Curated by our Together 2026 local partner, expressão, for your Porto adventure

Porto is a city you can’t rush. The streets are narrow and winding, cafés are everywhere, and people take their time to enjoy life. If you’re coming for ELIA Together 2026, Porto will welcome you slowly, one small moment at a time.

Portuguese is everywhere. It comes from Latin, like Spanish and Italian, but sounds softer and a little different. European Portuguese has its own rhythm, full of little twists and contractions, so some words may surprise you. You’ll notice familiar words, but others will feel completely new. Many people speak English, but trying even a few Portuguese words always brings smiles and often sparks conversations you wouldn’t have had otherwise. Translators, in particular, will enjoy noticing the small connections between Portuguese, other Romance languages, and words they already know.

Start with greetings. Say “olá” when you enter a shop or café. In the morning, say “bom dia,” in the afternoon “boa tarde,” and in the evening “boa noite.” Saying thank you matters: “obrigado” if you’re male, “obrigada” if you’re female. Need to get by someone on a crowded street? Just say “desculpe.” These little words are simple but powerful—they show respect, curiosity, and friendliness.

Coffee is serious business in Porto. A “café” is a small, strong espresso. A “pingo” has a drop of milk, and an “abatanado” is a longer, milder version. And don’t skip the “pastel de nata.” Warm, creamy, and lightly caramelised, it has a way of appearing exactly when you need it. When you want another one, just say, “Pastel de nata, mais um, por favor.” It means “One more, please,” but in Porto it’s basically a life motto. You’ll find yourself saying it more than once.

By the evening, Porto slows down. The light turns golden, the streets feel quieter, and conversations stretch into the night. A glass of “vinho do Porto” is the perfect companion to reflect on the day: on talks, ideas, and connections made at the Together conference. 

The city doesn’t expect perfect Portuguese. A greeting, a coffee order, or a quick “mais um” is all it takes to feel part of it. By the time you leave, the streets, the cafés, the smells, the pastries, and even the language will feel a little like home.

“Até logo.”

Thank you to our local partner expressão for sharing their local tips and recommendations.
We look forward to welcoming you to Porto soon. Make sure to share your highlights with us by tagging ELIA’s LinkedIn and using #ELIATogether!