Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Carolina

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

It's amazing! The people are nice and welcoming, if you have any doubt just ask anyone, people are happy to help. It's a city now growing with more open-minded people, that are giving a whole new life to the city. And you still have the charm of the "old city" with it's traditional streets and architecture.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

It's amazing, there are a lot of parties only for students, because our students life is really vivid, there's also a lot of traditions between the veterans and the freshmans, that would be really interesting for foreign students to know.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It's not expensive. Usually you can get a beer in a bar/café for around 1€ or less. Food is also not expensive. For 5-8€ you can find daily menus almost anywhere in town.

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

I don't think so. I'm living home so I'm not a pro in this matter, but I don't think is hard neither expensive.

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

Good, home-made, unpretensious food is what you can find in most of the "little familiar restaurants". You have some very traditional dishes like Beef with fried egg, rice and chips; chicken with mushrooms and cream, and obviosly all the bacalao dishes are complete wins!

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

You should definitely visit the sightseeing places (Mirador do Adamastor is one of the best) and then try to get around the town, hit the vintage and handcrafted markets, and go to Cascais, the beachy part of Lisbon.

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

Yes, obviously it is!! There's a good place to have a glympse of some gourmet traditional food that isn't expensive that is Mercado da Ribeira. Also there's a little chain called Hamburgueria Portuguesa with delicious, portuguese style burguers.

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

It's amazing! Bairro Alto is the most traditional place to go out. It's a zone full of bars where everybody goes. There's a lot of underground amazing bars, but the best way to know Lisbon's night life is to befriend some portuguese people and they'll be happy to show you all the best spots in town!

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Come to Lisbon, open-minded and ready for one of th best times of your life! People are easy-going and eager to help you feel like you're home. We are waiting for you!