Living in Porto: advices from a local student (Alejo Arroyo's translation)

How is to live in Porto? Would you recommend? How's the city?

Porto is a traditional city, traditional and romantic, during last years it's been becoming more cosmopolitan day by day. Best of Porto are people themselves: genuine, friendly and always welcoming. Everybody speaks loudly and people start talking even with strangers, that'll make you feel at home quickly. With tourist increase, city has become busier too: there are events, parties, gigs, and so on. No doubt it's a very alive city! It also has the big advantage of having the river and the sea just a few minutes far. Some things you should know: 1) Everybody likes football 2) Please, try not to mistake between Spanish and Portuguese 3) Public transport doesn't work very well 4) People salutes with two kisses and hugs, even when they don't know each other very well.

Fonte: Unsplash

How's student life in Porto?

I think Porto is the ideal city for students: it's perfect sized, it's little in a way that faculties are as farest as 30 minutes walking from city centre while there are lots of places to explore, that's why you'll never feel bored; life cost is reachable (¡there are beer since 0'50€!); the faculties teaching level is very good, almost everybody speaks good English; there is much of an academic tradition – you'll notice some students wearing a black uniform as those in “Harry Potter” films, those students are part of the “praxe”, that's like a group that organizes some activities with students, best known as “Queima das Fitas (Tapes Burning)”, an university party which lasts 7 days during May.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

Monthly: nearly 450€ for accommodation, 25€ for transport, 300€ for food and 100€ for own expenses.

Fonte: Unsplash

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

I never had to rent accommodation in Porto, so I'm not the best person to help with this issue. Nevertheless, I sadly know that rents are increasing year by year. A usual site to look for accommodation is Uniplaces, but I don't know how useful it is. The only advice I can give is to try to stay near a metro station, because buses don't work very well.

How's food? Which are your favourite dishes?

Food is delicious! Portuguese people like mixing everything, which can be weird for strangers. Don't be surprised about seeing rice, chips, salad and pinto beans in the same dish! Portuguese people love rice, bread and a good wine. But you can find healthy and vegetarian food too. The traditional Porto food is the “Francesinha”, it has bread, different kinds of meat, sausages and a spicy sauce, it's garnished with chips and egg. Seems strange but is delicious.

Fonte: Unsplash

Which places do you recommend to visit in Porto?

In addition to typical places, some “more regional” recommendations are: Jardim das Virtudes and Jardim do Passeio Alegre to see the sunset; Serralves for art fans; Mirajazz and Hot Five Jazz&Blues Club for music fans; walk through Miguel Bombarda street to find vintage shops; go to Marina da Afurada for a river view; know the Leça da Palmeira beach; go up to the rooftop of Restaurante 17º for a more fancy cocktail.

Is it good to eat out in Porto? Could you tell us your favourite places?

Yes, Porto has a restaurant variety with reachable prices. Some of my favourites:

• Casa D'Oro: for pizza fans
• Duas de Letra: vibe "hipster"
• Rota do Chá: for tea lovers
• O Valentim: to eat good fish
• Mercearia do Miguel: good breakfasts
• 7 Maravilhas: for “tapas”
• Cachorrinhos da Batalha: a local secret

Fonte: Unsplash

Is Porto night good? Where's better to go?

Porto has a very good night life. Still doesn't have as much diversity as other european cities, but for a halfyear Erasmus is more than enough. Some recommendations:

• Base: for sunsets
• Maus Hábitos: vibe "hipster"
• Eskada: commercial music disco
• Plano B: commercial and electronic music disco
• Galerias: two streets with lots of different bars
• Villa: Erasmus disco
• Kasa: disco, more for local people
• Pipa Velha: to try good wine

Would you want to give any advice for future students in Porto?

If you choose Porto for Erasmus, I know you'll love it! Don't just explore the city, but the whole country, from North to South. Portugal is a dream!