Porto Was Considered by Monocle as one of the Best Small Cities in the World ♦ Monocle’s list of 20 small towns elects Lausanne, Boulder and Bergen as the best for those who enjoy the city environment, but as a place to breathe. Porto is described as a melting pot of creativity that should invest more in its historic centre. Secrets From Portugal is thrilled to give you this news!!! Keep reading to understand why
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Monocle magazine, dedicated to international affairs, included Porto in the list of the 20 best small cities to visit in 2020. The social, economic and cultural environment, the cost of living and the environment were some of the indicators taken into account.
Porto ranks ninth on the list. The publication refers to the transformations that the city has undergone in recent years, moving from a “dormant city” to a “city in full ascendancy”, in areas such as the economy and the cultural panorama. Despite the positive points mentioned, the magazine leaves the note that more investment is needed in the buildings in the historic centre, which have been abandoned.
In the January issue of the magazine, the Portuguese city is traced as being close to fashion and furniture creators, attracting designers, with “the sun and the leading kitchen around the world encouraging foreigners to settle in Porto”. It is ideal “for beach lovers” – especially for those who are not shy of the Atlantic water temperature – and, in addition to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, there is a train to Vigo, in Spain, which allows connecting to high-speed trains. velocity.
The podium is occupied by Lausanne, Switzerland; followed by Boulder in the USA and Bergen in Norway. Other cities like Spain’s San Sebastián, Germany’s Potsdam or Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, are also on the list.
For this list of small towns, Monocle analyzed the cities with around 200 thousand inhabitants that function as an “ideal point” in terms of social balance and cultural diversity, while being picturesque. The list excluded cities that have no connection to international airports, an efficient public transport system and a “progressive and welcoming local” government. The crime rate, average life expectancy and the quality of universities were also analyzed – and whether it is possible to get a good coffee at 6 am or be dancing at 2 am.
