We REALLY Wanted to LIKE this place! (Porto Portugal)

Planning a move to Portugal? Here are the pros & cons of one of the most popular expat cities on the Green Coast in northern Portugal.
We arrived in the middle of the rainy season, which delivered double the normal amount of rain this year. Despite the soggy weather, we were still able to get out and experience the city of Porto and all it has to offer.
Our exploratory trip was designed to answer one main question: Could we live in Porto? We stayed in an AirBnB, shopped for groceries, cooked our own meals, ate at a variety of restaurants, walked around day and night, and basically lived like a local during our two-week visit.
There were several things we really liked about the city. However, there were a few things we really did NOT like about the area where we stayed, such as the large number of people and the large amount of construction that forced all those people onto narrow walkways.
The housing costs were a bit higher than we're used to in Ecuador (but still much lower than in the United States) and the NHR tax advantage termination as of December 31, 2023, has us doubting Portugal as a good place to get another residency.
Despite the drawbacks, we did enjoy our time in Porto and look forward to a return visit.
Check out ‪@ExpatsEverywhere‬ for more info about Portugal from Josh & Kalie.
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[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It was so great seeing you all here! We appreciate the visit the city that we love (PORTO)!!! Happy travels. - Josh & Kalie

[@paulogarciadesousa]

It’s good you had a good time in our little corner of the world! I’m not sure there’s a proper word in English (British or otherwise) for the stuff/treats you were offered at the market… We usually call them “miminho” or “atençãozinha,” which could maybe be translated as “endearment” or “little deference.”

[@ceregirl5852]

OK, I have to warn you. If you choose to live there, be careful about the apartment or house that you get. Older homes and apartments are not insulated to keep the cold and wet out during the winter. Many places do not have central heat, so you have to use electric or another source, all of which can have drawbacks. The other thing is everything just always feels wet inside. Even sometimes the walls get mold on them! This is typical in this part of the world. I lived in Sicily in Spain, and they had similar problems. Honestly, I have never felt so cold, and it is considered a warmer part of Europe! I’ve heard some of the newer builds have better insulation and better heating, so please beware.

[@belle42]

Yes I've heard about the mold problems. The houses build of wood or newer homes with the right insulation AND ventilation are supposed to be much better. But because I have had mold illness I think I'll avoid it completely.

[@ceregirl5852]

I stayed in Puerto a couple of November so ago in an apartment Airbnb. The apartment was fine. Had everything except for the bed I was sleeping in felt wet. Everything just felt damp. Of course it was the rainy season.

[@ceregirl5852]

Oh, and I forgot to mention there’s a really nice Expat group there. They invited me to Thanksgiving dinner a couple of years ago. If I can’t remember the name of the group to post it for you.

[@JPVNG67]

get mold if u keep them always closed.

[@cjnge6828]

todas as construções modernas têm todos os requisitos de comodidade actuais, como em qualquer parte... com certeza que casas antigas já estão construídas á anos, por isso há tanta variedade de casas de diversos estilos...é uma questão de escolha, não sei onde está a deficuldade?

[@lacha608]

Biggest thumbnail smiles ever. You must have been either having the most amazing time ever there or you just won the lottery. BTW, I think you two are so fortunate to have one another's companionship and support as you travel around the world tackling life's challenges, enjoying yourselves to the utmost, and I think ethical lifestyle is part of your equation as well What do you think about doing a video about your tips for great relationships and shared travel.

[@susanrichardson8035]

I'm about to get jealous if you expat to Portugal......I don't know if you caught this in your editing, but Equador was mentioned in the past tense more than once. Best of luck!

[@johnbruenn8755]

You had me at the food! 😋

[@fdm2155]

We really enjoyed visiting Porto and Lisbon earlier this year. Both very livable cities. Edit: Yes, we found lots of great local restaurants. Prices were cheaper than typical for US imo.

[@andyanderson3628]

Everything is better in the off season. I stayed in Sives in February and it was quiet and peaceful.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Noooo, 🤣 the people are the best part 🥰

[@retireorbust]

Would love to visit and also fly to Azores while I am there.

[@AndNowIWrite]

Welcome to Portugal! Been here since 2019 and we love it. ❤️ I hope you are planning to stay a while there's so much to see. Make time to visit Tomar, and if you want warmer weather (which it's been a crazy autumn so far) head to Olhao, very warm, huge local market and a ferry to the islands. Also, rent is very inexpensive once you get away from the cities.

[@retromoto9456]

Partugal is awesome! I found the people super friendly and welcoming! I hope you guys make it Lisbon "boa sorte" 👍

[@froggerc625]

It looks like you are having a blast, really happy for you and excited for your future destinations too!

[@TerriCarroll]

Good to see you both, enjoy your travels. I love the shades Amelia. Happy birthday JP!

[@ForeverChanged7]

How exciting! Love seeing your adventures and really getting a good perspective on livability and the vibe of the city. Happy holidays you two!💞

[@debabanerjee9131]

🎂Happy Birthday JP stay healthy and happy and continue to educate us about wonderful countries around the world

[@MamaLlama007]

We hope to visit in March '24! Thank you for this video! Loved seeing all the foods you tried, thanks for sharing!!! I think the amount of people/tourists change out from summer to hopefully balance out.

[@donnahougenesq7302]

You both looks Sooo happy doing this (and of course the other) videos. I am so excited for you both. I am sorry there is harshness in some posts. Spain is going g to be a great joy for you both. Stay warm.

[@michaelw3090]

The Ponte Luis 1 is not by Eiffel, but by Seyrig who used to work with Eiffel before building this bridge. The constructing company is the Societe de Willebrouck, a belgian company ...

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Multiple Portuguese people told us it was designed by Eiffel. Guess we should have looked it up 🤦

[@movimentoraeliano4713]

@@AmeliaAndJP there is another bridge not far away, called Dona Maria bridge. It was made by Eiffel.

[@joelcrespin]

I came across your channel and loved it. I’m from Brazil and have been living in Porto for one year now and I can say that I love this city more and more. Weather in autumn and winter can be bad, but the city is really amazing! All the best to you! 🙂

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Porto is one of my favorite cities of all time! Check out Aveiro too.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We loved Porto!

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

​@@AmeliaAndJPDid you go to Aveiro yet?

[@kyaghleah]

Thanks! Looks great. I'm looking forward to hearing about Spain. I hope you're heading to Malaga and/or Valencia at some point.

[@rickhiggins]

We love Porto. Great food, wine, and shopping. Lots of strenuous hills too. LOL! We were just there starting our camino up to Spain. Thanks for the video ...

[@contactsuzi7096]

I've noticed that the "shoulder season" isn't as quiet as it used to be anywhere on the continent. This summer was so jammed in Paris that you needed to register for a time slot to get into a lot of places. I can see that you're really enjoying exploring a European city. There's so much on offer. I hope you're still there when the Christmas markets open. Happy B'day JP!! What a place to celebrate a b'day! It's so much fun traveling with you two. Love to you both, Suzi

[@Lat41]

I hope you had a great BDay, JP! Looks like ya did. Glad to see you in North Portugal. I debated moving to Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, and Portugal. I ended up in North Portugal. Been here almost a year and I’m enjoying it. Safe travels.

[@cachecow]

Happy birthday JP! A year ago I stayed under the bridge in one of those gothic stone buildings, it was freezing .... and wet! Hated the hills, but wait till you get to Lisbon, and if you're going, hop on the "luxury express train", it's really nice

[@robgilbert3395]

Glad you’re enjoying Portugal . Hope you get a chance to visit Setúbal. It’s got the most vibrant ex-pat community we’ve encountered.

[@k.schmidt2266]

Thank you for this interesting video! We have been to Lisbon lately and we found it extremely dirty and crowded. Good to know that Porto seems to be different. ❤️

[@fernandoherranz4095]

Porto was one of my favorite destinations on a long trip I took to Spain and Portugal with my wife many years ago. I remember very friendly people, the azulejos everywhere we went on buildings and streets, and fish at every single restaurant we went to. Considering that my wife is a vegetarian, this was challenging indeed. Luckily, some things have changed and they offer some better variety of food there than when I went in 2003-4.

[@fernandoherranz4095]

As for the tourists everywhere, this is nothing new. Back then in 2003-4, there were tourists all over, esp. vacationers from northern parts of Europe seeking some sun. But the challenge now is how do you attract people with some money to spend there (and maybe live) without pricing out your locals? I'm not sure they (or anybody else) have figured this out. And an unfortunate and unintended consequence of your travel there (and others like you seeking other living/working/retirement opportunities) is that it will affect the locals in the cost for housing. I can only hope that at least it offers many locals new job opportunities. Thanks for the video!

[@Maria-js9ou]

@@fernandoherranz4095 Yes, job opportunities as waiters

[@JMoroccoMisterBoy]

Amelia & JP ; Enjoying : Tks., much appreciated.

[@LatynaH]

Qué bien que hayan encontrado un lugar que les guste, según el vudeo tenían muchas quejas de Ecuador, como la inseguridad, el humo de los buses , su arquitectura etc. Felicitaciones

[@jayhulrs1435]

We went to Porto in October. The food and drinks were so cheap! Beautiful city! The hills were killer and I exercise every day

[@JayandSarah]

Quantify in currency the prices. "Cheap" is open to interpretation. $1 USD for a drink is a price. What prices are you talking about?

[@jayhulrs1435]

@@JayandSarahbeer at restaurants 1.50. Glass of wine 2-3 dollars Lunch specials that included wine , fish, dessert for 6 Coffee in a cafe and a pastry for 3.00 The subway or train was only 3-6 to ride all over the city

[@jayhulrs1435]

Oh and we never paid more than 4.50 for an Uber!

[@sammiesmith6690]

I hear 👂🏾 Portugal 🇵🇹 is great 😊 & Spain 🇪🇸 is great. Buy a Brita Filter Pitcher .

[@ConanNYC]

Just found your channel and I love Porto too and hoping to retire there. I really like porto cause it’s not too big but not too small so you don’t get bored; just the right size for me.

[@dlwilliamson5644]

You are looking very healthy, even more so than in the last two years. Congratulations! You are such an inspiring and helpful couple. Thank you. (I am still focused on Cuenca!)

[@bassmickeyd]

We loved Porto when we visited there about 6 years ago and I was planning of returning this past Sept/Oct to walk costal Camino from Porto up to Santiago but flight prices are very high this year so I decided to spend that month in Vancouver Canada and return to Porto in the spring. ... Don't forget to visit Coimbra.

[@TheLastSongbird124]

I've lived in Portugal for 6 years and love it, so still here :) In my time here, I've never had one single negative attitude/reaction towards myself in all that time and the vast majority of Pt people are friendly, helpful and warm. That's down to what I think of as an 'older set of social values', a strong family oriented culture still dominates here which is the driving force for any culture/nation, and defines such things as why there is a low crime rate, here. I would say however, there has been a very small increase in negative attitudes towards foreigners that is mostly due to large numbers of them buying apartments (in what I would call 'local areas/suburbs') having the money to refurbish them and then subsequently put them on sale or to rent at prices local people simply can't afford! PT working class people earn much less on average than the working class people from US, Germany, UK etc and so when traditional working class areas begin raising rents/prices to a degree that seems like a good profit to them, that directly impacts by reducing the number of affordable apts for locals....and that is something that is worth being angry about! And, something that foreigners should seriously give consideration to. Imagine if you were back home and rich Arabs began buying up properties in your area for greatly expanded values and then putting up prices which increased prices for you to a degree you could no longer afford...you'd be annoyed too eh? So, still a beautiful country and people, but it's also all about how us foreigners impact local people. and we must be aware of that impact we can have.

[@brigidspencer5123]

Unfortunately this is happening all around the world with wealthy foreigners buying properties in countries just to make money to line their own pockets while driving up prices for the locals. Governments needs to put a stop to this. Shelter is a human right not a game for greedy wealthy people.

[@Astrid-gf9cj]

You are 100 % right !!! ( btw: I have been living in Portugal for 18 years).

[@tpop3723]

Blame the government for allowing it.

[@kaypie3112]

Happy Birthday JP!

[@sabsa473]

was nice to see your video, we just got back to LA from Portugal a couple of days and we were in Porto at the same time you were there and got our share of that rain, especially when we went to Braga. I agree with a lot of points you said. We were there to explore the real estate market and our assessment from looking at all the real estate market all over Portugal, I advise people to wait because everything is inflated right now with home prices and I think they will experience a crash soon with about 95% of Portuguese having variable mortgage rates and they already went twice and triple in monthly payments where you will probably see tons of people defaulting on their loans. Additionally, the investors can no longer rent the condos they bought on Airb&b because the new laws, ending the the tax scheme for foreigners, golden visa, etc...I couldn't believe the prices of apartments in Lisbon, for a decent apartment, you need over a million. It is way too high.

[@dpark1964]

The city that gave the country and the wine its name. Great video.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you!

[@lacha608]

Looking forward to more! Hope you will be hitting more of the cities and towns in Portugal. Porto seems to be the vegan hotspot in Portugal, rather than Lisbon as one might expect....

[@basementstudio7574]

My wife and I were there in July for about 10 days. The crowds weren't that big a deal. We could definitely live there. We just loved Porto.

[@joseyzadoria7815]

I like the tiled pedestrian sidewalks, its the same as it is in old Taipa Macau.

[@fernandocosta7784]

At minute 4,45, is said that the Luís I brige, was designed by Gustave Eiffell, but no, this bridge was designed by Theóphile Seyrig, one of the founders of the company Eiffell and Cie ... so, they were partners, before the separation ... Eiffell design a lot of bridges for railways, like the one of Viana do Castelo.

[@dosdas2060]

Nice , I hope you stay there

[@jerrym3261]

Happy Birthday, JP! Have a great year. It's good to hear you don't share the opinion that Portugal is unfriendly to new people. I think a lot of blame lies with the people coming in, plant an expectation, reap a disappointment. It's pretty much impossible for anyplace to make you happy without you putting in some effort. I have ancestors from all over the world but, I feel my Portuguese heritage most influenced who I am.

[@donh5794]

I was there for a few months ending in October. No anti- foreigner sentiment - period. I received advice from local citizens about what to see, do and eat - that happened in North, Central and South.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Well said! We have found that if we are nice to people, they are nice to us. I’ve never understood why unfriendly people expect friendliness in return.

[@jerrym3261]

@@AmeliaAndJP You didn't ask a question but, I believe Dr Robert Holden has defined the thought process that has us thinking outside things will make us happy, while happiness is within us. Unhappy (unfriendly) people look to the things other people find joy in, trendy places. "Destination Addiction - a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job, and with the next partner. Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are."

[@user-mp4dw8wp8l]

I live in South Portugal and I can confirm, hard water is a pain in the a***, I have water filters in all faucets and shower heads 😂 i totally understand Amelia!! I didn’t have this issue back in Ecuador, not even in Manta where water quality is worse

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We weren't expecting the hard water issues! My skin was itchy for days!!

[@user-mp4dw8wp8l]

@@AmeliaAndJPI didn’t notice until it was too late (I got dandruff LOL)

[@davidgalvez5341]

​@@AmeliaAndJPMost places in Portugal have hard water. In neighboring Spain, however, there are several areas with soft water (Check a Google Images map for hard & soft water in Spain).

[@contactsuzi7096]

Hi JP and Amelia - I forgot to mention something in my earlier comment. I was surprised to see that smoking is nearly gone in Paris...indoors has been pas fume for years...but even the outdoor sections of cafes are almost completely free of smoke. I mention this in case you go to Paris (I hope that you do, it is such a walkable city.) Happy travels my friends! Suzi

[@josephaugello1527]

Beautiful

[@duartesilva7907]

One thing: although Portugal did have Moorish rule, Porto and Northern Portugal in general had only 100 years or so of rule. Southern Portugal, on the other hand, had more than 400 years rule.

[@royking7298]

I'm from So. California, and this year bought a home south of the Duoro river and I love it. But I do have a car and need it to live in my sleepy little village of Perosinho.

[@cherrlyn381]

Awesome. I'd love to go to Porto. Have fun.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you!

[@jamescalifornia2964]

✨️ Looks beautiful . Nice sidewalks for walking too !! _{ You two look younger than before 👍 }_

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 😊

[@donnahougenesq7302]

Obviously, the infrastructure in Europe as with America will be substantially greater than it is in Ecuador. But Ecuador is small and can change that quickly, it can move up. And in Ecuador you have such great year round weather. I would say dog poo is greater in Italy than in Ecuador by a long shot. And, there are dogs all over in Ecuador, but generally they are good and part of the place. I also like the chickens walking around in Ecuador. That all said, all over the world there seems to be a bit of a jadedness hitting. In Ecuador the "expats" bragging about "cheap" living may be a bit insulting to them. Portugal is the same. Americans have to get a Visa to go into Europe now. I love the Ecuador smoked chicken, the fresh fruit and vegetables, I love to get to know a little bit the ladies who bring food from their farms and hassle their kiddos to do chores. I love the green and floral, raw and cultivated, fields, and the funny animals, and I think their bus system is way better than in the USA. But Europe does have great trains, busses, and infrastructure. I am terribly sad when Ecuador has so much to market but I don't see its fruit on the shelves in the USA. I also think Ecuador could do so much better to express its paradise, keep the place cleaner (we Gringos can sure help it there and USA has dirty areas too), and make its infrastructure stronger and more perminent (how many incomplete Hydro Plants? How many mud slides where mud slides have been before?). Again, the problems in Ecuador can be fixed. There is such "value" in Ecuador that it does make sense for many foreigners to reduce their costs and spend their income in Ecuador regardless. I especially think young robust people can take advantage of their physical capability and really live it to the fullest here. But let's face it, even in the USA there is immense beauty and areas that provide great value. So as long as you can, explore, relish, get lots of Passports, love lots of cultures, make lots of friends, keep each other safe, and one day pick the place you want to stay to the end at, you have it made. ❤️

[@awalker6471]

I love Porto too! Check out Gaia right across the bridge. Ride the funicular & get a Port wine flight!!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We loved Gaia!

[@byronjacomo1127]

Thanks!

[@byronjacomo1127]

Have a nice glass of wine on me.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks so much Byron!

[@carlobiorggio8685]

Thank you for sharing. Porto is one of the cities we are thinking to move in. By the way “yapa” is an extra, a bonus, a gift for buying in a place. Good luck!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It’s called a yapa in Ecuador. Is it the same in Portugal?

[@Eric-Marsh]

We looked at Porto. Being on the Atlantic coast it seemed kind of cold and it's more difficult to reach the rest of Europe. But we did take the train to the pueblos at the end of the line to the north and south of Porto. I found them to be attractive.

[@davidornelas5835]

Loved Porto as well. Just got back 3 weeks ago.

[@miguelcoelho3877]

Right off the bat, there are acouple of serious inaccuracies in this video. First of all, the city of Porto was never ruled by the Moors from Morocco for 800 years, from 711 to 1294, as mentioned at 4:27! (Even if those dates were accurate, which they aren't, that would be 583 years, not 800 years!) As part of the County of Portucale -- the cradle of the nation that was to emerge as an independent kingdom in 1143 (again, not 800 years!) -- Porto had ceased to be ruled by the Moors after its conquest in 868 by the Christian knight Vimara Peres and his valiant men (Vimara Peres would become Portucale's First Count under the Asturian King Alfonso III) as part of the process that is known historically as The Reconquista, i.e., the re-taking of their homeland and its ruling by the Iberian and Visigothic Christians, a process that had started in the Asturias after the Battle of Covadonga in 722, where the invading Islamist hords suffered substantial losses, and failed to gain an upper hand in the region! Many people, especially foreigners, don't seem to realize that by the end of the thirteenth century, about four-fifths of the Iberian Peninsula -- the regions that would see the birth of the Christian Kingdoms of Leon, Castille, Aragon, Navarra, and, of course, of Portugal and Galicia (even though Galicia had been a Christian kingdom since the fifth century under the Suebi, or Swabians, who created the first independent kingdom in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula right after the departure of the Romans) -- had ceased to be ruled by the Moors. So, again, not 800 years! Also, many seem to be oblivious to the fact that the peoples of Iberia had been Christian since the first century A.D. -- just do some research on the dates of the creation of the Bishoprics of Braga and Porto. Secondly, although the Moors did introduce the use of glazed decorative ceramic tiles to the peoples of Iberia (these had first been "invented" in Persia, and not in Arabia, as some people think) those ceramic tiles in Porto, or "Azulejos" in Portuguese (yes, you did butcher the pronunciation of the word) have very little to do with any perceived Moorish legacy. It is worth noting that there was no production of Azulejos in Portugal until the sixteenth century. Azulejos only started being manufactured in Portugal upon the return of King Manuel I from his visit to his in-laws, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Castile, in Seville, at the end of the 1400s. Also, it is worth mentioning that those hand-painted ceramic tiles in Portugal depict scenes that would be forbidden in Islamic countries, namely the images of animals, humans, angels, and cherubins, something that would be seen as idolatry and therefore a complete no-no in Islam -- you guys really need to know what you're talking about! Yes, there are some of those ceramic tiles that emulate the decorative patterns typical of those found in Morocco and elsewhere in the Islamic world, but these are nineteenth-century creations, in keeping with the romanticized notions about the Orient that were all the rage in Europe at the time, and not a direct heritage, per se. Just as any "Arabesc" or "A la Turk" composed in Europe during the romantic period, which had little to do with the musical traditions of the Middle East and North Africa but was rather a fanciful romantic take on the Orient. Overall, not all bad, you seem to have somewhat enjoyed your stay, despite the rainy weather typical of most European countries in the Wintertime. But comparing Porto/Portugal with Ecuador?! Really?!!

[@NT-ot3nz]

@miguelcoelho3877 Finally, a reply that makes sense!! When i saw the comment on housing prices between Ecuador and Portugal i was gobsmacked! And thanks for the history on the country, it's nice to understand the origin of the Portuguese longstanding history and culture

[@vmoses1979]

You seem to have an anti Muslim reaction. Take it easy.

[@MyLatinLife]

Excellent video!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you liked it!

[@gildarusso1]

Que bien que hayan optado por esta experiencia! Deseo que les vaya muy bien! Un abrazo para uds. Amanda y JP!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

¡Gracias!

[@rapidresponserepairllc.man9552]

​@@AmeliaAndJPNot gracious its obrigado

[@rapidresponserepairllc.man9552]

Go to Madeira, Terciera

[@explorarehoy]

It would be helpful if you include actual prices for meals and food prices, transport, etc.

[@greencraig8570]

Glad to see you guys posting again. You still look a little jet-lagged. ; )

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yeah we really felt the rain and time difference!

[@greencraig8570]

I hope you can make it to Spain and Thailand!@@AmeliaAndJP

[@tenminutetravelbreak]

Porto is a big tourist destination - lots of river cruises start and end there, in additional to many tours, etc.

[@beththomas6514]

I noticed that you showed the fronts of vegan restaurants without saying the word, "vegan". I hope that you haven't been getting negative comments in the past about eating vegan. I like when you mention vegan options.

[@lacha608]

Yes, I wondered why they seemed to be avoiding mentioning it. Didn't it used to be part of their channel name? It's a shame that they've become reticent about promoting a lifestyle that is compassionate, beneficial for health and healthy for the environment and climate. I personally seek out vegan travel channels bc food is pretty basic and perspective about paint based living in a given country is really valuable...

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We try to live by example and avoid divisive topics. No one watched our vegan videos so we changed our channel focus but not our lifestyle.

[@lacha608]

@@AmeliaAndJP But, if you never utter the word vegan you are not able to provide an example, which is a shame. Anyway, your choice. You know what works for you.

[@lacha608]

@@rreegan6956 Being a positive example of an ethical lifestyle is not the same as virtue signaling. It's more along the lines of teaching others that something they may not have thought possible and positive actually is

[@thomasmcdowell9057]

We visited Porto and Matosinhos also a year ago in October and were fortunate to have great weather - it rained only one morning and I loved it. This year we went to Lisbon for the 3rd time and also visited Lagos in the Algarve. I highly recommend Lagos if you go south. In Porto, we stayed in a small B&B near the Casa do Musica and it was great and reasonably priced in a very livable area. We hope to return one day to Porto and also visit Braca. I agree that the people in Portugal are so very nice and welcoming. I was surprised to see you get together with the Josh and Kate (Expats Everywhere), they seem like the experts on Porto and many things in Portugal. Finally, I hope you visit Galicia and Asturias because these areas remain our favorites if we were to move to Europe.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We've known Josh and Kalie for 3 years and we recommend them as experts in Portugal! We're going to go to the Algarve region in a future trip.

[@lacha608]

Any tips on how you found your BnB?

[@mannyp.3286]

Apparently we happen to be in Portugal at the same time! Too bad I missed you among a million tourists! Yes it rained hard for several days but this did not stop us from taking even a cruise on those boats by the river and ate cod dinner at the touristy restaurants by the boarding dock. Porto is nicer to look at than living there. If you thought Porto had many uphills wait till you go to Lisbon! Our group was from Greece and the consensus was that Greece offered a little more especially in terms of beaches. Costs are about the same. The mercado was my favorite.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you had fun despite the rain!

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

Wow thankyou for this info. Great to know other people's experiences thankyou

[@OllieCat7]

Amelia & JP your videos are great! Really because you are so gringo. I am a gringo, & I speak multiple languages. I agree with you on Porto. I speak Portuguese. What I want mainly to say is that the first time I went to Portugal, it was with the intention of staying one week. That was swiftly changed to 5 weeks on my first trip. I, as you both, am no longer living full-time in the US, but rather in South America.

[@deborahmirabel6131]

Happy Birthday, JP! 🥳🥳

[@deborahmirabel6131]

(belated)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 🥳

[@placefor16]

We had a great time in Porto, Lisbon, and Madeira. As for the food, we weren't that impressed, we are from CA and we know we are spoiled with food qualities and diversity. May be we had higher expectations? Thank you for sharing your videos.

[@donh5794]

I am in CA now and been there many times and familiar with the food. I was in cities around Portugal and seems to me that people eat a different food diet than in the U.S., including CA. I easily adjusted to their food and liked the prices too.

[@Lat41]

Agree. I think the food scene in Portugal is overrated. There are some great spots, of course. But overall I’m not impressed. The produce is excellent, however.

[@cjnge6828]

quando saímos de casa, devemos ser humildes e respeitar os outros...

[@PAULOSOUSADIAS]

LOLOLOL

[@user-gf3lw5pi4t]

Looking good in red

[@user-mp4dw8wp8l]

Guys please try the wine! It’s nothing like we have in the Americas, even box wine is better 😂

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The Portugal wine is wonderful!

[@josephpanzarella1417]

I once lived in Spain for a relatively brief time (about 7 months) and have traveled a great deal in Europe. In recent years I've soured a little on Europe and you've touched on the primary reason. Overtourism. It's become the plague of Europe in this century. There are simply too many tourists. And that makes it an unattractive place to live. This is why I prefer Latin America. Tourism definitely exists but, in most parts, it doesn't interfere with everyday life. In today's world, it's hard to find places in Europe that aren't inundated with tourists.

[@Time2Live.online]

Nice video guys, well done. It looks beautiful but I see a lot of people in this video wearing Jackets. So I think I'll just stay put right here in Costa Rica, wearing my shorts and sandals every day. Come to think of it, I don't even own a jacket or a sweater anymore.

[@bh8138]

You should visit Silver Coast area, too and around Lisbon (still considered Lisbon municipality) ....much sunnier; less rain than north.. Can't wait to see Porto on our 5th trip to Portugal this fall - haven't made it there yet so flying into the city to make sure we get there. The NHR tax changes make it impossible to do a long term residence visa, now, though....probably will be the slow travel option. What video talks about the packing in a medium suitcase Amelia? Thanks.

[@rositahl]

Word was right, Ñapa. We use it in my country of origin also, Venezuela.

[@BOULDERGEEK]

Oh, awesome. Before I came over to your side of the world, I was bugging Josh and Kalie for a year and a half. The limitations of the Schengen Visa impact us, and we didn;t want to keep shuttling back to the US or going to more expensive places abroad waiting for the visa to reset, even for exploratory trips. It's so cool to see you guys doing cross content with Expats Everywhere! Porto or a bit south were on or radar. We'll still head over sometime, but right now, South America is taking our committment. Envious that you got to to try Kalie's favorite Francisinha places and probably a lot of pasteles de nata.

[@BOULDERGEEK]

I also love Denver/Colorado references to things. Makes it really easy to understand. Much love from the Oro Verde on Ordonez Lasso, above the Tomebamba.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We enjoyed hanging out with them!

[@reginadiasrebelo9128]

There's a VERY GOOD VEGETARIAN SELF RESTAURANT of great quality and not expensive called "A TERRA" near Sao Bento station on the way to the river. ❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@usmcforever7630]

Aveiro is the city to visit. The Venice of Portugal

[@ellena858]

I loved this video. Thank you. Can you talk about how possible it is to live in the outskirts of the city without a car

[@clam371384]

It is wonderful to hear other ppl perspectives on Porto. I am currently sitting in an apartment next to Porto Cathedral and will be here for 8 days to see this well received city by many. It is my third day and kind if disappointed by all the construction around. And last night i woke up to a very hazy view/ not fog. And found out that in 2021, European Commission decided to sue Portugal for “continually and persistently” exceeded the annual nitrogen dioxide limit in air quality. For food wise for tourists, i went to restaurants that were at the higher price and the food tasted just not good. And when I asked for the bill, he said “cash only”. I wanted to leave a review but that restaurant doesn’t exist on goole map or can be found anywhere online which at first I didn’t think it was a negative sign because many small mom and pop place may not have established online. So far, Porto didn’t live up to my expectations and I’ve traveled to 13 European countries in the last 3 years. But i enjoyed Lisbon very much two yrs ago which is why I returned to see more of this country.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The construction is disappointing. Sorry to hear about your restaurant experience. Hopefully you’ll stay will improve!

[@andrevilhena4149]

Porto is really not for everyone and for the most obvious tastes. As a French friend of mine says, Porto has "a je ne sais pas quoi..."...But it is this ancient, medieval architecture of Porto that made it a World Heritage city. Hugs!

[@andrevilhena4149]

@@AmeliaAndJP But do you also think that the construction of Porto is disappointing????

[@4nshale]

I love this video. You did a great job providing a terrific overview. How does Porto compare to Lisbon? I really want to visit now. However, that was a lot tourists though. Was the language barrier a big negative for long-term residency as compared to potential spots in Spain?

[@richardgraham7412]

Thank You for sharing. Good for You! I am salivating! I live in a small mountain town near Quito ( Sangolqui ) and while it is very nice and the people are very nice, most of the retaurants are ¨tipico food¨ which means they are eating the same cuisene their ancesters ancesters ate. fortunatly I can cook, but I would love to go to some of the beautiful restaurants you showed. Amelia, how do you know what Jimmy Dean sausage tastes like?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We love Sangolqui!!! And I was a meat eater back in the day 😉

[@templefootballforeve]

Are you going to put out a video about the turmoil in Ecuador? Can't find anything less than a month old on your channel. Thanks.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We posted a video last week and another in 40 minutes about Europe, where we currently are. I posted to our community tab and Facebook this morning about the events in Ecuador. Go directly to our channel page if you want to see our recent posts.

[@templefootballforeve]

@@AmeliaAndJP OK, thanks. Saw a lot of your videos saying how great Ecuador was but don't remember a single video about the drug gangs (who took over a TV station this week). Maybe I missed something. I will go back and check the titles.

[@Wardell43]

I hope you two are safe. Try to lay low.

[@YogaBlissDance]

Wish you had shown the other areas you mentioned that are less crowded.

[@californiagold3857]

What a beautiful city, but you're right. A bit too crowded.

[@leapintothewild]

So are you not vegan anymore, or was the cheese you mentioned a vegan version? I’ve switched due to food allergies and feeling SO much better, so it’s always interesting to hear about your food experiences! Excited to see the lovely vids on Portugal, and looks like you’re really enjoying it! ❤

[@bethtrescher9311]

Boa tarde, I'm an American who has lived near Coimbra for the last six months. When the prime minister resigned last week, the NHR scheme was modified. The new budget could not pass because of the resignation. The NHR continues a bit longer now but you have months, not years. Also, the "j" in Portuguese is pronounced with softer sound like "zsa" (like Zsa Zsa Gabor). Ajulejos, the tiles, is pronounced ah-zoo-lay-zsosh with the accent on the "lay" syllable. And you're right, Portuguese is a difficult language. Welcome to this lovely country!!

[@stephenjarzombek2903]

I have friends in Brazil and was accustomed to their pronunciation, but I did catch a few videos on the differences between Brazilian and European pronunciations before our trip last year. Funny to me that you opened with "boa tarde" because I managed to say it "correctly"...not "boa tar-jeh" as my Brazilian friends do...in the Vodaphone shop when we stopped for a SIM card, and the clerk immediately started speaking to me in Portuguese! As soon as I say "bonjour" in Quebec, people always reply "Oh, hello, visiting from the US?" LOL

[@pauloleitao3162]

Maybe that's because their azulejos with a Z

[@abyrouhi1986]

I love your video i wish you say where you staying at❤

[@Zzues]

How long are yall staying in Porto? A Douro River cruise sounds amazing, we hope to take that when the weather seems clear.

[@LawrenceStevens01]

I've been enjoying your videos. A question - where do you stay when you travel? Hotels, Airbnb, rental units?

[@tolrem]

O porto [el puerto] The port.Historic English connection due to the wine trade.Sandemans and Croft port wine traders long established there.English and Portuguese royalty intermarried.Portuguese/English alliance:oldest alliance in history.Over 800 years.There was a pitched battle down at the riverside between the Duke of Wellington's forces and Napoleon's if I recall correctly.

[@brianfitch9030]

You were in my backyard. Porto has many pros, I read some negative comments about the weather. The North of Portugal is rainier and cooler than the South. However it’s would not compare it to the Pacific Northwest or the NL, or UK. I love the city, love the vibe. There is another city I would recommend to you is Braga, much lesser known to Americans but a great place.

[@imeandmyself525]

But well known by Brazilians, the city is also known as Bragazil

[@damselflymoldavite8145]

congratulations

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@Jetmab04]

Thanks very much for sharing and, we agree Portugal is beautiful and, the Portugese people are lovely! I don't know if it's in your plan but, if you have the time and interest, there is another place I am 100% sure you will love - maybe especially because I know you come from Ecuador...not 100% like Ecuador but, the bio diversity, the vulcanos, earth quakes and not least the people, I am sure will remind you of the Ecuadorian 'way'. Take a flight from Lisbon - with the Azorian Airlines and, please, please visit the Azores and, I am sure you - like I, will fall in love with these islands - all 9 of them!! You'll love the food out there...and you will love it all 💕💓💕 no doubt at all!! I've just visited these islands again - second time this year and, certainly not the last time as I've "only" seen 4 if the 9 islands so far and, as they are all different, there's clearly much more to explore including whales, dolphins and all. Don't forget to bring walking gear....you'll need it on these wonderful islands ..😊 Keep enjoying and, let's hope a good deal is in the waiting from the Portugese government regarding the visa situation etc ..

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Azores looks beautiful!

[@Jetmab04]

@@AmeliaAndJP These islands are 100% amazing 🌹 And....the reason I mentioned the Azores Airlines will amaze you as well...on this airline, you are treated basically as you were treated on 1st class/business back in the day...meaning, you'll be in love with the islands even before your flight is down..😊

[@nataliakhramova7783]

😍👍

[@George-xs9so]

Porto looks beautiful! Glad you’re having a great time. Give us an idea as to living costs. Rents, utilities and some general expenses please. I love photography, not at all into video but couldn’t help to notice how stable and smooth your videos are. Please tell me what camera you use and who shoots when both are sitting together, I assume a tripod but the camera is my main curiosity. Sound good too! Be safe please 👏👍🙏

[@stephenjarzombek2903]

The best resource I have found when researching costs in Porto is @ExpatsEverywhere as they have been in Porto for quite a while. They have done quite a few videos that cover your questions.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We’ll talk about costs more in our next video. We use an iPhone to film our videos. We just got a new Pro 15 and the stabilization is incredible.

[@ricardomartins1783]

Hey JP, there is a portuguese wine named after you, it is fairly good and popular and affordable, white and red. You can check it out any supermarket. 😂

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We had some. It was good 😊