Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Mariana

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

To live in Lisbon means having all the morning stress with the best historic city you have ever imagine, it is like walking on the streets and imagine all the things this city can tell you just by its cultural architecture. I recommend it totally. The city is not all planned but has good transports and treats art with so much love, we are a little different from all the other cities in Europe and very open to tourists.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

The student life here can be very competitive sometimes, even though we have a great academic spirit, with traditions, parties, many people comes to Lisbon from all over the country, because it is the city with the best opportunities. If you are looking for the best of both worlds this is your academic city.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It is not the most expensive city but it is not that easy to live here, a room can cost between 200 to 350 euros with all included, if it is house shared, depending on the location. The transports can be very expensive sometimes, a monthly pass can cost 30 to 70 euros depending where you live. Restaurants for students can be around 10/15 euros per person depending on the type of restaurant.

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

It is not difficult, I advice you to come to Lisbon, it is easier if you look for a place personally talking to people or by an agency than by the internet. The center has the best offers for student housing, try to contact you university sometimes they can help you finding a room on their own campus.

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

The food is good, you have the best fish, sushi, awesome burger houses, pasta. We give much attention to what we call "a padaria" for breaks, and snacks.

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

Baixa chiado, Cidade Universitaria, Cascais, it's very important to go to Sintra. Alfama, Bairro Alto if you want to party, Avenida da Liberdade, Terreiro do Paço, Parque das Nações.

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

I have some favourite spots like Hamburgueria do Bairro, in Principe Real, you have the greatest view to lost in, also in Principe Real.

Mercado da Ribeira is also very nice and you have much choice, you have the Creperia near Mercado da Ribeira, Marco in Santos where you can eat some local dishes. If you are a sushi lover you can go to Nagoya, you have lots of them, but try on Marques de Pombal, in the city center. You have the Padaria Portuguesa, one every five minutes and the price is very low.

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

It is very good, if you are a student I advice you to go to Bairro Alto and Santos, I also advice you to go to urban beach, on Wednesdays Erasmus students don't pay. Try to see if your university has parties, college parties in Lisbon are the best and very simple. If yours don't have try to go to ISCTE or IST, they are the best on that and their prices are very low too.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Come with an open mind, you can find almost anything. Lisbon is a surprise for all of its students.