough” for a quiet time in Porto.

At this neighborhood in Porto you can go for a romantic walk at the Crystal Palace Gardens, located in front of Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, one of the best museums in Porto. If you want to experience the Portuguese culture, you can enjoy a Fado show at Casa da Guitarra.

Cedofeita is the best neighborhood in Porto for family with kids, travellers who want to be close to the main city attractions but on a quieter location and for couples on a romantic getaway in Porto.