On this publish, I’ll share with you my ideas on the primary professionals and cons of residing in Lisbon, Portugal’s stunning capital.
With its year-round sunshine, atmospheric cobblestone streets, colourful tiled buildings, and wealthy cultural and culinary scene, Lisbon is a fairly superb place to reside, all issues thought-about. It’s one in all my favourite cities in Europe and I’ve spent various time there over the previous few years.
However, it’s not excellent. Nowhere is. Like several main capital metropolis, Lisbon comes with its personal set of benefits and drawbacks. General, I’d say the advantages of residing in Lisbon vastly outweigh the drawbacks. Nevertheless it’s essential to think about a spread of various elements, which is what I’ll be doing right here.
15 Professionals and Cons of Residing in Lisbon
When developing with this set of professionals and cons of residing in Lisbon, I relied largely alone private expertise of town, and Portugal extra broadly. Having spent many weeks residing there myself, I do know Lisbon fairly nicely.
I even have a few associates who’re from Lisbon and have lived there most of their lives, so I’ve been in a position to get a neighborhood’s views on town too. That can assist you determine whether or not Lisbon could be place for you, right here’s a balanced view of life in Portugal’s capital.
Professionals of Residing in Lisbon
There are lots of benefits of residing in Lisbon. Listed below are 10 of the perfect issues concerning the metropolis.
1. Inexpensive Value of Residing
Lisbon is a comparatively inexpensive metropolis to reside in, no less than in contrast with different Western European capital cities. Your cash goes a lot additional right here than it might in, say, Paris, London, or Copenhagen.
It’s undoubtedly not as low cost because it was once. And it’s nonetheless the most costly metropolis in Portugal to reside in. Town has seen fairly a little bit of worth inflation over the previous few years, partly resulting from its reputation with digital nomads which has induced a surge in rental costs.
But, regardless of this current worth inflation (see under for more information on this), you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in a top quality of life in Lisbon with out breaking the financial institution. Lease, meals, transport, and leisure are all comparatively inexpensive.
2. Nice Climate
One of many issues I like most about Lisbon is its climate. Town enjoys a Mediterranean local weather with gentle winters and lengthy, sizzling summers. This implies you’ll be able to spend loads of time outdoors having fun with town’s many parks, gardens, and out of doors areas all year long.
Lisbon has greater than 300 sunny days per 12 months, making it one of many sunniest capital cities in Europe. The winters are gentle, with temperatures hardly ever dropping under 10°C (50°F).
In the summertime, you’ll be able to count on lengthy days with loads of sunshine and temperatures averaging round 28°C (82°F). For those who love heat, sunny climate, Lisbon could possibly be the place for you!
3. Vibrant Tradition and Wealthy Historical past
As one of many oldest capital cities in Europe, Lisbon has a wealthy historical past and a vibrant tradition. From its beautiful structure and charming neighborhoods to its museums and galleries, there’s all the time one thing new to find on this metropolis.
One in all my favourite issues to do in Lisbon is simply wander round and get misplaced in its atmospheric again streets. It appears like exploring a historic film set or a residing museum; there’s one thing stunning and engaging round each nook.
Lisbon can be an architectural gem, with its pastel-colored buildings, tiled facades, and grand monuments dotted all through town. The picturesque Alfama district is particularly well-known for its conventional Moorish-style buildings and slender alleys that appear to move you again in time.
4. Gorgeous Seashores Close by
Not many capital cities can boast of getting beautiful seashores only a quick distance away. However Lisbon is fortunate sufficient to have a few of the most stunning coastlines in Europe inside straightforward attain.
From the well-known browsing hotspot of Cascais to the picturesque city of Estoril, there’s no scarcity of attractive seashores to select from. Praia do Magoito is one in all my private favorites.
For those who’re a surfer, you’re in for a deal with with numerous improbable browsing spots dotted alongside the coast each north and south of town. And when you’d want one thing somewhat extra enjoyable, there are many seashores ultimate for swimming, sunbathing, and having fun with a sundowner because the solar units over the ocean.
5. Scrumptious Meals and Wine
Portuguese delicacies is commonly missed in favor of its Mediterranean neighbors, nevertheless it undoubtedly shouldn’t be! Lisbon’s meals scene is vibrant, various, and scrumptious.
As you’d count on for a coastal metropolis, contemporary seafood is commonly the star of the present. However there are numerous different scrumptious native dishes to take pleasure in too, akin to cozido à portuguesa (a hearty stew), bacalhau (salted cod), and the well-known pastel de nata (custard tart).
Portugal additionally produces some wonderful wines, lots of which can be found for very affordable costs – particularly when you purchase them from a grocery store. Attempt a glass or two of native vinho verde or Alentejo purple wine, my favourite.
6. Glorious Public Transport
Getting round in Lisbon is simple due to its environment friendly public transport system. Town has an in depth and interconnected community of buses, trams, metros, trains, and ferries that cowl all the foremost areas.
The metro is particularly handy for getting round rapidly and cheaply. It’s clear, low cost, and fashionable, and even connects to Lisbon Airport, which makes touring to and from town a breeze. This implies you don’t want to fret about having a automobile, which is without doubt one of the main professionals of residing in Lisbon.
Lisbon’s location can be an excellent base for touring additional afield. Not solely is it well-connected with the remainder of Portugal, however you may get low cost flights from right here to locations all throughout Europe and past.
7. Pleasant Locals
I do know it seems like a little bit of a cliche, however in my expertise, Portuguese folks actually are as pleasant as their repute suggests. This even extends to residents of the large metropolis.
I’ve discovered Lisbon locals to be extraordinarily welcoming and useful. It’s widespread for strangers to strike up conversations with you, and for folks to exit of their approach that can assist you discover what you’re searching for. It’s simply a part of town’s heat and welcoming tradition.
8. Vibrant Artwork and Music Scene
Lisbon hums with inventive power, from its world-renowned avenue artwork to eclectic music festivals. Portugal has a protracted custom of arts, literature, and music, which is mirrored within the vigorous cultural scene within the metropolis.
You possibly can attend concert events, exhibitions, festivals, and different occasions all 12 months spherical. Fado tunes spill out of open home windows, and the streets usually flip into impromptu levels for native musicians and performers.
And, when you’re a fan of avenue artwork, Lisbon is unquestionably a metropolis for you. Its streets are full of colourful and thought-provoking items that add to town’s already vibrant environment. There are even a number of organized excursions devoted to showcasing the perfect avenue artwork within the metropolis.
9. Security and Safety
Lisbon is one in all Europe’s most secure capital cities, with a comparatively low crime price. After all, it’s all the time important to remain vigilant and apply commonsense precautions, however typically talking, Lisbon is a really secure metropolis to reside in.
I’ve all the time felt snug strolling across the metropolis alone at evening. Theft and petty crime usually are not as widespread right here as in lots of different European cities; one of many many explanation why it’s an ideal place to reside.
Lisbon is a common metropolis with digital nomads and different distant employees. There are folks residing right here from all around the world, which provides to town’s various and cosmopolitan vibe.
This additionally implies that there are many alternatives to satisfy different expats and make new associates. Many cafes, coworking areas, and neighborhood occasions cater particularly to this neighborhood, making it simpler for newcomers to combine into life in Lisbon.
Plus, having a community of like-minded people is all the time useful once you’re transferring to a brand new metropolis.
Cons of Residing in Lisbon
After all, nowhere is ideal. Whereas it’s an ideal metropolis total, there are actually a number of disadvantages of residing in Lisbon. Listed below are 5 of the primary ones.
1. Restricted Job Alternatives
In some sectors, the native job market can pose a problem, notably for these in search of high-paying roles. Salaries in Lisbon are typically decrease than in different Western European cities, and the unemployment price is increased.
Nonetheless, that is slowly altering as increasingly more worldwide corporations arrange places of work in Lisbon. And with Portugal’s rising economic system and favorable enterprise local weather, there are alternatives for these prepared to place within the effort to search out them.
Nonetheless, you might discover it tougher to discover a good job right here in contrast with many different main cities in Europe. After all, when you’re a distant employee, digital nomad, and/or have your personal on-line enterprise, this isn’t prone to be an enormous draw back to residing in Lisbon.
2. Crowded Vacationer Season
Lisbon is changing into an more and more common vacationer vacation spot, which might imply that town heart will get fairly crowded throughout peak season – typically talking, from early June till late September.
That is much less of an issue when you reside somewhat additional out from the primary touristy areas (Alfama or Bairro Alto), nevertheless it’s undoubtedly one thing to bear in mind when you’re planning on residing centrally.
Costs for lodging and different necessities can even rise throughout this time, so funds accordingly. Fortunately, Lisbon is a comparatively inexpensive metropolis total, so even throughout peak season, it’s nonetheless potential to reside right here comfortably with out breaking the financial institution.
3. Winter Dampness
Winters in Lisbon are typically fairly gentle. Nonetheless, resulting from its location on the Atlantic coast, town experiences pretty excessive ranges of humidity throughout the winter months.
This, mixed with the cooler climate, can depart a humid chill in your bones. Dampness can be an issue for older buildings and houses which could not be as well-ventilated.
Winter dampness is one thing I used to significantly hate about residing within the UK. I’d nonetheless relatively be in Lisbon than London in January, don’t get me unsuitable. Nevertheless it’s price bringing some good high quality heat clothes (and presumably investing in a dehumidifier on your residence) to fight the problem.
4. Advanced Paperwork
Each Portuguese individual I do know has informed me how a lot they dislike the paperwork in Portugal. Generally it appears like getting something official completed (be it making use of for a residence allow, opening a checking account, or registering for healthcare) requires an countless quantity of paperwork and ready.
The language barrier can even make this course of extra difficult. Many authorities officers and customer support representatives don’t communicate a lot English, so it may be useful to have no less than some primary data of Portuguese when coping with these issues.
Nonetheless, when you’ve navigated the paperwork and have all of your paperwork so as, issues typically run fairly easily. It’s only a matter of patiently leaping by a number of hoops to get there.
5. Rising Value of Residing in In style Areas
As Lisbon’s reputation soars, so does its value of residing, notably in stylish neighborhoods. Lease costs in common areas have elevated considerably lately, making it more difficult to search out inexpensive housing than it was once.
For those who’re prepared to reside somewhat additional out from town heart or share an residence with others, it’s nonetheless potential to search out moderately priced lodging. However you need to be lifelike about the kind of place you’ll be able to afford if you wish to reside tremendous central.
One other unlucky impact of rising lease prices is that it’s began to cost some locals out. Understandably, this could result in resentment in the direction of the inflow of overseas (comparably rich) residents and vacationers. It’s a fancy situation, however one to be aware of if you wish to reside in Lisbon.
Is Residing in Lisbon Value It?
For those who’re searching for a pleasant, heat, inexpensive European capital metropolis with bucketfuls of tradition, tasty meals, a great deal of nice issues to see and do, and exquisite seashores on the doorstep, Lisbon is fairly arduous to beat.
Naturally, there are a number of downsides to residing in Lisbon. Nonetheless, total I imagine that the professionals vastly outweigh the cons. The approach to life right here is relaxed and laid-back, however nonetheless vibrant and thrilling – it’s an ideal place to reside with a top quality of life. I’m positive you’ll find it irresistible as a lot as I do!
