Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Ana

What is it like to live in Lisbon? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Lisbon, Lisboa, is one of the best cities to live in, not expensive at all comparing with the other european capitals and has a huge history, according to the portuguese discovers. There are activities and places to go to all ages and preferences - beach (Estoril, Cascais); drinks; theater's plays; walks into church's and castles (Castelo de S. Jorge); trips in the old tram (28) which makes the round through the most old part of the city; buy all kind of books, clothes, old staff in the most big faire known - Feira da Ladra; go to listen Fado in Bairro Alto or Alfama; beautiful gardens to visit like Quinta da Regaleira (Sintra).
The day life in Lisbon is peaceful, I lived for 5 years and never had any problem.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

A student can have a really big time in Lisbon, at least I had. I studied in Lisbon during 5 years and were the most unforgettable times. Is easy to catch a public transportation (metro, bus or tram) to go wherever, I recommend - avoid taking a taxi or your own car. Parking in Lisbon is crazy, never is a space and is to expensive to park in the center. The taxi is not so expensive, but I mean there are night buses that work pretty well and is easy to catch them. But of course, in last minute a taxis is ok (not so expensive, around 8-15euros).
The people are really friendly and is possible to ask anything to anyone. Of course you need to be careful what time and where yo are walking, but normally is really pacific.
The time in the University is also cool, you meet new people, other different cultures. Because normally there are a lot of erasmus students in Lisbon. So is really good the exchange of knowledge and experience.
After University normally I went to a 'miradouro' (sightseeing) called 'Adamastor'. There is a really nice view and is the best place to see the sunset with a beer.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Is not an expensive city and actually to find a place/room to stay is easy if you know where to go. Of course, being a portuguese city is not very well organized, but that is also a good challenge. To find a place to stay (room) is not so hard, normally the universities there have a Students association that actually helps you a lot. Besides they motivate you to enter in the academic spirit of the university you are sign in, can be for 6 months or more. A room with all the expenses included normally is around 250-350 euros in the center. Of course , if you choose for a studio is a little more.
Drinks are really cheap comparing with other cities, instead of buying a beer for 5 euros in Lisbon is possible with 1/1,50 euros. Food is also something not so expensive, of course it depends the places you go, but between supermarket and 'tascas' is pretty ok. I call 'tascas' the places that have in a cheap way typical portuguese dishes, and many times are the best ones. Normally in Lisbon you can find around the Largo do Carmo (example - 'Faca e garfo').
Also, sometimes students are with no money, but there are a lot of mini festivals and events happening in Lisbon which are complete free. So if you keep update with the monthly cultural program of Lisbon you will find something nice to do.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lisbon? Is there any advice you can give?

If you are going to study ask in the University if they have a residence, normally the public ones in all Portugal have, is easier and cheaper. Or ask for the students union, all universities have one, and they receive all the time rooms to rent, for a short or long period of time. Is nice, because through the University is possible to stay with someone from your course or campus.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Of course, the portuguese food is really good, but maybe I am not the perfectly person to talk about it, because I am portuguese. However, the most famous dishes are with codfish (bacalhau) made in the many ways that portuguese knows how to do it (100 different ways), sardines with boiled potatoes and salad and 'arroz de marisco' (rice with sea food). And I am not talking about the deserts... For example - 'pastel de Belem' in Belem is the best way to end a meal.

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

There are a lot of beautiful places to visit - Castelo S. Jorge, Adamastor sightseeing, St. Cruz elevator, Terreiro do Paco, Belem (Mosteiro dos Geronimos, Palacio Nacional da Ajuda, Centro Cultural de Belem, Museu da Electricidade), walk in the old part of Lisbon, go to Sintra (Quinta da Regaleira, Palacio da Pena),... There are many good and crazy staff to do in Lisbon.

Is it good to eat out in Lisbon? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Is always good to eat out, special when is a incredible sun or is a perfect night and you just want to do something with your friends. Normally, I go to 'Bacalhoeiro', a restaurant in Rossio or some illegal Chinese restaurants in Martim Moniz, really good.

Is the nightlife good in Lisbon? Where is good to go?

The nightlfe in Bairro Alto (Teatro do Bairro), Santos (Plateau), Cais Sodre (Music Box), Alcantara (Lx. Factor) St. Apolonia (Fabrica Braco de Prata and Lux) is awesome, you can find a lot of bares and discos with different types of music from electronic to drum's bass, to rock, to commercial,...Personally I love Teatro do Bairro (at 11.30 p.m they have concerts all nights, different types of music but normally electronic), Plateau one of the discos which all Wednesdays nights is lady's night so is free entrance for all ladies with 3 free drinks included and with 80's music, Fabrica Braco de Prata and Lx. Factor. This two last places are old fabrics which were recuperated and now are full of cultural activities during the day and night.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Enjoy the sun, the sand, the costums, the culture, everything you can. Is a warm city with a huge heart. ;)