Latest news with #GeographicTraveller
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Where to stay in Porto
This article was adapted from National Geographic Traveller (UK) In a city dominated by independent hotels, Porto offers a plethora of unique and interesting boutique places to stay. From converted warehouses and 19th-century palaces to properties in and around the famous wine district, you're never far from a sense of history and occasion in Portugal's second city. And with visitor statistics on the up, Porto is seeing a growing number of new openings and renovations to keep up with its newfound popularity. Baixa, in the heart of the city, and Ribeira, by the River Douro, are two of the most obvious places to stay but, across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia is the centre of the historic wine trade, while neighbourhoods such as Bonfim are on the up. Discreetly tucked away on a quiet road in the trendy Bonfim neighbourhood, a brisk 20-minute walk east of the centre of Porto, occupies a former warehouse reimagined as a casually cool boutique hotel. Bonfim is perhaps the obvious place for such a venture; it was dubbed one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out, with the creative crowds drawn to the area's elegant townhouses and charming, old-school spots to eat and drink. ticks all the necessary design boxes for the resurgent neighbourhood. Concrete, dark wood, glass and natural light feature highly and, alongside vintage, mid-century furniture, there's a distinctly analogue feel to the place. The music area has more than 600 vinyl records to play, with turntables in the rooms, and guitars are even available to practice on. The 62 rooms are minimal and stylish, their stripped-back nature reflecting the understated vibe of the hotel. The room rates are very reasonable, too. The ground-floor bar is distinctly retro-cool and casual — with DJs in the evenings — while the basement restaurant offers an impressive breakfast buffet as well as modern and traditional dishes such as brás-style cod. And complementing the music theme, there's a 300-capacity live venue that hosts concerts, exhibitions and discussions. There's also a small outdoor pool and terrace, both of which are ideal for the warmer months. From €111 (£93). Housed in restored industrial buildings, The Rebello brings cool to the Vila Nova de Gaia riverbank overlooking the city centre. The 103-suite hotel offers uninterrupted views across the Douro River to the historic heart of Porto and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Mornings at the hotel begin with an abundant breakfast spread — made-to-order hot plates, pour-your-own mimosas and bite-sized pastéis de nata. Come evening, head to the rooftop bar, Bello, for inventive cocktails and sweeping views of the city. But the best part of the hotel is the serene, dimly lit pool and spa area clad in peachy terracotta walls, offering a tranquil escape after a day of urban exploring. From €220 (£185), B&B. (Related: How to spend an active weekend in Porto, Portugal's riverside city) In the heart of the city's historic wine district, this 10-storey hotel is set within seven acres of land, has 109 rooms and boasts one of the best views across the Douro. Add to that Relais & Châteaux membership, a two Michelin-starred restaurant and two infinity pools, and it's undoubtedly one of Porto's best hotels. From €305 (£256). It's easy to spot the theme at Torel Palace, the 19th-century mansion hotel near central Batalha Square, with its book-filled library, well-thumbed coffee table tomes and 24 lavish rooms named after famous Portuguese authors. Its restaurant pays homage to José Saramago, with a multi-sensory menu. From €183 (£154). Wine-themed House of Sandeman is in Vila Nova de Gaia and has affordable dorms with bed frames inspired by port barrels as well as private rooms. Artwork from the Sandeman wine brand features throughout, and the cellars are close for tastings. From €26 (£22) in a dorm and €118 (£99) in a private room. (Related: 10 of the best new hotels in Lisbon.) Originally published in the March 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), updated in May subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
5 days ago
- National Geographic
Where to stay in Porto
This article was adapted from National Geographic Traveller (UK) In a city dominated by independent hotels, Porto offers a plethora of unique and interesting boutique places to stay. From converted warehouses and 19th-century palaces to properties in and around the famous wine district, you're never far from a sense of history and occasion in Portugal's second city. And with visitor statistics on the up, Porto is seeing a growing number of new openings and renovations to keep up with its newfound popularity. Baixa, in the heart of the city, and Ribeira, by the River Douro, are two of the most obvious places to stay but, across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia is the centre of the historic wine trade, while neighbourhoods such as Bonfim are on the up. A former warehouse that has been transformed into a thriving boutique hotel, combines cutting-edge cool with a laid-back atmosphere. Photograph by Luis Ferraz Discreetly tucked away on a quiet road in the trendy Bonfim neighbourhood, a brisk 20-minute walk east of the centre of Porto, occupies a former warehouse reimagined as a casually cool boutique hotel. Bonfim is perhaps the obvious place for such a venture; it was dubbed one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out, with the creative crowds drawn to the area's elegant townhouses and charming, old-school spots to eat and drink. ticks all the necessary design boxes for the resurgent neighbourhood. Concrete, dark wood, glass and natural light feature highly and, alongside vintage, mid-century furniture, there's a distinctly analogue feel to the place. The music area has more than 600 vinyl records to play, with turntables in the rooms, and guitars are even available to practice on. The 62 rooms are minimal and stylish, their stripped-back nature reflecting the understated vibe of the hotel. The room rates are very reasonable, too. The ground-floor bar is distinctly retro-cool and casual — with DJs in the evenings — while the basement restaurant offers an impressive breakfast buffet as well as modern and traditional dishes such as brás-style cod. And complementing the music theme, there's a 300-capacity live venue that hosts concerts, exhibitions and discussions. There's also a small outdoor pool and terrace, both of which are ideal for the warmer months. From €111 (£93). The Rebello's lobby blends mid-century curves with industrial cool, setting the tone for this stylish Gaia riverside stay. Photograph by The Rebello The Rebello Housed in restored industrial buildings, The Rebello brings cool to the Vila Nova de Gaia riverbank overlooking the city centre. The 103-suite hotel offers uninterrupted views across the Douro River to the historic heart of Porto and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Mornings at the hotel begin with an abundant breakfast spread — made-to-order hot plates, pour-your-own mimosas and bite-sized pastéis de nata. Come evening, head to the rooftop bar, Bello, for inventive cocktails and sweeping views of the city. But the best part of the hotel is the serene, dimly lit pool and spa area clad in peachy terracotta walls, offering a tranquil escape after a day of urban exploring. From €220 (£185), B&B. (Related: How to spend an active weekend in Porto, Portugal's riverside city) The Yeatman In the heart of the city's historic wine district, this 10-storey hotel is set within seven acres of land, has 109 rooms and boasts one of the best views across the Douro. Add to that Relais & Châteaux membership, a two Michelin-starred restaurant and two infinity pools, and it's undoubtedly one of Porto's best hotels. From €305 (£256). Torel Palace It's easy to spot the theme at Torel Palace, the 19th-century mansion hotel near central Batalha Square, with its book-filled library, well-thumbed coffee table tomes and 24 lavish rooms named after famous Portuguese authors. Its restaurant pays homage to José Saramago, with a multi-sensory menu. From €183 (£154). Enjoy a wine-themed stay at the House of Sandeman. Photograph by Luis Ferraz The House of Sandeman Wine-themed House of Sandeman is in Vila Nova de Gaia and has affordable dorms with bed frames inspired by port barrels as well as private rooms. Artwork from the Sandeman wine brand features throughout, and the cellars are close for tastings. From €26 (£22) in a dorm and €118 (£99) in a private room. (Related: 10 of the best new hotels in Lisbon.) Originally published in the March 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), updated in May 2025. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
CNN
5 days ago
- General
- CNN
Incredible photos from the National Geographic Traveller competition
An intimate portrait of a Vietnamese woman sitting next to her great-granddaughter in a dark, smoky room as she works on some embroidery has won the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2025. Taken in Vietnam's Lào Cai province by UK-based photographer Justin Cliffe, the winning image was selected from thousands of entries and described by judges as portraying a 'moment between generations that captures so much beauty and humanity.' 'The colours, light and textures work really well,' the judges added in a press release Thursday. The art of embroidery has been passed down multiple generations of Red Dao minority people in Vietnam, according to National Geographic. Other category winners include a captivating image of an eye-like geothermal pool in Iceland, a family-run eatery in Tibet and a thrilling chance-encounter between a Bonelli's eagle and a fox in Spain. The annual competition aims to highlight the best travel photos from around the globe taken by UK and Ireland-based photographers, both amateurs and professionals. Cliffe's prize-winning image was chosen from six category winners across the themes of landscape, people, wildlife, food, city life and portfolio. 'Our competition goes from strength to strength, with this year's easily one of the strongest yet,' Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said in the release. 'Capturing everything from the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and Italy to incredible wildlife shots in Spain and Canada, the 18 finalists – who made the cut from thousands of entries – have really elevated the level of travel photography with their ingenuity and skill,' Riddell added. The six category winners can be viewed in the gallery above.
CNN
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Incredible photos from the National Geographic Traveller competition
An intimate portrait of a Vietnamese woman sitting next to her great-granddaughter in a dark, smoky room as she works on some embroidery has won the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2025. Taken in Vietnam's Lào Cai province by UK-based photographer Justin Cliffe, the winning image was selected from thousands of entries and described by judges as portraying a 'moment between generations that captures so much beauty and humanity.' 'The colours, light and textures work really well,' the judges added in a press release Thursday. The art of embroidery has been passed down multiple generations of Red Dao minority people in Vietnam, according to National Geographic. Other category winners include a captivating image of an eye-like geothermal pool in Iceland, a family-run eatery in Tibet and a thrilling chance-encounter between a Bonelli's eagle and a fox in Spain. The annual competition aims to highlight the best travel photos from around the globe taken by UK and Ireland-based photographers, both amateurs and professionals. Cliffe's prize-winning image was chosen from six category winners across the themes of landscape, people, wildlife, food, city life and portfolio. 'Our competition goes from strength to strength, with this year's easily one of the strongest yet,' Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said in the release. 'Capturing everything from the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and Italy to incredible wildlife shots in Spain and Canada, the 18 finalists – who made the cut from thousands of entries – have really elevated the level of travel photography with their ingenuity and skill,' Riddell added. The six category winners can be viewed in the gallery above.
