Porto faces tourism boom pressures and gentrification

Porto is experiencing significant pressure from a tourism boom that is showing signs of exhaustion. The Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport expects to exceed its 2025 record of 16.9 million passengers this year. This surge has transformed the historic center, with many residents noting that the area has become ‘completely gentrified’ as souvenir shops and brunch cafes replace traditional establishments.

There are currently 217 tourist accommodations operating in the city, providing 30,600 beds—an increase of 7,300 since 2019. An additional 122 licensed establishments are expected to join. This expansion occurs as the city of fewer than 300,000 inhabitants faces a severe housing crisis. The metropolitan area now hosts nearly 90,000 tourist beds.

Due to high demand, popular sites like the Jardim do Morro viewpoint are planning to restrict entry. Beyond the city center, Porto is increasingly serving as a gateway for the northern region, including the Douro Valley, Minho, and routes toward Galicia.