The best places to live in Lisbon as an expat

Have you always wanted to live in Lisbon? Well, Portugal’s capital, is an amazing city with so much to offer its residents and visitors alike. As such, it has also become an increasingly popular place for expats to live thanks to its great weather and friendly people.

But with so many options, where should you choose to make your new home? Here are some of the best places to live in Lisbon as an expat!

Where to live if you want to explore Lisbon

Lisbon is a compact city with a lot going for it, so if you want to explore the city’s major attractions then living close by is your best option. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then the surrounding areas offer some great options too.

• Living in Baixa: Close to all of Lisbon’s major attractions, this central area offers high-rise living at its finest. With excellent transport links and plenty of shopping opportunities nearby, it really has everything you need.
• Living near the Waterfront: This more upmarket part of town offers fantastic views across the river and excellent access to nature walks and bike routes.

Where to stay if you want easy access to major attractions

If you want easy access to Lisbon’s major attractions, there are plenty of options for living close by. The city center is a walkable neighbourhood with plenty of services and businesses, while the Bairro Alto district is home to some of the most popular restaurants, bars and museums.

Some expats choose to live on either side of the river so they can easily cross over when they want something different. If you want peace and quiet away from all the hustle and bustle, São Sebastião da Pedreira offers more greenery than almost anywhere else in the city.

Where to live if you love nature

If you want to live close to Lisbon’s major attractions and enjoy some peace and quiet, consider living in one of the city’s surrounding areas. One of the best places for expats looking for a scenic escape is Sintra. Located about 20km from downtown Lisbon, this historic town is often overlooked by tourists – but it offers a lot for those who are willing to explore its winding streets. The countryside offers many beautiful nature reserves, like Monsaraz or Cabo da Roca.

Where to live if you love culture

Whether you want to live close to Lisbon’s major attractions or enjoy some peace and quiet in the city’s surrounding areas, there are plenty of options to consider. For culture enthusiasts looking for a central location, Estrela is a great option. Bairro Alto is another good choice if you love nightlife and lively bars. More laid back expats might prefer Alfama.

Where to live for price/location

If you’re looking for a place to live that will put you close to Lisbon’s major attractions, you have the following options: the Alfama neighbourhood, Avenida da Liberdade and Avenida Almirante Reis. These are all centrally located areas with lots of shops, restaurants and public transportation nearby. Living here means that it won’t be a long walk from your house or apartment to most of what the city has to offer.

If you want a quieter place near Lisbon but still want easy access by public transportation, these neighbourhoods might be more up your alley: Estrela, Campo de Ourique and Belem.

Where to live if you love the city

If you love the city, the best place to live is Baixa. The oldest and most historic area of Lisbon, this neighbourhood has kept its traditional charm while also seeing a major increase in tourist activity and development over the past few decades. It’s now full of trendy cafés and shops, making it a central hub for everyone living in or visiting Lisbon.

If you love nature, Estoril is a great option. Located just outside of the city centre, this coastal town offers visitors panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing and horseback riding. You can also find lots of parks that are perfect for families with young children or those looking for some peace and quiet.

How RHJ Law can help

It’s easy to see why so many expats love living in Lisbon. The city has a vibrant culture, incredible food, and it’s within easy reach of some of the most scenic countryside Portugal has to offer. So which is the best neighborhood for you? If you want to live close to the city’s attractions, then Alfama is worth looking at. Boasting impressive views over the river and less than five minutes walk from the major sights, this area offers a great compromise between convenience and peace and quiet.

If you need legal advice or assistance, be sure to contact the experts at RHJ Law. We’re able to guide you through what you need to know before moving abroad.