On this submit, I’ll share with you my ideas on the principle execs 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 reasonably superb place to dwell, all issues thought of. It’s one of my favourite cities in Europe and I’ve spent rather a lot of 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 disadvantages. General, I’d say the advantages of dwelling in Lisbon vastly outweigh the drawbacks. However it’s necessary to contemplate a spread of various factors, which is what I’ll be doing right here.
15 Pros and Cons of Living in Lisbon
When developing with this set of execs and cons of dwelling in Lisbon, I relied largely alone private expertise of town, and Portugal extra extensively. Having spent many weeks dwelling there myself, I do know Lisbon fairly properly.
I even have a pair of buddies who’re from Lisbon and have lived there most of their lives, so I’ve been capable of get a neighborhood’s views on town too. That can assist you determine whether or not Lisbon can be an excellent place for you, right here’s a balanced view of life in Portugal’s capital.
Pros of Living 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 Living
Lisbon is a comparatively inexpensive metropolis to dwell in, not 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. And it’s nonetheless the most costly metropolis in Portugal to dwell in. The town has seen fairly a bit of worth inflation over the previous few years, partly as a consequence of its recognition with digital nomads which has precipitated a surge in rental costs.
But, regardless of this latest worth 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. Lease, meals, transport, and leisure are all comparatively inexpensive.
2. Nice Climate
One of the issues I really like most about Lisbon is its climate. The town enjoys a Mediterranean local weather with gentle winters and lengthy, scorching summers. This implies you’ll be able to spend lots 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 12 months, making it one of the sunniest capital cities in Europe. The winters are gentle, with temperatures not often dropping beneath 10°C (50°F).
In the summertime, you’ll be able to count on lengthy days with lots 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 the 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 in this metropolis.
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 dwelling museum; there’s one thing lovely and fascinating round each nook.
Lisbon can also be an architectural gem, with its pastel-colored buildings, tiled facades, and grand monuments dotted all through 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 having gorgeous seashores only a brief distance away. However Lisbon is fortunate sufficient to have some of essentially 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 one of 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 if you happen to’d favor one thing slightly extra enjoyable, there are lots of seashores perfect 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 neglected in favor of its Mediterranean neighbors, but it surely positively shouldn’t be! Lisbon’s meals scene is vibrant, numerous, and scrumptious.
As you’d count on for a coastal metropolis, contemporary seafood is usually the star of the present. However there are numerous different scrumptious native dishes to get pleasure from too, similar 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, many 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 pink 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 in depth and interconnected community of buses, trams, metros, trains, and ferries that cowl all the main areas.
The metro is particularly handy for getting round rapidly and cheaply. It’s clear, low-cost, and fashionable, 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 automotive, which is one of the main execs of dwelling in Lisbon.
Lisbon’s location can also be a great base for touring additional afield. Not solely is it well-connected with the remaining 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 bit of a cliche, however in my expertise, Portuguese individuals actually are as pleasant as their popularity suggests. This even extends to residents of the large 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 individuals to exit of their approach that will help you discover what you’re searching for. It’s simply half of town’s heat and welcoming tradition.
8. Vibrant Artwork and Music Scene
Lisbon hums with artistic vitality, from its world-renowned road artwork to eclectic music festivals. Portugal has a protracted custom of arts, literature, and music, which is mirrored in the energetic cultural scene in town.
You possibly can 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 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 most effective road artwork in town.
9. Security and Safety
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most secure capital cities, with a comparatively low crime charge. After all, it’s all the time important to remain vigilant and follow common sense precautions, however typically talking, Lisbon is a really secure metropolis to dwell in.
I’ve all the time felt snug strolling across the metropolis alone at night time. Theft and petty crime should not as widespread right here as in many different European cities; one of the numerous explanation why it’s an awesome place to dwell.
Lisbon is a well-liked metropolis with digital nomads and different distant staff. There are individuals dwelling right here from all around the world, which provides to town’s numerous and cosmopolitan vibe.
This additionally signifies that there are lots of alternatives to satisfy different expats and make new buddies. Many cafes, coworking areas, 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 if you’re transferring to a brand new metropolis.
Cons of Living in Lisbon
After all, nowhere is ideal. Whereas it’s an awesome metropolis general, there are definitely a number 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 looking for high-paying roles. Salaries in Lisbon are typically decrease than in different Western European cities, and the unemployment charge is increased.
Nevertheless, that is slowly altering as extra and extra 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 in the trouble to seek out them.
Nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll 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 personal 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 town middle 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 dwell slightly additional out from the principle touristy areas (Alfama or Bairro Alto), but it surely’s positively one thing to maintain in thoughts if you happen to’re planning on dwelling centrally.
Costs for lodging and different necessities may rise throughout this time, so price range 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 gentle. Nevertheless, as a consequence of its location on the Atlantic coast, town experiences pretty excessive ranges of humidity through the winter months.
This, mixed with the cooler climate, can depart 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 dwelling in the UK. I’d nonetheless fairly be in Lisbon than London in January, don’t get me fallacious. However it’s price bringing some good high quality heat clothes (and presumably investing in a dehumidifier in your residence) to fight the difficulty.
4. Complicated Paperwork
Each Portuguese individual I do know has informed me how a lot they dislike the paperwork in Portugal. Typically it appears like getting something official performed (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 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 not less than some fundamental data of Portuguese when coping with these issues.
Nevertheless, when you’ve navigated the paperwork and have all of your paperwork in order, issues typically run fairly easily. It’s only a matter of patiently leaping via a number of hoops to get there.
5. Rising Value of Living in Common Areas
As Lisbon’s recognition soars, so does its value of dwelling, notably in fashionable neighborhoods. Lease costs in standard areas have elevated considerably in latest years, making it tougher to seek out inexpensive housing than it was.
For those who’re prepared to dwell slightly additional out from town middle or share an condo with others, it’s nonetheless doable to seek out fairly priced lodging. However you need to be lifelike concerning the sort of place you’ll be able to 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 direction of the inflow of overseas (comparably rich) residents and vacationers. It’s a posh situation, however one to be conscious of if you wish to dwell in Lisbon.
Is Living in Lisbon Price It?
For those who’re searching for a pleasant, heat, inexpensive European capital metropolis with bucketfuls of tradition, tasty meals, hundreds of nice issues to see and do, and lovely seashores on the doorstep, Lisbon is fairly exhausting to beat.
Naturally, there are a number of downsides to dwelling in Lisbon. Nevertheless, general 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 dwell with a top quality of life. I’m certain you’ll like it as a lot as I do!