An electric tram moving up the hill in Lisbon, Portugal

Hints and tips for living in Lisbon

The nations buzzing, vibrant capital

Rua Augusta street in Lisbon by night with people walking
A historical building overlooking a square in Lisbon, Portugal
A view over Lisbon's downtown from the top
A typical Portuguese street in Lisbon's donwtown

Quick facts - Lisbon

Population: 545,000

Distance to beaches: (From Cais do Sodre) Carcavelos beach 25 mins by car or train, Costa da Caparica beach 20 mins by car.

Distance to airport (Lisbon): (From Cais do Sodre) 20-30 mins by car or metro

Highlights: Friendly and cosmopolitan city with a unique combination of modernism and tradition, diversity & inclusion, gastronomy, stunning architecture, and vibrant lifestyle

Weather: 300+ days of sunshine a year with hot summers and mild winters, but it does get windy

Need a car? No

Fun fact: Lisbon has more than 800 years (prior to Roman rule). The oldest capital in Western Europe (older than Rome, Paris, or London).

 

A locals view on Lisbon

Tiago S. - Lisbon area resident for 40 years

A relocation consultant in Lisbon, Portugal

What’s your favourite thing about living in Lisbon?

Where else in the world can you wake up in a 18th century Palace, visit a 11th century castle, pass through a 21st century art museum and have lunch in the beach in only one morning?

What should a new expat know if they are thinking about moving to Lisbon?

Be careful! It is easy to fall in love with Lisbon. The city has a luminescence and a vibe, so genuine and pure, that will captivate you.

Favourite thing about Lisbon that most tourists don’t know?

Every corner has history, all cultures that lived here have left their mark. Mixing Arabic, European, American, Asian is possible in Lisbon.

Least favourite thing about living in Lisbon?

Not having a German salary…

Best recommendation you could give a new expat in Lisbon?

Rent your house back in your home country because you will love it in Lisbon.

Our Lisbon recommendations

Move here if you like: Sun, welcoming people, history and culture, tradition and modernism, tech, entrepreneurship.

Don’t move here if you like: Flat cities and you’re not willing to climb Lisbon’s seven hills :). Snow. Or if you don’t like to see clothes hanging on the balconies!

Secret highlights: Traditional daily markets. Sunset in a boat in the Tagus River. Getting lost in Lisbon’s seven hills.

Best restaurants: Affordable portuguese traditional food at Forninho Saloio. Affordable petiscos at Taberna Casa do Alentejo. Best italian food at Come Prima. Best ramen in town Panda Cantina. Best Indian vegan restaurant at Jardim das Cerejas. Best pastéis de nata (a big shout!) at A Manteigaria.

A fountain surrounded by historical buildings in the centre of Lagos, Portugal
A typical narrow street in Lisbon, Portugal
An electric tram in a shopping district of Lisbon, Portugal
A view over Terreiro do Paço in Lisbon, Portugal by the sunset

OUR BESPOKE PRIVATE TOURS IN LISBON

Lisbon Essential Scouting Tour

Make an informed decision on whether moving to Lisbon is right for you

Flexible dates

6-7h

€315

price per tour

MEET YOUR LISBON RELOCATION CONSULTANT

A relocation consultant in Lisbon, Portugal

Hi! I’m Joao

YEARS IN SETUBAL / LISBON / CASCAIS: 27

Bom dia! I’m really excited to show you around Lisbon. I studied and worked here in Lisbon before taking off to travel the world and learn what it’s like to be an expat myself in other countries. The lure of coming back to my beloved Portugal was too strong and now I’m back, and want to welcome you, and help you integrate into my wonderful country!

You might also like to explore