Housing
Rooms still beat empty studios in week one
See the street at night before you sign anything with a two-year stare.
News
Porto this week
Stories we write here, and short notes that point to the original local source.
City
Inclusive zoning: cash instead of homes is under review
Seven cases swapped affordable floor area for compensation; the executive says the rule may change.
City
Christmas shop-window contest is back for 2026
The council approved the seasonal display competition: useful if you run a street-facing shop.
City
São João Novo palace: design tender is open
The 18th-century palace by the Fernandine wall has been shut since 1992. Bids close late November.
City
ComSigo: door-knocking for isolated seniors
A municipal partnership starts in the historic centre to find people over 65 who are not on any list.
City
Praça Pedro Nunes: more pavement, less road
The council’s redesign cuts the carriageway and grows the green. Works are already on site.
City
Siza’s Avenida da Ponte plan goes to public comment
Affordable homes, a museum building and gardens on the slope between São Bento and the Luís I bridge.
City
São Bento tiles before your train
Five minutes in the azulejo hall, then stand clear of the ticket rush.
Weekend · Local note
Crystal Palace gardens for a free hour
Peacocks and a Douro view when you need air without a ticket queue.
Food and going out · Local note
Matosinhos for fish on a weekday
The same seafood strip with shorter queues if you avoid Saturday night.