Porto is regularly cited for its quality of life and its international reputation is well established. The second largest city in Portugal has just stood out again by being classified as the best “small town” in the world to live there and according to the magazine Le Monocle. The city Invicta was 9th in 2019 and therefore shows good progress. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new distinction for Porto.

In 2019, Porto was in 9th place in the ranking of the best “small towns” in the world to live there, which was already enough for the city to be recognized as a reference place for expatriation. Last year already, the magazine Le Monocle described the different qualities of Porto's economic, cultural, environmental and local infrastructure. In 2020, the characteristic climate and gastronomy of the city have also gained importance in contributing to the coronation of the city Invicta (invincible).

Among the quality of life factors recognized in Porto, the magazine highlighted the local cultural richness, accessibility and ease of connections with other places. An example of this facility that is cited by the magazine is the fact that the city's international airport is about 20 minutes from the center.

From craftsmanship to holding various cultural events, there are also many examples that make the city an important center of creativity in Portugal.

In addition to all these elements, the magazine Le Monocle also pointed out that the way of life in Porto differs from other places, as the city has its own quieter pace of life, especially compared to the capital Lisbon.

Here is the full ranking of the 20 best “small towns” to live in in 2020:

1. Porto, Portugal;

2. Leuven, Belgium;

3. Itoshima, Japan;

4. Lucerne, Switzerland;

5. Victoria, Canada;

6. Lausanne, Switzerland;

7. Basel, Switzerland;

8. Bolzano, Italy;

9. Aalborg, Denmark;

10. Bergen, Norway;

11. Eindhoven, The Netherlands;

12. Ghent, Belgium;

13. Burlington, United States;

14. Innsbruck, Austria;

15. Wiesbaden, Germany;

16. Aomori, Japan;

17. Bath, United Kingdom;

18. Taitung, Taiwan;

19. Groningen, the Netherlands;

20. Annecy, France.

Discover Lisbob’s library !

Lisbob is expats assistant in Portugal : check out how he can help you !