Best Neighborhoods in Porto to Live in 2025

What are the best neighborhoods in Porto to live in 2025?

The best neighborhoods in Porto to live in 2025 will depend on your personal preferences. If you are considering buying property in Porto, you may want to explore the city to see which neighborhoods suit your lifestyle and property goals.

• Families and retirees: For families seeking a balance of city life and coastal charm, Boavista and Matosinhos are excellent choices in Porto. Boavista offers parks and schools, while Matosinhos is known for its beaches and seafood restaurants. For something quieter, Foz do Douro, a seaside neighborhood, could be an excellent choice for anyone who wants to retire in Porto.
• Digital nomads: For those looking for a lively city scene, Baixa and Cedofeita will be good options, close to lively bars, restaurants, and boutique shops.
• Investors: Property investors will be spoilt for choice, with the entire city offering attractive rental yields, with averages for the Greater Porto Area standing at 6.6 percent.

Looking to buy property in Porto? Porto is a less busy city than Lisbon, with a charm unlike anywhere else in Portugal. While property prices have been increasing in recent years, with the average asking price being €3,937 per square meter, according to Confidencial Imobiliário, you’ll find property to be very affordable compared with Lisbon and other major Western European cities.

Property prices in Porto vary depending on the location. You can also use this map of Porto neighborhoods to get an overview of the price ranges in different neighborhoods.

Which neighborhoods in Porto are best for expats?

The best neighborhoods in Porto to live in 2025 will depend on your lifestyle preferences. Each neighborhood has its own unique personality, so choosing the best place to live in Porto will look different for each individual.

From the charming city center to downtown Porto, the city offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Home to picturesque cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and lovely riverside restaurants, living in Porto provides a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of nightlife activities.

Some of the most sought-after areas are Foz do Douro, Ribeira, Baixa, Cedofeita, and Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Douro River. Below, we provide an overview of the best neighborhoods in Porto for expats.

Best for Families and Kids

Wondering where to stay in Porto for families? Neighborhoods like Boavista, Matosinhos, and Foz do Douro have many playgrounds, public schools, and community centers with family-friendly activities. They are walkable and bikeable, filled with parks and sidewalks.

Here is a quick look at some of the best neighborhoods in Porto for families.

Boavista

Boavista is a modern, upscale district in Porto that serves as both a commercial and residential center. Instead of the older buildings like the ones in the Porto historic center, Boavista offers contemporary buildings and wide streets with more space.

Avenida da Boavista, the district’s main road, runs straight from the city center to the sea. The entire area strikes a great balance between being Porto’s new business hub and a comfortable place to live.

Families are drawn to Boavista for its excellent schools, such as Escola Secundária Carolina Michaëlis. There are also major green spaces like Parque da Cidade and Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, perfect for outdoor activities.

Getting around is easy thanks to good metro and bus connections, plus walkable and bike-friendly streets. Cultural and culinary highlights like Casa da Música and Bom Sucesso Market are close by, making it even more appealing.

On the downside, Boavista is more expensive than many other areas in Porto, and its main roads can get busy during rush hour. Still, its quieter nightlife is a plus for families and professionals who prefer a calm, residential atmosphere.

• Average property prices in Boavista: €5,056 per square meter
• Property types in Boavista: apartments, luxury condominiums, traditional houses, and villas

Matosinhos

Although it Matosinhos is a city, and not a neighborhood, it is a go-to choice for many expats. It sits just north of Porto, right on the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can enjoy a coastal lifestyle that feels more relaxed than central Porto but with all the popular attractions nearby.

Families love Matosinhos for its beachside living and great amenities. Matosinhos Beach is one of the most popular in the area, with wide golden sand, lifeguards, and surf schools for all ages. A long seaside promenade runs alongside it, perfect for walking, cycling, or skateboarding.

The city also features part of Parque da Cidade, the largest urban park in the Porto area, which extends into the neighboring Foz district. This expansive green space includes playgrounds, open green areas, and the educational Pavilhão da Água (Water Pavilion). Food lovers are drawn to Rua Heróis de França, renowned for its numerous seafood restaurants that serve freshly caught fish. Nearby, you’ll also find Sea Life Porto and the stunning Piscinas das Marés, natural saltwater pools designed for families.

Public transport connects Matosinhos directly to Porto by metro, making it an easy commute. However, since it’s technically a separate city, traveling to Porto’s historic and business districts requires some time. And while the fishing port adds to its character, parts of the area near the Port of Leixões can feel more industrial.

• Average property prices in Matosinhos: €3,884 per square meter
• Property types in Matosinhos: modern apartments, traditional houses, and luxury villas

Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro is known for its great location right on the Atlantic coast. The properties are often beautifully decorated, offering a more upscale retreat.

It stands out for its calm, semi-suburban atmosphere and stunning seaside views. Here, you can enjoy the historic villas with modern luxury apartments, surrounded by beaches, rocky coastline, and long oceanfront promenades. Living in Foz do Douro feels like being at a seaside retreat, even though you’re still inside the city. As a result, the Porto luxury real estate market is thriving.

Families often choose Foz for its safety, peaceful environment, and excellent schools. The area is well-known for the Oporto British School, which is popular among both locals and expats. The long promenade is equally famous, featuring the Pérgola da Foz, which is ideal for walks, bike rides, and jogging. Green spaces like Jardim do Passeio Alegre offer playgrounds and mini-golf, while nearby Parque da Cidade provides even more room for outdoor activities.

For many residents, it is one of the best neighborhoods in Portugal due to its refined local lifestyle, featuring boutique shops, stylish cafés, and fine-dining restaurants. They are all within walking distance.

The main downsides are the high housing and cost of living in Porto. Foz do Douro is one of the most expensive areas to live in Porto. Also, fewer public transport options are available compared to the central districts.

• Average property prices in Foz do Douro: €6,533 per square meter
• Property types in Foz do Douro: luxury apartments, upscale villas, historic townhouses, and oceanfront properties

Best for Expats and Digital Nomads

Many digital nomads and expats look for relatively safe areas with co-working spaces and fast internet connections. They prefer neighborhoods in Porto that are full of other nomads, such as Baixa and Cedofeita, with a central location.

Here is a quick look at some of the best neighborhoods in Porto for expats.

Baixa

Baixa (Downtown Porto) is the center of social life, business, and transport. It’s the best neighborhood in Porto for expats who want to be close to everything.

Baixa is Porto’s historic and commercial core, making it stand out. The area is centered around Avenida dos Aliados and São Bento Station. Many investors are interested in Baixa when it comes to buying property in Portugal. It’s where grand architecture, major landmarks, and most of the nightlife come together.

Everything is within walking distance. You can popular attractions with ease, like the Clérigos Tower and Lello Bookstore. You can shop along Rua de Santa Catarina and access all essential services. Baixa is also the main transportation hub, with metro and train connections, as well as corporate hotels.

The area boasts a strong expat and nomad community, thanks to its numerous cafés, coworking spaces, fast Wi-Fi, and social venues. It’s one of the best places in Porto to meet people and enjoy an active lifestyle.

However, because it’s central and heavy with tourists, Baixa can get noisy, especially at night and on weekends. Living in Baixa means spending more on housing costs than in other districts, primarily due to the high demand from tourists and the prevalence of short-term rentals.

• Average property prices in Baixa: €5,066 per square meter
• Property types in Baixa: renovated apartments, Lofts with open-plan layouts and large windows, traditional and restored townhouses with modern amenities, multi-level homes with azulejos(Portuguese tiles)

Cedofeita

Cedofeita is among the best neighborhood in Porto for creatives, young professionals, and digital nomads who want a central location without the constant buzz of Baixa. Located just west of downtown, Cedofeita is close to everything but noticeably quieter.

It’s known as Porto’s Art District (Bairro das Artes), especially around Rua Miguel Bombarda, where you’ll find art galleries, concept stores, boutique shops, and colorful street art. The area has a distinctly creative energy that attracts artists and freelancers alike.

Cedofeita offers a variety of coworking spaces, hipster coffee shops, and excellent craft beer pubs. It is ideal for networking and creative collaboration.

Most major attractions are within walking distance, yet it feels more local and residential than Baixa. Living in Cedofeita provides the best of both worlds: central convenience with a calmer rhythm.

The neighborhood boasts pedestrian streets, such as Rua de Cedofeita, cozy brunch spots, and unique restaurants, all of which contribute to a relaxed yet modern vibe. It’s also close to Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, a peaceful park with beautiful views over the Douro River.

However, its main downsides are its popularity and the potential for gentrification. It has pushed up rental prices. Some parts are affected by ongoing construction, including new metro expansions, which can bring noise and disruption. And while it’s stylish and modern, it lacks some of the old-world charm that you can get in traditional neighborhoods like Ribeira or Sé.

• Average property prices in Cedofeita: €5,056 per square meter
• Property types in Cedofeita: renovated historic apartments, multi-story townhouses, contemporary apartments, and converted loft spaces

Best for Students and Young Professionals

The younger community often prefers an affordable lifestyle that’s close to the university campus. They want to feel safe and be near local attractions. Some of the best areas to live in Porto, such as Paranhos and Ramalde, can tick all the boxes. However, for those who like a more high-end lifestyle and proximity to famous avenues, Aliados, Bolhão, or Ribeira can be a worthy choice.

Here is a quick look at the best neighborhood to stay in Porto for aspiring professionals.

Paranhos

Paranhos is a northern district of Porto, renowned as the city’s primary academic and medical hub. It’s farther from the downtown tourist areas, but it is a practical place to live for students or young professionals.

Paranhos is home to the Pólo Universitário da Asprela (University Campus), which brings together several faculties of the University of Porto, including engineering, medicine, and economics. It also hosts the Hospital de São João, one of the city’s largest teaching hospitals.

For students and young professionals, Paranhos is both affordable and convenient. Rent prices are relatively lower than in central areas, such as Baixa. Here, most university buildings and study spaces are just a short walk away. The district has extensive metro and bus lines, so you can reach other parts of Porto. Life in Paranhos is very comfortable with various cafés, markets, and student-friendly spots, creating a lively and multicultural environment.

However, the main downside of Paranhos is that it doesn’t have the same nightlife as Baixa or Cedofeita. It is further away from the historic center so commutes take longer.

• Average property prices in Paranhos: €2,486 per square meter
• Property types in Paranhos: small studios, modern apartments, renovated houses, and villas

Ramalde

Ramalde is a quiet, mostly residential district in Porto’s western suburbs. It is the best neighborhood in Porto for expats and locals who want to live farther out than both the city center and Foz.

Ramalde is a calm, suburban area with spacious living. It’s home to some of Porto’s newer business parks and commercial areas, offering a blend of modern convenience and peaceful surroundings.

For students and young professionals, Ramalde offers significantly lower rent than central Porto, while still providing excellent road and metro access, including the Ramalde and Viso stations. The area has everything you need for day-to-day living, from supermarkets and retail parks to nearby North Shopping and the vast Parque da Cidade, which is perfect for outdoor activities.

Ramalde is very calm and spread out, so it lacks a lively nightlife or social scene. It’s better suited for those who value peace and space over clubbing. Commuting to the university area in Paranhos or the busier districts of Baixa and Cedofeita can take some time.

• Average property prices in Ramalde: €3,626 per square meter
• Property types in Ramalde: single-family homes (both detached and semi-detached residential buildings), renovated apartments, modern apartment complexes, traditional townhouses, and smaller studio apartments

Ribeira

Ribeira sits right along the Douro River and forms the historic heart of Porto. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, well-known for its colorful old buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and stunning riverfront views.

Ribeira is one of Porto’s most beautiful and recognizable areas compared to other neighborhoods. You can enjoy the lively promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and cafés. This famous neighborhood is home to numerous tourist attractions, including the magnificent St. Francis Church.

Living here means being surrounded by Porto’s most iconic sights and having easy walking access to the downtown area and Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Ponte Dom Luís I Bridge.

For those working in tourism, hospitality, or creative industries, Ribeira is probably the best neighborhood to stay in Porto. A real estate agent in Porto can research the local market and provide a detailed analysis.

However, its main downside is that it can be challenging for anyone on a tight budget. Life in Ribeira comes with high rents due to constant demand from tourists, and most apartments are in older buildings with limited modern amenities. Some areas can get noisy and crowded, especially at night.

• Average property prices in Ribeira: €5,056 per square meter
• Property types in Ribeira: restored historic apartments, small studios, lofts, multi-story townhouses, and riverside apartments

Aliados & Bolhão

Aliados and Bolhão sit at the very center of Downtown Porto (Baixa). They are extremely central areas. The districts are connected by the grand Avenida dos Aliados and the newly renovated Mercado do Bolhão, two of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks.

The streets are lined with shops, offices, coffee shops, and nightlife venues. For young professionals, the most significant advantage is walkability. You can reach nearly every major landmark, business, or shopping street (like Rua de Santa Catarina) on foot. It’s also well-connected by metro and train, making commuting easy. The area doubles as Porto’s nightlife center, with countless bars and entertainment options.

For students, it’s ideal if you want a highly social and culturally rich experience.

However, the main disadvantage is the property prices. Rents are among the highest in Porto, and many buildings are older, lacking modern features such as elevators or central heating. The regular noise can make it difficult to rest.

• Average property prices in Aliados and Bolhão: €4,000 to €6,000 per square meter
• Property types in Aliados and Bolhão: nice apartments, lofts, duplexes, and new developments

Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Porto

If you are wondering where to live in Porto on a tight budget, then neighborhoods like Bonfim, Marques, and Vila Nova de Gaia may be a wise choice. Rental prices are more competitive and manageable for expats and locals.

Here is a quick look at the best neighborhoods in Porto for budget living.

Bonfim

Bonfim is located just east of Porto’s city center (Baixa), making it one of the most affordable neighborhoods close to the main attractions.

Bonfim is turning from a traditional working-class and industrial area into a trendy, gentrifying neighborhood. It retains much of its local charm while offering lower rents than Baixa or Cedofeita. Here, you can look for an apartment on the ground floor with a lovely terrace and enjoy the afternoon sun.

Bonfim is one of the best neighborhoods in Porto for expats and locals because the area is well-connected. You get access to the Campanhã transport hub (train, metro, and bus) and Heroísmo metro station, making commuting easy.

Bonfim also boasts a vibrant atmosphere, featuring independent cafés, craft breweries, and co-working spaces that attract young professionals and artists. If you need to create legal documents such as a Promissory Contract (CPCV) or a lease (contrato), it’s best to consult with a real estate lawyer in Porto before you make a purchase.

However, rents are rising quickly, and some parts of Bonfim still feel industrial or gritty. While the city center is walkable, it’s a 15- to 25-minute walk, and the university campus in Paranhos is a bit farther away.

• Average property prices in Bonfim: €5,472 per square meter
• Property types in Bonfim: refurbished apartments, traditional townhouses, modern apartment buildings, renovation projects, commercial buildings

Marques

Marquês is a residential neighborhood north of Porto’s city center. It sits beyond the main commercial district but remains well-connected. Many residents consider it one of the safest neighborhoods in Porto, Portugal.

Marquês stands out as a Portuguese residential area, centered around Praça do Marquês de Pombal, a large roundabout with green space. It offers a calm, everyday living environment with local shops, pharmacies, schools, and traditional pastries.

Living in Marquês is a practical choice due to its lower-than-average rents compared to central Porto. It is an affordable option for long-term residents. Marquês Metro station provides fast access to Baixa, the university campus in Paranhos, and the Campanhã transport hub, making commuting easy.

However, the cons of living in Marquês are that it lacks the nightlife and social scene of neighborhoods like Bonfim or Cedofeita. It is also slightly further from tourist areas.

• Average property prices in Marquês: €2,700 to €3,300 per square meter
• Property types in Marquês: traditional and older apartments, renovation projects, and new developments

Vila Nova de Gaia

Vila Nova de Gaia is a city and a separate municipality located just south of Porto, across the Douro River. The area is connected by several bridges, including the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. For many foreigners, it is one of the top areas to reside in Porto.

Vila Nova de Gaia is famous for its historic Port Wine Cellars on the south bank of the Douro River. This side of the river is also ideal for starting a trip up the Douro Valley. It offers a more relaxed, residential feel compared to central Porto, with many areas featuring modern, spacious apartments. Here, you can enjoy the stunning hill overlooking Porto’s skyline. It is the perfect place to explore the historic port lodges and important monuments.

Many expats and locals choose to live here because housing prices and living costs are lower than in Porto, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. The Metro, especially near General Torres and Jardim do Morro, provides a quick commute to Baixa and other parts of Porto.

However, the main cons of living in Vila Nova de Gaia come from the lack of urban planning. Many residents believe that the city grew rapidly and is highly disorganized. The streets are often narrow, which results in heavy traffic.

• Average property prices in Vila Nova de Gaia: €3,759 to over €5,000 per square meter
• Property types in Vila Nova de Gaia: luxury apartments and spacious villas, traditional townhouses, riverside properties, and new developments

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.