Having previously visited Porto and left thoroughly impressed, I wondered whether a return trip a few years later could possibly live up to my memories. At the invitation of IHG, I had the perfect excuse to find out, with the opportunity to experience two of its five-star hotels in very different corners of the city. As it turned out, Porto hadn't simply retained its charm – it had become even more captivating.

Our stay began at the InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas, perfectly positioned in the heart of the city. Originally a 15th-century convent before serving as both a military hospital and the National Mint, the building takes its name from Manuel Cardoso dos Santos, the wealthy businessman who once owned the property for his family. Since its transformation by InterContinental in 2011, it has become one of Porto's most distinguished hotels.

InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas by IHG.

InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas by IHG.

InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas by IHG.

From the moment you step into its spacious, beautifully appointed lobby, the hotel strikes a balance between historic grandeur and contemporary elegance. Despite its bustling central location, the atmosphere is remarkably calm, offering a peaceful retreat after a day exploring the city's steep streets. The newly refurbished suites, currently being introduced as part of an ongoing modernisation, blend sleek contemporary styling with the timeless glamour found throughout the public spaces.

Dining at Astória continues the experience. Filled with lush greenery and overlooking the lively Praça da Liberdade, the restaurant delivers Portuguese-inspired cuisine that is both flavourful and sensibly priced. The generous breakfast buffet is equally impressive, catering for every appetite and providing the perfect start to a day of sightseeing. A visit to the stunning Bar das Cardosas is also highly recommended; their signature Porto cocktail is rich and truly memorable.

InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas by IHG.

InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas by IHG.

InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas boasts an enviable positioning. It is a haven in the heart of the hubub. With all the key tourist destinations just a stone's throw away from the hotel, this is the perfect location for those that want to be at the heart of the city.

Our second stay took us west to Boavista, Porto’s business and culinary district, where the Crowne Plaza Porto offered a completely different, but equally rewarding, experience. Just a short stroll from both the Porto Botanical Garden and Casa da Música, the recently refreshed hotel has a distinctly modern feel. While it naturally appeals to business travellers, its excellent facilities for young children also make it an attractive choice for families seeking a quieter base away from the busiest tourist streets.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt noticeably calmer than in the historic centre. The lobby is bright, contemporary and thoughtfully designed, with generous seating areas and an efficient yet genuinely welcoming reception team. Staff were consistently attentive throughout our stay, offering local recommendations and small touches of hospitality that made the hotel feel more personal than many larger international properties. The overall impression is one of understated luxury rather than showy opulence, with clean lines, quality materials and a sense of space that immediately encourages you to unwind.

Our tenth-floor room was spacious, stylish and exceptionally comfortable, with sweeping views across Porto’s skyline stretching towards the Atlantic. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the room with natural light, while excellent soundproofing ensured a peaceful night’s sleep despite the hotel’s urban setting. The bed was superbly comfortable, the linens luxurious, and practical details such as plentiful storage, bedside charging points and a well-designed workspace made the room feel as functional as it was attractive. The marble bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a large walk-in shower, premium toiletries and ample space for a family stay - with our room available on a different floor as a connecting family room.

Equally impressive is the hotel's commitment to sustainability. Rather than simply replacing the furnishings during the recent refurbishment, Crowne Plaza Porto has embraced a thoughtful upcycling programme, giving much of its existing Portuguese-made furniture a new lease of life. It's a refreshing approach that preserves the craftsmanship of locally sourced pieces while significantly reducing waste, demonstrating that luxury renovations need not come at the expense of environmental responsibility. The hotel's wider green initiatives reinforce this ethos, making sustainability feel like a genuine part of the guest experience rather than a marketing afterthought.

One of the hotel’s standout features is its dining offering. The newly opened Mediterranean restaurant, Somos, proved a genuine highlight of the trip. The menu is extensive without feeling overwhelming, showcasing fresh seafood, seasonal produce and Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are both refined and approachable. Service was warm, knowledgeable and unhurried, and the lively atmosphere suggested that the restaurant has already become popular with local residents as well as hotel guests — always a reassuring sign. Breakfast was similarly impressive: relaxed, plentiful and of a consistently high standard, with an excellent selection of fresh fruit, pastries, hot dishes and made-to-order options that catered equally well to adults and children.

The hotel’s family-friendly credentials are particularly noteworthy. Dedicated play areas, thoughtful amenities for younger guests and the abundance of space in both the public areas and guestrooms make it far easier to travel with children than many city-centre hotels. Parents can enjoy the calmer surroundings while still reaching Porto’s main attractions quickly by taxi, metro or a pleasant walk.

The wellness suite also deserves special mention. I opted for the Portuguese Massage, accompanied by traditional Fado music, creating one of the most genuinely relaxing spa experiences I have enjoyed in recent years. The treatment was expertly delivered, and the combination of soothing music, subtle lighting and a tranquil setting provided a welcome contrast to the energy of the city outside. After several days of sightseeing, it was exactly the restorative experience one hopes for from a hotel spa.

What ultimately distinguishes Crowne Plaza Porto is the balance it achieves between business efficiency and leisure comfort. It may not possess the historic drama of Porto’s grand palace hotels, but it excels in different ways: generous space, contemporary style, excellent dining, attentive service and a notably peaceful atmosphere. For travellers who prefer a sophisticated modern hotel with easy access to Porto’s cultural attractions while avoiding the crowds of the Ribeira and Baixa districts, it is an outstanding choice and one I would happily return to on a future visit.

Both hotels effortlessly justified their five-star status, but Porto itself remains the true star of the show.

Too many visitors focus solely on the Dom Luís I Bridge, the riverside and the famous port wine cellars. While all are undoubtedly worth experiencing, the city offers far more beneath the surface. Watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia is every bit as magical as its reputation suggests, and our visit was made even more memorable by an unexpected free performance from Ana Frango Eléctrico. Afterwards, exploring Gaia itself revealed a lively neighbourhood full of independent cafés, markets and riverside atmosphere.

Porto Cocktail, Astoria Restaurant, InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas by IHG.

Astoria Restaurant,InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas by IHG.

Somos Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Porto.

Our Douro Wine Walking Tour with EFun Tours introduced us to three very different port producers. While not every tasting suited my palate, I certainly discovered a couple of ports that have converted me into an enthusiastic drinker. However, it was the personal touch of the very knowledgable tour guide Riccardo, and the shared experience of the tasting sessions with fellow travellers, that made this a memorable experience. My personal recommendation - Quevedo's Porto Rosé.

Domus Arte.

Domus Arte.

One of Porto's defining features is its extraordinary azulejo tiles. From the spectacular murals inside São Bento railway station to the magnificent façade of Igreja do Carmo, they are woven into the city's identity. That made the tile-painting workshop at Domus Arte an easy recommendation. Not only was it a wonderfully relaxed experience, but creating a hand-painted tile to take home provided the perfect souvenir. Families, couples and groups of friends would all find plenty to enjoy here.

Our visit also coincided with the opening of Porto Pianofest 2026, providing the ideal opportunity to experience Casa da Música. Architecturally, it shares some similarities with Reykjavík's Harpa Concert Hall, yet remains entirely distinctive. The remarkable acoustics are complemented by striking interiors where nature-inspired design and futuristic architecture combine to create an unforgettable performance space.

Wondersense.

Wondersense.

One of the biggest surprises of the trip, however, was Wondersense. While queues outside the nearby Livraria Lello can stretch for hours, Wondersense offers timed entry that makes the experience wonderfully stress-free. Taking visitors on a playful journey through immersive installations designed to engage all five senses, it rekindles a childlike sense of curiosity and wonder. It ranks among the finest immersive attractions I have experienced anywhere.

As a vegetarian, I also found Porto significantly easier to navigate than on my previous visit. Both Astória and Somos offered imaginative, flavour-packed meat-free dishes, while wandering through the city centre introduced us to two further excellent finds: Casa Vegetariana and Cult of Pita.

Five days reminded me exactly why Porto has become one of Europe's most rewarding city breaks. Rich in history, effortlessly stylish, packed with outstanding food and full of experiences that extend well beyond its famous landmarks, it is a city that deserves to be explored slowly. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning, as I did, Porto has an uncanny ability to surprise you all over again.

Crowne Plaza Porto - https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/porto/opocp/hoteldetail

InterContinental - Palacio das Cardosas - https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/porto/prtha/hoteldetail

Domus Arte - https://domusarteporto.com/en/collections/domus-arte-workshops?srsltid=AfmBOoot9O1IyEbzzzDFlD_6t_KgRjvKPv7CdR8gv-9RJcJaYsf36_Jv

eFun Tours - https://efuntours.com/en/private-tours/walking-tours-1

Casa da Musica - https://casadamusica.com/en/