Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Miguel

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

Calm and peaceful not like others capitals. With greats places to chill we have a bunch of sightseeing spots (we call them miradouros) where people actually go out at night to drink with friends. Next to one of those we have something called the Erasmus Corner. As the name says it's a street full of Erasmus people from all over the world.

The foreign people always complain about the lines (not everyday) at the supermarkets and that people are slow. I'm used to it. It's a small city you can walk to everywhere. And you have a lot to see. You can always see the river (Tagus or Tejo in Portuguese). I recommend.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

There are traditions in Portugal at the universities. The Portuguese students can use the typical student outfit, that is basically a suit all black and white and a cape. Then they will "play" with the freshmen in order to they get to know each other. Is like a ritual to integration. We have so many universities inside Lisbon so you have a lot of students.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a very cheap city. You can eat you lunch for around 6 euros. You can buy a transportation pass (35€) that allows you to ride the subway and all the buses, and so have access to all the parts of the city. Water and gas are very cheap compared with the rest of Europeans countries.

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

Is very easy to find it. There are statistics revealing that houses just for students and foreign (rent) are increasing madly.

What places would you recommend visiting in Lisbon?

Miradouro, castles, beach, Portuguese islands, river spots, Benfica Stadium, Belem, Rossio da Liberdade - expensive shopping street. Sintra....

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

So good, so many spots. You should try the pastel de belem, is a sweet very famous, and so good.

Our gastronomy is outrageous. We have so many awesome sweets, travesseiro de Sintra, ovos moles de aveiro or doces do Algarve.

In terms of dishes we have like 100 different ways to cook codfish (bacalhau), yes, it's really a thing where. We eat the entire pig. So you should try "enchidos" our sardines. Portuguese cozido. So many things.

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

You got discos near the river. Bairro alto, full of Erasmus. Liquor is rather cheap so buying drinks and do your own party with friends is a very good alternative that way you can go anywhere. Here you can drink in public.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lisbon?

Try every typical dish, go to the beach, travel to the islands, the north and Algarve.