Experience in Vila Real, Portugal by Kelly

What's it like to live in Vila Real? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

That is a tough question. To live in Vila Real means arriving, falling in love and never wanting to leave again.

Anyone who comes here has experiences that perhaps could also be experienced in other cities, but not in the same way, with such emotion and passion.

Living in Vila Real is for those who love, who enjoy life and appreciate the little things that fill our memories. Living in Vila Real is only for those who can cope with maybe not returning again.

How is student life in Vila Real?

The student life in Vila Real is the best in the country. And I speak as someone who has already visited other cities known for their student parties and university life.

Our university has a unique academic spirit, the students share an enthusiasm for the university and defend it fiercely.

There are parties going on for 24 hours, 7 days a week. Those who come to Vila Real, find it strange at first, but then they can't get enough of it. In order to enjoy studying here, you have to get through the first week.

On average, how much did you spend when living in Vila Real?

Vila Real is not expensive when compared it to other university cities. On average, accommodation (with all expenses included) ranges from 100 to 150 Euros (Maximum). Going out at night is also quite cheap, and as is transportation around the city and prices at the supermarket.

I would say that with 250/300 Euros, a student can definitely afford to live in Vila Real.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Vila Real? Do you have any advice?

Finding accommodation in Vila Real is not difficult at all. There are agencies dedicated to the rental of houses and apartments for students, and also student dorms provided by the university (which is UTAD - Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro).

I can offer advice for two types of people: for those who want to save money I would recommend staying at the student dorms; whereas for those who really want to have fun I would recommend staying at a room in a house or apartment (the prices are not really that different than those at the student dorms if you search thoroughly).

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

The food is unique.

I would say that my favourite food (even though it is not originally from Vila Real, the way it is made here is unique) is "Francesinha" (which basically consists of a sandwich with ham, veal steak and cheese, covered with a unique traditional sauce). Also, one of my favorite foods here is "Alheira".

In terms of regional foods I recommend the following: "covilhetes", "cristas de galo" and "pito". (I am not going to describe any of these sweets because in my opinion they must be tasted in order to really know what they are made of).

What places do you recommend visiting in Vila Real?

The places that are mandatory to visit are the following:

• "Baca Belha" - this is the main tasca where people of all ages hang out, enjoying the sound of "tunas" (university music groups) and appreciate the best wine (favaios) and regional snacks.
• "Parque Corgo" - this park is the biggest green space in Vila Real. Plus, it encourages physical exercise and romanticism.
• "Vila Velha" - this is the place where it all started, where the city was born. There are no words to describe this place.

How are the restaurants in Vila Real? Could you tell us which are the best restaurants?

In my opinion the best restaurants, with good quality food, are: "Petiscos na Bila", "Tralha", "Caves da Picanha" and "Cais da Bila".

Please note that quality and price come hand in hand and sometimes to eat well means paying more.

How is the nightlife in Vila Real? Which are the best places to go?

Nightlife in Vila Real is mostly restricted to a certain place: Pioledo. It is there where the majority of the bars that students like are located.

In my opinion, the best places are actually not located in Pioledo and they are: "Portinha" (a rock bar), "Club de Vila Real" (a bar that promotes the city's musical culture) and "Johnny Red" (a jazz bar).

Club de Vila Real

Johnny Red

Is there any advice you would like to give to students coming to Vila Real?

Live life as if there is no tomorrow. Meet people and spend time with them, because people in Vila Real are the most friendly you can find in Portugal, if not the entire world.

Visit all the places you can, and especially "Baca Belha".

But, above all, embrace the spirit of Vila Real, it is unique.

Only those who come here really understand Vila Real.