I'm narrowing down our apartment choices and would love to hear what parts of Porto people liked. We do not want to stay in Riberia, we don't like staying in historic centers. Our usual criteria is 10 - 25 minute walk to the center, with good access to small local restaurants and food shopping, and near public transport. I'm considering Cedofeita, Bonfim, Fontainhas, and parts of Baixa/Se. We prefer residential and quiet and like to have a neighborhood to explore. Thanks!
Sounded like Bolhão neighborhood (we stayed there for 7 nights in Sept), it is exactly what you described.
We just returned from Porto. We stayed in a lovely airbnb in Vila Nova de Gaia, right by the bridge, and in easy access to everything. We had a view of the river and Ribeira at night. We walked everywhere from our airbnb and took an Uber one late night home. If you are driving, parking there was easy.
I ended up booking an Airbnb in Fontaihas, nearer to Bonfim. Great reviews and a modest price for a 1 bedroom with a washer.