Porto is a charming city northwest Portugal known for its romantic atmosphere and charming streets. It is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and is a popular tourist destination especially for Digital Nomads.Â
Known for its historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its famous port wine, Porto is home to a number of museums, galleries, and restaurants, making it a cultural hub in the area. Some popular attractions in Porto include the Clérigos Tower, the Livraria Lello bookstore, and the Gaia Fortress.
The scenic views, port wine, beautiful weather and great cafes make Porto a melting pot for digital nomads to explore cultures while working.Â
Here is a complete Digital Nomad Guide for Porto
Accommodation
Porto is a beautiful city. You can stay at hotels, Airbnb's or hostels. I personally prefer living in hostels as it allows me to get the true experience of exploring the city. Porto has some great hostels that are cozy and have a great social atmosphere that showcase the culture and beauty of Porto, yet allowing you to work as a nomad.
If you're on a budget and are planning on exploring the city with other people, I suggest hostels. They are a great cheap alternative that allows you to make friends and explore all the gems of the city.
Dorm beds in hostels typically begin around 15 EUR per night in the low-season and go as high as 40 EUR in major during the summer. Budget hotels begin around 55 EUR for a twin or double and go up from there.
Here are the top 4 Social hostels for Digital Nomads in Porto:Â
Selina Porto
Selina Porto is walking distance of most of the important sightseeing spots. The cobblestoned streets, coworking space inside the hostel and hot desks are a great place for Digital Nomads to get work done.Â
The experience of the cruise along the Douro River in a Rabelo boat and unwinding with a glass of sweet adds to the vibe of Porto. The vibes of the garden at Selina is a great place to interact with other nomads and travellers and enjoy the nomadic life that the city & hostel has to offer.
2. Lost Inn Porto
Lost Inn Porto Hostel is a short walking distance to São Bento train & underground stations. The common area with tables is a great spot for nomads to set up their workstations during the day.Â
The rooms and beds are new and comfortable. The atmosphere is calm and clean making it a great spot for all kinds of nomads across different age groups.
3. Nice way Porto
Nice Way Porto is known for their comfortable rooms, best cocktails, the renowned Port wine and where entertainment is guaranteed.
Located just 5 minutes from the train station, restaurants, bars and the trendiest city nightclubs, Nice Way Porto is ideally located for those wishing to explore the best Porto has to offer. THe family dinners, social environment will guarantee you a fun time during the evenings, allowing for a well rounded Nomad experience for those planning on working during the day.
4. Oporto Invictus Hostel
Invictus Hostel is surrounded by nightlife, cafes and bars. Invictus Hostel is just steps away from the main cultural, historical and food attractions as well as the major metro lines, bus and train stations, making it the perfect base for exploring everything Porto has to offer.
Situated in a beautifully restored 150-year-old building that combines Porto's historical character with modern amenities, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a portuguese vibe, this hostel is the definition of a boutique hostel for Nomads.Â
Transportation
Public transportation
Porto offers a reliable and efficient public transport system which consists of buses, trams, and bicycles. Single rides usually cost between 1-2 EUR. You can often buy day passes that save you money overall if you plan on using the metro system quite a bit.
Bus
The bus is the cheapest option for getting to Porto. FlixBus has tickets starting as low as 5 EUR. Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi. The bus connectivity in Porto is great making it a popular choice of travel amongst solo travellers.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient way for getting to and from Porto. Kiwi Taxi are comfortable and drop you to your destination.
Trains
Rail Europe is the most popular rail line in Portugal, and the country has both high-speed trains and regular trains. High-speed trains are more expensive depending on your journey. If you have a Eurail pass, that might be a great option to get to and from Porto as well.
Flying
The fastest way to travel is by air. Ryanair and TapPortugal offer great fares to fly to and out of Porto. However, being budget airlines, you do need to pay for all the extras on these cheap flights (such as checked baggage, picking your own seat, etc.) You can get a cheap flight from Porto to Lisbon for as low as 25 EUR.
Car rental
You can catch beautiful scenic views driving around Portugal in a rented car. The minimum age for renting a car is 21 and you will need an International Driving Permit prior to booking.
Ridesharing
If you have ever been on an Uber share car, this experience is similar. You can catch a ride-sharing serve between cities that are usually offered by locals. You book one seat in their car and will be sharing the car with other travellers like yourself. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the biggest company.
Food
Porto is home to great food and has a unique cuisine. Lisbon has always been known as the food capital of Portugal but having become extremely expensive, people are moving towards Porto. The food scene in Porto has always been excellent but the recent influx has made the food scene more creative and international.
Here is a breakdown of all the best restaurants, bars and cafes by neighbourhood: Porto Restaurant List
As a foodie, your tastebuds will thank you as there are thousands of local approved restaurants that give you an authentic local Portugese dishes. Here is a list of all the great local dishes you should try in Porto.Â
You can get usually find food for 5-10 EUR. A decent casual restaurant meal costs around 15 EUR. If you go out for seafood, drinks, or appetizers, plan to spend around 30 EUR for a meal.
You can hop on food tours in Porto and get a feel of the most exquisite meals the city has to offer. Its cuisine features plenty of fresh fish and seafood, as well as typical Northern Portuguese dishes.Â
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important requirements as a traveller. Medical bills, Lost Baggage or cancelled trips are costly and you don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from your travels. Always be prepared with travel insurance and make sure to have one that covers you well.
Safetywing is one of the best travel insurance providers for Digital Nomads and Solo travellers.
Schengen visa
Lastly, be aware of the Schengen visa rules if you plan to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days. The Schengen Area allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you wish to stay longer, explore other options like alternating between Schengen and non-Schengen countries.
Connectivity
Travellers can look to buy a physical or an E-Sim. Our suggestion is to get an E-sim as they are usually cheaper and get the job done when you are solo travelling.Â
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