Over the past year, an exciting trend has emerged among Londoners considering relocation: the northern Portuguese city of Porto is capturing growing attention. At our most recent Moving to Portugal show in October 2025, 35.3% of attendees expressed interest in moving to Porto, up from 32.3% in April 2025. The city’s combination of culture, history, and lifestyle is clearly resonating with those seeking something distinctive in Portugal.

A city steeped in history and Anglo-Portuguese heritage

Porto’s appeal is deeply rooted in its rich history. The city has long-standing connections with Britain: English firms were trading in Porto by 1717, dominating the port wine trade and establishing Europe’s first protected wine region. The British-Portuguese relationship goes back even further, to June 1147, when English Crusaders arrived in Porto and allied with Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, aiding in the eventual re-conquest of Lisbon from the Moorish invaders. These early alliances laid the groundwork for centuries of trade, with cloth, wine, wood, furs, and fish flowing between the two nations.

The ties were further strengthened in 1367 with the marriage of D. João I and D. Filipa de Lencastre in Porto’s Cathedral, and by 1642 the city had welcomed its first British consul. Today, the influence of the English remains visible in the city’s port wine culture and architecture. Cultural icons have also left their mark: J.K. Rowling lived in Porto as a young writer and has noted the Lello Bookshop as a source of inspiration for elements of the Harry Potter series.

Why Porto stands out today

Porto offers a lifestyle and atmosphere distinct from other Portuguese cities. While it is smaller and more intimate than Lisbon, the capital, it combines history, scenic riverfronts, and contemporary cultural life with the slower pace of life that many Londoners crave. Its walkable city centre, world-famous gastronomy, and vibrant arts scene provide a sense of authenticity that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Professionals are drawn to Porto for its growing work opportunities in creative industries, tech, and tourism, coupled with affordable living costs compared to London. Direct flights from London Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester make Porto convenient for work and family connections back home. As I often tell those considering relocation, “Porto allows you to live immersed in Portuguese culture while maintaining strong ties to the UK. It’s a city that rewards curiosity and engagement at every level.”

Families, too, are increasingly drawn to Porto. Safe streets, community-focused neighbourhoods, and a welcoming local culture make it an ideal environment in which to raise children. Its manageable size and scenic surroundings allow for outdoor activities, river walks, and exploration that support both family life and work-life balance.

Porto today: history, culture, and opportunity

From its iconic Ribeira district and the Dom Luís I Bridge to its world-renowned wine cellars, Porto delivers a combination of history, lifestyle, and modern conveniences that few cities can match. It is a city of contrasts: traditional yet innovative, historic yet lively, intimate yet cosmopolitan.

Join us in London – 26 March 2026

Our next Moving to Portugal Show & Seminars in London on Thursday, 26 March 2026 will provide practical guidance for anyone considering moving to Porto. Attendees can learn about relocation processes, property options, legal and tax matters, and the city’s lifestyle offerings.

As I always say, Porto isn’t just somewhere to visit; it’s somewhere to live, thrive, and belong. The numbers show that more and more Londoners are ready to make that choice — and 26 March is the perfect opportunity to explore it fully.

Registration is now open, and early booking is recommended via
https://MTP-London-2026.eventbrite.co.uk