Live like a digital nomad in Porto
Sunrise over the Douro River, a freshly baked pastel de neta in hand and my laptop open in front of me - this is how my days as a digital nomad began in the breathtaking city of Porto.
Over the past eight weeks, I, a Content Specialist at Factofly, have traded traditional office life for the freedom that comes with working remotely from one of Europe's most charming cities.
In this guide, I'll share my personal experiences and tips on how you too can experience the wonderful, unpredictable life of a digital nomad in Porto.
Why choose Porto as a digital nomad
As a digital nomad, you have the whole globe as your office, but choosing the right place to settle down can be a challenge. That's why it's a good idea to narrow down your options by setting clear criteria for what you're looking for in your ideal workspace.
These were my 3 criteria:
- Time zone: To ensure the best work rhythm, I chose a destination with a minimal time difference to Denmark. This way I could work in parallel with my colleagues and ensure that we could always contact each other effortlessly.
- The weather: I didn't travel abroad to experience the same gray and dreary autumn weather that Denmark has to offer. So I decided to check out the big cities in Southern Europe to find a place with more sun and warmth.
- Value for money: The biggest financial item is undoubtedly housing. That's why I started looking at apartment rental prices in different cities such as Rome, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, Nice, Madrid and others. It quickly became clear that Porto offered the best value for money.
Portugal, with its true southern European charm, is a popular choice among digital nomads. Although Lisbon is traditionally the first choice, Porto is quickly winning the hearts of many digital nomads as a cheaper and quieter alternative.
After spending eight weeks in Porto, I understand why the city is such an attractive choice for many.
9 benefits of being a digital nomad in Porto
- Large expat community
- Temperatures up to 24 degrees in November.
- Among the cheapest cities in Southern Europe
- Cost of living is 20-50% cheaper than in Denmark
- You don't need a visa (up to 90 days)
- Everything is within walking distance
- Uber is extremely cheap. A ride of 10 min. costs about 4€.
- Fast and stable Wi-Fi in public cafés.
- Most people speak English
When to go to Porto
Last summer I was in Porto on vacation and with a comfortable 25 degrees, it was spot-on for a city break. However, I also love the summer vibe in Copenhagen, which I didn't want to miss.
It therefore suited me perfectly to go to Porto in October. That way, I enjoyed both the Danish late summer and took off, just as the days got shorter and rainwear became a regular part of my wardrobe.
In the fall in Porto, the weather is warm - from 15 to 25 degrees. The first weeks were spent with iced coffee, bare legs and temperatures above 20 degrees. Now that December has started, the summer dresses are packed away, but it's still pretty mild with 14-18 degrees.
Winters here are mild, but if you're looking for sun and warmth, I'd point you in the direction of the other side of the equator.
Spring in Porto is very similar to fall, so it's also a great time to be here.
How to find accommodation in Porto
Finding accommodation in Porto requires some preparation, especially if you're looking for something temporary.
I found accommodation on Airbnb and booked about 3 weeks in advance. I would definitely have had more options if I had been out in better time. I ended up with an apartment that cost 9,000 SEK/month in the Ribeira area, which is very central. If you're not as picky as I am, you can find accommodation for half the price - especially if you're early.
Airbnb is ideal for short stays. You'll usually get a discount on month-long stays, but longer stays will still be a more expensive option than other rental properties.
Many digital nomads in Portugal have found their accommodation through the Portuguese rental platform Idealista, where you can find rentals for shorter or longer periods. If you already know from home that you'll be away for several months, I would definitely recommend this site.
There are also many Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups where you can search for accommodation in Porto. Personally, I have been hesitant to use these channels as the risk of fraud can be higher without a legitimate company behind it. Therefore, make sure to visit the apartment and meet the landlord in person if possible to make sure everything is as expected before you commit.
How do you afford to travel so much
The economy can often be a stumbling block for adventurous souls who dream of a life as a digital nomad. When you come from Denmark, one of the most expensive corners of the globe, the rest of the world suddenly seems quite budget-friendly. This price difference can really work in your favor, and with a little smart money management, you can make your travel budget go a long way.
3 tips for managing your finances as a digital nomad
- Rent out your home: Whether you live in the city or the countryside, your home can generate income while you're traveling. An idyllic farmhouse in the countryside can be just as attractive to renters as a trendy apartment in the city. It's important to research rental prices in your area to set a competitive price. Consider setting the price slightly lower to ensure a quick rental. It can be more valuable to have your property constantly rented at a lower price than risking periods without any income.
- Cancel or pause subscriptions: To minimize unnecessary expenses, review your subscriptions - everything from streaming services to fitness memberships. Many services offer the option to pause your subscription, which can save you a lot of money, especially if you plan to be away for an extended period of time. This simple change can significantly reduce your fixed monthly costs.
- Stay in one place for longer periods: By choosing to stay in one place for a longer period of time, you can often get a reduced price on the rental. Long-term rental rates are typically lower than short-term rentals. It also gives you a sense of stability and the opportunity to explore the local area more deeply, which can enhance your experience as a digital nomad.
Hopefully, you can use my learnings to optimize your finances and enjoy a more carefree life as a digital nomad.
What I wish I had known before becoming a digital nomad
Here's my list of regrets so you can avoid making the same mistakes I did.
Pack light: I brought way too much and ended up not having room for all the cool stuff I wanted to buy.
Rent long-term accommodation: I only booked my first accommodation for a short period of time because I didn't know if I would hate being a digital nomad. This meant I had to spend time and energy finding a new place in the middle of it all. If you have the option, I would book a longer period that you can downgrade along the way.
Download Bumble BFF: An app where you can meet new people and quickly build a social network. It made it so much easier to find friends and get a social life going. Had I known about it from the beginning, I might have felt at home much faster.
Have a proper home setup: I didn't have a proper office space in the apartment and had to make do with the bar stools at the kitchen table. It didn't work in the long run, which is why I went out and worked more and more. Maybe I could have saved a flat white or 10 if the setup at home had been better.
With these insights in hand, my transition to life as a digital nomad in Porto would definitely have been easier. But learning from your mistakes is also part of the adventure, right?
Disadvantages of Porto
Porto has many advantages, but like everywhere else, there are also disadvantages.
Firstly, if you compare to cities like Lisbon, you'll find fewer expats here. This can make it harder to find coworking spaces and similar facilities optimized for digital nomads.
Porto is a fairly compact city. This means that although it oozes charm, you can quickly get the feeling that you've seen it all. The city isn't packed with major attractions, so if you're looking for a constant stream of new experiences, you might find it a little limited here.
Another practical disadvantage is the flight connections to and from Copenhagen. Outside of peak season, there are only two direct flights per week. While you might be able to plan your way out of it, I've had friends who wanted to visit me for a long weekend and it was a challenge to fit it in with the limited flight options.
Is life as a digital nomad for me?
Living, working and living alone abroad is not for everyone. If you've never tried working abroad before, I would recommend starting with a shorter period in Europe. Moving to a new country can be overwhelming and a shorter period will help you find out if this lifestyle is for you. Personally, I found it easier to adapt as there were no major cultural or logistical barriers.
Even though I'm in daily contact with my colleagues over Slack, there's no spontaneous small talk at the coffee machine and there are days when my only company is my own.
I realized how important it is to balance work with social activities, which meant that I could actually handle the isolation better than I expected.
Living as a digital nomad in Porto is an amazing experience and I could definitely see myself doing it again somewhere else in the world. The freedom to work from new and exciting places is unique.
I hope you've been inspired to try out the nomadic life. Pack your bag and embark on the adventure - maybe our paths will cross out there!
Live like a digital nomad in Porto
Sunrise over the Douro River, a freshly baked pastel de neta in hand and my laptop open in front of me - this is how my days as a digital nomad began in the breathtaking city of Porto.
Over the past eight weeks, I, a Content Specialist at Factofly, have traded traditional office life for the freedom that comes with working remotely from one of Europe's most charming cities.
In this guide, I'll share my personal experiences and tips on how you too can experience the wonderful, unpredictable life of a digital nomad in Porto.
Why choose Porto as a digital nomad
As a digital nomad, you have the whole globe as your office, but choosing the right place to settle down can be a challenge. That's why it's a good idea to narrow down your options by setting clear criteria for what you're looking for in your ideal workspace.
These were my 3 criteria:
- Time zone: To ensure the best work rhythm, I chose a destination with a minimal time difference to Denmark. This way I could work in parallel with my colleagues and ensure that we could always contact each other effortlessly.
- The weather: I didn't travel abroad to experience the same gray and dreary autumn weather that Denmark has to offer. So I decided to check out the big cities in Southern Europe to find a place with more sun and warmth.
- Value for money: The biggest financial item is undoubtedly housing. That's why I started looking at apartment rental prices in different cities such as Rome, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, Nice, Madrid and others. It quickly became clear that Porto offered the best value for money.
Portugal, with its true southern European charm, is a popular choice among digital nomads. Although Lisbon is traditionally the first choice, Porto is quickly winning the hearts of many digital nomads as a cheaper and quieter alternative.
After spending eight weeks in Porto, I understand why the city is such an attractive choice for many.
9 benefits of being a digital nomad in Porto
- Large expat community
- Temperatures up to 24 degrees in November.
- Among the cheapest cities in Southern Europe
- Cost of living is 20-50% cheaper than in Denmark
- You don't need a visa (up to 90 days)
- Everything is within walking distance
- Uber is extremely cheap. A ride of 10 min. costs about 4€.
- Fast and stable Wi-Fi in public cafés.
- Most people speak English
When to go to Porto
Last summer I was in Porto on vacation and with a comfortable 25 degrees, it was spot-on for a city break. However, I also love the summer vibe in Copenhagen, which I didn't want to miss.
It therefore suited me perfectly to go to Porto in October. That way, I enjoyed both the Danish late summer and took off, just as the days got shorter and rainwear became a regular part of my wardrobe.
In the fall in Porto, the weather is warm - from 15 to 25 degrees. The first weeks were spent with iced coffee, bare legs and temperatures above 20 degrees. Now that December has started, the summer dresses are packed away, but it's still pretty mild with 14-18 degrees.
Winters here are mild, but if you're looking for sun and warmth, I'd point you in the direction of the other side of the equator.
Spring in Porto is very similar to fall, so it's also a great time to be here.
How to find accommodation in Porto
Finding accommodation in Porto requires some preparation, especially if you're looking for something temporary.
I found accommodation on Airbnb and booked about 3 weeks in advance. I would definitely have had more options if I had been out in better time. I ended up with an apartment that cost 9,000 SEK/month in the Ribeira area, which is very central. If you're not as picky as I am, you can find accommodation for half the price - especially if you're early.
Airbnb is ideal for short stays. You'll usually get a discount on month-long stays, but longer stays will still be a more expensive option than other rental properties.
Many digital nomads in Portugal have found their accommodation through the Portuguese rental platform Idealista, where you can find rentals for shorter or longer periods. If you already know from home that you'll be away for several months, I would definitely recommend this site.
There are also many Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups where you can search for accommodation in Porto. Personally, I have been hesitant to use these channels as the risk of fraud can be higher without a legitimate company behind it. Therefore, make sure to visit the apartment and meet the landlord in person if possible to make sure everything is as expected before you commit.
How do you afford to travel so much
The economy can often be a stumbling block for adventurous souls who dream of a life as a digital nomad. When you come from Denmark, one of the most expensive corners of the globe, the rest of the world suddenly seems quite budget-friendly. This price difference can really work in your favor, and with a little smart money management, you can make your travel budget go a long way.
3 tips for managing your finances as a digital nomad
- Rent out your home: Whether you live in the city or the countryside, your home can generate income while you're traveling. An idyllic farmhouse in the countryside can be just as attractive to renters as a trendy apartment in the city. It's important to research rental prices in your area to set a competitive price. Consider setting the price slightly lower to ensure a quick rental. It can be more valuable to have your property constantly rented at a lower price than risking periods without any income.
- Cancel or pause subscriptions: To minimize unnecessary expenses, review your subscriptions - everything from streaming services to fitness memberships. Many services offer the option to pause your subscription, which can save you a lot of money, especially if you plan to be away for an extended period of time. This simple change can significantly reduce your fixed monthly costs.
- Stay in one place for longer periods: By choosing to stay in one place for a longer period of time, you can often get a reduced price on the rental. Long-term rental rates are typically lower than short-term rentals. It also gives you a sense of stability and the opportunity to explore the local area more deeply, which can enhance your experience as a digital nomad.
Hopefully, you can use my learnings to optimize your finances and enjoy a more carefree life as a digital nomad.
What I wish I had known before becoming a digital nomad
Here's my list of regrets so you can avoid making the same mistakes I did.
Pack light: I brought way too much and ended up not having room for all the cool stuff I wanted to buy.
Rent long-term accommodation: I only booked my first accommodation for a short period of time because I didn't know if I would hate being a digital nomad. This meant I had to spend time and energy finding a new place in the middle of it all. If you have the option, I would book a longer period that you can downgrade along the way.
Download Bumble BFF: An app where you can meet new people and quickly build a social network. It made it so much easier to find friends and get a social life going. Had I known about it from the beginning, I might have felt at home much faster.
Have a proper home setup: I didn't have a proper office space in the apartment and had to make do with the bar stools at the kitchen table. It didn't work in the long run, which is why I went out and worked more and more. Maybe I could have saved a flat white or 10 if the setup at home had been better.
With these insights in hand, my transition to life as a digital nomad in Porto would definitely have been easier. But learning from your mistakes is also part of the adventure, right?
Disadvantages of Porto
Porto has many advantages, but like everywhere else, there are also disadvantages.
Firstly, if you compare to cities like Lisbon, you'll find fewer expats here. This can make it harder to find coworking spaces and similar facilities optimized for digital nomads.
Porto is a fairly compact city. This means that although it oozes charm, you can quickly get the feeling that you've seen it all. The city isn't packed with major attractions, so if you're looking for a constant stream of new experiences, you might find it a little limited here.
Another practical disadvantage is the flight connections to and from Copenhagen. Outside of peak season, there are only two direct flights per week. While you might be able to plan your way out of it, I've had friends who wanted to visit me for a long weekend and it was a challenge to fit it in with the limited flight options.
Is life as a digital nomad for me?
Living, working and living alone abroad is not for everyone. If you've never tried working abroad before, I would recommend starting with a shorter period in Europe. Moving to a new country can be overwhelming and a shorter period will help you find out if this lifestyle is for you. Personally, I found it easier to adapt as there were no major cultural or logistical barriers.
Even though I'm in daily contact with my colleagues over Slack, there's no spontaneous small talk at the coffee machine and there are days when my only company is my own.
I realized how important it is to balance work with social activities, which meant that I could actually handle the isolation better than I expected.
Living as a digital nomad in Porto is an amazing experience and I could definitely see myself doing it again somewhere else in the world. The freedom to work from new and exciting places is unique.
I hope you've been inspired to try out the nomadic life. Pack your bag and embark on the adventure - maybe our paths will cross out there!
