Experience in Lisbon, Portugal, by Laura L

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

Lisbon is an amazing city, beautiful and great to explore. Lisbon really doesn't feel like a capital, everything is old and small and you can spend hours just walking, you'll find hidden squares, small cafés, pretty gardens, etc. Take the boat to discover the other side of the river as well.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

I've never been a student in Lisbon, but I guess it's all about partying and enjoying the nice weather and beautiful city with a ressaca!

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Living in Lisbon is quite cheap. Portugal is one of the, if not the, cheapest countries in western Europe. Expect to pay 1€ for a beer, 0. 70€ for a coffee and 5-10€ for a dish.

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

It's difficult to find decent accommodation in Lisbon. Buildings are very old, there is no heating and in the winter it's very cold inside. But, on the other hand, you can find pretty cheap places. In general, it's much cheaper when you're not in the city centre.

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

Food is good, but it's not the finest cuisine ever. You can find very good fish though and some specialities like, of course the bacalhau (codfish), some pork dishes, etc. Portuguese are really into pastries, and the coffee is probably the cheapest and one of the best in western Europe.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

Lisbon is not a city that you visit, it's a city where you get lost. No big museums with world famous paintings here, but a lot of places to just walk around, have a coffee, admire the view (the city has a lot of amazing viewpoints), eat a pastel de nata, take the tram (late in the evening otherwise it's over-crowded), talk to people, read a book in a garden, have a beer at a kiosque...

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One special place: Esplanada do Monte Agudo.

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

You can find good and cheap places. Traditional Portuguese tascas, but also restaurants you wouldn't expect. Immigration is important in Lisbon, and therefore you can find very good Indian, Chinese, African restaurants.

Try the illegal Chinese in Rua do Benformoso (second floor not first), and also a special tip that you'll never hear of but that you should definitely try: Gremio, a tiny place in a bike shop (Rcicla) where you can eat amazing vegetarian food (don't expect the usual tasteless, super expensive vegetarian food) for 5€. Trust me!

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

Lisbon is all about partying. Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré (Rua Cor-de-Rosa), and Bica are the three areas where you can find a lot of bars, have cheap drinks in the street and meet people before going out.

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Then you can go to a club, or you also have alternative places like Casa Independente, Anos Sessenta, Primeiro Andar... And don't forget the gay scene! Trumps is a must!

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

There is a special atmosphere in Lisbon, and you should really take the time to get the culture, and live the Portuguese lifestyle, slower and more hedonistic. Go out, you're gonna be safe. Eat, walking in the city will eliminate your extra fat. Enjoy!