Each week, I’ll bring you a few things worth doing, a useful expat tip, someone from the community to meet and a Portuguese word – all without having to search yourself.
01 – WHAT’S ON
🎭 FIMP – International Puppet Festival
📍08 Oct – 18 Oct • various
Discover the magic of FIMP, Porto’s International Puppet Festival, featuring ten days of creative performances, visual storytelling and unique theatre experiences across the city.
📝 The Nova Hub – Write-In – free
📍Thursday, 15 Oct • 14:00 • Instituto Pernambuco
Looking for motivation and connection? This relaxed write-in session organized by the Nova Hub brings together graduate students for co-working, networking and shared productivity.
🇩🇪 Treffpunkt Deutsch – free
📍Thursday, 15 Oct • 19:00 • Boteco Igrejinha
Practice your German, meet new people and enjoy a relaxed international evening at this free language-exchange meetup at Boteco Igrejinha.
💃 Bachata Porto Festival
📍16 Oct – 18 Oct • Muxima
Meet dancers from around the world at this three-day festival packed with workshops, performances and social parties celebrating the rhythms of bachata.
🎷 Laura Misch – Misty Fest
📍Friday, 16 Oct • 21:30 • Mouco
Acclaimed London multi-instrumentalist Laura Misch brings her dreamy blend of jazz, electronic and ambient sounds to Porto for an intimate live performance.
📜 Legends and Traditions – free
📍Saturday, 17 Oct • 15:00 • Terreiro da Sé
Discover the myths, legends and folklore that have shaped Portuguese culture at this free storytelling event by Germano Silva and Joel Cleto, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich traditions.
🧘🏻♀️ Rest Revolution
📍Saturday, 17 Oct • 19:00 • Healing House
Slow down and recharge at this wellness-focused gathering, combining rest, reflection and mindful practices in the peaceful setting of Healing House.
🎙️ Joe Jackson – Concert
📍Saturday, 17 Oct • 21:00 • Casa da Música
British singer-songwriter Joe Jackson takes the stage at Casa da Música, bringing decades of hits and his signature blend of rock, pop and jazz influences.
🥃 Biscuits & Bourbon
📍Sunday, 18 Oct • 11:00 – 14:00 • Mirone
Bourbon with Chris and Southern Gal in Portugal team up for a Southern-inspired Sunday brunch featuring Southern-style biscuit dishes, bourbon cocktails, and a curated selection of bourbon pours.
🎤 Sofar Sounds Porto
📍Sunday, 18 Oct • 17:30 • secret
Experience live music in a secret venue in Cedofeita as Sofar Sounds brings together emerging artists and music lovers for an intimate concert unlike any other.
02 – TIP OF THE WEEK
Visit Guimarães – the Birthplace of Portugal
Often called the Cradle of Portugal, Guimarães is one of the country’s most historic and charming destinations. With its medieval streets, impressive castle, panoramic viewpoints and traditional gastronomy, it makes for an easy and rewarding day trip from Porto.
👉 In this guide, I’m sharing the perfect itinerary for a day in Guimarães, along with local tips to help you make the most of your visit.
03 – MEET THE COMMUNITY
Sanita Berzina
Sani is originally from Latvia 🇱🇻, and has been living in Porto for a little over a year. I asked her a few questions to help us get to know her better:
What brought you here? I initially arrived as an Erasmus student, but my heart found a second home here 💛. I completely fell in love with the ocean, the endless sun, and those magical sunsets.
What is your profession? Over the past few years, I have worked across marketing, partnerships, communications, event and project coordination. Right now, I am actively looking for and open to new job opportunities!
How can you help others? I can simply help with my positive energy 🌞, as I am naturally curious and passionate about bringing people together. I love creating lovely, meaningful conversations where everyone feels understood, has a smile on their face, and leaves energised with positive vibes.
Your Porto favourite? For me The Social Hub Porto, as it provides an environment where my creativity completely opens up. I must also mention the Ocean Coast (Foz to Matosinhos), where a sunset walk listening to the sound of the ocean is truly all my soul ever asks for.
Your best expat tip? Say YES to as many opportunities and events as you can manage! You never know which day you might brighten or what amazing people you’ll meet unexpectedly 🎀. Sometimes all it takes is simply showing up and giving a kind compliment.
What do you wish you knew before coming to Porto? I honestly wish I had known about the Porto Expats official WhatsApp group earlier. If you haven’t joined yet, you definitely should!
👉 Would you like to be featured? Fill in this form!
04 – TRY THIS
Jesuíta – A Local Sweet Gem
Skip the pastel de nata for a day and try a jesuíta instead. Its name (”Jesuit”) is said to come from the triangular shape of the original pastry, which resembled the hats traditionally associated with Jesuit priests. This northern Portuguese specialty combines flaky puff pastry with a crisp sugar glaze, and Pastelaria e Confeitaria Moura is one of Porto’s favourite spots to enjoy one with a coffee.
05 – PORTUGUESE WORD
🇵🇹 marioneta
🇬🇧 puppet
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