For a Porto stay where you’ll spend much of the day exploring, Casa Astória offers a useful mix: a central Sé location, a shared garden with city and river views, and an architect-host who lives upstairs. The trade-off is a compact one-bedroom apartment with little closet space and a shower-and-sink area without a door. Hannah Towey describes her stay in Condé Nast Traveler.
Towey stayed three nights with a friend and found the limited space manageable. That experience is a helpful reference, not a guarantee that the layout will suit every group. Before booking, consider how much time you expect to spend inside and whether everyone traveling with you is comfortable sharing a tight space.
A host who lives in the building
Francisco, a Porto-born architect, owns and renovated the historic 1830 building, and lives on its top floor with his family. Towey met him in the shared backyard; he later shared restaurant recommendations and suggestions for local attractions. Her account describes a personal welcome, rather than a promise of ongoing or round-the-clock assistance.
The building’s foyer features vintage rugs, antique furniture and collectibles. Inside the apartment, earth-toned walls and art create a lived-in feel. The kitchenette has a mini fridge, stovetop, sink and a few cooking essentials, including two coffee makers—but no oven. A small wooden dining table and leather couch share the living area, which also has a vintage stereo and Bluetooth radio.
The garden and the location
The garden is shared, not a private terrace. Towey used its outdoor seating for morning coffee and afternoon reading, and describes views over the city and river. Extra chairs can be requested.
The apartment sits above the Escadaria dos Guindais, near the Luís I Bridge. Towey found the address convenient for walking to the river district, Gaia, the cathedral and Mercado do Bolhão. She sometimes heard street noise in the living room; the bedroom stayed quiet during her visit, and she said her sleep was not disturbed by late-night foot traffic.
Check the layout before you book
The apartment has a full-size bed and limited closet space. The shower and sink area has no door, although the toilet is in a separate room with a door. Towey and her friend kept belongings in different rooms to create some privacy.
The writer considered the price fair, but her article gives no nightly rate, and rates can vary by date. She says the space is best suited to solo travelers and couples; friends who are comfortable sharing close quarters may also find it workable. If you’re considering it, check the current listing for availability and total price, then weigh the bathroom arrangement and storage against the garden, location and design.
Source image: Condé Nast Traveler.