Whether you’ve just moved to Porto or have been here for a while, dating can feel challenging when you’re building a new social circle from scratch. The good news? Porto has a growing international community, plenty of social events, and lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people, both online and offline.
1. Meetups & Social Events
BODA (Bored of Dating Apps)
If you’re tired of endless swiping, BODA offers a refreshing alternative. Their events take dating offline, creating opportunities for people to meet face-to-face, have real conversations, and make genuine connections in a relaxed social setting.
Unseen Connection
Unseen Connection takes a completely different approach to dating by hosting blindfolded dating events designed to help people connect beyond appearances. By removing visual distractions, the focus shifts to conversation, chemistry, and genuine human connection, creating a memorable experience that’s very different from both dating apps and traditional speed dating.
Porto Expats Monthly Meetups
Subscribe to our Substack and do not miss any events! Porto Expats hosts regular monthly meetups that attract a mix of locals, newcomers, and long-term residents. While not specifically dating events, they’re an excellent way to expand your social network and potentially meet someone special naturally.
2. Dating Apps
Tinder
The most widely used dating app in Porto, Tinder offers the largest pool of potential matches. It’s popular among both locals and expats and works for everything from casual dates to serious relationships.
Bumble
Bumble is particularly popular with young professionals and expats. Its approach encourages more intentional conversations and often attracts users looking for meaningful connections.
Hinge
Hinge has been growing steadily in Portugal and is often considered the go-to app for people seeking long-term relationships. Its profile-focused format makes it easier to start conversations beyond a simple “hi.”
Timeleft
Timeleft is an app that matches small groups of strangers for dinner based on shared interests and personalities. While it’s not designed as a dating app, many people in Porto use it as a relaxed way to meet new people, and sometimes even find a romantic connection.
Nomadtable
Nomad Table brings together remote workers, expats, and travelers over shared meals and social events. Although its main purpose is building community, it has become a popular way for singles in Porto to expand their social circle and occasionally turn new friendships into dates.
3. Other Ways to Meet People
Running Clubs
Porto’s running community has exploded in recent years, with regular group runs taking place across the city. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, joining a running club is a fun way to stay active, meet new people, and build connections through a shared interest. The most popular club in Porto is Can Run Club Porto meeting regularly each Saturday for a 5km run/walk.
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