On this submit, I’ll share with you my ideas on the principle professionals and cons of dwelling 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 fairly superb place to reside, all issues thought-about. It’s certainly one 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 all main capital metropolis, Lisbon comes with its personal set of benefits and drawbacks. Total, I’d say the advantages of dwelling in Lisbon vastly outweigh the drawbacks. But it surely’s necessary to think about a variety of various components, which is what I’ll be doing right here.
15 Execs and Cons of Residing in Lisbon
When developing with this set of professionals and cons of dwelling in Lisbon, I relied largely alone private expertise of the town, and Portugal extra broadly. Having spent many weeks dwelling there myself, I do know Lisbon fairly nicely.
I even have a few mates who’re from Lisbon and have lived there most of their lives, so I’ve been in a position to get an area’s views on the town too. That can assist you resolve whether or not Lisbon could be an excellent place for you, right here’s a balanced view of life in Portugal’s capital.
Execs of Residing in Lisbon
There are a lot of benefits of dwelling in Lisbon. Listed below are 10 of the most effective issues concerning the metropolis.
1. Reasonably priced Value of Residing
Lisbon is a comparatively reasonably priced metropolis to reside in, not less than 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 positively not as low cost because it was. And it’s nonetheless the most costly metropolis in Portugal to reside in. The town has seen fairly a little bit of value inflation over the previous few years, partly resulting from its reputation with digital nomads which has brought about a surge in rental costs.
But, regardless of this latest value inflation (see beneath 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. Hire, 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’ll be able to spend loads of time outdoors having fun with the 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 beneath 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). When you love heat, sunny climate, Lisbon might 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.
One among 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 dwelling 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 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 gorgeous seashores only a brief distance away. However Lisbon is fortunate sufficient to have a number of the most lovely 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 certainly one of my private favorites.
When you’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 choose one thing a bit 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 usually 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 usually the star of the present. However there are lots of different scrumptious native dishes to get pleasure from too, reminiscent of 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 very cheap costs – particularly in case you 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 because of 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 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 among the main professionals of dwelling 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 may 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 individuals actually are as pleasant as their fame 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 individuals to exit of their approach that will help you discover what you’re searching for. It’s simply a part of the town’s heat and welcoming tradition.
8. Vibrant Artwork and Music Scene
Lisbon hums with inventive 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 energetic cultural scene within the metropolis.
You may attend live shows, 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, in case you’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 the town’s already vibrant ambiance. There are even a couple of organized excursions devoted to showcasing the most effective road artwork within the metropolis.
9. Security and Safety
Lisbon is certainly one of Europe’s most secure capital cities, with a comparatively low crime fee. In fact, it’s at all times important to remain vigilant and observe commonsense precautions, however typically talking, Lisbon is a really secure metropolis to reside 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 the reason why it’s an amazing place to reside.
Lisbon is a standard metropolis with digital nomads and different distant employees. There are individuals dwelling right here from everywhere in the world, which provides to the town’s various and cosmopolitan vibe.
This additionally signifies that there are many alternatives to fulfill different expats and make new mates. 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 while you’re transferring to a brand new metropolis.
Cons of Residing in Lisbon
In fact, nowhere is ideal. Whereas it’s an amazing metropolis total, there are definitely a couple of disadvantages of dwelling in Lisbon. Listed below are 5 of the principle ones.
1. Restricted Job Alternatives
In some sectors, the native job market can pose a problem, notably for these searching for high-paying roles. Salaries in Lisbon are typically decrease than in different Western European cities, and the unemployment fee is greater.
Nonetheless, that is slowly altering as increasingly more worldwide corporations arrange places of work in Lisbon. And with Portugal’s rising financial system and favorable enterprise local weather, there are alternatives for these prepared 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, 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 dwelling in Lisbon.
2. Crowded Vacationer Season
Lisbon is turning into an more and more standard vacationer vacation spot, which might 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 in case you reside a bit additional out from the principle touristy areas (Alfama or Bairro Alto), nevertheless it’s positively one thing to bear in mind in case you’re planning on dwelling centrally.
Costs for lodging and different necessities may also rise throughout this time, so funds accordingly. Fortunately, Lisbon is a comparatively reasonably priced metropolis total, so even throughout peak season, it’s nonetheless doable to reside 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, 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 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 dwelling within the UK. I’d nonetheless relatively be in Lisbon than London in January, don’t get me mistaken. But it surely’s value bringing some good high quality heat clothes (and probably investing in a dehumidifier in your dwelling) to fight the problem.
4. Advanced Paperwork
Each Portuguese individual I do know has instructed me how a lot they dislike the paperwork in Portugal. Generally it seems like getting something official achieved (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 difficult. Many authorities officers and customer support representatives don’t communicate a lot English, so it may be useful to have not 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 via a couple of hoops to get there.
5. Rising Value of Residing in Common Areas
As Lisbon’s reputation soars, so does its price of dwelling, notably in stylish neighborhoods. Hire costs in standard areas have elevated considerably in recent times, making it more difficult to search out reasonably priced housing than it was.
When you’re prepared to reside a bit additional out from the town heart or share an house with others, it’s nonetheless doable to search out fairly priced lodging. However you have to be real looking about the kind of place you’ll be able to afford if you wish to reside tremendous central.
One other unlucky impact of rising hire prices is that it’s began to cost some locals out. Understandably, this could result in resentment in the direction of the inflow of international (comparably rich) residents and vacationers. It’s a posh difficulty, however one to be conscious of if you wish to reside in Lisbon.
Is Residing in Lisbon Price It?
When you’re searching for 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 arduous to beat.
Naturally, there are a couple of downsides to dwelling 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 an amazing place to reside with a top quality of life. I’m certain you’ll adore it as a lot as I do!