When people think of Porto, most immediately picture Ribeira and the historic center. But there’s so much more to discover in the city — and Boavista is the perfect example. This modern, elegant, and culturally rich area combines iconic architecture, peaceful gardens, must-visit museums, and some truly great places to eat.
In this guide, we’ll show you what to see and do in Boavista, where to eat well, and where to stay, with practical tips and recommendations based on places we’ve personally visited and liked. In fact, for those who prefer a quieter area, well connected by public transport, with green spaces and away from the hustle of downtown, Boavista can be an excellent alternative for staying in Porto — especially if you’re traveling with kids, visiting for work, or have already explored the city’s main tourist attractions.
If you’re looking to experience a less touristy side of Porto that’s still full of life and authenticity, Boavista might surprise you.
Where is Boavista, and what is it exactly?
Boavista isn’t an official neighborhood of Porto, but everyone in the city knows where it is. When people talk about “Boavista,” they’re usually referring to the area along (and around) Avenida da Boavista — stretching from the Boavista Roundabout (where Casa da Música is located) to Castelo do Queijo on the Atlantic coast.
It’s one of the city’s largest and most diverse areas, blending residential zones, shopping areas, cultural centers, and some of Porto’s most modern buildings. In this guide, we’ll focus mainly on Boavista itself, but we’ve also included nearby attractions that are worth visiting while you’re in the area.
Many locals live, work, or study in Boavista, so the area has a more natural and authentic rhythm. And even though it’s not part of the city’s primary tourist circuit, it still offers plenty of things to see — and even places to stay, especially if you’re looking for a different kind of Porto experience.
Why visit Boavista?
Boavista is an area of Porto that many people are unfamiliar with, but it has a lot to offer. It’s not the tourist-packed historic center, with its increasingly crowded streets and amusement park feel — Boavista has a more authentic vibe, where you can get a sense of the city’s real daily life.
It’s a place where there’s always something new to discover: striking buildings, museums, gardens, shops, and restaurants. There’s Casa da Música, the City Park, modern architecture, and the atmosphere of a living, breathing city. Here, things don’t feel like they were created for tourists — it feels like a place where people live, work, and enjoy what the city has to offer.
Plus, Boavista is convenient — it’s well served by public transport, has great cafés and restaurants, and is a calm area where you can walk around without the intense buzz of the city center.
Boavista Guide Map
What to See and Do in Boavista
Casa da Música
Casa da Música is one of Porto’s most iconic architectural and cultural landmarks, located right in the heart of Boavista. Opened in 2005 and designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, it stands out for its bold shape and eclectic programming.
It’s home to the Porto Symphony Orchestra, but also hosts jazz concerts, electronic music, fado, and international artists. Beyond the performance halls, the building includes a panoramic restaurant, a bar, and guided tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the space.
We highly recommend attending a concert or event, if possible. However, even if you can’t, simply visiting the building is a unique experience and one of the top attractions in any Boavista guide.
Serralves Foundation
The Serralves Foundation is another of the city’s top cultural spots, located near Boavista. It’s not exactly on the avenue or in the neighborhood, but it’s very close. And because it blends art, architecture, and nature all in one place, we had to include it in this list of things to do in Boavista.
At Serralves, you’ll find the Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, the stunning Art Deco Serralves Villa, and a massive park with gardens, forest trails, and treetop walkways.
In addition to its art exhibitions, Serralves hosts a range of cultural events, workshops, and outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place for modern art lovers, but also for anyone looking for a peaceful and inspiring green escape from the city’s fast pace.
Bom Sucesso Market
Bom Sucesso Market combines food, socializing, and culture, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Boavista.
Set in a 1950s modernist building, it has been renovated into a trendy urban market, bringing together various stalls offering a mix of Portuguese bites, international dishes, wine, cheese, and artisanal desserts. It’s ideal for a casual meal, whether you’re with friends or family, in a relaxed but lively setting.
Besides the food, the market often hosts events, live music, and exhibitions, making it a popular hangout for both locals and travelers.
Its location, just steps from the Boavista Roundabout and Casa da Música, makes it a tasty and convenient stop in the neighborhood. Along with our other restaurant tips below, it’s one of the best places to eat in Boavista.
City Park (Parque da Cidade)
Parque da Cidade is Portugal’s largest urban park and one of the most beautiful green spaces in Porto. It stretches along Avenida da Boavista all the way to the sea, with walking paths winding through lakes, open lawns, woodlands, and diverse wildlife.
Designed by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal and opened in phases between 1993 and 2002, the park offers picnic areas, sports facilities, bird-watching spots, and serene corners for relaxation.
It’s perfect for walking, outdoor snacks, jogging, or simply enjoying nature. On weekends, it fills up with families, runners, and groups of friends. It also hosts events, concerts, and festivals.
Even though it’s huge (83 hectares), it always feels calm and natural — a true green escape right in the city. It’s definitely one of our favorite places in Porto.
Sea Life Porto
Sea Life Porto is an aquarium dedicated to marine life — an excellent option for families or rainy days in the city. Located at the far end of Avenida da Boavista, near the City Park, it invites visitors to explore the underwater world through glass tunnels, interactive tanks, and dozens of marine species — from sharks to rays and seahorses.
It’s educational (especially for kids), but also fun and surprising for adults. In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium promotes ocean conservation and environmental awareness.
It’s not very large, but it’s a great stop to pair with a walk through the park or along the coast, especially if you’re traveling with children.
Castelo do Queijo and Coastal Promenade
Castelo do Queijo, officially known as Forte de São Francisco Xavier, is a historic seaside fortress situated on the rocks, offering stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a place full of history and a symbol of Porto’s connection to the sea.
Right next to it, the coastal promenade invites you to walk or cycle along the ocean, with cafés, terraces, and beautiful scenery all around. At sunset, this area lights up with golden tones — a perfect spot to watch the sun go down and feel the Atlantic breeze.
Beaches
At the far end of Avenida da Boavista, you’ll also find a few beaches which, while they don’t make Porto a beach destination per se, are still a great option during the summer months.
Castelo do Queijo Beach and neighboring Praia Internacional have good access, nice sandy stretches, and nearby cafés. They’re not the most idyllic beaches in Portugal, but they’re perfect for sunbathing, taking a dip, or just relaxing with an Atlantic view. These beaches are also popular among surfers and people who enjoy walking or running by the sea.
Where to Eat in Boavista?
While it doesn’t have the sheer number of restaurants, cafés, and bars you’ll find downtown, Boavista still offers a wide variety of places to eat for all tastes and budgets. Some of our favorite pastry shops in Porto are located here, along with great brunch spots, vegetarian restaurants, local taverns (tascas), and snack bars.
You’ll also find a surprisingly diverse international food scene — from the usual Italian, Indian, and Japanese, to less common options like Georgian cuisine. There’s a whole world of food to discover in Boavista, and here are some of our top picks.
If you enjoy trying local foods, you should have a look at our What to eat in Porto post.
For Breakfast
The Boavista area, especially around the Roundabout, is full of traditional Portuguese bakeries and pastry shops offering classic breakfasts, as well as some more modern cafés. These are our favorites:
- Negra Café – A popular brunch spot with several locations around Porto. It’s one of our go-to brunch places in the city. Very Instagram-friendly, with healthy and tasty options.
- Arcádia – Porto’s most iconic chocolatier. It has several shops, including one in Boavista. In addition to their famous chocolates, they serve great breakfast options.
- Confeitaria Petúlia – A historic pastry shop known for its bolo-rei (king cake) and pão de ló (Portuguese sponge cake). A very traditional spot where you’ll find many classic Portuguese pastries.
Snacks and Local Taverns
- The Dog – A trendy fast-food place where the star is the cachorrinho, a small spicy hot dog, Porto-style. They also offer other snacks, but the cachorrinhos are the real highlight. The prego sandwiches here are also excellent, made with quality beef.
- A Badalhoca – One of the most famous tascas in Porto, also thanks to its cheeky name. It’s best known for its generously filled cured ham (presunto) sandwiches, but the bifanas (pork sandwiches) are also fantastic — some of our favorites in the city. It’s a bit outside the Boavista area, but close enough to include on this list.
For Francesinhas
- Lemos Café – Without a doubt, one of our favorite francesinhas in Porto, served in a cozy, local atmosphere: well-stuffed sandwich, quality ingredients, and a great sauce. Prices are very reasonable for Porto.
- Cufra – One of the best-known restaurants on Avenida da Boavista. It’s a seafood restaurant (marisqueira) offering a wide range of dishes. The francesinha is also excellent, though a bit pricier than average.
Check out our complete list of the best francesinhas in Porto.
Typical Porto Restaurants in Boavista
- Em Carne Viva – Considered one of the best 100% vegan restaurants in Porto. A sophisticated place where traditional Portuguese cuisine is reimagined into tasting menus (5 or 10 courses). Quite expensive.
- Casa Agrícola – A former 18th-century farmhouse turned into an elegant dining space in Boavista. The upstairs area features refined Portuguese and international cuisine in a warm setting, complete with chandeliers and wooden floors.
- Cufra – As mentioned above, Cufra is much more than only francesinhas. It’s a proper seafood restaurant, making it a solid choice for fish and especially seafood lovers visiting Porto.
Where to Stay in Boavista?
Boavista offers a wide range of accommodation options — from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays and modern serviced apartments. It’s becoming an increasingly popular area to stay in Porto, thanks to its excellent location, wide range of restaurants, attractions, and excellent transport connections both within the city and beyond.
- Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory – Luxury Stay
A 5-star hotel offering elegant rooms, a full spa, gym, and a panoramic rooftop restaurant. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking premium comfort in a central and modern part of Porto.
Check prices and availability here.
- HF Fénix Porto – Comfort & Location
This 4-star hotel offers excellent value for money, with spacious rooms and a highly rated breakfast. It’s located just steps from Casa da Música, Bom Sucesso Market, and Cidade do Porto shopping center.
See photos and book your stay here.
- Boavista Guest House – Cozy & Budget-Friendly
A charming guesthouse with a warm, family-like atmosphere and modern decor. A great choice if you’re looking to save without sacrificing comfort. It’s located on Rua da Boavista, within walking distance of the historic center — perfect for those who enjoy exploring on foot.
Make sure to book in advance here.
- Oporto Serviced Apartments – Boavista – Independence & Style
These fully equipped modern apartments are ideal for more extended stays or family trips. While they don’t accept last-minute or one-night bookings, they’re perfect if you’re looking for a quiet, well-located place with a kitchen and more independence.
Reserve your stay here.
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