Porto for Digital Nomads: A Local’s Unexpected Love Letter

I came back to Porto straight from the chaos and color of Carnival in Rio—jetlagged, full of stories, and ready to celebrate my grandma’s birthday. I planned to stay for a month or two. After all, Porto is my hometown, but it never really ticked all the boxes I usually look for in a destination.

But this time, something felt different.

I rented a room in a house of remote workers from different countries. Suddenly, I was hearing about all these events, meet-ups, and a growing international community. For the first time, I asked myself: Why not live like I do abroad… in my own city?

So I gave it a shot. I joined events, tried different hobbies, and showed up at random meet-ups. Before I knew it, I found my crew here too—people who shared my values, interests, and that same restless curiosity.

Turns out, Porto changed. And so did I.

What’s Porto Like?

Porto is a charming coastal city in the north of Portugal. Think cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and grandmas hanging laundry while yelling across balconies. Foggy in the morning, it feels nostalgic—like a postcard from the past—but if you know where to look, it’s got everything most nomads need. And it's actually considered one of the best places for digital nomads in Portugal.

Why You Might Fall in Love with Porto

• Walkable Everything – Most of the city's highlights are just a short stroll from the center. The only challenge? The hills (but hey, they’re still easier than Lisbon’s)!
• Chill Vibes – Life here moves at a slower pace, with people enjoying long afternoons in cozy cafés and peaceful riverside walks.
• Friendly People – Locals are warm and helpful, especially if you drop a “Bom dia” (good morning) or “Obrigado” (thank you) every now and then.
• Small City, Big Heart – It feels cozy, but never boring.
• Easy to stay and explore - With the Schengen visa, you can enjoy Porto for up to 3 months (and EU citizens don’t need a visa at all!). Plus, Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa makes it even simpler for remote workers to settle in for even longer!

But It's Not Perfect 

• We run on “Portuguese time” – People (and buses) are often late. A lunch break at a local restaurant can easily stretch over 1.5 hours, just between getting the menu, being served, and finally asking for the check…
• Strange meal gaps – Most local restaurants close from 3–7 PM. No early bird dinners for portuguese. But don’t worry, you can always find international spots or cafés open.
• Traffic – Between 5–7 PM, the roads and metros are packed.
• Weather – Expect regular rain from December to April. And even in summer, nights stay cool thanks to those chilly ocean winds (the “nortadas”). But that’s also a win – it rarely gets hotter than 25°C, even in peak summer. 

Staying Safe in Porto

Porto is genuinely one of the safest cities in Europe. Solo travel is super chill here—you can walk around at night in most neighborhoods without any issues. That said, use common sense: if the streets are empty, maybe rethink that late-night stroll.

A heads-up for ride apps: it’s pretty common for Uber or Bolt drivers to cancel if your trip is too short (annoying, but true).

As with any tourist-friendly city, keep an eye on your stuff in busy areas—São Bento Station, Ribeira, and the tram line to Foz are classic pickpocket zones. Oh, and never leave valuables in your car—theft from parked vehicles is super common.

Always travel with insurance. Even if you’re European and have a health card, it won’t cover things like stolen electronics, flight delays, or lost luggage. Travel insurance also gives you access to private hospitals like CUF, which offer faster, less chaotic service compared to public hospitals – trust me, you’ll appreciate it if you need care. Plus, they’re more likely to speak English. I personally recommend SafetyWing.

Getting Around Porto

Ride apps 

• Uber & Bolt are both active and reliable, but Bolt is usually cheaper.
• Ride to the airport from the center: ~€12–€20

Scooters & Bikes

• Use Bird or Bolt apps for quick rentals (scooters and e-bikes).

Public Transport

• Metro, bus, train – clean, safe, on time (ish).
• Grab the Andante card and top up as you go, or get a monthly pass in Trindade station
• Tickets are based on zones and are valid for 1 hour. A 2-zone ticket, which covers the city center, costs €1.40. A ride to Matosinhos, which is 3 zones, costs €1.80. For the airport, you'll need a 4-zone ticket, priced at €2.25. If you plan to travel more, a 24-hour ticket is available for €7.50, offering unlimited travel across the network for a full day.

Cost of Living 

Accommodation

• Room: €500–€700
• 1-bed Apartment: €1000–€1500

Food

• Local lunch deal (starter, main, dessert, espresso): €10–€15
• Fish dinner: €30–€40 per person
• International cuisine: €20–€30 per person

Drinks

• Local beer: €2
• Glass of wine: €4

Groceries

• Monthly groceries: €150–€250 (in supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi)

Coworking

• Coworking spaces: €150–€300/month
• Day pass: €10–€20

Transportation

• Public transport card (Andante): €30–€50/month covers metro, buses, and some trains
• Uber/Bolt ride to the airport: €12–€20
• Bolt scooters/e-bikes: from €0.15/min + unlock fee (~€1)

When to Visit

Best seasons:

• April–June – spring flowers, sunny mild weather, fewer crowds
• September–November – golden light, harvest vibes, still warm

Avoid (or not):

• December–March – you’ll probably catch a few rainy days
• São João festival (June 23rd) – Porto’s wildest night of the year. Think New Year’s Eve meets a street party… with plastic hammers. Yup, it’s tradition to bop strangers on the head while dancing through the streets, eating roasted sardines, and soaking up live music on every corner. Locals send dozens of tiny hot air balloons into the sky at night. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, it smells like grilled fish—and it’s unforgettable. Fun if you’re in the mood, but maybe skip it if crowds aren’t your thing. 

How to Find Your People

If you’re craving connection, you’re in luck. Porto’s nomad scene is blooming.

Events & Communities:

• Outside Mouco After-Work Drinks: Every Thursday after work
• Female Founders Breakfast: A women’s-only meetup where you can connect with other awesome women, swap stories, and grow your network over breakfast.
• Look Sharp Events: This cool bar hosts a bunch of different events, from board games to casual drinks. One of the fan favorites is “Real Talks,” where everyone gets involved in open, honest chats about topics like psychology, relationships, and communication. It’s always a good vibe!
• Porto Can Run Club: Every Saturday morning, a group meets for a run and coffee afterwards. Whether you’re a runner or just want to get moving, it’s a fun way to kick off the weekend!

How to know what’s happening:

• @themindfulstep releases a weekly guide on Instagram
• @portoemagenda shares daily cultural events
• Meetup app

Best Workspaces in Porto (with Prices)

Coworking Spaces

• The Social Hub – €225/month (hot desk), gym & events included; daily passes available
• CRU Cowork – artistic crowd, from €130/month
• Seaside Cowork – in Matosinhos, from 130€/month
• Mouco Hotel + Cowork – trendy & fun, €200+/month (You can actually work from their cafe for free if you’re just looking for a change of scenery)

Laptop-Friendly Cafés

• The Coffee – Locations in Matosinhos and downtown
• Coffee Roasters – Great beans and very central
• von&vonnie – Cozy with good snacks
• A Certain Café – Chill and productive
• My Coffee Porto – Work with a river view
• Picaba – For ocean-lovers

Best Areas to Stay (as a Nomad)

• Bonfim – Creative, artsy, with many houses covered in tiles
• Cedofeita – Central, charming, full of hidden gems
• General Torres – Just across the river, walkable with dreamy views

Must-Try Local Food & Restaurants

• Francesinha: The ultimate cheesy, meaty, saucy sandwich – it’s like a heart attack in a sandwich (but in a good way). Looking for veggie/vegan options? Check out Lado B and Santa Francesinha for their delicious takes!
• Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria: Get at least two – seriously, you won’t regret it.
• Restaurante Lage Senhor do Padrão: For all the seafood and fish lovers, this place is the real deal – fresh fish at great prices. No reservations.
• A Tasquinha: Cozy, authentic, and homely spot that gives you all the local vibes.
• Meia-Nau Matosinhos: If fresh fish is your thing, this is the place you need to visit.

Things to Do in Porto

Classic Tourist Hits

• Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge - The views are incredible! And don’t miss out on Jardim do Morro – it’s one of the best spots to catch a sunset over the river. 
• Clérigos Tower – Climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of Porto. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online. 
• Ride the old tram to Foz - Catch the historic Tram Line 1 to Foz do Douro at the Infante stop, located near the São Francisco Church and the Palácio da Bolsa, runs every 15-20min
• Livraria Lello –Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s absolutely magical. Entry is about €5, and you can even book tickets online to skip the line.
• Douro River Cruise – A short but sweet way to experience Porto from the water. Tickets are available at the riverfront from Gaia side
• Wine Cellars Tour - Porto is famous for its port wine, and you can’t visit without exploring some of the historic wine cellars. Head to Gaia to visit famous cellars like Sandeman, Graham’s, or Taylor’s, most offer guided tours with tastings at the end.

Off the Beaten Path

• Rent a bike at TT3Ways or Biclas & Triclas and head to the beach. Both Gaia and Porto offer scenic bicycle lanes along the river.
• Try surfing in Matosinhos – Surfitbox has great beginner lessons
• Wine + petiscos at Capela Incomum (in a literal chapel!)
• Vibe with a jam session at Mr. Bean's Music Club every Sunday evening
• Grab a coffee at Eleven Lab River and soak up the local charm as the tram rolls by 

Rainy Day Rescue Plan

• Serralves Contemporary Art Museum – stunning design + gardens
• Catch an indie film at Cinema Trindade
• Try bouldering at Proa Climbing Center
• Bowling at Norteshopping 
• Café-hopping around the city centre

Final Thoughts

Porto might not shout for your attention like Lisbon or Barcelona—but it whispers. It’s got a rhythm, a laid-back vibe similar to Madeira, rich history, and a deep sense of character that makes it perfect for work, reflection, and finding your own pace.

Ready To Make Porto Your Next Nomad Destination?

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Written by Sara Vieira

Sara is a digital nomad and partnerships expert, living in Porto on and off for the past 9 years, working remotely for 3.

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