The prestigious magazine Time Out has revealed its ranking of the «best cities in the world» for 2024. Porto and Madrid stand out in the Top 10 thanks to their quality of life, culture, and vitality.
Both cities have been praised for their unique combination of history, modernity, and top-tier cultural experiences.
Below, we will highlight some aspects that Time Out readers emphasize about these two fascinating cities.
Madrid
«I like Madrid / Just because, just because,» says the classic song by Celia Gámez. But there’s much more to explain the charms of the Spanish capital.
It is a welcoming and lively city known for its exciting nightlife, spectacular cuisine, renowned international chefs, and vibrant culture.
For example, the venue Salmon Guru was crowned as one of the best cocktail bars in the world in 2023. With its three distinct areas, one of which is inspired by comic book aesthetics, it is undoubtedly a must-visit spot.
Tradition and modernity
Perhaps you’d prefer to visit the Cervecería Alemana, which boasts 120 years of history and has had visitors such as actress Ava Gardner and writer Ernest Hemingway. You can enjoy their beer and a varied menu offering everything from a Spanish omelet to callos a la madrileña.
For others, the essence of Madrid is not only in its bars, restaurants, and nightlife: it is also found in its neighborhoods, where long-time residents and century-old shops coexist with new art galleries and specialty coffee shops.
With the recent renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the city is preparing to host major sports events and international concerts, further consolidating its appeal for both residents and tourists.
Porto
Standing out for its picturesque setting and the strong sense of community that characterizes it, the city of Porto is the third most populated in Portugal.
This coastal town is known for its architectural beauty, its historic riverside, and the high quality of its lifestyle.
Without a doubt, gastronomically, Porto wine is the city’s star product, to the point that there is a district dedicated exclusively to this beverage, the World of Wine, which offers museums, restaurants, bars, shops, and a wine school.
We’ve discussed the flavors of Portugal in other blogs, where Porto features prominently with restaurants like Líder or A Regaleira, home of the legendary sandwich known as the «francesinha.»
We must also mention the famous São Bento Train Station, a fine example of the beautiful art of Portuguese tiles: the building’s atrium is covered with twenty thousand tiles.
As we can see, both Madrid and Porto continue to be recognized not only for their tourist appeal but also as excellent places to live, offering residents a vibrant and complete urban experience.
Would you like to live on the Iberian Peninsula?
AIM Global offers a wide range of services related to residency and citizenship in Spain and Portugal, including the Golden Visa.
In the case of Spain, we can help you obtain Spanish nationality, whether through the Law of Grandchildren, by descent, or through marriage.
We also provide advice regarding the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, real estate brokerage, and investments.
Don’t hesitate to schedule a meeting with our team. We have offices in Portugal and a great team of professionals who are experts in these matters. We can help you make your dream of international mobility a reality.
