I returned to NYC in April after spending four months in Istanbul. A few days later, I met up with my friend Karim on the west side highway. Karim's parents recently moved to Lisbon from England and he gave a glowing review of the city.
Lisbon had been on my list for a few years. On two separate occasions I had purchased a ticket to go there but did not end up getting on the plane (because life happened).
This time though, NYC was still not warm enough. So I got on the plane. Below are some observations of the city after spending a month there.
#1 - People in Lisbon are Happy
I've rarely encountered a city where such a high percentage of people are genuinely content and happy with their lives. Take New York City, for instance, where it seems like everyone complains about work, or Istanbul, where people constantly express their dissatisfaction with the government and yearn to leave.
However, in Lisbon, I noticed something different. Both locals and travelers appeared to be genuinely content with their surroundings. It made me wonder why I don't have a single Portuguese friend in America, and then it hit me: maybe it's because they are genuinely happy with the life they have in Portugal.
Happiness/contentment score after a rigorous evaluation process (by me, the self-proclaimed happiness expert):
NYC: 4/10
Istanbul: 5/10
Tulum: 7/10
Paris: 6/10
Lisbon: 9/10
#2 - Lisbon is Not Cheap (Minus the Wine & Ubers)
In October 30, 2022, Lisbon started offering a Nomad Visa.
Remote workers can apply for a one-year temporary stay visa or a residency permit that can be renewed for up to five years. Applicants need to make at least €2,800 per month, four times the minimum wage in Portugal.
Since October 2022, thousands of nomads have poured into Lisbon and jacked up the price of pretty much everything.
House prices in Portugal have doubled in 8 years since 2015. In 2023 housing prices increased the most of any European country. The average cost to buy a house in the Lisbon area is €693k, similar to NYC's $700k and much higher than Miami's $575k.
I'd say living in Lisbon is as expensive as Paris or London, but hey at least the wine is fantastic and costs as much as a protein bar in New York City.
P.S. Ubers are also super cheap (average €5-7 within the city).
#3 - Weather is Great (During the Day)
Lisbon enjoys ~2,799 hours of sunshine per year. That’s at least 300 days of sunshine guaranteed all year round.
One of the first things you'll notice is how bright it is. Light reflects across the city's pastel-hued walls, white limestone pavements, and colorful tiles.
While the weather is great in the morning it can get quite chilly at night (fall more than 10 degrees Celsius in one day). So be prepared to carry a jacket even if even you are enjoying the 25 degrees sun in the afternoon.
#4 - Laidback but Vibrant City
If you have ever lived in NYC, you know what it feels like to live in a constant state of anxiety. NYC is basically one big connected ball of anxiety where everyone is trying do things and people that they don't have time for.
In contrast, Lisbon feels extremely laidback. There is not an ounce of worry in the air. People (locals and tourists) are refreshing and did I mention happier?
The great weather all year round helps, so does the fact that town looks straight out of a story book. And guess what? When you need a break from wandering around those enchanting streets, you've got a bunch of sandy beaches just waiting to give you a warm hug.
But it's not a boring city at all. At night time the city comes alive. Every restaurant seems to vibing pretty much every day of the week. During the weekend, Bairro Alto's narrow streets are lit. Cais do Sodré has a great night life as well, and Lisbon has plenty of great rooftops with fantastic views of the city.
#5 - Purple Rain
If you are in Lisbon in April and May, you will get to experience the purple Jacaranda trees in full bloom. Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, even without the Jacarandas, but when these purple wonders grace the streets, it's truly a sight to watch.
#6 - Travelers Not Tourists
While traveling through the major cities in Europe (London, Paris, Milan, Barcelona), I always meet people from all over the world. Mostly though I meet tourists instead of travelers.
What is the difference between a tourist and a traveler? A tourist is someone who is out on vacation for a week or two. Think the classic American tourist who works 51 weeks of the year and YOLOs their life on their 1 week trip to Ibiza.
Travelers include people such as backpackers or digital nomads, who are not trying to make the most of the weekend but people who live in the city (even if temporarily) and are in a completely different mindset than the tourists.
Because of the recent nomad migration, Lisbon has a lot of travelers, a lot more than any other city I have been to. Being in a city where you are not only there to party, makes the experience way more fulfilling than what you would experience in a high adrenaline trip.
The city has a lot of events and meet-ups catered for travelers, and it is quite easy to meet people and feel like you are part of the city and a community.
#7 - A Lot of People in Lisbon Speak English
Out of non-English speaking countries in Europe, Lisbon is right up there with Scandinavian countries in terms of their English speaking abilities.
The reason? Historically, Portugal is an ally of England, and the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1373 is the oldest diplomatic treaty still in use. English is also taught as a foreign language in Portuguese schools and the large tourism industry creates demand for English language skills.
While it might be a good idea to learn a few phrases in Portuguese, you can easily get by without knowing a word of English.
#8 - Greater Lisbon is Pretty Great Too
If you get sick of Lisbon city life, there is a ton to do within a 20-30 minute Uber ride from the city.
Costa da Caparica is a 20 minute ride from Lisbon (basically the Brooklyn of Lisbon) and has several beaches that span 30 kilometers along the coast, including Praia da Morena, Praia do Rei, and Praia da Riviera.
You can take weekend trips to romantic towns such as Sintra (pictured below) and Cascais (less crowded version of Amalfi coast). Even Porto is only 3 hours away.
#9 - Places to Visit
At some point, I will do a fulsome list of all the places that I liked in Lisbon. But I am going to list some of my favorite places off the top of my head before I forget:
Coffee/Breakfast: Hello Kristof, Comoba, Copenhagen Coffee Lab, Amélia
Gyms: Amplify (spin), Academia Life (group fitness), Holmes Place (Equinox of Lisbon)
Food: A Obra, Forno d'Oro, Vizza, Bonjardim, Ponto Final, Honest Greens, Haru Sushi
Bars/Rooftops: Ribeira das Naus, Vago, BAHR, Java, Seen, Hotel Chiado
#10 - A City With a Bit of Everything
There's a reason why Lisbon has become so popular amongst internationals.
It has perfect weather; the third sunniest city in Europe, next to Valetta in Malta, and Marseille in France.
It's the second oldest capital city in Europe, next to Athens, but somehow has outgrown Athens into becoming a thriving hub for entrepreneurs, online businesses and digital nomads.
There are a growing number of trendy shops, restaurants, cafes, co-working spaces and the city is social and friendly.
I was having trouble deciding what decade of one's life would be ideal to spend in Lisbon. To be honest, it's the kind of place that could easily capture your heart and become a lifelong home.
