Where to work in Porto

The last leg of my 2021 slow travel trip, almost straightaway I could understand why Porto is on the Christmas and digital nomad destination lists.

A bit drearier and rainier than Lisbon and the Algarve, Porto is a charming and compact city full of life and stories. It didn’t take longer than a couple of days to get to know its more touristy highlights (like the São Bento train station, the bridge and the Crystal Gardens) but that meant there was then more space to get to know the city as a whole. Including the many coffee and wifi spots that are closer than they look originally on the map - like seriously, five minutes is the most I’ve walked for one spot so far.

While it’s not one of my favourites for the weather, it’s a place that has a particular something that makes it worth even a couple of weeks as a base. Using Bolhão as a base, my favourite ‘offices’ were:

Garden Porto

The first place I hit up after getting off the plane, and a couple of times after that it was just so good, Garden is a classic brunch spot. Great coffee, great menu options and great wifi.

A few minutes from the Trindade train station, and perfectly situated for anyone in Bolhão, if you’re like me and prefer your office a little more green-looking, then Garden is one for you!

Esquires

According to super reliable Wikipedia, this is actually a Canadian chain - which I was convinced was only local to the UK originally. Which is why I put off going originally, but it turns out it’s actually rather popular in Porto as when I arrived to meet the one and only Dan Clarke from Dan Flying Solo, there was already a queue.

It was as close to a UK coffee shop as you would expect with a mainland Europe twist - ie the veggie breakfast was way more healthy for example. No baked beans here! And for a couple of hours, the wifi was strong and the coffee great.

Round the corner from popular touristy spots such as the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso and up (literally) the road from São Bento train station, it’s in a prime spot for pre-work/lunch time adventures.

Manteigaria - Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata (Coffee House)

A long one, I know, but the Google Maps name is one thing and the sign on their wall another (the one in parentheses). Definitely one for the list, if you then plan on a bit of shopping in your lunch break or you’re based in Bolhão and looking for a switch up of environment - and pastéis are always a good idea!

While the wifi was great and you were generally left unbothered, ordering anything took a little while and it meant leaving your table to do so. Which, when you’re a lone worker, feels risky wherever you are.

Selina

Generally speaking, I try to avoid cowork spaces (especially in Europe where they are generally getting pricier and don’t particularly feel worth it unless you’re there for a while). But every once in a while, I like to be around other remote workers, unlimited coffee and also be out of the Airbnb without feeling like I’ve overstayed my welcome. As is sometimes the case in coffee shops.

And this time, for £10.30 (€12) for a day pass, Selina was worth it for me. To have a desk all day (and a place to store my suitcases while I moved Airbnbs one day), access to coffee and just get stuck into work without debating whether to buy something else from the menu/moving tables to get myself out the way.

Surrounded by bakeries and eateries, you’re also not lost for places to head to for breaks - like the Oporto Bakery and Nicolau Porto.

C’alma

More of an after thought, than a definite one for the list, because I headed here for a coffee, pastel and reading session, rather than to work. But based in an old theatre kind of building, it was quiet, cosy and seemed like the ultimate hipster secret set up.

There were about four other people when I went who were all happily on their laptops and ensconced in their work. If I’d discovered it sooner, I would’ve definitely returned - although not for the entire day. The options available were largely coffee, tea and pastries. But pastéis solve all problems, right?!

A word about the pandemic

The situation is something I hate to bring up, but it’s all of sudden become a very important thing to keep in the forefront of our minds at the moment as new research appears and new rules crop up.

If you’re caught out last minute, as a couple of us were, about tests before travelling, Portugal is currently accepting Antigen tests for international travel. However it’s important to note that cafes and other indoor areas can now ask for proof of double vaccination and for you to wear your mask until you are fully seated with a coffee and/or food in your hand. It’s also highly recommended to wear masks outside - where social distancing isn’t always possible.

And generally speaking, people have been a lot more responsive to these new rules than I’ve seen in the UK for example. So I’d recommend being cautious.

But otherwise…

I can 100% see why Porto is high on the remote worker/digital nomad list for the availability of places to set up your office for the day. And I’d recommend it to you also. At least for a couple of weeks like I’ve been doing.

There’s a story, shop and coffee spot round every corner and so you’re never fully stuck for somewhere to head to - particularly when the rain hits.

Is Porto on your list?

Han x