Where to Stay in Porto for First Time Visitors Porto is a city defined by its dramatic topography, where winding cobblestone alleys meet the sweeping banks of the Douro River. For those visiting for the first time, the charm of the city is immediately apparent, but the logistics of choosing where to stay in Porto can be daunting. The city is split between the historic riverfront and the undulating hills of the upper center, meaning a hotel that l...