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Along the Douro River lies the enchanting city of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site with plenty to offer the expat.
Known by many as the birthplace of port wine, the city's azulejo lined streets are drenched in history and Portuguese culture and it's growing into one of Europe’s trendiest cities.
Eating and Drinking in Porto
Amidst the iconic tiled walls and streets are a host of fine-dining opportunities, upmarket boutiques, and cosy cafes. One of Porto’s flagship restaurants is the Michelin star Euskalduna Studio, serving up gourmet food in a traditional Japanese izakaya style intimate space.
Good luck getting a table, but those who manage it will be treated to a unique experience. As for bars, there’s something for everyone. Rooftop bars with a view over the Douro are in abundance. One such highlight is the Mirajazz bar, hosting a warm environment with jazz music and a range of cocktails and beers.
Day Trips from Porto
Just across the Douro is Vila Nova de Gaia. It's on this side of the river you'll find an abundance of port and wine cellars offering wine tasting tours. You'll find six bridges across the Douro, the most impressive of which being the Dom Luis I Bridge built in the 19th-century.
In Gaia, take the riverfront cable car for unmissable views over the Douro Valley.
The well-connected city has a sprawling metro system which makes travelling within Porto a simple task. At around €2 a journey, there’s little need for a car here.
With an international airport and large train station, basing yourself in Porto doesn’t close you off from easy access to day trips and travel.
Shopping and Leisure
Shoppers don’t need to make the trip to Lisbon for their needs.
Porto’s main shopping district is Rua de Santa Catarina, with international retailers including Zara and Levi’s, as well as tiled façade churches and relaxing cafes.
Those with a taste for the finer things will want to head to Avenida da Boavista, where the likes of Versace and Dolce & Gabbana call home. You’ll also find some of the city’s best nightlife options here.
If you’re just looking for somewhere to unwind and relax after a long day, the Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha is one of the top Porto attractions and offers vast green spaces with traditional monuments and architecture.
You'll want to try one of the famous Douro Valley wine-tasting boat tours, where you can receive an audio tour of the sites along the Douro whilst sipping on port and sampling the famous pastei de nata pastry.
Be wary of one of Porto's most famous tourist traps, the Livraria Lello bookshop. The tourist attraction is claimed to have inspired the Hogwarts library in JK Rowling's famous Harry Potter series. As a result, the bookshop charges for entry (although the cost will be taken off any purchase) and is often packed with tourists with a queue outside.
However, despite being a beautiful bookshop, the author herself has dispelled the claims, saying she was completely unaware it even existed.
Making Porto Your Home
Considering moving to Porto? You’ll need to consider your housing options.
If an apartment is all you need, you’ll find plenty of options starting from €400,000 in prime locations.
In terms of houses and villas, you’ll pay a premium and potentially live on the outskirts of the city. Expect to pay over €1,000,000 for the city’s best properties.
For friends and family coming to visit, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to boutique hotel and Airbnb options. The PortoBay Flores 5-star hotel will see you staying in the heart of the city with all the amenities you’d expect. You’ll pay €250 a night for the privilege.
Education Opportunities
For those coming to Porto with their family, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a host of international schools to ensure your child has the best education.
The Oporto British School allows your child to follow the British education system and achieve valuable qualifications.
Visa options for Porto
Portugal has an array of enticing visa options which provide beneficial tax regimes if you meet the requirements.
They include the successful Golden Visa, D7 visa, Digital Nomad Visa (D8), or Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program.
Article Author & Bio: João Rodriguez
A seasoned writer with a remarkable expertise in Portugal's intricate visa landscape, offering invaluable insights into various visa options for individuals and families. With an understanding of Portugal's tax frameworks and residency regulations, João crafts articulate content that guides readers through the nuanced pathways to achieving their dream of living and thriving in the picturesque landscapes of Portugal.
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