Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Maria

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

To live in Lisbon is quite an exclusive experience, Here you still can find very friendly persons who can assist you if you need some help as finding things or trying to be understood. Here everybody tries to be understood no matter your origin. You have a culture to absorb, a safe place to live, where you can have sun almost all year long. I have travelled around the world and I have known different cities and different countries from North to South, from Europe to America or Asia. I could live in other cities but I would never feel so comfortable and accepted by locals as I feel in Lisbon. Talking about the city itself: When you arrive in Lisbon, the first feeling you have is of its warming people. Everyone wants to help you, to show you the ways to go or places to stay. So, Lisbon people is its first asset, multicultural, sometimes not very disciplined but very authentic. When you arrive you see a city full of ancient history, living side by side with its modernity. Ancient monuments and buildings are being preserved telling you a story every corner you turn to. Then you reach the river and the open sea and then you understand why there's so much to tell. Then you feel curious to see more and to learn more and feel like taking a bike and ride around the city, feeling its such an exclusive life.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

Lisbon universities are not organised in university campus as you can see in other European cities. Lisbon has public universities and private ones, some with some residential facilities nearby but not all of them. So student housing is an issue to be dealt directly by students who have to search for a place to stay in private entities/ owners who out rooms to rent in their websites. So, an average student can get a comfortable place to stay and enjoy the friends he can get at the university or hanging out after classes. There are great places to enjoy the happy hours and also to go out at night. Lisbon night is very dynamic and very alive. Here you can have a great time: at the university campus, where you have all you need in terms of learning means and after classes, having a great time with friends and acquaintances.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It depends on the level you are or want to be. An average student can spend about 500€/month with housing staying in a comfortable well located residence/room at a shared apartment not far form the centre. Regular food/beverage about 300-500/month. The rest depends on how you wnat to tak eprofit of your time, still, it is not very expensive compared to other European cities where life is much more expensive. Drinks are not expensive, so with about 1300€ you can have a great time in Lisbon.

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

Accomodation is a private issue that has to be solved by the student. You have a wide range of options depending on the budget you have, from 350€/month ( a shared bedroom in a low cost apartment) until 750€ or more if you want a luxury suite in a student residence. My advice is to get a well located room, close to a metro station, making your drive to the campus easy and fast. For 400-500€ you get a very comfortable room close to the center and also close to the University you are studying. Go to student housing websites and search for locations like Arroios or Avenidas Novas.

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

Th food is very diversified but very tasty. If you want to try local food you will enjoy great dishes. My favourites: all types involving codfish; duck with rice; grilled chicken; all seafood dishes ( clams, shrimp rice, etc); grilled fish (very tasty because of Portuguese sea waters)

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

Go to the castle (s. Jorge Castle) and see the view and learn some history about the city and how it has been conquered.

Go to Graça-Senhora do Monte - and enjoy the view over the city and also a very typical quarter full of life

Go to Marques de Pombal square and walk down Av Liberdade (Portuguese NY 5th Avenue)until you reach the river, passing through some historic places and squares (Rossio, Restauradores and Terreiro do Paço) and then take the train/bus to Belem and see the monuments related with "Portuguese discoveries" and on the way visit the MAAT or the CCB centre.

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

Yes of course. Surely you will get a great experience going out for dinner in Lisbon. There is a wide range of options from the cheapest ones to the most expensive (2 Michelin star restaurants).

If you want to try very tasty and gourmet food in a casual space, don't miss "Timeout market Lisboa". I just love some: the "Boa Bao Lisboa" an asiatic new wave restaurant; The "Eat Pray &love"; the IBO : The Backyard". So many that are very difficult for me to tell them all. For Portuguese typical food: Adega do Saraiva or a trendy one "Café Lisboa",

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

Awsome! you have to try it! Go to Bairro Alto narrow streets full of bars and places to hang out with friends or to get new friends. Then go down to Cais do Sodré quarter (Bairro Cais do Sodré)and enjoy what's happening at Rua Nova od Carvalho where the best bars are placed.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Lisbon is a very attractive city nowadays especially because of its joyful nightlife. My advice is that you have to live it smoothly, meaning "don't get lost into this colourful Lisbon night" Try it but with moderation unless your studies will be troubled.