Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Joana

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

It´s a great city for the youth. People are nice and the weather tends to be very pleasant. I would definitly recommend it! The city is close to the Tejo river wich makes beautiful views. Personally I enjoy very much living in Lisbon.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

The universities are demanding, so you will have to work hard to get good grades, mostly on the exames period. It´s useful to know other students of the same classes, because they will help learn the best way to study that subject and they may have advice from older students. There are study rooms in every university ask around for (biblioteca).

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Compared with eropean cities is one of the cheapest. But my advice is avoid turist places and I am sure you will find the city quite economic.

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

I think its wuite easy to find accommodation in Lisbon. Just make sure your house is close to a metro station.
Be careful because Arroios and Martim Moniz, although cheaper, can be dangerous during the night.

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

In Lisboa you will find lots of diferent kinds of food.

The red wine is a especiality! And you will find that we like to eat rice with beaf. But we also have very good fish!

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

In Lisbon you should visit Belém(you will find monuments related with the history of portugal); Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belem, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Champaulimaud.
You should visit Baixa-Chiado (the downtown, old part of the city); Igreja da Encarnação, Miradouro de são Pedro de Alcantara, Principe real, elevador de Santa Justa, Terreiro do Paço, Park. It´s a good place to walk around and shop.
Castelo de São Jorge (it´s a old castle on the hill)
You should also get a chance to visite Sintra (wich is near by Lisbon); Palácio da Pena and quinta da Regaleira. And visite Cascais(old fisherman village) and the beaches around it.

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

It is great to eat out in Lisbon but you should make a reservation (over the phone) to make sure you have a place to eat. Here is a list of good and economic restaurants, that I like: By the Wine (tapas and wine), Sesta and Las Ficheras (mexican food), A Mesa LX factory, Di Casa (italian food), Sushi Factory, Pão Pão queijo queijo, Honorato, Fish and Chips, Padaria Portuguesa

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

There are lots of parties and events, and the night life is busy especially on thursday, friday and saturday.
Check out Urban Beach, Bosq, Lux, Lust, Sabor a Santos

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Enjoy your time in Lisbon and try to explore the city as much as possible!