Making the move to Portugal is an exciting adventure. You will be surrounded by a new culture, the roots of which date back thousands of years. Every day will be a chance to discover new foods, music and architecture. You will have the opportunity to learn the language and speak it with locals, becoming part of a new community. 

For all the opportunities moving to a new country offers, however, it can be a daunting change. Leaving behind home to throw yourself into the unknown is a brave decision and there will be times when you want to seek some of the tastes of where you came from. 

With a well-established and growing English-speaking community, Porto is a great choice for people who are ready to leap into a new country but would also like to have a little taste of home. 

Tourist trade has made Porto into a truly international city

You have the tourists to thank 

A UNESCO world heritage site and the birthplace of the fortified wine port, Porto has loing been a favourite among tourists. In 2014, it was voted as the Best Destination in Europe for a holiday.  

A highlight is port wine, that can be sampled throughout the city

Visitors find themselves in a city filled with well-preserved historical architecture, such as the Romanesque cathedral and neoclassical stock exchange. They can taste traditional cuisine, like the delicious pastel de nata custard tarts, and francesinha, a kind of toasted sandwich drizzled in a beer sauce. And, of course, a highlight is port wine, that can be sampled throughout the city. 

While some international residents may wish to avoid tourists, the flow of visitors means there are many English-language events and tours hosted throughout the city year-round. Tasting menus and events at many restaurants and wine bars, such as the famed family-run eatery A Cozinha do Manel, are served by staff who can speak English or help you with your Portuguese. 

Rosa Et Al townhouse’s Sunday roast is a crowded event

A taste of home 

The city has a large (and growing) community of people whose first language is English. Even Harry Potter author JK Rowling once called the city home. That community has brought little tastes of home with them, such as Rosa et al Townhouse, which serves a British-style Sunday roast at the start of every month. 

While Porto is a distinctively Portuguese city, you won’t have to look too far to find a piece of home. International supermarkets are dotted throughout the city and many stores feature a section selling international brands. For everything else, there is Amazon. While there isn’t an Amazon Portugal yet, Porto is served by Amazon Spain. 

Porto is well connected to Europe with quick flights to the UK

Only a flight away 

Homesickness is a natural part of moving abroad, even when you’re enjoying every aspect of your new life. In those moments, it’s good to know that friends and family can visit or that you can return to them for short trips. This is somewhere Porto truly shines. 

The city is served by Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, which connects to cities all over Europe. Almost every major UK city, for instance, can either fly direct to the Portuguese city or with one connecting flight. 

Of course, sometimes a little adventure elsewhere is what you need rather than a trip home. In that case, the Sao Bento and Campanha train stations can send you to cities all over Portugal and Spain.  

Settling in 

When you first move to Porto there are many ways to build your community and find fellow English-speakers. 

Meetup events offer a place to make friends and ask for local advice and knowledge

Through websites like Facebook and Meetup, it is easy to join one of Porto’s many groups for international residents. These groups run regular in-person events which, as well as offering a place to make friends, also provide the opportunity to ask for local advice and knowledge. Where you can find Marmite, for instance, may be high on your agenda! 

If you plan to work when you arrive in Porto, another way to meet people will be to make use of a co-working space. While many digital nomads will work in coffee shops across the city, booking a desk at a place like Synergy Porto, is a place where you’re more likely to strike up a conversation. 

Separate to networking events and workplaces, another way to meet fellow English-speakers is to join one of Porto’s activity clubs. Cycling is particularly popular in the city and nearby countryside and there are numerous groups and events that cater to English speakers. 

Living in Porto doesn’t mean you can’t escape the city

Finding your home in Porto 

Making Porto your home from home is more than just being around English speakers, it’s also finding a neighbourhood that feels familiar. 

By attending a meetup and talking to locals, you will be able to find tailored advice that leads you to somewhere that suits your tastes. However, read on for a brief overview of the city. 

If you would like to be closer to the seafront, then you will find quieter living at Foz do Douro

Ribeira is the historical centre of the city and close to the cultural action. Filled with restaurants, bars and close to the river that winds through the city, Ribeira has a bustling atmosphere. Also in the centre is Cedofeita, a creative hub where you will find boutique shops and galleries. The area trends younger than Ribeira. 

If you would like to be closer to the seafront, then you will find quieter living at Foz do Douro. It’s a particular favourite for families and retirees. Also, out of the crowds in Porto’s centre, Vila Nova de Gaia is over the river and offers views of the city. 

Porto is renowned for its colourful homes

Porto’s ability to feel like a home from home makes it a standout destination for English-speaking individuals. Its welcoming community, familiar comforts, and rich opportunities for connection ensure you’ll settle in with ease. Whether you’re exploring its lively neighbourhoods or enjoying a quiet moment by the river, Porto has all the ingredients to help you build a life that feels both exciting and deeply comforting.