Portugal is all about its sun-kissed beaches, the historic charm, and the amazing cuisine it offers. Both of the cities, Lisbon and Porto are captivating. Each of them has its unique charm. The culture, the history, and the vibrancy of the cities will allure you. You will fall in love with both cities. Lisbon is more of a busy city while Porto has a more intimate feel to it. We have mentioned some of the comparisons below to help you choose better.
Academic Institutions
Lisbon: Top universities include the University of Lisbon, NOVA University Lisbon, and ISCTE
Being one of the oldest cities in Europe, Lisbon is known for its art, culture, history, and different universities. These days, Lisbon is gaining popularity as a study-abroad destination. More and more students want to come and study here. There are around 31 universities in Lisbon that offer a plethora of courses. Some of the top universities include:
- University of Lisbon
- ISCTE- University Institute of Lisbon
- Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa
- Nova School of Business and Economics
Porto: Leading institutions include the University of Porto, Porto Business School, and Portuguese Catholic University (Porto Campus)
Porto is also renowned for having a wide number of universities. Not only do they offer the students with best education but the faculty members are also supportive. Some of the best universities in Porto comprises:
- University of Porto
- Lusiada University of Porto
- Polytechnic Institute of Porto
- Católica Porto Business School
- Portuguese Catholic University (Porto Campus)
Cost of Living
Lisbon: Higher accommodation and living costs; more expensive lifestyle
When it comes to the cost of living, Lisbon is slightly on the higher side. You will find everything expensive over here. From the rent of student accommodation in Lisbon to entertainment options, everything can stretch your budget a bit. But you can get a diverse range of things which makes spending every penny worthwhile.
Porto: Generally, more affordable for accommodation and daily expenses
There are multiple and affordable student accommodation in Porto. This allows students to stay as per their liking and budget. As there are many economical stays, this makes the city an ideal choice for everyone. Students who are on a tight budget need not worry about compromising the quality.
Quality of Life
Lisbon: Cosmopolitan and fast-paced; excellent public transport and entertainment
Lisbon has an amazing culture and a lot of things to do. The efficient public transportation network makes commuting much easier than in any other city. You can commute by buses, trains, trams and ferries here. You can get a Lisboa card which is a great way to access any of these. The city has a fast-paced vibe that attracts both domestic as well as international students who look forward to study-abroad opportunities.
Porto: Quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with a close-knit community feel
Porto is a small city and it is a bit quieter than Lisbon. For those who love a peaceful surrounding, then Porto is the place to be. Here you can experience a more traditional atmosphere. The rich culture helps prepare you to be fully immersed in history while you enjoy the charming medieval alleys. This place is home to a wide range of monuments and you can enjoy some of the different festivals.
Cultural and Social Life
Lisbon: Rich in history, modern attractions, and a multicultural vibe
Lisbon offers a wide range of world-class attractions. Art lovers can go to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum or check out the contemporary art collected at the Belem Cultural Center. The history buffs can easily check out the medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge and get mesmerized. Every place is awe-striking and will make you fall in love with the city. Apart from the museums, there are a lot of things which you can explore here. You can feel the multicultural vibe which will help you immerse yourself.
Porto: Known for its traditional Portuguese culture, arts, and riverside activities
There is a lot to do over here and only one semester is not enough time to get to know the place. Moreover, you can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities. If you love water, you can enjoy swimming and surfing. Go to the beaches and have the best time. There is a wide range of history which you can discover over here. You can visit the Duoro Valley where you can enjoy the best port wine.
Job and Internship Opportunities
Lisbon: Thriving business hubs, particularly in technology, startups, and finance
Being the capital city, Lisbon offers students a wide range of opportunities in different sectors like tech, finance, international business, and so on. Moreover, there has been a rise in start-ups increasing the job opportunities for the freshers.
Porto: Growing industries, especially in the creative and industrial sectors
In Porto, you can find many job opportunities with a low cost of living especially when it comes to rent. Porto makes sense for many people. You can have an astonishing time in this place.
Student Accommodation
Lisbon: Wider range of options but often more expensive
Lisbon is one of the beautiful places where you can study and enjoy to the fullest. You can come across some of the best student accommodations here. There are different options which you can look forward to adding with all kinds of amenities you want.
Porto: Affordable and student-friendly housing options
The accommodations over here are affordable as compared to Lisbon but you won’t be disappointed with the quality. All the accommodations are made keeping in mind every need of the students. You can easily ensure that you get most of the common amenities in the accommodation you choose.
Student Community and Support
Lisbon: Diverse international student community and strong university support
The student community here is quite diverse and this can be advantageous for networking. You can form different connections when first moving to a new country. With strong support, you can make the best use of your time.
Porto: More personalized support and a smaller, more intimate student community
Porto is a beautiful place and also are plenty of expats in Porto. As the student community over here is intimate, you can expect personalized support. It becomes much easier to connect with the support cell and get help when needed.
Accessibility and Travel
Lisbon: Major international airport and easy travel across Europe
Lisbon’s public transportation network is better when compared to Porto’s. Here you can travel by bus, tram, metro, and train. Moreover, here you can find major international airports as well as an easy travel system. Moreover, you can enjoy strong rail or bus networks and thus you can reach your destination with ease.
Porto: Well-connected with a major airport and strong rail/bus networks
Porto’s public transportation consists of buses as well as a metro system. While Porto’s network is smaller. Here you can find a reliable and efficient transportation system. The cost is also relatively low compared to other European cities. Porto airport is a decent one.
Weather and Climate
Lisbon: Warm summers, mild winters, outdoor lifestyle
Lisbon ends up being warmer and drier than Porto all across the year. If you are a sun seeker, then Lisbon is more appealing.
Porto: Cooler temperatures, more rain
Porto is known to have slightly cooler temperatures. If you want to avoid any intense heat, then it is best to stay in Porto.
Best Fit
Lisbon: Ideal for students seeking an urban, dynamic, international experience
Lisbon is one of the best places to be if you are looking forward to staying in an urban and dynamic world. It is a metropolitan city and thus you can find everything you need here.
Porto: Suits those looking for affordable living, a quieter atmosphere, and traditional Portuguese culture
Porto is a place that is perfect for those who are on a tight budget. Here you can find peace of mind. You can walk around the city and feel the intimate atmosphere.
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