Experience in Porto, Portugal by Luis

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

Proud people willing to help. A city full with tradition and safe. A city that has everything a major city all over the world might have. Good hospitals, schools, ocean and river life. By winter its cold and rainy. On the night of June the 23rd there is one of the biggest midsummer festivities all over the world.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

It depends on what the student looks for.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

Not expensive if you get away from tourism areas.

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

Is not dificult however the east part of the city should be avoided. The best place where to live is on the neighbour city of Senhora da Hora. It's quiet, safe and cheap. In 10 to 15 minutes by METRO you can get downtown Porto. Senhora da Hora its a METRO interface that takes you to the ocean beach, airport, downtown Porto and even to the Universities that are located outside of Porto physical boundaries.

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

The gastronomy its just great. The most typical are "Francesinha" (sounds like Franszinha) one of the 10 best sandwich like dishes, and "Dobrada" (sounds like dubrada). In the neighbour city of Matosinhos also easy to reach by METRO its possible to try all kinds of ocean fish dishes. I advise Robalo, Dourada and octopus. Seafood its also great mainly the crabs but not only.

What places would you recommend visiting in Porto?

São Francisco church and to walk the romanticists ways.

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

To eat in Porto might be a bit expensive. Better will be to eat on the neighbour city of Matosinhos. The city with more restaurants in Portugal. It's 15 minutes far by Metro.

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

Porto doesnt have a tradition in nightlife as its known as the city of work. But for those who look for it will find it also in Porto boundary with Senhora da Hora.

What advice would you give future students heading to Porto?

To avoid areas like Marques, Areosa, Aldoar and downtown to live.