On this submit, 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 reasonably wonderful place to dwell, 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 every 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. However it’s necessary to contemplate a spread of various elements, which is what I’ll be doing right here.
15 Professionals and Cons of Dwelling 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 properly.
I even have a few pals 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 can be a great place for you, right here’s a balanced view of life in Portugal’s capital.
Professionals of Dwelling in Lisbon
There are numerous benefits of residing in Lisbon. Listed here are 10 of the perfect issues in regards to the metropolis.
1. Inexpensive Price of Dwelling
Lisbon is a comparatively inexpensive metropolis to dwell in, no less than in contrast with different Western European capital cities. Your cash goes a lot additional right here than it will in, say, Paris, London, or Copenhagen.
It’s positively not as low-cost because it was once. And it’s nonetheless the costliest metropolis in Portugal to dwell in. The town has seen fairly a little bit of worth inflation over the previous couple of years, partly resulting from its recognition with digital nomads which has induced a surge in rental costs.
But, regardless of this latest worth inflation (see under for more information on this), you possibly can 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 really like most about Lisbon is its climate. The town enjoys a Mediterranean local weather with delicate winters and lengthy, sizzling summers. This implies you possibly can spend loads of time exterior having fun with town’s many parks, gardens, and out of doors areas all year long.
Lisbon has greater than 300 sunny days per yr, making it one of many sunniest capital cities in Europe. The winters are delicate, with temperatures hardly ever dropping under 10°C (50°F).
In the summertime, you possibly can anticipate 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 at all times one thing new to find on this metropolis.
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Lisbon is simply wander round and get misplaced in its atmospheric again streets. It seems like exploring a historic film set or a residing museum; there’s one thing stunning and interesting 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 very well-known for its conventional Moorish-style buildings and slim alleys that appear to move you again in time.
4. Beautiful 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 beautiful 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 implausible browsing spots dotted alongside the coast each north and south of town. And for those who’d choose one thing a bit of extra stress-free, there are many seashores very best 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 ignored in favor of its Mediterranean neighbors, nevertheless it positively shouldn’t be! Lisbon’s meals scene is vibrant, various, and scrumptious.
As you’d anticipate for a coastal metropolis, recent seafood is commonly the star of the present. However there are various different scrumptious native dishes to take pleasure in too, corresponding 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, a lot of which can be found for very cheap costs – particularly for those who purchase them from a grocery store. Strive a glass or two of native vinho verde or Alentejo purple wine, my favourite.
6. Wonderful Public Transport
Getting round in Lisbon is straightforward due to its environment friendly public transport system. The town has an in depth and interconnected community of buses, trams, metros, trains, and ferries that cowl all the most important areas.
The metro is very handy for getting round rapidly and cheaply. It’s clear, low-cost, and trendy, 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 among the main professionals of residing in Lisbon.
Lisbon’s location can be a perfect base for touring additional afield. Not solely is it well-connected with the remainder of Portugal, however you will get low-cost flights from right here to locations all throughout Europe and past.
7. Pleasant Locals
I do know it appears like a little bit of a cliche, however in my expertise, Portuguese folks actually are as pleasant as their status suggests. This even extends to residents of the massive metropolis.
I’ve discovered Lisbon locals to be extraordinarily welcoming and useful. It’s frequent for strangers to strike up conversations with you, and for folks to exit of their manner that can assist you discover what you’re on the lookout for. It’s simply a part of town’s heat and welcoming tradition.
8. Vibrant Artwork and Music Scene
Lisbon hums with inventive vitality, from its world-renowned road artwork to eclectic music festivals. Portugal has an extended custom of arts, literature, and music, which is mirrored within the full of life cultural scene within the metropolis.
You’ll be able to attend live shows, exhibitions, festivals, and different occasions all yr spherical. Fado tunes spill out of open home windows, and the streets usually flip into impromptu levels for native musicians and performers.
And, for those who’re a fan of road artwork, Lisbon is certainly a metropolis for you. Its streets are full of colourful and thought-provoking items that add to town’s already vibrant ambiance. There are even a number of organized excursions devoted to showcasing the perfect road 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. In fact, it’s at all times important to remain vigilant and follow commonsense precautions, however typically talking, Lisbon is a really secure metropolis to dwell in.
I’ve at all times felt comfy strolling across the metropolis alone at night time. Theft and petty crime should not as frequent right here as in lots of different European cities; one of many many the reason why it’s an awesome place to dwell.
Lisbon is a standard metropolis with digital nomads and different distant staff. There are folks residing right here from everywhere in the world, which provides to town’s various and cosmopolitan vibe.
This additionally implies that there are many alternatives to fulfill different expats and make new pals. 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 at all times useful once you’re shifting to a brand new metropolis.
Cons of Dwelling in Lisbon
In fact, nowhere is ideal. Whereas it’s an awesome metropolis general, there are actually a number of disadvantages of residing in Lisbon. Listed here 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 firms arrange workplaces in Lisbon. And with Portugal’s rising economic system and favorable enterprise local weather, there are alternatives for these keen to place within the effort to search out them.
Nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll discover it tougher to discover a good job right here in contrast with many different main cities in Europe. In fact, for those who’re a distant employee, digital nomad, and/or have your personal on-line enterprise, this isn’t more likely to be an enormous draw back to residing in Lisbon.
2. Crowded Vacationer Season
Lisbon is changing into an more and more standard vacationer vacation spot, which may 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 for those who dwell a bit of additional out from the primary touristy areas (Alfama or Bairro Alto), nevertheless it’s positively one thing to bear in mind for those who’re planning on residing centrally.
Costs for lodging and different necessities may also rise throughout this time, so funds accordingly. Fortunately, Lisbon is a comparatively inexpensive metropolis general, so even throughout peak season, it’s nonetheless doable to dwell right here comfortably with out breaking the financial institution.
3. Winter Dampness
Winters in Lisbon are typically fairly delicate. 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 go away a moist 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 noticeably hate about residing within the UK. I’d nonetheless quite be in Lisbon than London in January, don’t get me incorrect. However it’s value bringing some good high quality heat clothes (and presumably investing in a dehumidifier to your residence) to fight the problem.
4. Complicated Paperwork
Each Portuguese particular person I do know has informed me how a lot they dislike the paperwork in Portugal. Typically it seems like getting something official carried out (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 may also make this course of extra sophisticated. Many authorities officers and customer support representatives don’t communicate a lot English, so it may be useful to have no less than some fundamental information 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 Price of Dwelling in Fashionable Areas
As Lisbon’s recognition soars, so does its value of residing, notably in fashionable neighborhoods. Lease costs in standard areas have elevated considerably lately, making it tougher to search out inexpensive housing than it was once.
For those who’re keen to dwell a bit of additional out from town heart or share an residence with others, it’s nonetheless doable to search out fairly priced lodging. However you ought to be life like about the kind of place you possibly can afford if you wish to dwell tremendous central.
One other unlucky impact of rising hire prices is that it’s began to cost some locals out. Understandably, this may result in resentment in the direction of the inflow of international (comparably rich) residents and vacationers. It’s a posh problem, however one to be conscious of if you wish to dwell in Lisbon.
Is Dwelling in Lisbon Price It?
For those who’re on the lookout 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 delightful seashores on the doorstep, Lisbon is fairly onerous to beat.
Naturally, there are a number of downsides to residing in Lisbon. Nonetheless, general I imagine that the professionals vastly outweigh the cons. The life-style right here is relaxed and laid-back, however nonetheless vibrant and thrilling – it’s an awesome place to dwell with a top quality of life. I’m certain you’ll like it as a lot as I do!
