Experience in Portalegre, Portugal by Carolien

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

Living in Portalegre can be pretty boring. It's a small city in the "middle of nowhere", which can be good or bad depending on what you're looking for.

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It's close to Spain (Badajoz, 1 h by car) and there are buses to other cities.

I study in Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão ESTG from Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre IPP, and I can't complain. It isn't too crowded so the groups aren't too big and that's a very good environment to learn and work. I also like the teachers - more than passionated they can be comprehensive and helpful.

What is the student lifestyle like in Portalegre?

I think that students in Portugal have the best academic experience possible, the tradition is amazing. And that also happens in Portalegre.

Because it's a small place you get to know everyone and be friends with most of them, people are friendly and helpful.

How much does it cost to live in Portalegre?

Compared with other places it isn't expensive at all.

You can find accommodation for less than 200€ and the monthly value of the pass for the bus (inside the city) is around 15€. You'll also spend a normal amount of money in food & other things.

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

Depends. I always stay in the students residence, which isn't perfect but could be worse. But for people searching for a house they can always check the internet or ask other students to help them.

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

Portuguese gastronomy is amazing, you should try everything. I like Açorda, Cozido à Portuguesa and Carne de Porco à Alentejana, for example.

What places would you recommend visiting in Portalegre?

There are beautiful places to visit in the district of Portalegre, like Castelo de Vide, Marvão, etc. Once you get there is easier to ask the locals.

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

I don't usually eat out but there are a few places with typical Portuguese dishes - like I said, Portuguese gastronomy is amazing!

There are nice Chinese/Japanese restaurants, but not much else from other countries. Oh yes, there's also Burger King.

Most of the students eat at the school canteen.

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

Well, it isn't great but it could be worse... There aren't many places to go out (why should there be if there aren't many people) but it's easy to have fun when you're in good company - like always and everywhere. Sometimes they organize pretty fun parties, with different music or academic events.

My favourite bar is called Club Lounge, many students spend a lot of time in there. Then you also have PBX, Álamo (disco), Gémeos, Mano a mano (bar)...

What advice would you give future students heading to Portalegre?

Don't have too much expectations. Prepare to make good friends and have some fun. There you'll get to know more about Portugal and some of its traditions, but don't forget that it's a small place without much to offer.