Porto is one of the top destinations for people choosing to live in Portugal, and for good reason. The second most populous city in the country is beautiful and quite safe, making it even more attractive. If you are also interested in the city, come and discover the best areas of Porto to live in.
What is the best area to live in Porto, Portugal?
In Porto, there are great areas, and determining the best one depends on several factors. There are areas that are better for families, students, and retirees, for example. There are also the more expensive and the more affordable ones. We’ll talk more about it right away.
Each area has its own characteristics, and in Porto, they vary greatly, especially in terms of lifestyle. So, if you’re going to live in Porto, be clear that choosing the best area depends on your lifestyle and expectations, but we can already tell you that there are many incredible options in the city.
Best neighborhoods in the city of Porto, Portugal
Before discussing the best districts or areas of Porto and rental prices, it’s good to clarify that in recent years, the city has been undergoing changes due to real estate speculation. Therefore, rental prices have become a bit more expensive in recent times.
But, with patience in the search, it’s still possible to find properties at good prices. Sometimes, just moving away from the city center is enough to find more affordable rents. And let’s be honest, since Porto is well served by efficient transportation, living outside the city center isn’t much of an issue. To assist in choosing from the many options of districts in Porto, here are some suggestions.
Best neighborhoods in the city of Porto, Portugal
Some of the best areas to live with a family are Boavista, Bonfim, and Campanhã.
Boavista
Boavista is a residential neighborhood with more modern houses. But don’t be mistaken, despite being residential, it offers many services, hospitals, shops, and restaurants, especially around Rotunda da Boavista. Furthermore, the area has an excellent transportation system, served by buses and the metro. The Casa da Música, where many concerts take place, is located in Boavista. The Rotunda da Boavista connects the area to Matosinhos, facilitating access to the beaches.
Bonfim
Bonfim is a very quiet and residential neighborhood, with old apartments and some slightly more modern areas. In the area, essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and bakeries are easily found, as well as metro and buses. In Bonfim, there are also art galleries and studios of local artists. In 2020 it was voted one of the 20 coolest areas in the world.
In Bonfim, you can find the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto, the Municipal Public Library, and the Church of Bonfim.
Campanhã
The Campanhã region is a bit further away from the city center, but it can also be an excellent choice for family life. It has been revitalized in recent years, and the area already has good housing options and all essential services. Transportation is one of Campanhã’s strengths, which, in addition to having a subway and buses, also has a train station. From there, trains depart for all regions of Portugal and also for Vigo, Spain.
In Campanhã, you’ll also find the Estádio do Dragão, the well-known stadium of FC Porto.
The best areas for students
We consider the best areas for students to be those with easy transportation to universities or close to educational institutions, so we chose Paranhos, Cedofeita, and Downtown Porto.
Paranhos
Probably Paranhos is the most sought-after region by students because it is located near the University Pole, where faculties of the University of Porto, Fernando Pessoa University, and Portucalense University, among others, are located. There are also student residences and dormitories in the area. It’s a fairly large area, with newer houses, excellent transportation links, and easy access to all kinds of services.
Cedofeita
The Cedofeita region is part of the Historic Center of Porto and is a bustling area, ideal for students who want to be close to many options for restaurants, bars, and shops. Despite being an area of historic buildings, it is one of the areas that has been most revitalized lately.
It has easy access to transportation and is also a great area for those who like to engage in activities on foot. Cedofeita has a high flow of tourists and tourist accommodations. So, the rents have become a bit more expensive in recent years.
Baixa do Porto
Like Cedofeita, the entire Baixa do Porto area is part of the city’s historic center and is highly sought after by students. In Baixa, there are many historical monuments, such as the famous São Bento Station and the Clérigos Tower, from where you can have a beautiful view of the city.
It is a region that provides easy access to other areas of the city, as it has many public transport connections. It also has supermarkets, shops, hospitals, bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Nowadays, the Baixa region is no longer considered one of the cheapest places to live. However, for students, it can be a good option, as there are many rooms available for rent.
Best areas for retirees
For retirees, who are looking to live a more relaxed life with good leisure options, the best choices are Foz do Douro, Lordelo do Ouro, and Massarelos.
Foz do Douro
The Foz region is considered one of the most prestigious in the city and has a very positive point.
It is located very close to the beaches, which allows for beautiful seaside walks. The disadvantage is that the area doesn’t have metro access, but there are regular bus lines, and access to the city center by car takes no more than 15 minutes.
It features high-standard buildings and houses, excellent restaurants, schools, and other services. Attractions in Foz do Douro include City Park and Passeio Alegre Garden. Due to the beauty and infrastructure of the region, it’s worth noting that rentals in Foz do Douro are among the most expensive in the city.
Lordelo do Ouro and Massarelos
In these areas, which are part of the same parish, there are many natural landscapes, and depending on the area you choose to live in, it’s possible to have a view of the Douro River. Not bad, right? In Lordelo do Ouro and Massarelos, there are many places worth visiting, such as the Botanical Garden, Bom Sucesso Market, and the Gardens of the Crystal Palace. It also has easy access to hospitals, supermarkets, and various services.
In this region, as well as in Foz do Douro, the downside is the lack of a metro system. But access is equally easy by bus or car.
Regions of Porto where rent is more expensive
The most expensive areas of Porto are Foz do Douro, Massarelos, and Lordelo do Ouro.
Source: Eurodicas.com.br
