Megan Bull makes a strong case for Porto, a city often overshadowed by Lisbon.
When it comes to planning a city break, Porto – Portugal's second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site – is the archetypal girl next door. Often overshadowed by her cool older sister, Lisbon, much like in the movies, once you experience the true extent of her unrivalled and incandescent beauty, you can't help but wonder how you didn't realise it sooner.
A lesson I learned firsthand, the InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas, a former 18th-century palace overlooking the Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square), offers a snapshot of the city's opulent and alluring Old World, while setting the tone for a relaxed and restorative five-star stay.
Placing you in the cultural epicentre of Europe's oldest cities, the hotel is a grand and historic tribute to Porto's past lives, of which there are many. Surrounded by iconic landmarks, bustling markets, traditional tapas bars, artisanal bakeries and medieval cobbled streets populated with bright red tuk-tuks, it's a part of the world that feels rustic, untouched and authentically lived in without feeling too touristy or commercialised. In essence, Porto might just be Portugal's best-kept secret, and one of the most beautiful places in Europe for a city break.
Grande Dame Glamour
A decadent sanctuary flooded with light, the InterContinental makes a bold and unforgettable first impression. A haze of grand marble floors, impressive stone pillars, and hanging chandeliers, the hotel nods to its palatial heritage without ever feeling ostentatious or overdone.
Leaning into a quiet luxury aesthetic, the interiors have been given a classic and contemporary upgrade with a warm, neutral colour palette and modern artwork gazing upon guests in the lobby. Imbued with a timeless and tranquil appeal, head upstairs and the InterContinental's 113 rooms and suites – some of which are two storeys – have been carefully curated to embody the authentic spirit of Porto.
Elegant, stately and spacious in design, the rooms are equipped with romantic floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the city. To the front of the hotel, travellers are treated to a visual feast of Avenida dos Aliados – Porto's main avenue and a photogenic hub of Neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco architecture. As for rooms situated at the back, guests are invited to admire treasures further afield, including São Bento station and the River Douro, which leads to the neighbouring, vibrant city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Adding to the hotel's palatial appeal, each room features a grand marble bathroom and heavenly Byredo toiletries, too, and there's even a pillow menu should you require it after a memorable day of sightseeing and culinary delights.
A Cultural Epicentre
Located in the beating heart of the city, the neoclassical hotel occupies one of Porto's most prestigious addresses, with a pantheon of iconic landmarks just minutes from the hotel's revolving glass doors. Among them, Clérigos Church, São Bento train station, the infamous Majestic Café, and the Ribeira district are all nearby, feeding into the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Top tip – not even five minutes from the hotel, you'll want to turn left and pay a visit to Manteigaria, an artisanal bakery recommended by locals, and famed for its freshly-baked Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese egg custard tarts), which are too delicious for words.
A Celebration of Modern Portuguese Cuisine
Serving modern Portuguese and Mediterranean Cuisine, the hotel also plays host to the Astória restaurant, which favours a farm-to-table approach using mostly local and seasonal ingredients. Elevated yet familiar with sumptuous and classic dishes, including seared sea bass, cod confit, and charcoal-grilled tournedos on the menu, it's a space that feels sophisticated and stylish. Nodding to boho-chic, the inside of the restaurant combines muted tones with warm lantern lights and lush, hanging ceiling plants that are seriously Instagrammable, while the outdoor garden – the Pátio das Cardosas – is lined with green-and-white striped chairs that look out onto a kaleidoscope of colourful buildings.
Pre or post-dinner, a cocktail or Port wine in the hotel's bar is sure to indulge the senses. An ode to Anglo-Portuguese heritage, Bar das Cardosas emulates the style of a traditional British library with dark chestnut bookcases, a grand piano, striped chairs in rich magenta and chess-style tables, setting the mood. Dark and atmospheric in the evenings, it's the perfect place to people-watch with a tipple or two.
Wellness
Ensuring you feel rested and rejuvenated for the entirety of your stay, the InterContinental's modest but mighty wellness centre has everything you need to kick back and relax. Aside from a sauna and steam room, there's also an array of beauty treatments on offer. From Swedish and hot stone massages that'll loosen the tension, to moisturising and hydrating facials that'll leave you glowing from the inside out, there’s a mollifying ritual to suit every need. Beyond this, guests can also book a special couple's package, which includes a massage and sauna for two with sparkling wine and Belgian truffles.
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Luxury travel, in its most evolved form, is no longer defined by extravaganza and opulence. It is shaped by places and experiences that offer a greater sense of belonging. It's access to private spaces and quiet moments that are hard to come by.
