Experience in Porto, Portugal by Sebas

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

Porto is, for me, the most nice city in Portugal. It has culture, history, beaches, forest. And the most nice part; it's still close to the country side. Even, still in the city, you find nice Quinta's (farms).

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

I'm not a student anymore, but my kids are and they love the student life style in this city. Bars, disco's, cafe, cheap restaurant with nice traditional food and ofcourse the beautifull beaches with nice cafe's and a good meal for around 5 / 7,50 euro.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

Rooms you find for around 150 untill 200 euro's cost for electricity/water/internet included. Food: spent 300 euros a month to eat al the days outside. Spent 150 / 200 euros to do your shopping. Travelling by metro, take a monthly ticket for 30 euro. Spent maybe 100 euros a month to go in the city, visit a bar, go to a movie/theatre etc. Put 50 euro for the extra's.

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

For me Erasmus is the best to find nice accomodation

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

seafood, meat, vegetarian from cheap to expensive ( 5 / 15 euro)

My favourite dishes are: fresh fish with cooked potatoes or frites and vegetables. Specialities are: Rabbit, Goatmeat.

What places would you recommend visiting in Porto?

Take a tour with a boat at the river Douro. Advise: to rent a boat incl. skipper for a day or more and sail the river Douro and the coast waters; one good adress is: the boat Vagabundo do Mar tel: 962 514 016. The skipper speaks 5 languages and is a very special guy. Go sit somewhere in the old part of Porto, restaurant / bar and enjoy sun and people. The historical part: go to office do turismo and ask for the special place to visit. They give good information. Enjoy the beaches incl. nightlive.

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

Yes, food is excellent in whole Portugal, but ecspecialy in Porto. My favourite spots the "Cais" as well as in Porto as in VN de Gaia, or go to the Irish pub and listen to live music at friday and saturday. Go to the "Marina" (yachtharbour) in Vila Nova de Gaia to meet people from all different countries.

What advice would you give future students headed to Porto?

Enjoy your time in one of the most actractive cities in Europe. They have very good Universities to explore your knowledge.