Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Miguel

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

Peaceful, relaxed and friendly. Very easy-going indeed. There's an economical crisis in portugal now but you won't notice that, because the locals are always very friendy to tourists, visitors, foreigners.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

It's ok, but with a catch: the university main area, in Campo Grande, is a bit far from city centre. Don't expect a lot of things to happen in Campo Grande, but you can walk to Avenida Roma or Avenida da Igreja, which are always lively. For the resto, take the subway to the centre or Expo - Parque das Nações.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It depends. Will you rent a room or a flat? Will you cook at home or go to restaurants? It's rather cheap for foreigners and sometimes too expensive for locals. The supermarlets are very competitive, which means there are great bargains.

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

It is very easy.
But I still feel students tend to look for accommodation near university campus (again, Campo Grande) and then get very disappointed when they find out nothing happens there.
My suggestion: find a good place to live in city centre (Baixa, Alfama, Bairro Alto, Graça, São Vicente). Take subway to university. It is much better than the other way round.

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

Food is great and very cheap (5 euros a meal for lunch, 10/15 euros for a good dinner).
Take chances. Restaurants are very trendy now, we already have some Michelin-starred chefs in the city. Everything changes on a monthly basis. Find Escadinhas do Duque, Bairro Alto, Alfama, Sé, Castelo, Chiado and Cais do Sodré. Go to Santos and Alcantara and Cascais, it's fun. Explore.

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

You have to find out!

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

Restaurants are very trendy now, we already have some Michelin-starred chefs in the city. Everything changes on a monthly basis. Find Escadinhas do Duque, Bairro Alto, Alfama, Sé, Castelo, Chiado and Cais do Sodré. Go to Santos and Alcantara and Cascais, it's fun. Explore.

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

Go to Lux Frágil, near Santa Apolónia train terminal. But only after you started the night in Bairro Alto, Bica or Cais do Sodré.
Cais do Sodré, the former Red Light District of Lisbon, is now very hip. We call ir the Pink Light District: there's a pink-painted street.
For gay nightlife, head to Principe Real and Praça das Flores neighborhood. You won't be disappointed.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Don't sleep.
Never leave.
Love to have you.