On this put up, 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 wonderful place to dwell, all issues thought-about. It’s one among my favourite cities in Europe and I’ve spent numerous time there over the previous few years.
However, it’s not good. Nowhere is. Like every main capital metropolis, Lisbon comes with its personal set of benefits and downsides. General, I’d say the advantages of residing in Lisbon vastly outweigh the drawbacks. However it’s essential to contemplate a variety of various components, which is what I’ll be doing right here.
15 Professionals and Cons of Residing in Lisbon
When arising with this set of professionals and cons of residing in Lisbon, I relied largely by myself private expertise of the town, and Portugal more widely. Having spent many weeks residing there myself, I do know Lisbon fairly effectively.
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 the town too. That can assist you resolve 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 Residing in Lisbon
There are various benefits of residing in Lisbon. Listed below are 10 of one of the best issues concerning the metropolis.
1. Reasonably priced Value of Residing
Lisbon is a relatively affordable city 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 undoubtedly not as low-cost because it was once. And it’s nonetheless the most expensive city in Portugal to dwell in. Town has seen fairly a little bit of value inflation over the previous few years, partly on account of its popularity with digital nomads which has brought on a surge in rental costs.
But, regardless of this current value inflation (see under for more information on this), you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from a top quality of life in Lisbon with out breaking the financial institution. Lease, meals, transport, and leisure are all relatively affordable.
2. Nice Climate
One of many issues I really like most about Lisbon is its climate. Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate with gentle winters and lengthy, sizzling summers. This implies you’ll be able to spend loads of time exterior having fun with the town’s many parks, gardens, and outside areas all year long.
Lisbon has greater than 300 sunny days per year, making it one of many sunniest capital cities in Europe. The winters are gentle, with temperatures not often dropping under 10°C (50°F).
In the summertime, you’ll be able to anticipate lengthy days with loads of sunshine and temperatures averaging round 28°C (82°F). In the event 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 gorgeous 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 seems like exploring a historic film set or a residing museum; there’s one thing stunning and interesting 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. 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 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 among my private favorites.
In the event you’re a surfer, you’re in for a deal with with numerous unbelievable browsing spots dotted alongside the coast each north and south of the town. And for those who’d favor one thing a bit of 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 ignored in favor of its Mediterranean neighbors, nevertheless 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 numerous different scrumptious native dishes to get pleasure from too, comparable 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, a lot of which can be found for terribly affordable costs – particularly for those who purchase them from a grocery store. Strive a glass or two of native vinho verde or Alentejo crimson wine, my favourite.
6. Wonderful Public Transport
Getting round in Lisbon is simple because of its environment friendly public transport system. Town has an intensive 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 shortly and cheaply. It’s clear, low-cost, and fashionable, 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 without doubt 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 will 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 fame suggests. This even extends to residents of the massive 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 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 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’ll be able to attend concert events, exhibitions, festivals, and different occasions all yr spherical. Fado tunes spill out of open home windows, and the streets typically flip into impromptu phases for native musicians and performers.
And, for those who’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 few organized tours devoted to showcasing one of the best road artwork within the metropolis.
9. Security and Safety
Lisbon is one among Europe’s safest capital cities, with a comparatively low crime price. In fact, it’s all the time important to remain vigilant and follow commonsense precautions, however usually talking, Lisbon is a really secure metropolis to dwell in.
I’ve all the time felt comfy strolling across the metropolis alone at night time. Theft and petty crime are usually not as widespread right here as in lots of different European cities; one of many many the reason why it’s an excellent place to dwell.
Lisbon is a popular city with digital nomads and different distant employees. There are folks residing right here from all around the world, which provides to the 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 spaces, and group occasions cater particularly to this group, 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 shifting to a brand new metropolis.
Cons of Residing in Lisbon
In fact, nowhere is ideal. Whereas it’s an excellent metropolis general, there are definitely just a few disadvantages of residing in Lisbon. Listed below are 5 of the principle ones.
1. Restricted Job Alternatives
In some sectors, the native job market can pose a challenge, notably for these in search of high-paying roles. Salaries in Lisbon are generally lower than in different Western European cities, and the unemployment rate is higher.
Nonetheless, that is slowly altering as an increasing number of worldwide firms arrange places of work in Lisbon. And with Portugal’s rising financial system and favorable enterprise local weather, there are alternatives for these keen to place within the effort to seek 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 own online business, 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 the town heart will get fairly crowded throughout peak season – usually 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 principle touristy areas (Alfama or Bairro Alto), nevertheless it’s undoubtedly one thing to bear in mind for those who’re planning on residing centrally.
Costs for lodging and different necessities can even rise throughout this time, so finances 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 usually fairly gentle. Nonetheless, on account of its location on the Atlantic coast, the town experiences pretty high levels of humidity throughout 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 somewhat be in Lisbon than London in January, don’t get me incorrect. However it’s price 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 individual I do know has advised me how a lot they dislike the paperwork in Portugal. Generally it seems like getting something official completed (be it making use of for a residence allow, opening a checking account, or registering for healthcare) requires an limitless quantity of paperwork and ready.
The language barrier can even 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 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 usually run fairly easily. It’s only a matter of patiently leaping via just a few hoops to get there.
5. Rising Value of Residing in Standard Areas
As Lisbon’s recognition soars, so does its value of residing, notably in stylish neighborhoods. Lease costs in standard areas have increased significantly lately, making it more difficult to seek out inexpensive housing than it was once.
In the event you’re keen to dwell a bit of additional out from the town heart or share an house with others, it’s nonetheless doable to seek out moderately priced lodging. However you need to be reasonable about the kind of place you’ll be able to afford if you wish to dwell tremendous central.
One other unlucky impact of rising lease prices is that it’s began to cost some locals out. Understandably, this may result in resentment in the direction of the inflow of overseas (comparably rich) residents and vacationers. It’s a fancy concern, however one to be conscious of if you wish to dwell in Lisbon.
Is Residing in Lisbon Price It?
In the event 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 exhausting to beat.
Naturally, there are just a few 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 excellent place to dwell with a top quality of life. I’m certain you’ll find it irresistible as a lot as I do!
