Experience in Porto, Portugal by Hugo

What is it like to live in Porto? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Porto is an amazing city. Cosmopolitan and calm at the same time with lots of relaxing areas, gardens, parks, seaside, riverside (Ribeira). The heart of the city is little but cozy full of ancient architecture and fabulous buildings. Porto is the city of cultural events - concerts, festivals, Casa da Música (near So Cool Hostel) exhibitions (art galleries placed at Rua Miguel Bombarda near So Cool Hostel), theaters, cinemas, Moles, street commerce full of shops,etc..the nightlife is quite funny and gathered almost in one night spot full of bars and discos. The restaurants are nice and the food is amazing . It is a nice town to live because it offers everything that one needs to have a nice life.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Like it should be. friendly town with friendly people.Lots of things to do in the spare times. lots of students from abroad living here...so what can i say? excellent...

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

the level of life his the same as other European countries, i mean the food and clothes, and objects of daily use. only the house rents are cheaper which makes Porto very attractive to live when people have incomes from other countries. For example, a 4 room apartment costs, in average 500 euros or less which is very attractive for students to share the expenses. If someone wants to rent a room in a family house, the average price is 200 euros with all expenses included.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Porto? Is there any advice you can give?

no. lots of apartments for rent, rooms for rent and special prices in hostels (like we do provide on demand).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

good and healthy (our Mediterranean diet) . If you want to eat other kind of food such as Chinese, Japanese, kebab restaurants, vegan, Russian, Turkish, fast food, etc......we have it all...

What places would you recommend visiting in Porto?

Ribeira of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia - old town placed near the river of Douro and the port wine cellars
City park - an huge one wth lakes, ducks, trees, training circuits, terraces....
Foz, Matosinhos (Surf spot), Leça, whith lovely beaches and terraces....
art galleries
Monuments - mostly in the heart of the city - churches, romantic, Gothic, Arab and Victorian buildings, etc
Casa de Serralves and its gardens - Contemporary art museum
Jardim das Virtudes - a calm spot in a city
Jardim da Cordoaria
Palacio de Cristal
So many things that it would be difficult to name them.

Is it good to eat out in Porto? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Alternative Rock bars and discos.

Is the nightlife good in Porto? Where is good to go?

Candelabro, Galerias de Paris (lots of clubs with different genres), Paris no Porto, O Meu Mercedes, Pherrugem, Radio Bar, Hard Club (lots of concerts and trance parties), tendinha dos poveiros, Tendinha dos Clerigos, Twins,

What advice would you give future students heading to Porto?

Come and see be yourselves. and have lots of fun at Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the winter and all days in summer! as long you dedicate yourselves to your study and future career.... and of course, learn Portuguese!.