SD › Porto › Boutique Hotels › 1872 River House Review
Updated: April 16, 2021
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: Rua do Infante D. Henrique, right by the river.
• Hotel website: 1872riverhouse.com
• Hotel phone: +351 961 172 805
• Check prices on Booking.com
This historical guesthouse by the river features cozy and comfortable rooms with original exposed stonework, a summer terrace with complimentary beer, and an inviting river-facing lounge.
1872 River House – Intimate, light-filled boutique guesthouse beside the Douro River.
A laidback ambiance prevails at this cozy eight-room hotel that overlooks the river from a quiet corner of the waterfront promenade. The centuries-old rooms of the former warehouse are beautifully revamped, and appealing period features such as an inglenook fireplace, chandelier under the eaves, and vintage furniture add character. Guests may linger in the light-filled, river-facing lounge or on the summer terrace with a glass of wine or a complimentary glass of beer, or explore the dining scene along the waterfront, the historic Praça da Ribeira nearby, as well as downtown Porto’s numerous attractions. The owner occasionally holds wine receptions, and the friendly staff is happy to share their local knowledge.
See Also
1872 River House – Location
- Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique 133.
- Area: The hotel is located in charming Ribeira, the super-central, historic, riverside neighborhood overlooking the Douro River and the pedestrian walkway running along the riverbank. It’s a wonderfully strollable part of town, with the starting point of the scenic Infante-Passeio Allegre tram route just across the street and dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars right on the doorstep. The majority of the city’s attractions are within a 5 to 20-minutes’ walk, including many of the port wineries on the opposite side of the Douro River, across the Luís I bridge. The São Bento train station is nearby.
- Nearest Metro: São Bento (900m).
- How to Get There: From the airport, take the metro (purple line E) and ride for 15 stops to the Trindade stop. Then change to yellow line D and ride for 2 stops in the Santo Ovídio direction and disembark at the São Bento stop (900m). The journey costs €2.45. If coming by a long-distance intercity train, from the Campanhã station take the local train to São Bento station in downtown Porto, right beside the São Bento metro stop. From here, the hotel is around 13 minutes’ walk (900m) southwest along the Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira, followed by Rua do Infante D. Henrique. Alternatively, take the 100 Rumos airport shuttle door-to-door from the airport (from €12 one way), or a taxi (€20-29) (17 km).
- Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €25 from Porto International Airport – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
- Handy to: Palácio da Bolsa, Porto cathedral, port wine lodges.
1872 River House – The Basics
- Ages: The hotel has an adult feel to it and the majority of its guests tend to be couples on a romantic vacation or travelers on a city break. Babies and small children can be accommodated but there are no specific child-friendly amenities.
- View: Odd-numbered rooms look out onto the tiny street behind the hotel, while the front-facing, even-numbered rooms look out over the northern bank of the River Douro. Room 3 has partial river views.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools/jacuzzis.
- Laundry: In-room laundry service available at an extra charge (Monday to Friday only).
- Parking: There’s a parking garage nearby (€24 per day).
- Extras: Cozy guest lounge with river views, welcome drink (Graham’s port wine) on arrival, free beer on tap, plenty of local knowledge from friendly staff.
- When to Book: Reserve around 6 months in advance for the high season (May-July & September) as well as Christmas/New Year. For the rest of the year, it’s still a good idea to book a few weeks in advance.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +351 961 172 805
- Email: book@1872riverhouse.com
- Website: 1872riverhouse.com
1872 River House – Amenities
- Pool: No pool.
- Spa: No spa.
- Fitness Center: No fitness center.
- For Disabled Guests: There is an elevator and partially mobile guests will be accommodated, but there are 2 short flights of steps to be negotiated, and none of the rooms are specially adapted for guests with disabilities. Contact the hotel in advance to discuss requirements.
- For Families: Baby cots are provided at no extra cost for children up to the age of 3.
1872 River House – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: No on-site restaurant, but there are numerous dining options right on the doorstep, along the riverfront, and in the tiny streets just off the riverfront. The hotel staff is happy to make recommendations.
- Lounge/Bar: During the summer months, a terrace bar overlooking the river is in operation. The rest of the time, guests have access to a complimentary Super Bock beer tap, and there are Douro Valley and port wines available. There are numerous waterside bars right near the hotel also.
- Breakfast: Generous, complimentary breakfast buffet. Served in the lounge from 8am onwards.
- Room Service: There is no official room service, though occasional requests can be accommodated.
1872 River House – Rooms
- Room Types: Double or Twin with Street View • Deluxe Double or Twin with River View • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: 1872 River House is 100% smoke-free.
- Best Room: Each of the rooms is slightly different, so it depends on personal preference. River-facing Room 2 is very popular, as it comes with its own outdoor terrace. Of the street-facing rooms, Room 3 has a side window with river views. Street-facing Room 5 has a striking original inglenook fireplace above the bed. Attic Room 8 is full of natural light from the riverside, and a peek-a-boo shower in the corner of the bedroom.
- For Families: No family rooms per se, but each of the rooms can accommodate a baby cot.
1872 River House – Local Transport
- Walking: Central Porto is wonderfully walkable (and likely to strengthen calf muscles after walking up and down the hilly streets of Ribeira, Mirigaia, and Baixa/Sé neighborhoods). Many of Porto’s attractions are within a 5 to 20-minute walking radius from the hotel, as are numerous restaurants, bars, and port wine lodges. Bolsa Palace is a 4-minute walk (250m) from the hotel, while the cathedral is a 12-minute stroll (750m), and the Lello bookstore is a 16-minute walk (1 km). Attractions further out can be reached by metro and tram.
- Taxis, Uber: Taxis from the airport cost around €20-29. Taxi prices around town are high (around €6-8 for a short ride), and most visitors won’t use them much as the city is very walkable. Tipping is not required. It’s worth downloading the handy Taxi-Link, Bolt, or Free Now apps if using taxis. Uber is also available in Porto and is slightly cheaper than official taxis.
- Metro: Porto is well-covered by a network of 6 metro lines. It’s a cheap and handy way of getting to/from the airport (€2.45 one way) and from downtown Porto to some attractions further out – from São Bento (900m) to Casa do Música, or from São Bento to Jardim do Morro (for the south bank of the Douro and port wine lodges), for example.
- Tram: There are 3 tram lines. The scenic Tram Linha 1 (Infante–Passeio Alegre) runs from Ribeira in downtown Porto to the beaches and parks of Foz de Douro along the waterfront. Tram Linha 18 runs from Museo do Carro Eléctrico on the waterfront, through Miragaia, and up to the Universidade do Porto in Baixa, where it intersects with Tram Linha 22, looping through the historic center from the top of the funicular. Tram rides cost €3.50 one-way and €6 return.
- Cable car: The Teleférico de Gaia swoops up from the Vila Nova da Gaia waterfront on the south bank of the Douro to the south end of Luís I bridge that connects to Ribeira in downtown Porto. It costs €6 one-way and €9 return. (1.5 km).
- Funicular: The Funicular dos Guindais (€2.50 one-way) runs from the base of the Luís I bridge in Ribeira up the steep hill to Batalha, from where it is possible to cross the very top of the bridge to Vila Nova da Gaia. Helps avoid the thorough workout of climbing up. (600m)
1872 River House – What’s Nearby?
Recommended Nearby Tours
- Taste Porto – Long-established downtown Porto food tours, ranging from craft beer and food to vintage food tours with sampling of Porto’s specialties. They also do an engaging 3.5-hour walking tour of downtown that takes in the popular landmarks. Starting points vary, depending on the tour.
- The Worst Tours – Don’t be put off by the name. These are offbeat walking tours run by a trio of local architects who love to share Porto’s secrets, politics, traditional trades, and much more. Tours last 3-4 hours and the guides can tailor them according to individual interests. Price and starting points vary.
- The Other Side – Knowledgeable guides arrange a range of local experiences, from taking a Six Bridges cruise on the Douro followed by port wine tasting, to catching a fado show, and full-day trips out into the Douro Valley to visit vineyards and taste local wines. Walking tours of the historic center also available. Starting points vary.
- Be My Guest in Porto – Wonderful private and small group tours run by 2 passionate local guides. Choose from gastronomy workshops, wine drinking, themed walking tours dedicated to belle époque architecture and urban art, and much more. Starting points vary.
- Xtreme Jet Boat River Safari – Speed and adrenalin-filled rides on the Douro River – a high-octane take on the Six Bridges cruise. Start location: waterfront outside the hotel. (200m).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- ODE Porto Wine House – With exposed stone walls and heavy wooden beams, this traditional restaurant overlooking the river is all about recipes inspired by the chef’s grandmother’s cooking such as steak with port wine reduction and octopus with sweet potato. Romantic ambience, extensive wine and port wine selection. Reserve ahead and bring a date. (100m).
- Jimão – An excellent tapas spot off a very touristy riverside plaza. No-nonsense flavors: sardine toasts, garlicky shrimp, bacalao (salted cod) salad, and more, accompanied by an excellent wine list. (300m).
- Taberna Dos Mercadores – Inexpensive, traditional Portuguese restaurant specializing in regional dishes such as arouquesa meat stew and shrimp açorda bread soup. Regulars place an advance order for roast kid goat and cod tongue rice. Popular with locals. (400m).
- DOP – One of Porto’s top fine dining options, with a superb wine list. Choose between the elegant dining room and the terrace, and opt for creative, seasonal dishes made from local ingredients – either the tasting menus or a la carte. Dishes may include veal cheek with mushrooms, octopus carpaccio, and seafood rice for 2; well-priced (€27) weekday lunch menu also available. One for special occasions; reservations essential. (400m).
- Cantinho do Avillez – Perch on the outdoor terrace of this sleek bistro and order from a changing seasonal menu of Portuguese dishes with global touches such as wild mushroom risotto with scallops or giant red shrimp from the Algarve with a kick of Thai spice. Buzzy, informal, wallet-friendly weekday lunch set menu. (500m).
- Taberna do Largo – Run by 2 friends, this compact, charming taberna lit up by wine-bottle lights is a great spot for a glass of local wine from an inspired wine list, plus a selection of tapas such as smoked tuna, cheeses from the Azores, morcela (black pudding), and bacalao (salted cod) salad. Evenings only. (500m).
- Cantina 32 – Choose between people-watching on Porto’s most popular pedestrian street or the knick-knack-filled interior, and order a selection of fusion tapas (tuna tataki, Portuguese black pudding with apples), along with some great local wines by the glass. Heartier dishes include a moreish seafood stew. Inexpensive and busy in the evenings. (600m).
- Cozinha dos Lóios – Tiny, cave-like restaurant specializing in Mediterranean flavors. Order duck rice, crab risotto, cod carpaccio, or the chef’s signature tagliatelle with Portuguese sausage, and have it inside or on the tiny outdoor terrace. Wallet-friendly and busy. (750m).
- Elemento – One of Porto’s most creative fine dining venues, with the menu changing daily or weekly depending on ingredients available from small local producers. Everything – bone marrow, octopus, sea bass, etc. – is cooked over coals or on a customized grill. Perch at the marble counter and watch the chefs at work or opt for more intimate dining. Well worth a splurge; prepare to be wowed. (1 km).
- Hamburgueria DeGema – One of Porto’s best gourmet hamburger joints with quirky decor and some inspired topping combos. The Chimichurri and the Ganda Morfes are classics, plus there’s a couple of vegan options and even artisanal ice cream. (1.5 km).
Best Nearby Cafes
- Hungry Biker – Super-popular brunch spot serving wholegrain toast piled high with various toppings, as well as waffles, coffee, smoothies, porridge, and epic “royal brunch sets”. Look for the bicycle by the entrance. (500m).
- Mercearia das Flores – Rustic deli selling regional products and doubling as a small café, with several tables parked outside for people-watching over coffee and light bites. (600m).
- My Coffee Porto – High up above the Douro on a tiny lane overlooking the Luis I bridge, this specialty coffee shop is a great place to grab a cup of brew with a view or a sandwich. (700m).
Best Nearby Bars and Port Wine Lodges
Porto is the home of port wine, the sweet fortified dessert wine that’s been produced in the region for centuries. The hilly streets of Vila Nova da Gaia are dotted with port wine lodges that visitors can tour to learn the difference between white, ruby, tawny, vintage, and late-bottle harvest ports, complete with attached tasting rooms and shops selling their full range of beverages.
- Wine Quay Bar – There are few better bars in Porto for watching the sunset than this riverside wine bar. Choose from a good range of local wines and platters of Portuguese cheeses and cold cuts. (150m).
- The Wine Box – Hip, dark wine bar lined with wine crates gets hopping in the evenings, with customers ordering from a menu of over 450 wines, along with some petiscos (nibbles) to go with them. Buzzy vibe. (400m).
- Wines of Portugal Tasting Room (Rua das Flores 8-12) – Less of a bar and more a wine lovers’ visitor space, this tasting room showcases a huge range of Portuguese wines from all the wine-producing regions and offers 30 different regional wines to sample for free. Order from one of the many wines by the glass and take it out onto the people-watching outdoor terrace. (500m).
- Caves Cálem – These award-winning cellars are amongst Porto’s most visited. Tours are held in several languages, the presentation is very slick, and apart from post-tour tastings (usually a ruby and a white port), they also hold traditional fado concerts. (1 km).
- Espaço Porto Cruz – One of several waterfront port wine visitor centers in Vila Nova da Gaia, this 4-story place comes with a terrific rooftop terrace as well as ground floor bar, plus an excellent restaurant and media space. Choose from several different tastings. (1 km).
- Baixa Bar – All dark wood, chrome, and sinuous leather seating, this is one of many bars lining Rua de Cândido dos Reis. Expect a mixed age crowd, decent cocktails and wine by the glass, and retro hits from the 80s and 90s. (1 km).
- The Gin House – One for gin lovers, this sleek bar mixes many original gin cocktails as well as classic G&Ts with their excellent range of gins from around the world and some rare tonics. The outdoor terrace fills up quickly in good weather. (1 km).
- Cockburn’s Port Lodge – In a hilly location away from the Vila Nova da Gaia waterfront, this is one of the more intimate port wine lodges, featuring a museum on-site and the largest cellar in the area, with huge wooden vats and several rows of oak barrels. Great port wine, too. (2 km).
- Churchill’s Port Lodge – Elegant port lodge, accessible via prior booking only. Apart from a tour of the cellars, visitors can tailor their own wine tasting (including rare vintage ones) in the modern tasting room overlooking the river. (2 km).
- Graham’s Port Lodge – If visiting only one port lodge, make it Graham’s. One of the original British-founded lodges, it dates back to 1820; guided visits are by prior appointment only, with the choice of a range of tastings, including some fine vintage ports. (2.5 km).
Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops
- Chaminé da Mota (Rua das Flores) – Decked out with antique typewriters and jukeboxes, this is part treasure cave and part venerable old bookstore to pick up some rare volumes (in Portuguese and English) as well as vintage prints. (600m).
- 43 Branco – Come to this concept store for one of a kind gifts from Porto, ranging from Lubo t-shirts with city-specific designs and jewelry by local designer Maria Branco, to pencil cases inspired by Porto’s iconic sardine tins, and Bonjardim soap. (600m).
- Toranja – The Rua das Flores branch of this gift shop specializes in items inspired by the city: prints, bags, mugs, cushions, and t-shirts emblazoned with Porto cityscapes, purses decorated with sardine tin designs, original art, and more. (700m).
- Flores Creative Store – This family-run gift store focuses exclusively on Portuguese fashion brands and design. Come here for funky streetwear: shoes, hats, jackets, as well as backpacks, purses, and other accessories. (750m).
- Loja Tradições – If looking for a unique gift from Portugal, the owner can tell stories of all the items in this great gift shop, from hand-harvested sea salt from the Algarve to items made from traditional tiles and purses made from cork. (750m).
- Cork Solutions – Amazing collection of things made out of cork: purses, backpacks, bowls, shoes, hats, and much more. These are all Portuguese-made, functional, and trendy. (800m).
- O Mundo Fantástico da Sarindha Portuguesa – This rather glitzy store pays homage to one of Porto’s most famous exports: the humble tinned sardine. The sardines come in a variety of flavors in colorful tins that make for great edible gifts. (900m).
- Arcádia Casa do Chocolate – Going strong since 1933, Arcádia has been a purveyor of hand-crafted chocolates for generations. Whether it is chocolates filled with port wine, gift boxes of pralines, or almond liqueur drageés, they are all made from traditional recipes and beautifully presented. (1 km).
- Prometeu Artesanato (Rua Alexandre Herculano 355) – This large store showcases a huge range of azulejos (traditional ceramic tiles), ceramic dishes (both functional and decorative), and jewelry by a collective of artisans from all over Portugal. (1 km).
Nearby Attractions
- Tram Linha 1 – An attraction in its own right as well as a mode of transport, this historic tram line runs from the Infante stop in Porto to the beaches of Foz do Douro, with great views of the river and its bridges along the way. (100m).
- Igreja de São Francisco (Rua Infante Dom Henrique) – Established in 1245 and rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century, this church is one of the most prominent Gothic buildings in Porto, and features Baroque touches. Head inside for the carvings, coated in 300kg of gold dust, and admire the ossuary with human bones through a glass floor; the catacombs are the final resting place of Franciscan monks and members of Porto’s wealthiest families. (150m).
- Casa do Infante – Established in 1325, this beautifully restored building was the 1394 birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator who led expeditions of discovery to West Africa. Now it’s a museum of the city’s history, with some wonderful Roman floor mosaics. (150m).
- Palácio da Bolsa – This neoclassical 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace pays homage to the city’s merchants. Opt for a half-hour guided tour, or wander around and check out highlights such as the Moorish-style Arab Room, inspired by the Alhambra, and the Golden Room, plated with gold leaf. (250m).
- Ponte de Dom Luís I – The impressive iron bridge across the river was completed in 1886 by a student of Gustave Eiffel and has pedestrian walkways both on the lower and upper levels that offer fantastic views of the city and the river. Reach the upper level via funicular on the north bank or the cable car on the south bank. Local daredevils jump into the water near the bridge-side restaurant on the north bank. (600m).
- World of Discoveries – Interactive museum and theme park that charts the journeys of Portuguese navigators. Popular with families. (600m).
- Sé – Built on a hill in Baixa, Porto’s cathedral is the city’s most important religious building, located on the highest point in the city and next to Porto’s ancient defensive walls. Founded in the 12th century, it’s been rebuilt several times since, though one of its most impressive features, the original Romanesque nave and façade, is still intact. Don’t miss the beautiful cloister and the Casa de Cabildo, full of ecclesiastical treasures. (750m).
- Avenida dos Aliados – This grand avenue and central plaza in the heart of Porto is lined with beaux arts facades and features an equestrian statue of Dom Pedro IV. Walking tours of downtown Porto often assemble by the statue. (1 km).
- Torre dos Clérigos – The Clérigos Tower is Portugal’s tallest campanile (bell tower), and it’s well worth climbing the 200 steps to survey the city from a height of 76 meters. Look out for the carillon made up of 49 bells on the way up. (1 km).
- Livraria Lello – On any given day, a long line of people is visible outside this beautiful 1906 neo-Gothic bookstore, waiting to be allowed inside. Its gorgeous spiral staircase allegedly inspired part of a Harry Potter book (JK Rowling lived in Porto when she wrote part of it), but that’s hotly disputed, and it’s still a beautiful old bookstore. (1 km).
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- SPAR Porto Ribeira – Small grocery store a couple of blocks away. (300m).
- Mercado de São Sebastião – Large produce market, just north of Sé (Porto cathedral). Open daily 8am-4pm. (750m).
1872 River House – The Hotel
The hotel sits on the western edge of the waterfront promenade in Ribeira, with terrific views of the Douro River.
On the ground floor, there’s a cozy lounge overlooking the river that doubles as the breakfast room.
The terrace bar is open during the summer months; the rest of the time, there is wine and port available for guests, as well as complimentary Super Bock beer on tap.
All rooms are slightly different in character, though all have exposed original stone walls and ultra-comfortable beds. This is Room 2.
The river-facing Room 2 is particularly popular due to its private terrace overlooking the river.
In each room, there is clever use of space, with TVs hidden at the foot of the bed.
Most bathrooms are mid-sized and come with rain showers.
There are locally made and well-regarded Portus Cale toiletries in every bathroom.
Room 3 is similar in terms of decor and is more snug. It comes with street views.
It also has a side window with partial river views.
Street-facing Room 5 is particularly characterful, with the bed built into the original inglenook fireplace.
River-facing Room 6 doesn’t have its own terrace, but its large windows offer the same panoramic views of the Douro.
The 2 attic rooms feature more contemporary decor and showers in the corner. This is Room 7.
It also comes with a chandelier up in the eaves.
Room 8 is somewhat more spacious, with the bed tucked away under the sloped beams.
It has a peek-a-boo shower.
Just north of the hotel is the Rua Infante Dom Henrique; across the street is the Palácio da Bolsa, a lavish 19th-century stock exchange palace with tours.
Right next to it is the São Francisco church, one of Porto’s most prominent Gothic buildings.
The historic Tram Line 1 that runs to the beaches of Foz do Douro stops right outside the church.
A block north of the Palácio da Bolsa is a small square surrounded by restaurants, including DOP, one of Porto’s top fine dining establishments.
This is also the start of Rua das Flores, a popular pedestrianized street lined with restaurants, cafes, and independent shops.
Another recommended restaurant is Cantina 32, serving fusion tapas and hearty seafood stews.
Quirky shops along the street include Toranja, with t-shirts, bags, cushions, and other items decorated with images of the city.
Flores Creative Store sells gift items with an exclusive focus on Portuguese fashion brands and design.
A block east of the hotel is the Casa do Infante, a 12th-century building housing a city museum and some impressive Roman mosaics.
Another block east along the waterfront is the Praça Ribeira, one of Porto’s oldest squares lined with restaurants of varying quality.
Exceptions include Jimão, an excellent tapas place dishing up traditional Portuguese bites such as garlicky shrimp and sardine toast.
North up the little lane behind Jimão is The Wine Box, a hip wine bar that stocks over 450 Portuguese and international wines.
Another block north, take a right and explore the tiny lanes.
The lanes wind their way uphill to Sé, Porto’s mighty cathedral.
This is the view of historic Porto from the cathedral square viewpoint.
Just northeast of the cathedral is the wide Avenida Dom Alfonso Henriques.
The avenue leads to the São Bento train station.
In front of the train station is the namesake metro station closest to the hotel.
Behind the train station, the wide avenue east leads to the tile-covered Santo Ildefonso church.
Head south towards the waterfront to the historic Praça da Batalha.
A succession of steep and narrow lanes descend towards the river and the Luis I bridge.
Just east of Praça da Batalha is Prometeu Artesanato, an artisans’ workshop selling colorful traditional tiles and other ceramics.
The foot of the funicular for going back uphill is by the river.
Cross the bridge to Vila Nova da Gaia for terrific views of the Ribeira, the historic bridge, and traditional boats used to transport port wine.
There are usually some craft and food market stalls set up along the waterfront to sample traditional Portuguese dishes such as croquetas de bacalao (cod croquettes).
Another traditional delicacy is pastel de nata (custard tart).
There are numerous port wine lodges in Vila Nova da Gaia, including Caves Cálem and its award-winning cellars with slick multilingual tours and port wine tastings.
Espaço Porto Cruz has a terrific roof terrace.
It’s worth seeking out the more out of the way port lodges such as Graham’s, widely believed to be Porto’s best port wine lodge, with an excellent restaurant.
It offers vintage port tastings.
Cockburn’s Port Lodge is also uphill from the waterfront, and has the largest cellars in the area
From the waterfront, the cable car goes up to the top of Luis I bridge.
Returning to Ribeira via the bridge offers fantastic views of the river en route.
This is the Ribeira waterfront, as seen from the foot of the Luis I bridge. Daredevils dive into the river here.
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