Portugal’s second metropolis, Porto, is an more and more standard 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 residing in Porto, I’ll share all the things it’s essential to learn about residing 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 artistic vibe. In the event you’re contemplating making Porto your subsequent house base, this publish is for you.
Learn on for a full lowdown of the very best neighborhoods, 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 residing right here, info on digital nomad visas, and extra.
About Porto, Portugal
Porto is a serious 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 nations in Europe) and neighboring Spain.
Porto is understood for its historic heart, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with a maze of atmospheric backstreets and centuries-old buildings. The town can be well-known for its lovely riverfront, its many ornate bridges, and (in fact) top-quality port wine.
Porto has all the facilities and comfort of a giant metropolis however with a pleasant small-town ambiance and a comparatively low value of residing, making it splendid 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 under.
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 numerous 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 attraction 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 numerous vary of individuals from all world wide residing 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 loads of coworking areas and laptop computer-friendly cafes, web speeds are good, and the price of residing is comparatively low. I’ll go into extra element on every of those within the under sections.
Is Porto Protected?
Porto, like the remainder of Portugal, is general a really secure place to go to and reside. The crime fee in Porto is much 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, throughout the day or the evening, and my accomplice would fortunately stroll by herself at evening in most areas of the town with out concern.
After all, as with all different giant metropolis, it’s all the time a good suggestion to train frequent sense and pay attention to 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 maintain a watchful eye in your belongings always.
Finest Areas to Stay in Porto
There are lots of great neighborhoods in Porto, every with a particular vibe and loads of hidden corners. It’s a implausible 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 attraction, is the historic coronary heart of Porto. It’s brimming with character and is a superb place to base your self if you wish to be near all of the motion.
Ribeira is vibrant and exquisite, packed stuffed 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 right 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 could possibly get pretty crowded with vacationers throughout the peak summer time months (particularly July and August). It’s nonetheless nice although, and there are such a lot of hidden corners it’s straightforward 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 realm round Praça da Liberdade, and São Bento Station, Baixa is right for digital nomads who thrive in a energetic 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 search out someplace to work or calm down and have enjoyable.
Lodging choices are numerous and plentiful in Baixa. Plus, its central location makes it straightforward 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 good for individuals who want a peaceable work surroundings.
In true hipster vogue, 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 realm’s thriving inventive group.
The lodging choices in Bonfim are usually extra inexpensive too, making it a beautiful alternative for digital nomads on a finances.
4. Vila Nova de Gaia
Simply throughout the Douro River, Vila Nova de Gaia is finest recognized for its port wine cellars. It’s quieter than central Porto, but nonetheless accessible, and provides inexpensive residing 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 a fantastic choice in case you’re trying to immerse your self in genuine native life.
Lodging additionally tends to be comparatively inexpensive right here too. To get to the town heart, you possibly can stroll (or take the tram) throughout the spectacular and iconic double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge – not a foul commute, all issues thought of!
5. Foz do Douro
In the event you want a extra laid-back, beachy vibe, Foz do Douro is the right neighborhood for you. Situated on the western fringe of Porto, this upscale space boasts lovely seashores and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
You possibly can count on to pay extra for lodging right here than in most different areas in Porto. Nonetheless, the tranquility and west-facing ocean views make this a particularly fascinating place to reside.
If I might afford to purchase a home in Foz do Douro, I might do it in a heartbeat. It has the ambiance and attraction 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.
Discover Lodging in Porto
Discovering the suitable spot in Porto can really feel like a frightening activity, however there are a couple of platforms that may assist make the search simpler. Listed here are a few of the essential 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 could find all the things from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious residences. For longer stays, some hosts provide reductions, though I’ve discovered that negotiating with folks straight can usually lead to a good higher deal.
- Fb Teams: Becoming a member of native Fb teams (like Porto Expats) can join you straight with landlords and different folks searching for tenants or housemates. That is one in every of my favourite methods to search out low-cost lodging because it cuts out the intermediary. Nonetheless, it’s vital to do your diligence (ideally go to the place and meet the folks in particular person) earlier than committing to something.
- Rental Companies: In the event you’re planning to be round for some time, you possibly can 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 almost all businesses cost charges, and also you may be requested for proof that you’ve got the suitable to reside and work in Portugal (e.g. an EU passport, or a digital nomad visa – see under).
- Strolling Round Door-to-Door: That is one other nice solution 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 a couple of completely different neighborhoods, looking for indicators promoting properties to hire (alugar, in Portuguese). After all, it’s essential to do your diligence too.
Value of Dwelling in Porto, Portugal
Porto is notably extra inexpensive 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 residing in Porto, Portugal will fluctuate from individual to individual in accordance with particular person way of life and preferences. Nonetheless, I’ve given a couple of indications under of what a mean particular person may count on to spend residing right here.
Eating places and Groceries
It’s straightforward sufficient to eat out in an informal 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 possibly can sometimes seize a freshly made sandwich from a neighborhood bakery for €5. After all, if you wish to push the boat out, it’s straightforward to spend upwards of €50 per particular person consuming in a flowery restaurant. However typically, consuming out in Porto doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution.
For on a regular basis objects, a cup of espresso sometimes prices round €1-€2, a neighborhood beer is about €1-€2.50, and a glass of excellent Portuguese wine could be discovered for round €2-€4.
Primary groceries are fairly priced right here too, particularly within the supermarkets the place you possibly can decide up a loaf of contemporary bread for €1 and a mid-range bottle of wine for €6.
Lodging Prices
As you’d count on, the value of lodging in Porto varies fairly a bit relying on location, dimension, and spec.
On common, renting a one-bedroom condominium within the metropolis heart prices round €900 per thirty days. In the event you don’t thoughts being a bit additional out, that value can drop to €700 and even decrease.
After all, costs are likely to fluctuate primarily based on proximity to standard areas, facilities, and the general situation of the property. Utilities, together with electrical energy, heating, cooling, water, and rubbish, sometimes add an additional €100 per thirty days, give or take.
Some (however not all) rental agreements embrace utilities and web within the hire, so it’s vital to verify 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 go prices €40.
Taxis and ride-sharing providers like Uber are broadly accessible and comparatively cheap in comparison with cities like London and Paris. In my expertise, a typical Uber trip 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 dimension 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 simple. Portugal’s essential mobile suppliers embrace Vodafone, MEO, and NOS, all of which supply a wide range of plans, together with pay-as-you-go choices.
You possibly can purchase a vast information plan with speeds of as much as 1 Gbps from NOS for €35 for 30 days. In the event you don’t want an enormous quantity of information (and/or in case you join an extended interval), it’s cheaper.
To buy a SIM card, head to one of many many cell phone retailers which are dotted across the metropolis, or purchase one from the airport. You’ll want to point out a sound type of identification, corresponding to a passport.
Cash Saving Ideas for Porto, Portugal
Having high quality of life in Porto prices lower than in lots of different giant Western European cities. Nonetheless, there are some tricks to stretch your finances even additional:
- Go to Off-Season: Avoiding the summer time months can prevent cash on lodging and flights.
- Ebook in Advance: Planning forward can assist 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 seaside, there are many nice actions right here that received’t value 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 condominium with a good kitchen lets you cook dinner meals for your self and keep away from having to spend cash on consuming out on a regular basis.
- Blissful Hours: Benefit from glad hour offers at bars and eating places for reasonable drinks and meals.
Coworking Areas in Porto and WiFi Pace
Working remotely in Porto is a breeze. WiFi in Porto is mostly quick and dependable, with typical obtain speeds of round 180 Mbps and add speeds of 95 Mbps.
The town has a nice vary of coworking areas providing trendy services, comfy workstations, and glorious networking alternatives. Listed here are a couple of 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 provides 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 straightforward strolling distance of Porto’s central practice station.
This coworking house provides day passes (many in Porto don’t), which value €20, so you possibly can strive it out with no need to decide to a membership. Additionally they provide a 5-day go for €70, or a 10-day go for €135. A month-to-month membership prices €150 and grants you entry 24/7.
2. Work Clever Co-Working & Places of work (Bolhão)
Work Clever Co-Working & Places of work has a fantastic vary of facilities and open-plan workspaces unfold throughout its two flooring. I really like the sunny rooftop terrace right here the place you possibly can take pleasure in superb 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 occasional. The house is straightforward and handy to achieve by way of public transport with Trindade metro station solely a brief stroll away.
You will get a month-to-month hotdesking membership from €89 per thirty days, which I feel is great worth for cash. In the event you’d fairly hire a non-public workplace, these begin from €600 per thirty days.
3. PortoSoul Cowork (Ribeira)
PortoSoul Coworking is one other glorious coworking house housed inside a fantastic historic constructing within the Ribeira district. It provides a few of the quickest WiFi within the metropolis (as much as 400 Mbps) and a variety of comfy, versatile workspaces.
I actually like the truth that every desk comes geared up with a good quantity of bodily storage. Month-to-month members additionally get 1,000 free prints per thirty days and entry to 10 GB of personal cloud storage.
Extra perks embrace standing desks, a snug lounge/chill-out space, and a kitchenette with a espresso machine and free espresso. You will get a day go 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 could work from. Simply you should definitely purchase one thing each hour or two – don’t be that one that nurses a single espresso all day simply to make the most of the free WiFi…
Listed here are some high cafes in Porto which are nice for getting via a couple of hours of labor:
- FÁBRICA Espresso Roasters: Wonderful 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 comfortable, 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 choice of pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Actions and Issues To Do in Porto
Dwelling in Porto is enjoyable! There are such a lot of nice issues to do right here while you’re not working, no matter your pursuits. Listed here are a couple of recommendations:
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 named “port” for a cause!
After a protracted day of working, head over to Gaia the place you possibly can take a tour of the historic port warehouses and style a few of the metropolis’s most well-known fortified wines.
Most excursions embrace a guided tasting and an informative tour of the cellars. Click on right here to e-book.
2. Chill on the Seaside
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 stress-free at Matosinhos Seaside.
It’s a simple metro trip from the town heart, and the seaside is lined with eating places and cafes the place you possibly can take pleasure in contemporary seafood together with a glass or two of native wine.
Or, why not convey your laptop computer for a change of surroundings and get some work performed whereas having fun with these candy ocean views?
3. Go Browsing
In the event you’re a surfer, there are a number of implausible breaks situated a brief distance from Porto. In the event you’re disciplined sufficient (I’m not), you possibly can even slot in a cheeky surf earlier than work!
Head to Matosinhos Seaside, Foz do Douro, or Espinho for some glorious waves and a laid-back surf scene. There are waves for all ranges, from mellow seaside breaks for novices to difficult reefs for intermediate and superior surfers.
There are many retailers at every of the above spots the place you possibly can hire 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 numerous different seafood delicacies.
Your information may also train you concerning the meals tradition and historical past of Porto, making it a particularly 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, contemplate taking a historic strolling tour of the town.
These excursions sometimes 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, recognized for its mesmerizing Azulejo tiles.
It is a significantly well-reviewed strolling tour of Porto. And in case you’d fairly not stroll, take a look at this enjoyable tuk-tuk tour of Porto as a substitute!
Climate in Porto, Portugal
Porto has 4 distinct seasons, with heat, dry summers and funky, wet winters. On account of its latitude and Atlantic coastal location, the town typically doesn’t expertise any excessive climate; making it a year-round vacation spot.
That mentioned, I feel 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 costliest instances to go to. Personally, my favourite month in Porto is September.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Porto
As with anyplace on this planet, there are each execs and cons of residing in Porto. A few of these are the execs and cons of residing in Portugal typically, whereas others are extra particular to Porto itself.
Professionals of Dwelling in Porto, Portugal
- Reasonably priced value of residing
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Pleasant locals
- Nice meals and wine
- Lovely 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, splendid for exploring on foot
- Gentle winters in comparison with different European cities
- More and more numerous and worldwide ambiance
Cons of Dwelling in Porto, Portugal
- Humid climate, significantly in summer time
- The language barrier can pose challenges
- Public transportation could be crowded
- Restricted direct flights from some worldwide locations
- Comparatively excessive unemployment charges
- The forms could be sluggish and irritating
- Winter months convey vital rainfall
- Restricted job alternatives for non-Portuguese audio system
- Some areas have gotten gentrified, pushing up prices
- The summer time months could be fairly touristy
- Occasional points with avenue cleanliness and upkeep
- The rental market could be aggressive, significantly in central areas
Digital Nomad Visa for Porto
Portugal has not too long ago 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 United States, Canada, the UK, and different non-EU nations, there’s an revenue requirement of at the very least €3,040 per thirty days. For essentially the most correct and up-to-date info concerning the applying course of, see this publish and/or converse with an immigration specialist.
In the event you aren’t eligible for the digital nomad visa, residents of many nations (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 laws.
In Conclusion
Porto provides an enviable mixture of tradition, creativity, and cost-effectiveness. It’s a fantastic place to reside and work, whether or not for a brief interval or long run.
I hope this digital nomad information to Porto has been helpful and informative. And in case you’re nonetheless on the fence, simply go for it – you’ll have a implausible time there, I’m certain.
