Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Diogo

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

It's a beautiful city near the river, with many different kinds of eras and buildings over the city. Probably not the most organized, but that's really part of the character of it. One of the best attractions are definitely the good and cheap food. I would definitely recommend it. Enjoy the sunsets on the belvederes drinking a coffee or a beer.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

The student life in Lisbon I would say is relaxed and full of tradition and parties! At least until the exams season, of course.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

The food is relatively cheap, specially if you compare it with other european countries. I think you would be able to rent a room in a good place with good transportation for around 250€. For transportation with 36.30€ a month you can go almost everywhere inside Lisbon.

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

No, it's not difficult! The best thing you can do is search on portuguese sites, and not rooms for erasmus students. Also find a place that is easilly reachable by public transportation (but that's the similar in every place).

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

The food is delicious! My favourite dishes are sardines (on summer), bitoque which has a pork steak with a rare fried egg on top, french fries, rice and salad. You can eat it on any regular restaurant for around 5, 6 €.
Also try the seafood like cockles, clams, crabs.
On summer you can eat snails with a beer,q It's really popular! Try the big ones called "caracoletas"

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

To enjoy the city drink a coffee, or a beer you need to go to belvederes some well known like Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, or Miradouro de Santa Luzia that has a close view to the river.

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

Yes, you can find many restaurants that sell relatively cheap food, with the plates of the day for 5/6€. Just look for normal restaurants that look good and go. You can always order the house wine or cheap beer.
Pasteis de Belém in Belem sells the best pasteis de nata in the world, it's definitely a place to go.
Also you can eat at Belem a really good, cheap and well served fast food (like kebaps, hamburguers etc) at Pão Pão Queijo Queijo.

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

Definitely, I'd recommend you to go out at Bairro Alto, Santos and the Pink Street on Cais do Sodré.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Open your mind and enjoy Lisboa!