Like in many other places, you will need to take part in Porto's events and interact with those around you in your daily routines in order to meet new people - whether it's for work or leisure! However, and even when in a business context, the locals here are generally very laid-back and easy-going 鈥� friendly by nature 鈥� which is why building your social circle and networking should not be as daunting of a task as it sounds!
How to make new friends in Porto
Get a houseshare
Yes, living on your own (or with a partner) is great. But as an expat flying around the world, the easiest way to meet new people is by living with them! There are plenty of opportunities to rent a room around Porto, and it is a particularly good way of getting social, as you also get used to a new city.
Plus, it will help you save some much-needed money, as rent prices in Porto are higher than ever! Currently, expect to pay around 鈧�450 for a bedroom in the Portuguese capital. Utilities are usually included.
Daily routine
As we mentioned above, use your daily routine as an opportunity to mingle with locals. For example, that grocery store next door or the local caf茅 can be the perfect place to get acquainted with your new neighbors. After all, sitting at a caf茅 doing nothing is sort of a national pastime in Portugal, so you might as well make good use of it! Don't be ashamed of being 鈥渨eird鈥� and strike up a conversation with the table next to you. You never know where it might lead!
Plus, taking an interest in your coworkers or student colleagues can slowly take you into their social groups as well! Fortunately, people in Porto smile very easily at foreigners, so starting a conversation is pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, older generations speak no English at all, so knowing some Portuguese keywords might be of use in such circumstances.
Social media groups
In the era of social media, we would be lying if we said these tools don't have an impact when it comes to meeting people. You should make the most of your personal pages. Search for groups of expats living in Porto on Facebook (such as , or ), and keep an eye out for Instagram accounts and/or websites sharing all the activities and latest events happening in the city, such as , or !
Attend events
Though strikingly calm and unassuming, there's plenty going on under Porto's misty cloak. To make the most of the city's hustle and bustle, it's always a good idea to check for events taking place locally. If you're a certified foodie, then you're welcome to join one of the tours at Taste Porto, the city's longest-running food tour company, while Porto Walkers offers a plethora of pretty knowledgeable excursions through some of the city's most popular port wine cellars.
For something a bit more informal, it's always a good idea to check for concerts, plays and parties taking place in the city, as Porto always hosts some sort of premium event every single month. You may consult what's on at or . Alternatively, don't forget to check out international websites like , and , where you are sure to find something catering to your interests. You may also check out some servers specifically dedicated to Porto events on .
If you want to find people that have something in common with you, consider joining a niche workshop in an area of your interest, such as pottery, ceramics, bricolage, painting or any other form of arts and crafts. The same goes for sports, as there are several clubs and gyms in the city where you can link up with people who may share your interest in jogging, padel, pickleball, and more. On the other hand, if you often find yourself looking for volunteering opportunities, you can easily Google local organizations that you can join, whether you prefer to help the homeless, take care of street animals, care for the elderly, or teach disadvantaged children.
In case you're enrolled in a local university, there are always specific clubs aimed at international students to help them better integrate into the local community. Plus, you can always partake in 鈥溾��, an old tradition where new students get initiated by their older counterparts. Although this ritual is often tainted by excessive acts from the older students, one can't deny its efficiency when it comes to making friends and meeting new people.
How to develop a professional network in Porto
Depending on your area of expertise and the type of opportunities you are looking for in Porto, we would recommend keeping your LinkedIn profile and other professional social media pages bilingual (in both English and Portuguese) since not all companies will feel comfortable reading your background in a foreign language, and this may actually deter people from interacting with you.
If you are a self-employed worker, be sure to develop business cards to share with people you meet along the way and invite them to be part of your professional social media every time you get the chance. Remember that in Portugal, people usually don't go straight to the business. That being said, business meetings often involve meeting people over a meal, so feel free to invite potential clients to a cup of coffee or a nice lunch/dinner to discuss details about your business and any further proposals.
Additionally, introduce yourself to people in different job agencies such as Egor, Randstad, Nortempo, or ManPower.
When scheduling an appointment, try to meet with the agency's director since this is generally a much more efficient way to gain a useful contact or work opportunity. Meeting with any other team member could be a waste of your time, so be sure to email and call firsthand to book this meeting. You can use the same method to apply spontaneously to potential job openings in companies that fit your preferences and expectations, but be sure to do your homework before contacting them.
Keep in mind that most professional contacts will appear organically in your way while you mingle at different events. Go to art galleries, Porto's major political events, inaugurations, etc. Be sure to check Porto's Employment Fair and take part in it, as well as other employment events that could be happening in the near future, even if these take place in neighboring cities or in the capital of Lisbon (Web Summit is the prime example). This is why we recommend keeping an eye out for the city's (and country's) newspapers and digital press to be informed about such events.
Finally, look out for social media groups that focus on your area of study and expertise so that you can show who you are and your set of skills to the community. There is nothing better than having some real-time insight from someone in the same position, not to mention the opportunities that can come from having these valuable contacts.
Don't feel pressured to develop an extensive professional network in your first 2 or 3 months in town, since you will need some time to warm up to Porto's many singular traits. Give it some time to warm up, and once you notice it, you will be on fire!
Networking best practices in Porto
Business lunches in Porto
Especially in the north of the country, it's quite common for business meetings to take place around the table. To cater to everyone's tastes and preferences, most people just pick a traditional Portuguese restaurant, where everyone can just order whatever they want 脿 la carte. That being said, feel free to share any food allergies, gastronomical restrictions, or dietary options beforehand 鈥� it is the safe way to go!
At the end of the meal, it is customary for the inviting party to pick up the bill, although both sides can agree to 鈥済o Dutch鈥� and just split the tab equally.
Controversial topics
No matter how relaxed everyone seems to be around each other, there are certain topics that should be avoided in a business meeting. Those generally include politics or religion, as well as themes that may lead to social unrest. Plus, as it has become somewhat acceptable for people to express political views that were deemed too extreme just 10 years ago, bear in mind that most of the debates are counterproductive and lead nowhere. Long story short, these are definitely topics one should not use as a conversation starter.
Be that as it may, Porto's people are still amongst the friendliest you will find in Europe, so there are no forbidden topics at all. Use your common sense to pick conversation topics and go with the flow. You will see it is much easier than it looks, even within a work context!
Greetings
Greetings are a huge deal in Porto. Upon entering a grocery store, a coffee shop, a school class, or basically any other place (which obviously includes a business meeting), make sure you voice a general greeting to the people already inside the room. People who arrive and remain silent are usually seen as rude, even if you don't know anyone in the room. Just say "Good Morning", and you are free from the judgmental looks.
Also, don't be startled if someone from the opposite sex greets you with two kisses on the cheek. Even though most people stick to a formal handshake within the work context, it's not that rare for some individuals to get a bit closer than you might be used to back at home.
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