On this submit, I’ll share with you my ideas on the principle 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 superb place to stay, all issues thought of. It’s one in every of my favourite cities in Europe and I’ve spent numerous 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. Total, I’d say the advantages of residing in Lisbon vastly outweigh the drawbacks. But it surely’s necessary to think about a variety of various elements, which is what I’ll be doing right here.
15 Execs 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 the town, and Portugal extra broadly. Having spent many weeks residing there myself, I do know Lisbon fairly effectively.
I even have a few associates who’re from Lisbon and have lived there most of their lives, so I’ve been capable of get a neighborhood’s views on the 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.
Execs of Dwelling in Lisbon
There are lots of benefits of residing in Lisbon. Listed here are 10 of one of the best issues in regards to the metropolis.
1. Reasonably priced Price of Dwelling
Lisbon is a comparatively inexpensive metropolis to stay in, at the very least in contrast with different Western European capital cities. Your cash goes a lot additional right here than it could 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 stay in. The town has seen fairly a little bit of value inflation over the previous couple of years, partly as a result of its recognition with digital nomads which has precipitated a surge in rental costs.
But, regardless of this latest value 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. Hire, 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’ll be able to spend loads of time outdoors having fun with the town’s many parks, gardens, and outside 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 delicate, with temperatures not often 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). Should you love heat, sunny climate, Lisbon may very well 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 looks like exploring a historic film set or a residing museum; there’s one thing stunning and engaging round each nook.
Lisbon can also be an architectural gem, with its pastel-colored buildings, tiled facades, and grand monuments dotted all through the town. The picturesque Alfama district is very well-known for its conventional Moorish-style buildings and slender 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 brief distance away. However Lisbon is fortunate sufficient to have a few of the most stunning coastlines in Europe inside simple 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 every of my private favorites.
Should you’re a surfer, you’re in for a deal with with numerous incredible browsing spots dotted alongside the coast each north and south of the town. And if you happen to’d desire one thing a bit extra enjoyable, there are many seashores superb 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 neglected in favor of its Mediterranean neighbors, nevertheless it undoubtedly shouldn’t be! Lisbon’s meals scene is vibrant, numerous, and scrumptious.
As you’d count on for a coastal metropolis, recent seafood is commonly the star of the present. However there are numerous different scrumptious native dishes to take pleasure in too, equivalent 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 cheap costs – particularly if you happen to purchase them from a grocery store. Strive a glass or two of native vinho verde or Alentejo crimson wine, my favourite.
6. Glorious Public Transport
Getting round in Lisbon is straightforward due to its environment friendly public transport system. The town has an intensive and interconnected community of buses, trams, metros, trains, and ferries that cowl all the foremost 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 the town a breeze. This implies you don’t want to fret about having a automobile, which is likely one of the main professionals of residing in Lisbon.
Lisbon’s location can also be a really perfect 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 status suggests. This even extends to residents of the large 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 means that can assist you discover what you’re in search of. It’s simply a part of the town’s heat and welcoming tradition.
8. Vibrant Artwork and Music Scene
Lisbon hums with inventive vitality, from its world-renowned avenue artwork to eclectic music festivals. Portugal has an extended custom of arts, literature, and music, which is mirrored within the energetic cultural scene within the metropolis.
You’ll be able to 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, if you happen to’re a fan of avenue artwork, Lisbon is certainly a metropolis for you. Its streets are full of colourful and thought-provoking items that add to the town’s already vibrant ambiance. There are even a couple of organized excursions devoted to showcasing one of the best avenue artwork within the metropolis.
9. Security and Safety
Lisbon is one in every of Europe’s most secure capital cities, with a comparatively low crime fee. 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 stay in.
I’ve all the time felt comfy strolling across the metropolis alone at evening. Theft and petty crime should not as frequent right here as in lots of different European cities; one of many many explanation why it’s an awesome place to stay.
Lisbon is a well-liked metropolis with digital nomads and different distant employees. There are folks residing right here from everywhere in the world, which provides to the town’s numerous and cosmopolitan vibe.
This additionally signifies that there are many alternatives to fulfill 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 if you’re shifting to a brand new metropolis.
Cons of Dwelling in Lisbon
After all, nowhere is ideal. Whereas it’s an awesome metropolis total, there are actually a couple of disadvantages of residing in Lisbon. Listed here are 5 of the principle ones.
1. Restricted Job Alternatives
In some sectors, the native job market can pose a problem, significantly for these looking for high-paying roles. Salaries in Lisbon are typically decrease than in different Western European cities, and the unemployment fee is increased.
Nonetheless, that is slowly altering as increasingly more worldwide corporations arrange workplaces 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 more durable to discover a good job right here in contrast with many different main cities in Europe. After all, if you happen to’re a distant employee, digital nomad, and/or have your individual on-line enterprise, this isn’t more likely to be an enormous draw back to residing in Lisbon.
2. Crowded Vacationer Season
Lisbon is turning into an more and more well-liked vacationer vacation spot, which may imply that the town heart will get fairly crowded throughout peak season – typically talking, from early June till late September.
That is much less of an issue if you happen to stay a bit additional out from the principle touristy areas (Alfama or Bairro Alto), nevertheless it’s undoubtedly one thing to remember if you happen to’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 attainable to stay right here comfortably with out breaking the financial institution.
3. Winter Dampness
Winters in Lisbon are typically fairly delicate. Nonetheless, as a result of its location on the Atlantic coast, the town experiences pretty excessive ranges of humidity through the winter months.
This, mixed with the cooler climate, can go away a humid chill in your bones. Dampness may also 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 reasonably be in Lisbon than London in January, don’t get me unsuitable. But it surely’s price bringing some good high quality heat clothes (and presumably investing in a dehumidifier on your house) to fight the difficulty.
4. Complicated Forms
Each Portuguese particular person I do know has advised me how a lot they dislike the paperwork in Portugal. Typically it looks 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 infinite 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 at the very least some primary 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 means of a couple of hoops to get there.
5. Rising Price of Dwelling in Fashionable Areas
As Lisbon’s recognition soars, so does its price of residing, significantly in fashionable neighborhoods. Hire costs in well-liked areas have elevated considerably in recent times, making it tougher to search out inexpensive housing than it was once.
Should you’re prepared to stay a bit additional out from the town heart or share an house with others, it’s nonetheless attainable to search out moderately priced lodging. However you need to be life like about the kind of place you’ll be able to afford if you wish to stay tremendous central.
One other unlucky impact of rising lease prices is that it’s began to cost some locals out. Understandably, this will result in resentment in the direction of the inflow of international (comparably rich) residents and vacationers. It’s a posh situation, however one to be conscious of if you wish to stay in Lisbon.
Is Dwelling in Lisbon Price It?
Should you’re in search of 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 couple 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 awesome place to stay with a top quality of life. I’m positive you’ll like it as a lot as I do!
