On this submit, I’ll share with you my ideas on the primary professionals and cons of residing in Lisbon, Portugal’s lovely 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 dwell, all issues thought of. It’s one in every of my favourite cities in Europe and I’ve spent various time there over the previous few years.
However, it’s not good. Nowhere is. Like several 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 essential to think about a spread of various components, which is what I’ll be doing right here.
15 Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Lisbon
When arising with this set of professionals and cons of residing in Lisbon, I relied largely alone private expertise of the town, and Portugal extra extensively. 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 will help you resolve whether or not Lisbon could be place for you, right here’s a balanced view of life in Portugal’s capital.
Professionals of Dwelling in Lisbon
There are lots of benefits of residing in Lisbon. Listed below are 10 of one of the best issues concerning the metropolis.
1. Reasonably priced Price of Dwelling
Lisbon is a comparatively reasonably priced metropolis to dwell in, a minimum of 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 undoubtedly not as low cost because it was once. And it’s nonetheless the most costly metropolis in Portugal to dwell in. The town has seen fairly a little bit of value inflation over the previous few 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 beneath for more information on this), you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from a top quality of life in Lisbon with out breaking the financial institution. Lease, meals, transport, and leisure are all comparatively reasonably priced.
2. Nice Climate
One of many issues I like most about Lisbon is its climate. The town enjoys a Mediterranean local weather with delicate winters and lengthy, scorching summers. This implies you possibly can 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 hardly ever dropping beneath 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). If you happen to 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 gorgeous structure and charming neighborhoods to its museums and galleries, there’s at all times one thing new to find on this metropolis.
Certainly one of 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 lovely and engaging round each nook.
Lisbon can be an architectural gem, with its pastel-colored buildings, tiled facades, and grand monuments dotted all through the 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 gorgeous seashores only a quick distance away. However Lisbon is fortunate sufficient to have among the most lovely 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.
If you happen to’re a surfer, you’re in for a deal with with numerous implausible browsing spots dotted alongside the coast each north and south of the town. And in case you’d favor one thing just a little extra stress-free, there are many seashores 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 neglected in favor of its Mediterranean neighbors, however it undoubtedly 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 get pleasure from 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 glorious wines, lots of which can be found for terribly cheap costs – particularly in case you purchase them from a grocery store. Strive a glass or two of native vinho verde or Alentejo pink 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 intensive and interconnected community of buses, trams, metros, trains, and ferries that cowl all the most important areas.
The metro is particularly 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 automotive, which is likely one of the main professionals of residing in Lisbon.
Lisbon’s location can be a super 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 repute 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 method that will help 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 artistic power, from its world-renowned road artwork to eclectic music festivals. Portugal has a protracted custom of arts, literature, and music, which is mirrored within the full of life cultural scene within the metropolis.
You possibly can attend live shows, exhibitions, festivals, and different occasions all 12 months spherical. Fado tunes spill out of open home windows, and the streets typically flip into impromptu levels for native musicians and performers.
And, in case you’re a fan of road artwork, Lisbon is unquestionably 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 number of organized excursions devoted to showcasing one of the best road 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 price. After all, it’s at all times important to remain vigilant and observe 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 aren’t as frequent right here as in lots of different European cities; one of many many explanation why it’s a fantastic place to dwell.
Lisbon is a well-liked metropolis with digital nomads and different distant staff. There are folks residing right here from all around the world, which provides to the town’s various and cosmopolitan vibe.
This additionally signifies 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 at all times useful whenever you’re shifting to a brand new metropolis.
Cons of Dwelling in Lisbon
After all, nowhere is ideal. Whereas it’s a fantastic metropolis total, there are definitely 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 looking for high-paying roles. Salaries in Lisbon are typically decrease than in different Western European cities, and the unemployment price is greater.
Nonetheless, that is slowly altering as increasingly more worldwide firms arrange places of work 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 seek 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, in case you’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 common vacationer vacation spot, which may imply that the town middle will get fairly crowded throughout peak season – typically talking, from early June till late September.
That is much less of an issue in case you dwell just a little additional out from the primary touristy areas (Alfama or Bairro Alto), however it’s undoubtedly one thing to bear in mind in case you’re planning on residing centrally.
Costs for lodging and different necessities also can rise throughout this time, so funds accordingly. Fortunately, Lisbon is a comparatively reasonably priced metropolis total, so even throughout peak season, it’s nonetheless attainable to dwell 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 depart 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 noticeably hate about residing within the UK. I’d nonetheless relatively be in Lisbon than London in January, don’t get me incorrect. But it surely’s value bringing some good high quality heat clothes (and probably investing in a dehumidifier in your house) to fight the problem.
4. Advanced Forms
Each Portuguese particular person I do know has instructed me how a lot they dislike the forms in Portugal. Generally it appears like getting something official executed (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 also can make this course of extra sophisticated. Many authorities officers and customer support representatives don’t converse a lot English, so it may be useful to have a minimum of some primary data of Portuguese when coping with these issues.
Nonetheless, when you’ve navigated the forms and have all of your paperwork so as, issues typically run fairly easily. It’s only a matter of patiently leaping by way of a number of hoops to get there.
5. Rising Price of Dwelling in Widespread Areas
As Lisbon’s recognition soars, so does its price of residing, notably in fashionable neighborhoods. Lease costs in common areas have elevated considerably lately, making it tougher to seek out reasonably priced housing than it was once.
If you happen to’re keen to dwell just a little additional out from the town middle or share an house with others, it’s nonetheless attainable to seek out moderately priced lodging. However you need to be lifelike 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 concern, however one to be aware of if you wish to dwell in Lisbon.
Is Dwelling in Lisbon Value It?
If you happen to’re in search of a pleasant, heat, reasonably priced 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 exhausting 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 life-style right here is relaxed and laid-back, however nonetheless vibrant and thrilling – it’s a fantastic place to dwell with a top quality of life. I’m positive you’ll like it as a lot as I do!
