Aliados Holidays & City Breaks

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THE BEATING HEART OF THE CITY

Anchored by the grand Avenida dos Aliados, this iconic neighbourhood is a showcase of stunning architecture, with ornate façades and the stately Porto City Hall crowning its northern end. Stroll along the avenue, and you’ll find street performers, pop-up markets, and a lively buzz that gives off pure Porto energy – it’s the beating heart of the city, where history, culture, and modern life collide.

Nearby, discover cultural gems like São Bento Station, adorned with ornate azulejo tiles, or take a short walk to the Clérigos Tower and climb up its ancient steps for unrivalled panoramic city views. If you fancy some retail therapy or a few souvenirs, Rua de Santa Catarina is a stone’s throw away, brimming with quirky boutiques, cute cafés, and old-school grocery shops.

Aliados is also a foodie’s dream. From classic Portuguese dishes at authentic tasquinhas to contemporary cuisine in trendy bistros, the dining options are endless. You can’t visit Porto without taking on a francesinha – a famous sandwich made with layers of toasted bread, hot meats, lots (and lots) of cheese, and a tomato-and-beer sauce – or trying multiple pastel de natas with a side of port wine – delicious.

As night falls, Aliados transforms into a nightlife hub, with rooftop bars and cosy wine cellars aplenty. Whether you’re marveling at the architecture or diving into Porto’s culinary and cultural treasures, this neighbourhood invites you to soak up its unique charm and vibrant spirit at every turn. It’s the perfect starting point for your Porto adventure.

See the station
Ok, so it’s a station. But even if you’re not catching a train out of Porto, it’s worth popping into São Bento Train Station to marvel at the dramatic azulejos (hand-painted tiles) which show a selection of historical scenes. It’s incredibly Insta-worthy.
Look at books
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll want to tick the fascinating Livraria Lello off your bucket list. It’s a bookshop, but the twisting staircase was apparently the inspiration for the one in the Harry Potter books, which JK Rowling penned in Porto.
Mooch around the market
The 19th-century, wrought-iron Mercado do Bolhão reopened its doors in 2022 after a major renovation. Walk around with a glass of local wine and try tempting treats like fresh seafood and fish, meats, cheeses, olives, and an impressive selection of fresh produce.

Explore our map of Aliados

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Your Aliados questions, answered

Is there public transport here?Can you walk to the river from here?Is Aliados a good area to stay?

You’ll have plenty of options for getting around. Aliados has its own metro station, almost exactly in the middle of Avenida dos Aliados. From here, you can easily connect to far out areas of the city, or take a tram or bus to get from A to B.

Yes! The famous Douro River, the historic Ribeira area, and the Luís I Bridge which connects to Vila Nova de Gaia are within a 20-minute stroll from Porto City Hall at the top of Avenida dos Aliados. Just head straight down the hill to the river.

It’s so central that you’ll be close to a multitude of top attractions. The 250-metre-long Avenida dos Aliados connects the historic centre and the modern districts of the city, so you’ll get the full Porto experience in this area.