The best tips, experiences and recommendations for working abroad

How to become a real local in Lisbon!

Written by City Job Offers | Aug 21, 2024 8:06:03 AM

How to become a real local in Lisbon!

Perhaps you haven't yet decided whether you want to live in Lisbon. Perhaps you already live there, but could feel more at home. In our previous blog, you read how #CityJobber Mathias is totally happy about his move to Lisbon. While this real-life experience can be motivating, we understand that above all, you want to feel comfortable with your move. Now, a job in your own language in Lisbon through City Job Offers provides a little more comfort. Especially if you choose your favorite job offer! But, how can you really feel at home? By having the knowledge of a local, of course. In this post, you'll get exclusive tips for the well-known highlights in Lisbon. This way, you'll probably even have more knowledge than the locals themselves . In addition, you will also be much less lost than the tourists. Here is an overview of shortcuts and hotspots in Lisbon. Thank us later!

Sitting in the iconic tram 28

As a local, of course, you must have used the elétrico 28. This one alone, especially in high season, can be well-packed. And you can't sit then... Although standing is a healthy alternative, the streets in Lisbon with all the inclines and stairs are a sport in themselves. If you want to sit for a while, then take the tram from the other end of the station. There it is less crowded. Therefore, you are more likely to be able to sit! Then you're sure going to enjoy the view.

Counting bars in Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is the popular neighborhood in Lisbon that everyone wants to visit. You can't miss out on this hood! You get there easily with the eléctrico 28. Bairro Alto is located above the Bairro Baixa (lower district), which is why this district is also called the upper district. In the district you will find as many as 100 bars, where life goes on until very late. Bairro Alto is very popular for its great places for good food, drinks and dancing. A few atmospheric streets you already know: Rua da Barroca, Rua da Rosa, Rua da Atalaia. Besides, a great rooftop you can go to in Bairro Alto - perhaps better after work - is Park Rooftop. FYI: it's a rooftop above a parking garage. It might take you a while to find it, but the atmosphere and views are really worth it.

Easy trip to the beach in Cascais ️

It takes half an hour to an hour by public transport from Lisbon to reach Cascais beach. For less than 5 euros, you can get your return ticket. That's worth a try, huh! This way you can go to the beach in the afternoon after work. As a local, you also know where to get a drink and a meal. You can sit at Moules & Gin, in the historic center of Cascais. Mind you, you can only sit there inside. But on a hot summer day, this is just perfect!

Mediterranean food: our top-4 restaurants ‍

The Portuguese cuisine is delicious. But, perhaps the typical Portuguese sardines, fish croquettes or cod are not your favorite. Although Portugal has delicious piripiri chicken and stews, Lisbon has an extensive and mixed cuisine. Lucky you: we made a top-4 of the best restaurants in Lisbon! Our selection is small, but very diverse. We go from traditional, cozy food, to eating out in an old pharmacy. 4 different ways to eat Mediterranean food:

  • Petiscaria Ideal. This Portuguese tapas restaurant is cozy, and the food is de-lic-ious. The restaurant is just not very big. The easiest way to get your spot, is to make a reservation. Address: Rua da Esperança 100, 1200-656, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • The Decadente. This chic restaurant is totally contemporary. Sustainability and zero waste are their motto. As a vegetarian or vegan, you can also eat delicious food there. Despite the name, you can order many courses without paying the top price. Should you not want to eat anything, you can drink delicious cocktails there: all locally produced of course. Oh, and there's a rooftop terrace. Find this gem at R. de São Pedro de Alcântara 81, 1250-238 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Blend. If you're more in the mood for a low-key, modern tapas place, Blend in Bairro Alto is a good one. Address: Rua do Norte 24, Bairro Alto, Lisbon 1200-286, Portugal.
  • Pharmacia - Chef Felicidade. Were you curious about what it would be like to dine in an old pharmacy? Or, are you now? This restaurant is located in an old pharmacy. The interior retains the pharmacy atmosphere, but fortunately you won't be served pills. Delicious dishes to share, or to just eat by yourself. You can find this former pharmacy at Rua de Santa Catarina n 2nd n, 4, 1249-069 Lisbon, Portugal.

If you still don't know what you're in the mood for, you can go to the Mercado di Ribeira: a food hall with all kinds of bites. You'll definitely find your favorite dish there!

Well... you can settle down?!

Now that you have all the knowledge of a local, you can comfortably live in Lisbon and feel right at home . Do you already have your job? Otherwise, find your job abroad in your own language here: it could hardly be more comfortable!

Still not sure if moving abroad will be comfortable enough? In our blog post about our relocation packages you can read how City Job Offers often even arranges your accommodation. Depending on your job, you'll get all kinds of relocation services, from doing your paperwork, to arranging your home. Read more here !