Portugal’s second metropolis, Porto, is an more and more common vacation spot amongst digital nomads and different distant employees. I’ve spent fairly a little bit of time on this vibrant, artsy metropolis over the previous couple of years and I can confidently say that it’s a tremendous place to reside and work remotely.
On this complete information to dwelling in Porto, I’ll share every part it’s essential learn about dwelling on this distinctive and fun-loving metropolis.
I really like spending time in Porto. It feels far much less polished than Lisbon and has a extra informal, hipster, and inventive vibe. If you happen to’re contemplating making Porto your subsequent house base, this put up is for you.
Learn on for a full lowdown of the very best neighborhoods, easy methods to discover lodging, the very best cafes and coworking areas, money-saving suggestions, issues to do in your free time, the professionals and cons of dwelling right here, info on digital nomad visas, and extra.
About Porto, Portugal
Porto is a significant metropolis on the Atlantic coast within the north of Portugal. With a inhabitants of round 1.3 million, it’s the second-largest metropolis within the nation. It’s a great base for exploring different elements of Portugal (one in every of my favourite international locations in Europe) and neighboring Spain.
Porto is thought for its historic middle, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with a maze of atmospheric backstreets and centuries-old buildings. The town can be well-known for its stunning riverfront, its many ornate bridges, and (in fact) top-quality port wine.
Porto has all the facilities and comfort of an enormous metropolis however with a pleasant small-town ambiance and a comparatively low price of dwelling, making it perfect for digital nomads. The town is made up of many various neighborhoods, every with a singular vibe, as I’ll focus on in additional element beneath.
Digital Nomad in Porto: Private Expertise
Final yr, I lived in a tiny village within the mountains simply outdoors of Porto. Throughout this time, I spent various my keep within the metropolis. I’ve additionally visited Porto a number of instances on different events over the previous couple of years.
It has a very distinctive ambiance that manages to mix cobbled medieval streets and old-world allure with a contemporary, inventive power. I really like how casual it’s, too. In my expertise, folks don’t often hassle to decorate up a lot to exit right here, which fits me completely!
I discovered it extremely inspiring being a digital nomad in Porto. You’ll discover a various vary of individuals from all around the globe dwelling and dealing right here. And, the digital nomads I met right here have been, on the entire, friendlier than in lots of different locations I’ve traveled to.
Virtually, the town is properly arrange for distant employees. There are many coworking areas and laptop-friendly cafes, web speeds are good, and the price of dwelling is comparatively low. I’ll go into extra element on every of those within the beneath sections.
Is Porto Secure?
Porto, like the remainder of Portugal, is total a really secure place to go to and reside. The crime fee in Porto is way decrease than in cities like New York or London, so that you don’t have to be overly involved about security right here.
Whereas petty crimes like pickpocketing can and do happen, particularly in crowded spots, ranges of violent crime are comparatively low. I’ve by no means as soon as felt unsafe in Porto, in the course of the day or the evening, and my associate would fortunately stroll by herself at evening in most areas of the town with out concern.
After all, as with every different massive metropolis, it’s all the time a good suggestion to train frequent sense and concentrate on your environment, particularly at evening.
The same old guidelines apply. Be aware when carrying round any expensive-looking devices and jewellery, attempt to keep away from poorly lit areas at evening, and hold a watchful eye in your belongings always.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Porto
There are lots of great neighborhoods in Porto, every with a particular vibe and loads of hidden corners. It’s a improbable place to reside and discover – each time I go to I uncover someplace new that I like.
Listed here are a few of my favourite areas of the town. Every of those would make a great place to reside in Porto as a digital nomad.
1. Ribeira
Ribeira, with its cobbled streets and riverside allure, is the historic coronary heart of Porto. It’s brimming with character and is a good place to base your self if you wish to be near all of the motion.
Ribeira is vibrant and exquisite, packed filled with hidden courtyards, quaint eating places, cafes, and bars. A Tasquinha Dos Guindais is one in every of my favourite little eateries tucked away on the steps main all the way down to the river. It’s splendidly casual and chaotic, and their barbequed sardines are unimaginable.
You’ll stumble upon many different digital nomads in Ribeira, though the principle draw back is that it might get pretty crowded with vacationers in the course of the peak summer season months (particularly July and August). It’s nonetheless nice although, and there are such a lot of hidden corners it’s simple to discover a secluded spot.
2. Baixa
Simply north of Ribeira, Baixa is the downtown of Porto and the bustling business hub of the town. Encompassing the world round Praça da Liberdade, and São Bento Station, Baixa is right for digital nomads who thrive in a vigorous surroundings.
The world has a number of glorious coworking areas and tons of cafes, bars, retailers, and cultural landmarks so that you’ll by no means battle to seek out someplace to work or chill out and have enjoyable.
Lodging choices are various and plentiful in Baixa. Plus, its central location makes it simple to discover different elements of the town.
3. Bonfim
Bonfim is Porto’s fashionable, up-and-coming hipster neighborhood. It’s a quieter, extra residential space, making it excellent for individuals who choose a peaceable work surroundings.
In true hipster trend, the streets are lined with quirky cafes and classic retailers and lots of the once-run-down buildings have been transformed into inventive areas and studios for the world’s thriving inventive group.
The lodging choices in Bonfim are typically extra reasonably priced too, making it a horny alternative for digital nomads on a funds.
4. Vila Nova de Gaia
Simply throughout the Douro River, Vila Nova de Gaia is finest identified for its port wine cellars. It’s quieter than central Porto, but nonetheless accessible, and presents reasonably priced dwelling with spectacular views of the river, the bridges, and throughout to the outdated city.
Aside from the areas instantly across the well-known port warehouses, this space is fairly non-touristy, making it an awesome choice in the event you’re trying to immerse your self in genuine native life.
Lodging additionally tends to be comparatively reasonably priced right here too. To get to the town middle, you’ll be able to stroll (or take the tram) throughout the spectacular and iconic double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge – not a foul commute, all issues thought-about!
5. Foz do Douro
If you happen to choose a extra laid-back, beachy vibe, Foz do Douro is the right neighborhood for you. Positioned on the western fringe of Porto, this upscale space boasts stunning seashores and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
You possibly can anticipate to pay extra for lodging right here than in most different areas in Porto. Nonetheless, the tranquility and west-facing ocean views make this an especially fascinating place to reside.
If I may afford to purchase a home in Foz do Douro, I might do it in a heartbeat. It has the ambiance and allure of a small seaside city, however the facilities and comfort of a big metropolis. You possibly can log on in your lunch break, and watch the sundown over the ocean each night.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Porto
Discovering the fitting spot in Porto can really feel like a frightening activity, however there are just a few platforms that may assist make the search simpler. Listed here are a few of the most important methods I like to recommend that can assist you discover someplace good to reside.
- Airbnb: Airbnb is a handy choice for brief and medium-term stays. You’ll find every part from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious residences. For longer stays, some hosts provide reductions, though I’ve discovered that negotiating with folks instantly can usually end in a fair higher deal.
- Fb Teams: Becoming a member of native Fb teams (like Porto Expats) can join you instantly with landlords and different folks in search of tenants or housemates. That is one in every of my favourite methods to seek out low-cost lodging because it cuts out the intermediary. Nonetheless, it’s essential to do your diligence (ideally go to the place and meet the folks in particular person) earlier than committing to something.
- Rental Businesses: If you happen to’re planning to be round for some time, you may all the time go to a conventional rental company or property agent. There are a great deal of these dotted all through the town. Keep in mind that the majority businesses cost charges, and also you may be requested for proof that you’ve the fitting to reside and work in Portugal (e.g. an EU passport, or a digital nomad visa – see beneath).
- Strolling Round Door-to-Door: That is one other nice technique to discover low-cost long-term lodging, though it does require a bit extra effort. I like to recommend reserving a week-long Airbnb first and utilizing that point to discover just a few totally different neighborhoods, looking for indicators promoting properties to lease (alugar, in Portuguese). After all, it’s essential do your diligence too.
Value of Residing in Porto, Portugal
Porto is notably extra reasonably priced than many Western European cities. Your cash will go a lot additional right here than in locations like London, Paris, or Rome.
After all, the precise prices for a digital nomad dwelling in Porto, Portugal will differ from individual to individual in accordance with particular person way of life and preferences. Nonetheless, I’ve given just a few indications beneath of what a median particular person would possibly anticipate to spend dwelling right here.
Eating places and Groceries
It’s simple sufficient to eat out in an off-the-cuff restaurant for lower than €10 per particular person, excluding drinks. A 3-course meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant often prices round €40 together with a few beers or a bottle of home wine.
For a fast lunch on the go, you’ll be able to usually seize a freshly made sandwich from a neighborhood bakery for €5. After all, if you wish to push the boat out, it’s simple to spend upwards of €50 per particular person consuming in a elaborate restaurant. However typically, consuming out in Porto doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution.
For on a regular basis gadgets, a cup of espresso usually prices round €1-€2, a neighborhood beer is about €1-€2.50, and a glass of fine Portuguese wine could be discovered for round €2-€4.
Primary groceries are fairly priced right here too, particularly within the supermarkets the place you’ll be able to choose up a loaf of contemporary bread for €1 and a mid-range bottle of wine for €6.
Lodging Prices
As you’d anticipate, the price of lodging in Porto varies fairly a bit relying on location, measurement, and spec.
On common, renting a one-bedroom condo within the metropolis middle prices round €900 per 30 days. If you happen to don’t thoughts being a bit additional out, that value can drop to €700 and even decrease.
After all, costs are likely to fluctuate based mostly on proximity to common areas, facilities, and the general situation of the property. Utilities, together with electrical energy, heating, cooling, water, and rubbish, usually add an additional €100 per 30 days, give or take.
Some (however not all) rental agreements embody utilities and web within the lease, so it’s essential to test the phrases rigorously earlier than you commit.
Transportation Prices in Porto, Portugal
Porto has an environment friendly public transport community, together with buses, trams, and a metro. A single metro or bus ticket prices round €1.85 and a month-to-month limitless move prices €40.
Taxis and ride-sharing providers like Uber are extensively accessible and comparatively cheap in comparison with cities like London and Paris. In my expertise, a typical Uber experience inside the metropolis often prices between €5 and €10.
Strolling can be a sensible choice for getting round, particularly within the central districts. Porto’s compact measurement and scenic streets make it a really pedestrian-friendly metropolis.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Buying a neighborhood Portuguese SIM card (or eSIM) is reasonable and comparatively easy. Portugal’s most important mobile suppliers embody Vodafone, MEO, and NOS, all of which provide quite a lot of plans, together with pay-as-you-go choices.
You possibly can purchase an infinite information plan with speeds of as much as 1 Gbps from NOS for €35 for 30 days. If you happen to don’t want an enormous quantity of information (and/or in the event you join an extended interval), it’s cheaper.
To buy a SIM card, head to one of many many cell phone retailers which can be dotted across the metropolis, or purchase one from the airport. You’ll want to indicate a legitimate type of identification, similar to a passport.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Porto, Portugal
Having a very good high quality of life in Porto prices lower than in lots of different massive Western European cities. Nonetheless, there are some tricks to stretch your funds even additional:
- Go to Off-Season: Avoiding the summer season months can prevent cash on lodging and flights.
- E book in Advance: Planning forward might help you snag discounted charges on long-term leases and transport.
- Store Native: Native markets provide contemporary produce at decrease costs than supermarkets.
- Purchase a Porto Card: Investing in a Porto Card offers you reductions on transport, museum entries, and even some eating places.
- Take Benefit of Free Actions: From exploring the town’s parks and gardens to visiting free museums, and even lounging on the seashore, there are many nice actions right here that gained’t price you a penny.
- Use Public Transport: Strolling is nice for brief distances, however public transport is reasonable and environment friendly for longer journeys across the metropolis.
- Self-Cater: Renting an condo with a good kitchen allows you to cook dinner meals for your self and keep away from having to spend cash on consuming out on a regular basis.
- Joyful Hours: Make the most of blissful hour offers at bars and eating places for reasonable drinks and meals.
Coworking Areas in Porto and WiFi Velocity
Working remotely in Porto is a breeze. WiFi in Porto is usually quick and dependable, with typical obtain speeds of round 180 Mbps and add speeds of 95 Mbps.
The town has an awesome vary of coworking areas providing trendy services, snug workstations, and glorious networking alternatives. Listed here are just a few of my favourite choices:
1. Porto i/o Riverside (Ribeira)
Porto i/o Riverside is one in every of my favourite coworking areas in Porto. It’s situated within the historic Ribeira district, inside a transformed Sixteenth-century townhouse.
This enviable location presents gorgeous views of the river, the well-known bridges, and the outdated city. It’s additionally simply accessible from most elements of the town and is inside simple strolling distance of Porto’s central practice station.
This coworking house presents day passes (many in Porto don’t), which price €20, so you’ll be able to attempt it out without having to decide to a membership. In addition they provide a 5-day move for €70, or a 10-day move for €135. A month-to-month membership prices €150 and grants you entry 24/7.
2. Work Sensible Co-Working & Workplaces (Bolhão)
Work Sensible Co-Working & Workplaces has an awesome vary of facilities and open-plan workspaces unfold throughout its two flooring. I really like the sunny rooftop terrace right here the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in wonderful views of Porto.
They’ve state-of-the-art assembly rooms, ergonomic workplace chairs, standing desks, private storage lockers, and a kitchen with free tea and low. The house is straightforward and handy to succeed in through public transport with Trindade metro station solely a brief stroll away.
You will get a month-to-month hotdesking membership from €89 per 30 days, which I believe is superb worth for cash. If you happen to’d somewhat lease a non-public workplace, these begin from €600 per 30 days.
3. PortoSoul Cowork (Ribeira)
PortoSoul Coworking is one other glorious coworking house housed inside an attractive historic constructing within the Ribeira district. It presents a few of the quickest WiFi within the metropolis (as much as 400 Mbps) and a variety of snug, versatile workspaces.
I actually like the truth that every desk comes outfitted with a good quantity of bodily storage. Month-to-month members additionally get 1,000 free prints per 30 days and entry to 10 GB of personal cloud storage.
Extra perks embody standing desks, a comfortable lounge/chill-out space, and a kitchenette with a espresso machine and free espresso. You will get a day move for €12.50, weekly entry for €50, or a month-to-month membership for €100.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Porto
If coworking areas aren’t actually your jam, Porto has many laptop-friendly cafes you can work from. Simply make sure to purchase one thing each hour or two – don’t be that one that nurses a single espresso all day simply to benefit from the free WiFi…
Listed here are some high cafes in Porto which can be nice for getting by means of just a few hours of labor:
- FÁBRICA Espresso Roasters: Superb espresso roasted on-site and a peaceful ambiance that’s conducive to focus. I really like the decor right here too.
- Combi Espresso: One other glorious spot for espresso lovers and distant employees. The vibe is relaxed, the chairs are cozy, and the WiFi is dependable.
- C’alma Espresso Room: This place is cool too, providing loads of seating, a mix of recent and classic decor, and a tasty collection of pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Actions and Issues To Do in Porto
Residing in Porto is enjoyable! There are such a lot of nice issues to do right here whenever you’re not working, no matter your pursuits. Listed here are just a few options:
1. Port Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
Port wine has been aged and exported from Porto (and the neighborhood of Vila Nova de Gaia specifically) for hundreds of years. The stuff is known as “port” for a cause!
After a protracted day of working, head over to Gaia the place you’ll be able to take a tour of the historic port warehouses and style a few of the metropolis’s most well-known fortified wines.
Most excursions embody a guided tasting and an informative tour of the cellars. Click on right here to e book.
2. Chill on the Seashore
As soon as the weekend comes round – or, in case you have your personal on-line enterprise, any day you are feeling prefer it – I extremely suggest spending a day enjoyable at Matosinhos Seashore.
It’s a simple metro experience from the town middle, and the seashore is lined with eating places and cafes the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in contemporary seafood together with a glass or two of native wine.
Or, why not carry your laptop computer for a change of surroundings and get some work executed whereas having fun with these candy ocean views?
3. Go Browsing
If you happen to’re a surfer, there are a number of improbable breaks situated a brief distance from Porto. If you happen to’re disciplined sufficient (I’m not), you’ll be able to even slot in a cheeky surf earlier than work!
Head to Matosinhos Seashore, Foz do Douro, or Espinho for some glorious waves and a laid-back surf scene. There are waves for all ranges, from mellow seashore breaks for novices to difficult reefs for intermediate and superior surfers.
There are many retailers at every of the above spots the place you’ll be able to lease boards. Plus, many browsing colleges provide classes for all ranges. Click on right here to be taught extra.
4. Take a Meals Tour
On the weekend, or throughout some other free time, expertise Porto’s culinary delights with a guided meals tour.
You’ll go to native eateries and markets the place you’ll have the chance to style basic native dishes like francesinha (probably the most unimaginable sandwiches I’ve ever eaten), pastel de nata, grilled sardines, salted cod, and varied different seafood delicacies.
Your information can even educate you concerning the meals tradition and historical past of Porto, making it an especially satisfying and enriching expertise. Click on right here to e book.
5. Be part of a Historic Strolling Tour
If you wish to be taught extra about Porto’s distinctive structure, and wealthy historical past, tradition, and traditions, take into account taking a historic strolling tour of the town.
These excursions usually go to a number of of the town’s most iconic websites like Porto Cathedral, Avenida dos Aliados, Livraria Lello, Clérigos Church, Rua Santa Catarina, Mercado do Bolhão and São Bento Railway Station, identified for its mesmerizing Azulejo tiles.
This can be a notably well-reviewed strolling tour of Porto. And in the event you’d somewhat not stroll, take a look at this enjoyable tuk-tuk tour of Porto as an alternative!
Climate in Porto, Portugal
Porto has 4 distinct seasons, with heat, dry summers and funky, wet winters. Attributable to its latitude and Atlantic coastal location, the town typically doesn’t expertise any excessive climate; making it a year-round vacation spot.
That stated, I believe the very best time to go to Porto is from late spring to early autumn (Could to September) when the climate is warmest and the times are longest. Throughout this era, common most daytime temperatures vary from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
The most popular months are often July and August, though these are additionally the busiest and most costly instances to go to. Personally, my favourite month in Porto is September.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Porto
As with anyplace on the planet, there are each professionals and cons of dwelling in Porto. A few of these are the professionals and cons of dwelling in Portugal typically, whereas others are extra particular to Porto itself.
Professionals of Residing in Porto, Portugal
- Reasonably priced price of dwelling
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Pleasant locals
- Nice meals and wine
- Stunning structure and historic websites
- Proximity to seashores and pure magnificence
- Rising expat and Porto digital nomad group
- Excessive-quality healthcare system
- Comparatively secure metropolis
- Compact and walkable, perfect for exploring on foot
- Gentle winters in comparison with different European cities
- More and more various and worldwide ambiance
Cons of Residing in Porto, Portugal
- Humid climate, notably in summer season
- The language barrier can pose challenges
- Public transportation could be crowded
- Restricted direct flights from some worldwide locations
- Comparatively excessive unemployment charges
- The paperwork could be gradual and irritating
- Winter months carry vital rainfall
- Restricted job alternatives for non-Portuguese audio system
- Some areas have gotten gentrified, pushing up prices
- The summer season months could be fairly touristy
- Occasional points with road cleanliness and upkeep
- The rental market could be aggressive, notably in central areas
Digital Nomad Visa for Porto
Portugal has just lately launched a digital nomad visa permitting non-EU residents to reside and work in Portugal. This visa lasts for one yr and could be renewed as much as 4 instances, offering you proceed to satisfy the necessities.
For residents of the USA, Canada, the UK, and different non-EU international locations, there’s an earnings requirement of not less than €3,040 per 30 days. For probably the most correct and up-to-date info concerning the applying course of, see this put up and/or communicate with an immigration specialist.
If you happen to aren’t eligible for the digital nomad visa, residents of many international locations (together with the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand) can enter and keep within the EU (Portugal is an EU Member State) for as much as 90 days each 180 days as per the Schengen zone rules.
In Conclusion
Porto presents an enviable mixture of tradition, creativity, and cost-effectiveness. It’s an awesome place to reside and work, whether or not for a brief interval or long term.
I hope this digital nomad information to Porto has been helpful and informative. And in the event you’re nonetheless on the fence, simply go for it – you’ll have a improbable time there, I’m positive.