At Remitly, we’re all about supporting you through life’s big transitions. If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, you have plenty of great cities to consider when deciding on your new home. Among them is Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city.
Thanks to its charm, affordability, and outstanding quality of life, Porto is becoming a prime destination for expats and foreign investors. In this guide, we’ll cover how to find housing in Porto, navigating the city, essential services, and tips to ensure a smooth transition.
With so many options, the move to Portugal might feel as overwhelming as it is exciting. But with the right information, you can make the best decision for you. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering calling Porto home.
Why Porto is the perfect place to move in 2025
If you’re thinking of moving to Porto, we’re here to support your decision. Porto or Oporto is a coastal city in the northwest of Portugal. Known as “Invicta” or the Invincible City because of its successful year-long defense during the Portuguese Liberal Wars in 1831, it is situated on the Douro River. The medieval Ribeira or riverside district gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1996. Here, you’ll marvel at winding, cobblestone streets that pass historic merchant houses, cafes, and restaurants.
Although Porto is rooted in medieval history, it’s also established itself as a modern city. It’s the second largest city in Portugal and has its own airport. In recent years, Porto has been named “The Best European Destination,” Food and Travel magazine’s City of the Year, and “The World’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination.”
These distinctions are no surprise. The Mediterranean climate boasts mild winters and warm summers. This is the perfect weather for an active lifestyle—and for growing the crops that support Porto’s amazing food scene and, of course, port wine. There is an increasing number of job opportunities in various industries, like tech, tourism, and wine production. All of this is underpinned by a vibrant expat community and friendly, welcoming locals, making Porto the best of both worlds.
Finding the perfect home in Porto
Porto is a diverse city with neighborhoods that boast distinct vibes. We’re highlighting some of the best neighborhoods in Porto to kickstart your search. We’ll also provide some tips on finding affordable housing in Porto.
Top neighborhoods
There are many neighborhoods in Porto, but we’re highlighting five of the most popular and sought-after areas:
- Ribeira: If you’re looking to be in the heart of Porto, look no further than Ribeira. This is the riverside district that boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site title. The colorful architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant cultural scene make this picturesque neighborhood popular with expats.
- Miragaia: If the Ribeira district appeals to you, but you’d prefer a little bit more peace—and fewer tourists—check out the neighboring area of Miragaia. It’s just as cute, with narrow streets and traditional architecture, but a little bit removed from the bustle.
- Foz do Douro: If you’d like to live on the Atlantic coastline, Foz do Douro is for you. This area is home to popular beaches, seaside promenades, and a peaceful, coastal vibe. This neighborhood is popular with families and retirees looking for a slower pace and a high quality of life.
- Boavista: A chic neighborhood with modern amenities and a quieter, residential vibe, Boavista will appeal to those looking for the finer things in life. Although this is primarily a residential area, it’s also home to a cutting-edge art museum, Fundacao Serralves, and an eclectic music venue, Casa da Musica.
- Cedofeita: This central area provides access to the important monuments and nightlife in the heart of Porto, but it’s far enough away that you’ll be able to relax a bit. Cedofeita is known as an arts district and is home to concept stores, fun cafes, and plenty of restaurant options.
These five neighborhoods are just a taste of all that Porto has to offer. If you’re looking to do further research, check out other neighborhoods like Aliados and Bolhao, Bonfim, Campanha, and Vila Nova de Gaia.
How to navigate Porto’s housing market
Regardless of how many episodes of House Hunters International you’ve watched, embarking on the process of finding a place to call home in a foreign country is a major hurdle. Maximize your chances of success by researching the market online and seeking expert advice when necessary.
Online platforms like Idealista.pt and Imovirtual.pt will allow you to view real estate listings in Portugal. You’ll be able to filter by location, price range, and property type. You can even set alerts to be notified if your dream property is listed.
In Portugal, real estate agents typically represent the property owner or seller. Still, working with a real estate agency could provide you with the support and security you need to find your next home. Consulting with a lawyer to understand any contracts, especially if they are not in your first language, is also a good idea.
Getting around Porto like a local
As the city has so much to offer, you’ll want to know how to get around Porto. Luckily, there are plenty of options for transportation in Porto.
Public transportation
Like any major European city, Porto is well-connected via public transportation. No car, no problem. Porto has a metro system, wide network of buses, and a historic tram service.
- Metro do Porto: The metro operates from 6am to 1am and connects the city of Porto. You can also reach some suburbs on the metro. There are options for regular tickets or a monthly pass, called the Andante card. You can purchase your metro tickets in the stations, using cash, card, or contactless.
- Buses: The bus system in Porto covers the entire city and many suburbs. Throughout the day, there are frequent buses. The frequency reduces after 9pm and even more after 1am. You can purchase bus tickets directly from the driver using cash or contactless. Alternatively, your Andante card can also be used on the bus. Bus routes are posted on the Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto (STCP) website.
- Trams: If you’ve ever received a postcard from Portugal, there’s a high possibility that it featured a tram. The trams in Porto are historic and are both a means of transport and a cultural experience. The trams run specific routes within the city center of Porto. Andante cards do not work on trams. You can purchase a ticket directly from the driver using cash or contactless.
Cycling and driving
Porto is a city that’s been designed with cyclists in mind. There are plenty of bike paths and you’ll find some bike share options around the city. That being said, the bikeshare networks in Porto are not as built up as in other European cities. If you’re looking to use a bike as your main means of transport, you might benefit from purchasing your own bike.
Of course, driving in Porto is another option for getting around. When you first arrive in Portugal, you’ll be able to use a foreign driver’s license. However, after a set amount of time, usually 185 days, it’s required that you obtain a Portuguese driver’s license.
Essential services for a smooth transition
As you prepare for your transition to Portugal, there are a few essentials for you to focus on in order to make your move as smooth as possible.
Public and private healthcare
For most long-term visas, like the popular Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll have to contract private healthcare for the duration of your intended stay. Although this may feel like an additional expense when moving to a country with a robust public healthcare system, the private insurance will allow for faster access to specialists and more control in making appointments.
Once arriving in Portugal, you’ll also be able to register with the national healthcare service, called Serviço Nacional de Saude or SNS. Go to your local health center to be assigned a “Numero de Utente” or user number. This will allow you access to robust public healthcare, including primary care and emergency services.
Banking, utilities, and internet set up
- Banking: In order to open a Portuguese bank account, you’ll need a photo ID, a Portuguese NIF number, and proof of address. Popular options for banking include Caixa, Millennium, BPI, and Banco Santander Totta. Fees for Portuguese bank accounts can be very different from American bank accounts, so make sure that you read the fine print and shop around before deciding on a bank and account type.
- Utilities: If you’re renting, you can work with your landlord to change existing utilities contracts into your name, cover the utilities costs each month, or negotiate a rental agreement with utilities costs included in the rent price. If you’re setting up your utilities from scratch, you can usually set up contracts online. EDP is a popular company for electricity. Aguas do Porto is the typical supplier of water. If you have gas appliances, shop around for the best provider.
- Internet: Often, you can check internet service coverage online or by going to a brick and mortar store. Popular internet providers are Vodafone, MEO, NOWO, and NOS. Compare prices and features from different providers before signing a contract.
Immersing yourself in Porto’s social scene
As an expat in Porto, you’ll probably feel like a tourist at first. However, as time goes on, you’ll have a lot of opportunities to develop your social circle and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Entertainment and nightlife
In general, Portuguese culture is marked by excellent food and drink, a passion for football (stop calling it soccer now!), and enjoying the natural beauty of the country.
If you’re looking for a nice night out in Porto, consider the restaurants in the Ribeira district. Find yourself a bacalhau dish. This salted cod is the national dish of Portugal and is prepared in a thousand different ways. If you’re looking for something meatier, try the francesinha sandwich. This sandwich was made famous in Porto specifically and features layers of bread, meats, cheese, and spicy tomato sauce.
To immediately immerse yourself in the culture of Porto, why not attend a FC Porto game at the Estadio do Dragao? Unlike sports games in the US, a Porto game is less about the food, drink, and crowd experience and more about the sport, music, and culture.
The natural beauty of Portugal is really on display in Porto. Enjoy a sunset or catch some waves at the Praia de Matosinhos. This beach features a long promenade with restaurants and cafes. So, even if you’re not a surfer, you’ll find something to enjoy.
Building a community
As an expat, online groups like Meetup and InterNations will connect you with other foreigners living in Porto. You’ll also find gatherings based on common interests or specific activities.
In order to engage with locals, consider picking up Portuguese. Online learning, like Duolingo, will get your feet wet with the language. In-person classes, either at a language academy or through the government-funded program, will allow you to learn the language while also building friendships and social connections.
Managing your finances and residency
In order to ensure that your life in Porto is secure, make sure that you understand the bureaucratic aspects of your visa, tax status, and residency. There are plenty of visa options for people looking to stay long-term in Portugal.
In terms of taxes, you’ll be required to pay a progressive rate based on your level of income. Portugal also offers a non-habitual resident tax status. This provides foreign citizens who intend to live in Portugal with tax advantages, like lower rates.
Tips for safety and everyday living
We hope that this article helped you feel more empowered about your move to Porto. We’re finishing off with five tips for safety and everyday living in the Invincible City:
- Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe and the world. Porto has a very low crime rate. However, it’s still an urban center and you should remain vigilant in crowded, touristy areas. Guard your valuables and use purses and pockets with zippers to avoid pickpocketing.
- A handshake or a double kiss are the typical greetings in Porto. If you’re going for the double kiss, it’s the norm to kiss right cheeks first. Remember, the kisses are more of a cheek touch and air kiss than actual lip-to-cheek contact.
- Portuguese culture is pretty relaxed, especially in social and informal settings. Specifically, timekeeping is pretty flexible. It’s okay to be about 15 minutes late for a meeting with friends. However, if you’re operating in a formal context, like a business meeting, things will be more punctual.
- As you navigate the city, use apps like Moovit to understand public transportation options. You can also use Uber, which is popular throughout Portugal.
- If you’re interacting with someone who is older than you or more senior than you in a business setting, it is usual to use an honorific like “senhor” or “senhora.” To show respect for people your own age or status in social situations, you can bring a small gift to hosts or hostesses. You can’t go wrong with something like a bottle of wine or a small box of chocolates.
FAQs
What’s the weather like in Porto?
Porto has a Mediterranean climate. This means you’ll enjoy mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. This climate is great for maintaining an active lifestyle throughout the year.
Is Porto affordable?
Compared to other European cities, Porto is quite affordable. Within Portugal, Porto will be more expensive than smaller towns or countryside locations. In Porto, you can expect to spend about 800€ on monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
Not really. In Portugal, the most popularly spoken foreign language is English and plenty of Portuguese natives will be able to interact with you in this language. However, if you’re looking to increase your job prospects, develop friendships and relationships with locals, and connect with the culture, learning Portuguese is a fantastic first step.