Living in Porto: a complete guide

Known for its historical charm, vibrant cultural life and delicious gastronomy, the city of Porto is an increasingly popular destination. If you're thinking of moving to Portugal's second city, or simply want to know more about it, then you're in the right place. In today's article, we've put together a complete guide with everything you need to know about living in Porto: from living costs, the best areas, activities to do in your free time and all the tools you need to make the most of this marvellous city.

What's it like living in Porto?

If you're considering moving to Porto, here's a glimpse of what life is like in this charming city.

Historical charm

It's one of the most striking aspects of living in Porto. Its cobbled streets, old buildings and historic centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take you back in time. Strolling through the narrow streets of Ribeira, admiring the colourful tiles at São Bento station or visiting Porto's imposing cathedral are just some of the experiences that await you in this city steeped in history.

Cultural life

Culture in Porto is vibrant and diverse. The city has countless museums, theatres and art galleries to satisfy the most demanding tastes. In addition, Porto is famous for its music scene, with a variety of concerts and festivals throughout the year. If you're a culture lover, Porto offers you a wide range of options to enjoy and to enrich yourself culturally.

Gastronomy

This is another point in Porto's favour. Known for its delicious traditional dishes, such as the beautiful "francesinha", made with its secret sauce, or the famous tripas à moda do Porto. In addition, this city is world-renowned for its Port wine, which you can savour in the city's numerous cellars. If you're a lover of good food, Porto will win you over with its gastronomic offer.

Natural beauty

The city is located at the mouth of the River Douro, which makes for an impressive natural environment. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river, explore the nearby beaches or even take excursions to the stunning scenery of the Douro valley. If you like being in touch with nature, Porto offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Best areas to live in Porto

When it comes to choosing the best area to live in Porto, there are several options to consider. Each neighbourhood has its own characteristics and attractions, which makes choosing somewhat difficult. However, there are some areas that stand out and are highly recommended for those thinking of living in the city.

• One of the best areas to live in Porto is Ribeira. Located on the banks of the River Douro, this charming area is known for its narrow streets and colourful houses. Here, you'll find a picturesque atmosphere and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and traditional shops. In addition, Ribeira offers breathtaking views of the famous Dom Luís I Bridge and the historic city centre.
• Another interesting option is Foz do Douro. Situated at the mouth of the river, this area is known for its beautiful beaches and peaceful atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy long walks by the sea, practise water sports and enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean. Foz do Douro also has a great infrastructure, with quality schools, sophisticated restaurants and an elegant atmosphere.
• Another popular neighbourhood is Boavista. This area is known for its wide avenues, modern architecture and green spaces. Here, you can find a wide variety of services and amenities, such as shopping centres, hospitals and renowned schools. What's more, Boavista is well connected to the city centre by public transport, making it easy to get around.

Why choose Porto to live in?

This is a question that many people ask themselves when considering a move to this charming city. Porto offers a unique combination of history, culture and natural beauty, which makes it a very attractive destination to live in.

Quality of life is also an important factor to consider when choosing Porto as a city to live in. The city offers a modern infrastructure, with excellent health, education and public transport services. In addition, it is known for its delicious gastronomy, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafés offering traditional Portuguese dishes and international cuisine.

The cost of living in Porto

The cost of living in Porto is one of the attractions of this charming city. Did you know that the cost of living in Porto is lower than in other European capitals? This means that you can enjoy an excellent quality of life without compromising your family budget. What's more, the cost of basic services such as electricity, water and internet is also relatively low.

Another point to consider is the cost of food. In Porto, traditional restaurants offer the chance to savour typical dishes at affordable prices and with large portions. There are also markets and supermarkets where you can do your shopping without spending too much.

However, it's important to bear in mind that the cost of living can vary depending on each person's lifestyle and spending habits. You also need to consider other expenses, such as transport, leisure and health.

Life in Porto for students: what to expect?

If you're considering studying in Porto, you're making an excellent choice. The city of Porto is a popular destination for students, both Portuguese and Erasmus.

Life in Porto for students is exciting and enriching. The city has several renowned educational institutions, such as the University of Porto, which offer a wide range of courses and academic opportunities. In addition, Porto is known for being an affordable destination for students, with a relatively lower cost of living compared to other European cities.

By studying in Porto, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture, with a vibrant art and music scene. The city also offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students, from outdoor sports to cultural events and festivals. You won't be short of entertainment options.

On top of all this, Porto is a safe and friendly city for international students. The student community is welcoming and there are various associations and groups that will help you integrate and meet new people. You certainly won't feel alone.

Living in Porto or Lisbon: comparison

If you're considering living in Portugal, you're probably faced with the difficult decision between Porto and Lisbon. Both cities have a lot to offer, but there are important differences to bear in mind. Let's compare Porto and Lisbon to help you make an informed decision.

Cost of living

One of the main considerations when choosing where to live is the cost of living. Porto tends to be more affordable in terms of housing, food and entertainment compared to Lisbon. However, it's important to bear in mind that both places have their own costs and that the lifestyle you want may influence your decision.

Quality of life

Both Porto and Lisbon offer an excellent quality of life. Porto is known for its relaxed and cosy atmosphere, with a slower pace of life. Lisbon, on the other hand, is a busier, more cosmopolitan city with a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene. The choice will depend on your preferred lifestyle.

Transport

Both cities have an efficient public transport system, including metro, buses and trains. However, Porto is smaller and more compact, which means that many places can be easily reached on foot. Lisbon, on the other hand, is a larger city and may require more time to get around.

Culture and history

Both Porto and Lisbon have a rich history and a vibrant culture. Porto is known for its iconic bridges, Port wine cellars and charming architecture. Lisbon, on the other hand, offers a mix of tradition and modernity, with its picturesque neighbourhoods, castles and museums.

• Find out more about living in Lisbon in our guide

Safety in Porto: the safest areas

Safety is an important concern when choosing where to live, and the city offers several safe zones for its residents. The safest areas in Porto are those with low crime rates and where residents feel calm and protected.

Foz do Douro

One of the safest areas in Porto is Foz do Douro, located by the river and the sea. This area is known for its quiet atmosphere and the presence of families and university students. The streets are well lit and there is a visible police presence, which contributes to a safe environment.

Boavista

Another safe neighbourhood is Boavista, one of the city's most upmarket areas. With wide avenues and high-quality residential and commercial buildings, this area is popular with families and professionals. Boavista also has a good security infrastructure, including police stations and surveillance systems.

Cedofeita and Matosinhos

In addition to these, other safe areas include Cedofeita, a busy central area with a wide variety of services and shops, and Matosinhos, a neighbouring city to Porto that stands out for its beaches and peaceful atmosphere.

Porto is undoubtedly a vibrant and welcoming citywith an enviable quality of life. Whether for students, professionals or families, Porto offers a variety of opportunities and enriching experiences. Be sure to make the most of everything this city has to offer and enjoy your life in Porto.