Porto is the second most visited Portuguese city by Erasmus students. Do you know why? This city, with its vintage charm, offers a relaxed lifestyle that university students love. It is the perfect place to receive an excellent education and at the same time, explore a spectacular culture and gastronomy.

If you are already planning your Erasmus year, Porto is one of the first cities you should consider. Here are some of the reasons why it is a great place to study:

Unbeatable climate

Porto’s climate is fantastic for enjoying outdoor activities all year round. The summers are not too hot and the winters are not too cold, so you will never have to change your plans because of the weather.

Affordable costs

Setting a budget for living is essential for university students. Fortunately, Portugal is a country that offers a good quality of life at a low cost. If you choose Porto as your Erasmus destination, you will spend less money than in most other European countries.

Among the accommodation options, you will find student residences such as LIV Student that offer all the necessary services and amenities at affordable rates. You’ll also enjoy local restaurants, bars and cafés with low prices.

Also, when you want to enjoy some entertainment and culture, museums are always a good option. Most museums have free admission times, and in other places, you can opt for the student rate, which is lower than the standard rate.

Varied gastronomy

Porto is a food lover’s paradise. The typical dishes are plentiful and very tasty. In addition, you will be delighted with the desserts. In the local restaurants, you can’t miss the opportunity to end a lunch with a Portuguese dessert such as the custard tartlet.

Prestigious universities

Portugal is home to some of the oldest universities in Europe and the world. In Porto, you will find the University of Porto, an institution with more than 100 years of history and experience in education and research. It has positioned itself as the second best university in the country and is one of the universities that receives the most Erasmus students per year.

You will also have the opportunity to study at other prestigious institutions such as the Fernando Pessoa University and the Polytechnic Institute of Porto. In general, the universities have different programmes taught in English and Portuguese. Therefore, if you are not yet fluent in the local language, you can opt to study in English.

Fun and entertainment

If you like spending time outdoors, you’ll love Porto’s beaches, gardens and terraces. Strolls through the old town will also be a great way to learn more about the history, culture and art of times gone by.

Even going to the cafés to spend time with friends and relax in the evenings is a good way to enjoy Porto. In this city, the lifestyle is relaxed. That’s why you’ll find that locals love walks, outdoor activities and weekend getaways.

Another thing you’ll enjoy about Porto is the nightlife. There are several bars, pubs and restaurants that are very popular with university students, so when you want to dance and have fun, call some friends and go out and have some fun.

Complete Erasmus experience

The Erasmus student experience is not just about studying at a university in another country. It’s also about learning about the culture, the language, the lifestyle of the locals, making friends and more. It is a life-changing experience that broadens your view of the world and teaches you that there is more to life outside the borders of your own country.

Porto is one of those cities that will allow you to live the full Erasmus experience. You will have access to first class universities and at the same time, you will be able to enjoy a charming city, full of history and tradition.

Landmarks

Walking around the city, you will love the colours, the architecture and all the history behind it. Porto is full of emblematic places such as:

• The old town
• Porto Cathedral
• The Clerics’ Tower
• The Ribeira
• The Lello Bookshop
• The Don Luis I Bridge

However, there is much more to see beyond these popular destinations. There are also gardens perfect for picnics, museums that preserve the history of this city and those who have inhabited it, and galleries to admire Portuguese art.

If you choose Porto as your Erasmus destination you will live one of the most memorable years of your life. This city has everything for university students to enjoy this experience to the fullest.