Living in Lisbon: New Guide
Introduction
Lisbon, the beautiful and vibrant capital of Portugal, is an enchanting city situated on the banks of the Tagus River.
From its stunning white villas to its cobbled streets, there's a lot to fall in love with here.
The city boasts a rich history and culture that dates back centuries, with a number of architectural features like old churches, castles and monuments that reflect this past.
The city is also home to some of Europe’s most impressive museums, art galleries and theatres.
History
The Portuguese capital history is a long and storied one, stretching back to the days of Ancient Roman occupation in the 1st century BC. It was during this time that the city was established as an important trading port, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean.
After being conquered by the Moors in 714 AD, Lisbon became known as al-Ushbuna (“the white house”) due to its whitewashed buildings. By 1147 AD, it had been reconquered by Christian forces and went on to become a major hub of trade and exploration in Europe.
In 1580, King Philip II declared Lisbon as Portugal's capital city and it soon developed into an influential center of commerce and culture.
In 1755, a devastating earthquake struck Lisbon resulting in thousands of deaths and massive destruction throughout the city. Despite this incident, Lisbon quickly recovered and remains one of Europe's most beautiful cities today.
Throughout its fascinating history, Lisbon has continued to be an important commercial center for Portugal - hosting a wide array of industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy production, chemical manufacturing and more.
Today, it continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe due to its stunning beauty and vibrant culture!
City Life
If you are coming to visit Portugal and visit Lisbon, have in mind that it is a very walkable city. You can explore Avenida da Liberdade, Bairro Alto, Campo de Ourique and much more by foot - sometimes even in one single day. But if you want to explore Lisbon's seven hills, we recommend that you rent a Tuc Tuc.
Outdoor Life
For those looking to explore the outdoors, Lisbon has plenty of green spaces and parks in the city centre where visitors can spend time relaxing or getting active in nature.
From the picturesque Monsanto Forest Park to the scenic Parque das Nações riverside gardens, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to take in.
The big city has many beaches nearby, which makes easier to enjoy the laid back lifestyle.
Nightlife
When night falls upon Lisbon, it comes alive with energy from its buzzing nightlife scene. There are countless bars, pubs and nightclubs around town offering live music and a wide variety of drinks for visitors to enjoy.
For those who want to experience true Portuguese culture during their stay in Lisbon, there’s plenty of unique activities you can take part in - from Fado music concerts at traditional restaurants; to exploring various artisan markets; or even taking cooking classes that focus solely on traditional recipes from this region!
No matter what your interests may be, whether you’re looking for historical sites or cultural experiences, Lisbon is the right place to be! With its lively atmosphere, stunning sights and rich heritage - it’s no wonder why Lisbon is one of Europe's top destinations!
Top Reasons to Live in Lisbon
The expat life in Lisbon is an incredibly exciting and unique experience, and there are countless reasons why it's one of the best cities to call home. From its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, to its delicious food and rich history - here are just a few of the top reasons why people choose to live in Lisbon:
1. Amazing Climate: Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. Its great weather and beautiful beaches makes it perfect for outdoor activities like beach going, sightseeing, hiking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through town. The city also receives plenty of sunshine - making it an ideal destination for taking in some vitamin D!
Portuguese people love to explore what the city offers, especially its beaches: Praia de Carcavelos and Praia da Costa da Caparica are their favorites!
2. Rich Culture: Portugal is well known for its vibrant culture and Lisbon has plenty of attractions to offer those looking to take part in this cultural exchange. From traditional art galleries to modern theatres showcasing classical music – you’ll get a taste of Portuguese life here that you won’t find anywhere else!
3. Unique Cuisine: If you’re a foodie, then you’ll love living in Lisbon! From traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and pastel de nata to more modern favorites like francesinha (a hot sandwich) – there’s something here to suit everyone’s taste buds!
4. Affordable Living: One of the biggest benefits of living in Lisbon is that it’s relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Whether you’re looking for housing or just want to buy groceries – costs here tend to be lower than what you would find elsewhere on the continent! Also, Portugal has a great public healthcare system, so you don't need to pay for a private medical insurance.
5. Accessible Transportation: Lisbon's public transport system is efficient and reliable, with great metro lines, which makes getting around town so much easier! Plus, if you prefer walking - the city's narrow streets make it easy to explore Lisbon on foot too!
6. Safety: Lisbon is an incredibly safe city, and travelers and residents alike can rest assured knowing that their safety is a priority. The Portuguese government has implemented a number of policies to ensure the security of its citizens and visitors. The country has a well-equipped police force that is on hand to respond to any incidents or emergencies.
In the past few years, Lisbon became a very international city, so it has lots of language schools, universities, international schools (also a British school), digital nomads, co working spaces, international companies, many expats and a nice expat community.
These are just a few of the top reasons why living in Lisbon is such an incredible experience, there’s no shortage of activities and things to do here that will make your new life living abroad truly unforgettable!
What About The Cons?
Living in Lisbon offers a diverse range of experiences and opportunities for those looking to settle down in this vibrant city. From its unique cuisine to affordable cost of living, there are plenty of benefits that come with residing in Lisbon.
However, it's important to understand both the pros and cons before making your decision.
Cons:
- High Population Density: Being one of Europe’s most populous cities means that space can be limited in some areas – particularly during peak times when overcrowding can occur on public transport networks or when visiting popular tourist attractions.
- Long Wait Times For Services: Due to its high population density, services such as health care or government bureaucracy may take longer than usual as they handle requests from many people at once. If you're looking for quick assistance with any administrative issues then this could be something worth bearing in mind.
Note that generally, Portuguese homes do not have central heating, so you should keep this in mind when exploring housing prices and choosing your new home. If you prefer buying property, take a look at this article.
While there are certainly some drawbacks associated with living in Lisbon, the advantages far outweigh them.
With its stunning views, good weather and plentiful cultural attractions – this unique place has plenty to offer those who choose Lisbon to call it home.
Renting A Home in Lisbon
Renting a home in Lisbon, the largest city in Portugal, is a great option for those looking to experience life from a local perspective.
The process of renting a home in Lisbon is relatively straightforward - but we understand it can be pretty stressful just because.
First, it’s important to determine what type of property you are looking for – such as an apartment or house. Once you have identified the type of accommodation that best suits your needs, it time to start searching for available properties.
Along with traditional rental agencies, there are also many online resources that offer listings of properties in Lisbon. These websites often provide detailed information, such as property prices, pictures, descriptions and contact information. Some may even include reviews from previous tenants which can be helpful in finding the right place for you!
When viewing potential rentals it’s important to keep certain factors in mind such as location, size, cost and amenities. It’s also a good idea to inspect the property thoroughly before deciding to sign a lease agreement so that you can make sure that everything meets your expectations. If applicable, you may want to consider hiring an independent inspector who can verify the condition of the building and address any potential safety concerns.
Once you have found your perfect home in Lisbon all that remains is signing the contract and completing any necessary paperwork. Depending on where you decide to rent from this could include providing proof of income/employment, references from previous landlords or even bank statements/credit checks so be sure to ask about what will be needed upfront before signing anything.
Cost of Living
Many foreigners, especially those with foreign income, ask this question. Living in Lisbon can be an affordable experience for those looking to settle down in this vibrant city.
Due to its warm climate, access to public transportation, and diverse range of cultural attractions, the cost of living in Lisbon is relatively low compared to other cities in Europe.
The average rental price for a one-bedroom or studio apartment located in the city center is considered low cost when compared to other capitals - Lisbon rents pricing are fair. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet typically cost less than €100 per month combined.
Food expenses also tend to be fairly low in Lisbon. Groceries generally cost between €50 - €150 per person each month depending on lifestyle and dietary preferences. Eating out several times a week at restaurants or cafes can also be reasonably priced with meals ranging from €5 - €20 depending on the type of cuisine you choose to enjoy!
Public transport is also very reasonable in Lisbon with one-way tickets costing as little as €1.45 for buses or trams and an all-day ticket costing around €6 if you plan on traveling more extensively throughout the day. There are also discounts available if you choose to use monthly passes (only €40 for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area!).
Finally, it's important to keep in mind that there are additional costs involved such as taxes and insurance (remember that the Portuguese healthcare system is public and generally free) – so make sure you factor these into your calculations when budgeting for life in Lisbon! All things considered though – it's clear that living here is a great value experience due its affordable prices, wide range of activities available throughout the city and its fantastic weather!