Why a Car-Free Lifestyle Works in Porto’s City Centre
One of the key reasons for Porto’s recent surge in popularity is its walkable, human-scale layout, with dense amenities that make daily life easy without relying on a car.
While owning a car offers flexibility, it also means dealing with traffic, parking challenges, and ongoing taxes and fees, making it an added frustration for owners who spend long periods outside Portugal.
Porto’s public transport network is well-developed and efficient, with metro, tram, and rail services covering most day-to-day needs and providing easy airport access.
A car-free lifestyle isn’t for everyone: those living outside the city or who value total independence may still prefer to drive. But it suits city professionals, students, international buyers, and rental investors who prioritise convenience and connectivity.
Below, we’ve selected some of the best Porto properties for car-free living: highly walkable homes with excellent metro access, offering both a strong lifestyle choice and exposure to one of Europe’s fastest-growing property markets.
What to Look for in Walkable, Metro-Connected City Properties
When buying a city-centre property in Porto, walkability is key. Being within easy walking distance of shops, cafés, universities, and everyday services makes daily life simpler and reduces the need for a car.
Proximity to major metro stations such as Bolhão, Aliados, Marquês, and Boavista ensures fast, reliable access across the city and to the airport.
In many central locations, parking is a nice bonus rather than a necessity, adding flexibility without being essential to day-to-day living. Understanding when parking adds value and when it doesn’t can help buyers prioritise location and lifestyle over unused features.
Highly Walkable & Metro-Connected Properties in Porto
Studio Apartment in the Centre of Porto
Enjoy a true walk-everywhere city lifestyle in the heart of Porto, where daily life unfolds right outside your door.
Shops, cafés, universities, and metro connections are all just steps away, making a car entirely optional.
This central, well-connected setting makes the property particularly well suited to first-time buyers, students, or investors seeking strong rental appeal.
Features:
- Studio Apartment;
- 48 sqm;
- Fully Equipped Kitchen;
- Building with Lift;
- Prime Location – Cedofeita, Porto.
Public Transport Connections:
- Bus: Diogo Brandão: 300, 602; Carmo: 12M, 13M, 200, 201, 207, 208, 300, 302, 305, 501, 507, 601, 602, 703, 900;
- Metro: Aliados (D, 10 min); Trindade (A B Bx C D E F, 12 min); São Bento (D G (future), 14 min).
1-Bedroom Apartment with Two Balconies – Rua Sá da Bandeira
Set in a prime downtown location near Bolhão, this property places you at the centre of Porto’s most vibrant district.
The metro, retail streets, and traditional food markets are all within immediate reach, making everyday errands effortless.
With strong natural light, valuable outdoor space, and true city-centre convenience, it’s an ideal home for urban living or investment.
Features:
- 1 Bedroom;
- 58 sqm;
- Living, Dining and Kitchen Area (24 sqm);
- 2 Balconies (4 sqm + 1 sqm);
- Prime Central Location – Rua Sá da Bandeira, Porto.
Public Transport Connections:
- Bus: Bolhão: 401; Bolhão (firmeza): 5M, 502;
- Metro: Bolhão (A B Bx C E F, 3 min); Aliados (D, 8 min); Trindade (A B Bx C D E F, 8 min).
1-Bedroom Duplex Apartment – Downtown Porto
With an address in Porto’s historic centre, this property offers a genuine 15-minute lifestyle in the heart of the city.
Cultural sights, cafés, shops, and public transport, including Porto’s heritage tram network, are all within easy reach, making day-to-day living simple and convenient.
It’s an ideal choice as a pied-à-terre or a high-appeal short-term rental in one of Porto’s most sought-after areas.
Features:
- 1 Bedroom Duplex;
- 54 sqm;
- 5 sqm Balcony;
- Top Floor with Unobstructed City Views;
- New Development in Porto’s Historic Centre.
Public Transport Connections:
- Bus: Hospital Santo António: 12M, 13M, 200, 201, 207, 208, 301, 303, 501;
- Metro: Aliados (D, 15 min); Hospital Santo António (H (future), >1 min); Bolhão (A B Bx C E F, 20 min);
- [BONUS] Tram: Viriato: 18 (heritage tram service with vintage cars).
1-Bedroom Apartment with Balcony & Garage – Downtown Porto
Located in central Porto, this property offers the convenience of city living with a private balcony and the added flexibility of a garage which can double as dedicated storage, supporting a car-free or car-light lifestyle without compromise.
Its balanced mix of features makes it particularly appealing to owner-occupiers as well as long-term tenants.
Features:
- 1 Bedroom;
- 58 sqm;
- Balcony (South-Facing);
- 1 Parking Space + Storage;
- Downtown Porto Location.
Public Transport Connections:
- Bus: Fontinha: 5M, 701, 702; Paraíso (metro): 11M, 703;
- Metro: Faria Guimarães (D, 8 min); Trindade (A B Bx C D E F, 15 min); Marquês (D, 11 min).
2-Bedroom Duplex – Avenida dos Aliados
Set on an ultra-central and prestigious address, this property places you at the heart of Porto’s most established district.
Excellent metro connections and outstanding walkability make it easy to move around the city without relying on a car.
It’s an ideal choice for buyers who prioritise prime location, convenience, and long-term value.
Features:
- 2 Bedroom Duplex;
- 181.21 sqm;
- 23 sqm Outdoor Area;
- Double-Height Living Room (6 m);
- Top Floor – Av. dos Aliados, Porto.
Public Transport Connections:
- Bus: Av. Aliados: 1M, 9M 10M, 400, 901, 904, 905, 906;
- Metro: Aliados (D, 2 min); São Bento (D G (future), 5 min).
3-Bedroom Apartment – Downtown Porto, Near Marquês Metro
Located right by a metro station, this property offers fast, reliable connections across Porto and beyond.
The surrounding central neighbourhood is highly walkable and delivers strong value per square metre compared to more premium districts.
With generous space and excellent transport access, it’s well suited to families or shared living without the need for a car.
Features:
- 3 Bedrooms;
- 90.4 sqm;
- 9 sqm South-Facing Balcony;
- Fully Refurbished;
- Central Location – Marquês do Pombal, Porto.
Public Transport Connections:
- Bus: Marques: 203, 206, 302, 402, 703;
- Metro: Marques (D, 3 min); Faria Guimarães (D, 9 min); Lapa (A B Bx C E F, 17 min).
2-Bedroom Apartment – Rua do Rosário, Porto
Situated near Aliados metro and the Igreja do Carmo, this property enjoys a prime city-centre location with excellent transport access, including connection to Porto’s heritage tram network.
Despite its central setting, the surrounding area retains a calm, residential feel.
The addition of outdoor space creates a well-balanced urban home that combines convenience with everyday comfort.
Features:
- 2 Bedrooms;
- 71 sqm;
- 5 sqm Balcony;
- Open Space Living and Kitchen;
- Downtown Location – Rua do Rosário, Porto.
Public Transport Connections:
- Bus: Hospital Santo António: 12M, 13M, 200, 201, 207, 208, 301, 303, 501;
- Metro: Aliados (D, 15 min); Hospital Santo António (H (future), >1 min); Bolhão (A B Bx C E F, 20 min);
- BONUS: Tram: Viriato: 18 (heritage tram service with vintage cars).
1&2 Bedroom Units – Torrinha Gardens, Cedofeita
Located close to the future Pink Metro Line, this property is well positioned to benefit from improved connectivity and long-term infrastructure investment.
The surrounding neighbourhood is highly walkable and already popular with residents, with further growth potential ahead.
It’s a strong option for owner-occupiers and forward-looking investors seeking value and future upside.
Features:
- 48–108 sqm;
- High Ceilings & Large Windows;
- Landscaped Common Gardens;
- Cedofeita Arts Quarter, Porto.
Public Transport Connections:
- Bus: Torrinha: 300, 602; Pr. Da Galiza: 13M, 201, 204, 208, 209, 302, 501, 507, 601;
- Metro: Carolina Michaelis (A B Bx C E F, 6 min); Galiza (G (future), 6 min); Aliados (D, 19 min).
Walkable Living in Central Porto is Within Reach
Porto’s city centre supports a genuinely walkable, transit-first lifestyle, making it easy to live comfortably without relying on a car.
The properties featured here combine prime locations with excellent connectivity and strong long-term appeal, whether for personal use or investment.
If one of these homes has caught your eye, contact us to learn more—or explore our wider portfolio of carefully selected properties across Porto and the rest of Portugal.
