Selina Porto

You can’t miss the charming red Juliet balconies hanging from each of the windows of the Selina Porto. It is a classic European façade that is well-suited to the location – a city that might be best described as classically European, perhaps exceptionally so. Upon entering the hotel, you will be struck by its spaciousness and light. Big common areas, like the large, modern patio garden, encourage an openness and sense of community amongst guests. Backpackers, nomads, family and friends can all come together and enjoy drinks at the bar, a film in the Movie Room, or even live DJ sets at the weekend.

A variety of rooms are available, including double rooms and rooms for three. All of the rooms are characterised by a minimal, modern design based around a simple palette of white and one other subdued colour – turquoise, mint-green, mustard, purple, etc. This is pleasantly offset by the inclusion of a handful of wood furniture pieces, creating a gentle atmosphere for you that manages to be simultaneously quirky and mature.

Selina aims to be the base for your adventure in Porto. It is a colourful city, both literally and figuratively, and since it’s so ancient, it makes sense that its heritage is incredibly varied. Gothic emblems like the Church of São Francisco are indicative of hundreds of years of mid-millennium history, whilst the Luís I Bridge nods to the engineering innovations of the late 1800s. Elsewhere, there’s baroque, neoclassical, modern, and virtually every other conceivable period that falls in-between. Follow the river down to the ocean and discover the stylish Foz do Duoro district, full of beaches and trendy restaurants. And, of course, this is wine country, so there are countless cellar tours you can embark on. Whether you do so or not, be sure to enjoy a sweet glass of Port at some point during your stay. ‘When in Rome’, as they say!