Hello, I’m Ismail Siddiky from Europe Diary. In this blog, I will be telling you about “Lisbon Or Porto: Which is the Best City for Living?”
Are you planning to move to Portugal but can’t decide between Lisbon and Porto? With their rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder it’s difficult to pick one. But don’t worry, in this blog, I’m going to talk about both cities, share some insider pros and cons, so by the end of this blog, you can pick the best city in Portugal just for you.
City Size and Population
Lisbon: Portugal’s Capital
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is the largest city in the country, with around half a million people living here. But if we take into consideration the whole metropolitan area, the number of people living in the area would be around three million.
Porto: The Relaxed Alternative
On the other hand, Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, with a population of approximately 240,000 people. Its metropolitan area is home to 1.7 million people. Porto offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Lisbon. I feel like fewer tourists go to Porto, even though it’s a popular destination in the country.
Climate and Temperature
Lisbon: Milder Weather
Many people choose to move to Portugal because of one thing: climate. Lisbon definitely has a milder climate compared to Porto. Winters here are not that harsh. I mean, it’s still cold. If you’ve been following me for quite a while, you know that the coldest winter I’ve experienced was here in Lisbon because outside it’s +15 and inside it’s +15. I mean, not really nice. I feel like Lisbon offers more sunshine and warmth.
Porto: Cooler and Rainier
Porto, which is located up north, can be perfect for people like myself who like colder weather and maybe some rainy days. I’ve also noticed that fall comes earlier in Porto because it’s simply up north, while in Lisbon, you need to wait until like November or something. But once we went to Porto in like September or October, I think fall had already started.
Cost of Living
Lisbon: Expensive and Increasing
When it comes to the cost of living, first of all, you need to remember that Portugal is super expensive now, especially if we’re talking about major cities like Lisbon and Porto. Lisbon is just crazy. If you take a look at the website called Nomad List where digital nomads share their experiences, even there, you will find comments like “Lisbon is super expensive” and “It is overpriced.”
Porto: More Affordable
While Porto is still more on the affordable side, Lisbon’s market has become oversaturated. The rent prices are just ridiculous. If you want to buy something, it’s the same thing. Apartments that used to cost 1,000 now cost 2,000. So Lisbon is getting really expensive. Meanwhile, in Porto, you can still find cheaper options. If, let’s say, you’re moving to Portugal, but you have a tight budget or you just don’t want to spend so much money on rent, Porto is the answer. However, please bear in mind that Porto is becoming like Lisbon. Honestly, the prices are going up. I don’t know if Porto will be like Lisbon one day, but that’s the reality.
Transportation
Lisbon: Extensive Public Transport
If you choose to live in a city, you’ll probably want to hear about transportation. When it comes to transportation, both Lisbon and Porto have their own advantages. As for Lisbon, the network of public transportation is more extensive compared to Porto. We have metro, buses, trains, trams, and those yellow trams. They’re not only for tourists; some local people, some of my friends even, take those trams to navigate the city.
Porto: Efficient but Smaller
Porto’s public transportation system is smaller; you only have metro and buses. However, if you need to get somewhere, you’ll get there easily. Transportation costs in both cities are relatively affordable. In Lisbon, I think it’s around a euro and a half for one ride. Actually, I just saw today on Instagram that in Lisbon they launched contactless payment. So if you’re a tourist, if you’re visiting Lisbon, you don’t have to buy those metro cards. You can just tap your phone, tap your card, and use the metro. Amazing.
Again, don’t forget, if you are on the older side or on the younger side, you can always benefit from public transportation in Portugal. There are different types of passes, so if you’re, let’s say, a student or a minor, you’ll pay less for your transportation card. If you’re 65 or older, you will also get some discounts. Both cities have airports and railway stations, so if you plan to travel from Portugal, it will be easy from both cities. But one thing to note is that Lisbon has more international options available compared to Porto. So if, let’s say, you’re planning to go to a certain city quite often, check beforehand where you have direct flights. Or, if you don’t mind, you can always drive from Porto to Lisbon and take a plane from there.
Jobs and Education
Lisbon: More Opportunities
When it comes to jobs and education, Lisbon, being a bigger city, will offer you more options. On the other hand, Porto is known for its technology and creative sectors, making it an attractive destination for those working in those fields. In terms of higher education, Lisbon is home to many universities that are really prestigious in the country, for example, Nova University or the University of Lisbon.
Porto: A Tech and Creative Hub
But Porto also has good universities, such as the University of Porto or Polytechnic Institute of Porto. Both cities offer a variety of different programs, fields, and research opportunities. As for jobs, again, Lisbon is a bigger city, so there are more jobs available. However, Porto is still a major city in Portugal, so you can expect to find a job there. Lisbon is famous for finance, tourism, and hospitality, while Porto, as I mentioned before, is famous for technology and the creative sector, making it a hub for startup people and entrepreneurs.
Communities and Networking
Lisbon: International Scene
If you’re worried about communities, I think both Lisbon and Porto have expat communities where you can always find friends and people to talk to. You can find plenty of networking events and different conferences. While Lisbon is home to more international events, Porto is famous for hosting local events.
Nightlife and Attractions
Lisbon: Lively and Diverse
When it comes to nighttime entertainment and attractions, both Lisbon and Porto offer a lot of things. If you want to go listen to Fado, you can find it in both cities. If you want to eat Francesinha, same thing. If you want to go out, same. The only difference, I would say, is architecture. Lisbon is a city from those pictures from postcards, you know, with the bright buildings and stuff like that, while Porto is something else. I would say it’s just hard to explain. It’s a beautiful city. The architecture is super different from Lisbon.
Porto: Charming and Unique
I’d say that Porto’s architecture is dominated by Romantic, Baroque, Neoclassical, or even Gothic styles, giving the city this charming atmosphere.
Food and Dining
Lisbon: Diverse Options
In terms of food, you have many options to choose from in both cities. You can find traditional Portuguese dishes, you can find expat cafes, you can find craft coffee, craft beer—like anything you can think of, you can find in both cities. I feel like with more people moving to Lisbon and Porto, the food industry, like the restaurant scene, is growing rapidly. So you don’t have to worry about whether you can find your favorite meal from home because I’m pretty sure, give it a year, you’ll find it.
Porto: Rich Culinary Scene
Porto is known for its traditional dishes like Francesinha and offers a rich culinary scene as well. You’ll find a variety of dining options, and the food industry is expanding rapidly, similar to Lisbon.
Beaches
Lisbon: More Beach Choices
When it comes to beaches, you can find beaches both in Lisbon and Porto. While Porto might have fewer options compared to Lisbon, you can still find some beaches near Porto. One thing to note is that the ocean is freaking cold. I warned you. I do not swim in the ocean. If you like warm water, go to Algarve, go to the south of Portugal. Because if you’re planning to swim, know that the water is like +18 Celsius all year round. So yeah, not ideal for swimming, but if you’re planning to go to the beach just to enjoy the sunshine and the waves and stuff like that, I think you’ll find some places in both cities.
General Vibe
Lisbon: Bustling and Vibrant
As for the general vibe, again, as I mentioned before, Lisbon is a more touristy place. You have lots of visitors everywhere, but that’s what makes Lisbon Lisbon. I find there are lots of people outside, partying, doing things, going out. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, which is evident in its diverse neighborhoods, restaurants, and events. The city is always alive, honestly. If you go downtown Lisbon, to those, you know, Pink Street and stuff, people just never sleep. They party until the morning, which makes Lisbon feel really alive and happening.
Porto: Relaxed and Intimate
On the other hand, Porto has more of a relaxed, laid-back vibe. The architecture and atmosphere of Porto make it a charming destination for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle. One of the most stunning UNESCO heritage sites in the world, Ribeira district, is located in Porto, which makes the city so attractive to tourists and people who come here to study.
Final Thoughts
So, which city should you pick—Lisbon or Porto? Both cities have their pros and cons, and the decision comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a bustling city with lots of job opportunities, Lisbon might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle, Porto could be your ideal choice. However, it’s important to note that Portugal has other great cities as well, like Faro or Guimarães, that could also be a perfect fit for you.
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