Moving to a new country is quite an adventure, and the choice of destination is an essential part of any project. In Portugal, three regions attract the majority of expatriates who move there. The capital Lisbon, the southern region of the Algarve, and the region of Porto. Porto is Portugal's second largest city and has its own identity as well as a history rich in centuries of invincibility, hence its nickname of the Invicta city. Choosing the city to move to is just as, if not more, important than choosing the country, and anyone looking to move to Portugal will need to include Porto on their list when making their decision. To help and motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Porto.
1- Culture and history
As Portugal's 2nd largest city, Porto boasts a rich and varied culture that's second to none in Europe. As you may already know, the nickname of the city of Porto is Invicta, which means invincible. In fact, the city has survived several invasions, including that of Napoleon's troops.
The result is an intact and exceptional heritage that can be discovered throughout the city. Porto has also succeeded in modernising itself and offers a cultural offering of international renown. It's not for nothing that Portugal's second-largest city is regularly voted one of Europe's top tourist destinations.
2- Gastronomy
What would Porto be without its gastronomy? Whether in the restaurants, bars or terraces of the city centre, or in the traditional tascas, gourmets from all over the world will find plenty to do. The city's specialities include the famous Francesinha, the little French girl, which will put even the hardiest stomachs to the test. There's also Porto-style tripe, and of course lovers of fresh fish and seafood will be delighted with the Ocean just next door.
Last but not least, you can't talk about Porto without mentioning the world-famous Port Wine, whose cellars are a must-see. In short, Porto's gastronomy is a gourmet's paradise, and yet another reason to move here.
3- Nature
The city of Porto lies along the Atlantic coast, and it's quick and easy to get to Matosinhos beach, just a few minutes from the city centre. The city also boasts a number of green spaces that have been preserved and enhanced over the centuries. For example, the Parque da Cidade is quite simply the largest urban park in Portugal. The Botanical Garden, the Gaia Biological Animal Park and the Palacio de Cristal are also well worth a visit for lovers of green spaces.
Living in Porto also means you can explore the surrounding area, with the chance to discover the magnificent Douro valley, visit the Aveiro estuary or go to the Peneda-Geres nature park, Portugal's green jewel on the border with Spain.
Let me remind you that the first and most important step to take before moving to Portugal is to obtain your NIF, your tax identification number. Without your NIF, it's impossible to work, find accommodation or open a bank account. I can do this for you, remotely and in just a few clicks. Go to the Services section of my website or click on the banner below.
4- Architecture
How can you talk about Porto without mentioning its architecture? The city has succeeded in preserving much of its heritage while modernising, and Porto boasts a number of internationally renowned landmarks. Its bridges spanning the Douro, the most famous of which is the Dom-Luis bridge, designed by the Eiffel school.
The Casa de la Musica, built just a few years ago, the Stock Exchange Palace, reminiscent of the Porto of yesteryear, the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and the Leixões cruise terminal, which has won international awards. In short, Porto boasts a rich and varied architecture, spread throughout its territory, making the city a top destination for architecture lovers.
5- The perfect size
Porto has a population of 210,000, and Greater Porto 1.2 million, making it the perfect size for some: not too big, not too small. You can visit the city's main attractions and points of interest on foot, but Porto is big enough not to be explored in a day, and boasts attractions and infrastructure worthy of major European capitals, with an international airport directly linked to the city centre. The city has therefore managed to develop while avoiding traffic jams and the disappearance of traditional shops as much as possible, at least for the time being.
6- Real estate
Portugal's real estate market is booming, mirroring the country's growing popularity. While Lisbon boasts the highest property prices nationwide, Porto emerges as a beacon of affordability in the housing market. The city's manageable size ensures that no neighbourhood is too far from the vibrant city center or essential infrastructure, making it a practical choice for residents and investors alike.
Furthermore, with ambitious plans on the horizon, including a new bridge over the Douro River and the addition of two new metro lines and high-speed train, Porto's real estate sector is poised for significant growth. These developments promise to enhance connectivity and accessibility, further elevating the appeal of Porto's property market. Whether you're considering investment or seeking a new home, Porto offers a compelling blend of value and potential amidst its scenic landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.
9 good reasons to live in Porto
7- Nightlife
Porto's nightlife is renowned, and with good reason. The Portuguese know how to have a good time, and the city of Porto is no exception. After welcoming the tourists during the day, the Baixa district and the Ribeira area are transformed to welcome a new crowd of people who have come to have a good time.
Although Porto is no Ibiza (which is all to the good) with its dozens of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, it does have plenty to offer in this respect, and if you're more of an outdoorsy type, then the city will fulfil your every wish.
8- Safety
Portugal stands out as one of the safest countries globally, making it a top consideration for anyone looking to relocate. In terms of safety, Porto sets an example of tranquility. While no place is entirely free of mischief, instances of mugging or theft are notably infrequent here. Esteemed as the 4th safest country in the world, Portugal, and Porto in particular, boasts a crime rate that's even lower than the capital, Lisbon. This distinction highlights Porto's serene environment, making it an exemplary choice for expatriates seeking peace of mind in their new surroundings. Whether wandering through its bustling streets by day or exploring its rich historical quarters by night, Porto provides a secure and welcoming atmosphere, reinforcing its status as an ideal destination for those prioritizing safety alongside a high quality of life.
9- The Portuans
The inhabitants of Porto are called Portuenses, or Portuans in French. Let's face it, the people of Porto are part of the city's heritage and one of the main reasons why people are so interested in the city.
The hospitality of the Portuguese is legendary, and they have managed to remain authentic, more so than in Lisbon, despite the development of tourism. Friendly, the people of Porto will not hesitate to help you if you need it and will be proud to show you the city and its secrets.
So now you know 9 good reasons to move to Porto. Of course there are others, such as football, the transport system or the international airport within easy reach, but it would be impossible to cover all the points in a single article. What's the best reason for you to move to Porto?
