Erasmus Student Survival Guide - Porto edition
Welcome to Porto, the ultimate Erasmus destination! Home to 13 universities and nearly 100,000 students, this vibrant city has something for everyone. It's no wonder Porto was voted the best Erasmus destination of 2024! As a former Erasmus student in this beautiful Portuguese city, I can assure you that you are making the best choice and that your time here will be unforgettable. This experience will teach you and give you a lot, but it will also make you want to come back all the time! Welcome to this Porto Student Guide!
Looking back on the period when I was planning my stay in Porto, I can tell you, it can be a bit overwhelming. Not only you need to find an accommodation but also deal with all the paperwork from the university which (I know) is stressful but trust me, it’s all worth it. I get many questions of students that plan their Erasmus in Porto and that’s why I decided to create this small guide, just to help you plan your greatest adventure that you for sure will remember forever!
Dive into this Porto Student Guide and get ready for an incredible journey!
About me
Hey there! I'm Lidia. In 2021, I embarked on a one-year Erasmus adventure in Porto, where I studied Tourism and Leisure Management at ISAG – European Business School. Originally from Poland but coming from Belgium, this experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot about myself.
As an introvert, I was terrified of talking to strangers and feared loneliness the most. I worried I wouldn't make any friends here. However, before even arriving in Porto, I made an Erasmus friend online who I can call now my best friend (and Erasmus mom, but that's a long story). On my first day, I made great friends, and within a week, I had a whole friend group!
This year was also filled with travel, new experiences, and meeting my boyfriend. After it ended, I experienced post-Erasmus depression (that’s a real thing so be prepared for that) and decided to do an internship with the Erasmus Student Organization in Porto which thought me even more about student life in Porto. And here I am, still in Portugal. Now I know that no matter where I am, Porto will always be my home.
What you need to know
The most important thing to do as you embark on your Erasmus journey is to go with an open mind. Avoid setting rigid expectations or making detailed plans just yet. Simply dive in and let the adventure unfold. You'll meet new people and likely discover a new version of yourself along the way.
Student organisations
There are two major Erasmus student organizations active in Porto: Erasmus Student Network Porto (ESN Porto) and Erasmus Life Porto. Both organizations are dedicated to enhancing your Erasmus experience through various activities and services.
ESN Porto is part of a larger network present in nearly all Erasmus destinations across Europe. They organize events, parties, dinners, trips, and more. A membership costs €20 and includes an ESN card, which grants you many discounts in Porto and other European cities. Notably, the ESN card offers a Ryanair discount: 10% off four flights and free 20kg luggage for those flights. The card is valid for one year, so you can continue enjoying discounts even after your semester abroad.
ESN Porto also offers a buddy program, where you can be paired with a local student who will help you get the most authentic experience and be your first friend in Porto.
Erasmus Life Porto offers similar services, including trips, parties, and discounts. They have two membership options: €20 and €35, each with its own set of benefits.
For more information, visit their websites. You’ll also find links to various Erasmus groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram to help you connect with other students.
Both of the organizations have an office and you definitely should visit it!
Public transportation
Porto is a very walkable city, so you might not always need to take the bus or metro, but sometimes it's convenient. The bus and metro system covers many zones but usually you just need two zones in the city center. Buses can be late due to traffic, so the metro is generally more reliable.
Zones
Understanding the zones system is quite confusing in the beginning, but I will explain to you how it works. If you buy a single ticket for Z2 (two zones) you can only go from one zone to another. If you go to a third zone, you will not be able to validate your ticket. So let me give you an example. Imagine your house is near Trindade (the main metro station where all metro lines and buses come together) and you would like to go try surfing in Matosinhos. You can take the blue metro line A and you need to have a ticket that is valid for three zones because you go from PT1, through PT2 and finish in MTS1 zone. The same system works for busses.
If you buy a monthly pass (I will explain how to buy this later) you can choose between a pass for 3 or all zones. If you choose the pass for 3 zones, you need to select the zones where you will travel. Let’s take the example from above: you live near Trindade and you want to go surfing. You selected zones PT1, PT2 and MTS1 and that is valid. Imagine that you want to go to Jardim do Morro with the metro from Trindade, then you need to buy a ticket because over the bridge there is different zone.
Busses
The buses in Porto tend to be late because of the traffic and constructions in the city but do not be scared to use them because they go to many interesting places and sometimes you need to take them. If you choose to take a bus you do not need to stand many minutes waiting for the bus, I have a trick for you.
2. Go on your web browser and insert this link or click on it: https://www.stcp.pt/pt/viajar/linhas/
3. Choose from the list your bus number. If it shows a different destination, you can adjust it in the next step (click on 'inverter sentido')
4. Choose your destination bus stop, you can also see how many zones you will be crossing.
5. Now you will be redirected to a different page where you need to click on 'Próximas passagens'.
6. Click on 'Mostrar' and you will get a new page with the live time of your bus and other buses that stop in that bus stop.
If you are in the bus station already, look for a QR code and scan it. This will bring you to the same page and show you when your bus arrives.
Also, important to know is that the buses do not stop on every bus stop. If you want to catch the bus, you need to wave and if you are inside the bus, you need to click on the button.
Metro
Prices and zones
You can travel with a rechargeable ticket or with a monthly pass, which are both valid for bus and metro. You can buy them in shops called ‘Andante’. They are usually close to important metro stations, that I will link below: You can also buy or recharge your monthly pass in the machines inside the metro stations.
Blue Andante card
When you arrive in Porto and you want to take the metro from the airport or you don’t have your monthly pass yet, you can purchase a rechargeable blue card. I recommend you to buy a 10 rides ticket because if you buy the 10 rides for, for example two zones, you get one ride for free, and it costs you 14 euros! Don’t forget to validate the ticket every time you step in the metro or bus and also every time you change the line or bus. One ticket is valid for 60 minutes and it’s more than enough to go from the city center to Matosinhos Beach!
Monthly pass
If you travel often, you should make a monthly pass because it will safe you money at the end. Before making it, you should go to your university because they will provide you with a paper that is signed by them and it will give you discount. If you're under 23, the public transportation pass is free, covering all zones within and outside Porto, including buses, metro, and trains. For those 23 and older, the pass costs €30 per month for three chosen zones or €40 for all zones. I recommend getting the €40 pass for your first month. This way, you can explore the city and understand your travel patterns. After a month, you'll be more familiar with your routes and can switch to a three-zone pass based on your needs.
Besides the paper from your university you also will need a picture of yourself. Making the card for the first time costs additional six euros.
Campanhã
You can also take a train from Campanhã, you just need to go the opposite direction than to TIC from the metro station. If you go outside the metro station, you will see the big entrance hall of the train station. The machines to buy the tickets are inside.
Bolt and Uber
There are many Uber drivers and Bolt drivers in the city, which makes this a really popular way of transportation. It is also not expensive at all; it is even cheaper way to get somewhere with a group than going with a bus or metro! Bolt app is usually cheaper than Uber, but I always recommend checking them both when you need to plan your trip.
Activities
Queima das Fitas
If you're in Porto for the summer semester, you'll notice one special week marked on your calendar: ‘Academic Week’. Don’t worry, this isn't about exams—it's about having the time of your life! This week is dedicated to Queima das Fitas, a festival by students, for students, celebrated across Portugal at different times. The Queima das Fitas festivals in Porto and Coimbra are the most popular, and you should definitely experience both. Get ready for unforgettable festivities!
Queima das Fitas of Porto is organized next to the beach of Matosinhos, in Queimódromo. Next to the venue there is also a big public park worth a visit during your free time!
During the academic year, you'll likely spot students dressed in black clothes, often hanging out in groups. This attire, called ‘traje académico’, is a traditional uniform for Portuguese students, although it’s not mandatory. It's mostly worn by students involved in ‘praxe’, which is similar to a fraternity. As a freshman, you can join this group and be tested during your first year. By the time Queima das Fitas rolls around, freshmen can start wearing their traje.
Some praxe members are part of ‘tunas’, which are musical groups affiliated with their faculty. You'll often see them performing on the streets, dancing and collecting money for their instruments. It's always nice to support them with some coins!
São João
Portugal is a very religious country, which means there are many saint celebrations throughout the year. One of the biggest and most exciting is the São João festival in Porto. Held on the night of June 23rd to 24th, this is Porto's biggest and most important event. People from all over Portugal and beyond come to join the festivities.
The night of Saint John is celebrated all night long in the streets of Porto with a unique mix of traditions. You'll enjoy eating sardines, drinking Super Bock, attending concerts, and participating in the quirky tradition of hitting each other with plastic hammers. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt—it’s all in good fun! Make sure to buy a hammer from a supermarket or street vendor so you can join in. Strangers will hit you with their hammers, and you should do the same—it’s all part of the experience!
Surfing
Porto, located next to the Atlantic Ocean, offers the perfect opportunity to try surfing and catch some waves! The ocean here is quite calm, making it ideal for beginners. Head to Matosinhos Beach, where you'll find many surf schools offering classes and equipment rentals at affordable prices. If you have an Erasmus card, you can get an even better deal! Erasmus student organizations often organize surfing classes, so keep an eye out for those as well.
I’ve pinned some surf schools on Matosinhos Beach where I rented equipment and took classes. Happy surfing!
Museum and activities
In your free time, take advantage of the many museums in Porto that offer free entry! While tickets are affordable on other days, who doesn’t love a free visit?
Travelling
Traveling during your Erasmus stay is highly recommended, and Porto, along with the rest of Portugal, offers excellent connections by plane and bus.
For bus travel, two key companies are Flixbus and RedeExpressos. With an ESN card, you get a 10% discount on Flixbus trips, making it a great option for traveling to cities like Vigo and Madrid. RedeExpressos, the Portuguese equivalent of Flixbus, offers more national connections to smaller towns. To get the best deals, I suggest comparing prices on both platforms.
Porto's airport also provides many affordable flights to destinations such as the Algarve, Spain, and the Portuguese islands (Azores and Madeira).I strongly recommend you visit Azores (the Portuguese islands in the middle of Atlantic Ocean) because of their stunning natural beauty. It was my favorite trip during my exchange, and I loved it so much that I’m currently living in one of these islands (Santa Maria) for a while, and this guide is also written here.
Connect with others
I mentioned earlier about Facebook groups, and it's a good idea to follow them. Many local landlords post their rooms and apartments for rent there, and previous students often sell their belongings, which can be handy if you need items like heaters or blankets without buying new ones.
Speaking of heaters, be prepared for cold Portuguese rooms. While summer weather is fantastic, winters can be quite chilly indoors. Sometimes, it feels colder inside than outside. So, for the winter semester, bring a warm blanket and cozy pajamas since many houses lack proper heating and insulation.
Facebook groups are also great for making friends. That's how I met my best friend! Students often post about searching for accommodation, which leads to connections with others. These groups create a community of people all sharing the same goal: to have a fantastic Erasmus experience.
Lunch and dinner
Portugal is one of the Mediterranean countries, and people here tend to eat their dinners late. You also need to be prepared that almost all the restaurants close between lunch and dinner time, so between 3pm and 7pm. Usually, the local, small restaurants tend to close their doors on Sunday since they are open the whole week, so make sure that you always check the opening times. Before coming to Portugal, I thought that Portuguese eat a lot of fish, and that’s true, but they eat also a LOT of meat. I must say it’s quite difficult to be a vegetarian or vegan here (but of course there are restaurants there you can choose these options, don’t worry). There is also a strong coffee culture, and you will see a lot of locals meeting at every possible time for a drink.
I’ve prepared some recommendations for restaurants and coffee shops on the map linked below. These are my go-to spots where I used to dine, so they’re all tried, tested, and student-approved! Don’t forget to check them out!
Accommodation
Start looking for accommodation as soon as you know you'll be going on Erasmus. Finding a place to stay is a common challenge for students, and Porto is experiencing a significant housing crisis, which includes many scams. While I don't want to scare you, it's essential to be aware and cautious.
One effective strategy is to ensure the accommodation exists, and having a local buddy can help with this. You can apply for a buddy through the Erasmus Student Network website or sometimes directly through your university. For example, ISAG automatically assigns buddies, while at the University of Porto, you need to apply for one.
Room prices in Porto range from €300 to €450, depending on the location. Private apartments rented by locals are usually cheaper than large student residences. Your choice will depend on your budget and preferred living arrangements. By taking these steps, I’m sure you can find a suitable and safe place to live during your Erasmus stay in Porto.
Here, I will list some residences in Porto and recommend places where you can search for rooms:
Residences
The student residences in Porto are clean, safe, and equipped with many facilities. Living with numerous fellow students makes it easy to meet new people. Plus, they’re conveniently located near the universities, so you won’t have to wake up early for classes.
Erasmus Houses
Get ready to party when you choose to live in one of these houses. Many of them host weekly parties, attracting lots of guests from outside. It can get loud, but if you’re easy-going, love meeting new people, and enjoy having fun, this is the perfect place for you!
Websites that provide rooms
I also recommend checking out Facebook groups for housing. Many private house owners advertise their rooms and reach out to students there. You can find links to these Facebook groups on Erasmus organization websites or by simply searching ‘Erasmus Porto’ on Facebook.
It's crucial to be cautious with room ads, as there are many scammers in Porto right now. Always request a video call with the landlord to see the apartment on camera. If the landlord refuses the call, acts suspicious, or demands a deposit that is double the price, it’s likely a scam. There have been cases where people were scammed for 700 euros, which is a terrible way to start your Erasmus experience. Stay vigilant and safe!
Places you need to know
As an Erasmus student you should know some places that you will for sure visit (daily or frequently) during your time here.
First on your list is Adega Leonor, or simply Adega. This bar, located in the heart of Porto, will quickly become your second home. Every evening, it's buzzing with students, making it the perfect starting point for any party. Adega offers a wide variety of drinks and snacks at student-friendly prices. Plus, if you have an ESN card, you can enjoy discounts on select drinks—so don’t forget to ask!
Adega isn't just for parties; it’s a fantastic spot to hang out with friends or meet new people. Many Erasmus students, myself included, have celebrated birthdays, met new friends, and had unforgettable fun here. Adega is definitely a must-visit during your stay!
If you prefer staying indoors and love watching football, Adega Sports Bar is the place for you! Located near Adega Leonor and offering similar prices (plus ESN discounts), this bar provides a cozy indoor setting. You can enjoy playing darts and snooker with friends. ESN and Erasmus Life frequently organize events here, so you’re bound to get familiar with this spot.
After enjoying drinks at Adega, you'll probably want to head out and experience Porto's vibrant nightlife. The go-to district for partying is Galerias de Paris, just a few minutes from Adega Leonor and Adega Sports Bar, so you won’t have to wander far.
Two clubs you absolutely need to check out are More Club and Plano B. They play great music and are popular hangouts for many students. Additionally, there are plenty of other clubs worth visiting, including Auditorio, Rendez Vous, and Fabrik Bar. You’re sure to find the perfect spot to dance the night away!
My favorite activity during the day was going to see the sunset and Porto has many beautiful spots where you can see the sun going down. It’s also a cultural happening, everyone goes to see it.
One of my favorite spots to go is Jardim do Morro which is just over the river. I’m 100% sure that you saw this place on any social media or on one of the Google pictures. It provides a postcard-perfect view of the city skyline. As the sun sets, you can watch the city lights come to life, casting a magical glow over the landscape. Watching the sun going doing is literally a celebration and magical experience. There is live music, people sing and clap while the sun is setting. Do not forget a bottle of wine and a snack to celebrate the end of the day even better. And even if you forgot your snack do not worry, there are some locals selling their pastries, snacks and beers in the garden!
Other great spot are the gardens of Palácio de Cristal. It hides many viewpoints that offer a serene outlook over the Douro River. The combination of natural beauty in the middle of a busy city and the animals that walk freely in the garden makes this a unique place for those seeking a tranquil yet urban lifestyle.
Middle in the park we find a big arena, the Super Bock arena. You may ask you why the garden is named after a palace, well there was a palace here, but it got demolished in 1951. The original palace was built in 1865 for the International Exhibition of Porto, the Palácio de Cristal was an iconic iron and glass structure.
Today, the park serves as a cultural hub, hosting events and providing a serene retreat in the heart of Porto. We can find a library, the arena where many concerts take place, and meters of walking paths in the park.
You may ask yourself, okay, where should I go to have the best view? My favourite spot if just on the right of the Arena. Enter the park and go straight to the Arena, as soon as you reach it, turn to the right. You will see a 'lonely' palm tree. Just follow the tree and trust me, it will be worth it! You can also get lost in the park. Take your time, relax and enjoy your walk in peacefulness.
Another great spot is nestled in the heart of the city. Passeio das Virtudes boasts a view that combines the charm of Porto's historic architecture with the liveliness of its social scene. The blend of culture and atmosphere makes this viewpoint a sought-after location for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
Almost every day, you can encounter many artists who come paint the view or who play their music. There are also many bars and small restaurants where you can drink a sangria or a beer. If you do not want to sit in a bar, there is also a small supermarket where you can buy a snack to chill after your walk through the city.
Basic expressions
Portuguese is quite a difficult language. If you think that it’s similar to Spanish then you are not completely correct. I remember that in the beginning I was really confused. Keep in mind that not everyone speaks English and because of that you need to know some basic expressions. To make your first days a bit easier, I listed few basic expressions here!
Good morning / afternoon / night - Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite
Hi, how are you? - Olá, como estás?
Excuse me. - Com licença.
Thank you. - Obrigado/a (if you are a man you say obrigado, and if you are a woman obrigada)
Sorry, I don’t speak Portuguese. – Desculpe, eu não falo português.
Where are you from? – De onde és?
I’m from … - Eu sou do/da ...
How much is ...? – Quanto custa ...?
One beer please. – Uma cerveja, por favor.
I would like a coffee, please. - Queria um café,
por favor.
I would like to pay with card. - Vou pagar com cartão, por favor.
Survival map
Now you have a glimpse of the exciting experiences awaiting you in Porto during your Erasmus adventure. To make your stay even better, I’ve created a map with some of my favorite bars, restaurants, and places. Be sure to check it out—you might discover something new and amazing! Enjoy your time in Porto!
I wish you all the best in your journey!
xxx Lidia
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