Did the post-pandemic travel bug bite you or are you longing to move? Considering universities and want to know about cheap rooms for rent in Lisbon, Portugal? Either way, good for you! You’ll need essential info including rooms for rent in Lisbon and the average rent in Lisbon, as well as places to eat, meet, and study. Find out this and so much more about Lisbon in this ultimate city guide. First, here’s a video that may make you fall in love with Lisbon, for all the right reasons 🙂 Enjoy!
Related: 15 Best Things to Do in Lisbon
Getting to Know Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal. An alpha-level global city for its intense avenues into trade, tourism, education, finance, commerce, media, and other vital sectors, Lisbon is the westernmost capital city along the Atlantic coast of mainland Europe. Almost 27% of Portugal’s population resides in Lisbon. The city, built on many hills, lies on the north bank of the Tagus River estuary and experiences a Mediterranean climate. Warm, hot, dry summers with gentle showers. The warmest month is August and the coldest January, although the temperature doesn’t drop below zero.
Related: What To Do If You’re Moving When It’s HOT
An exciting city with a formidable history, along with an abundance of art, culture, food, and entertainment, all in a historic-modern setting. Lisbon is known for its nightlife – something you’ll already know if you love hitting any nighttime scene.
Finding rooms for rent in Lisbon, Portugal
Bairros de Lisboa (Bairro=Neighborhood) have no clearly defined boundaries but are sectioned-off by contrasting districts with conspicuous architectural features, comparable lifestyles, and homogenous societies. Waterfront neighborhoods can cost more, and these locations tend to be home to Lisbon’s nightlife and party scene. Whatever your vibe, finding rooms for rent in Lisbon should be an adventure.
The average rent in Lisbon is relatively cheap compared to some other places in Europe, such as the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and Holland.
Top neighborhoods in Lisbon, Portugal
- Alcântara: A neat place to look for cheap rooms for rent in Lisbon. A district, locally known as Docas (docks), most nightlife spots are housed in renovated dock warehouses. You could also find rooms for rent in Lisbon with riverfront views! Here you will find a healthy mix of locals and foreigners.
- Alfama: The oldest part of town with a community lifestyle and an ‘old Europe’ feel. In fact, it’s incredibly charming and allows you to be in touch with the locals, and you can enjoy a pleasant 10-minute walk to Bairro. Restaurants are on every corner, and public transportation is easily accessible.
- Bairro Alto: (meaning Upper District) the central district is old and historic yet pleasant. Easy access to cafes makes Bairro a delight. Bars, restaurants, and plenty of good places to eat and drink are open late. Furthermore, easy access to public transportation makes it a great place to look for cheap rooms for rent in Lisbon.
Average rent in Lisbon
| Rooms For Rent In Lisbon | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €602 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €818 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €1,560 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €1,818 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €1,760 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €2,115 |
| 6 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €2,412 |
| 7 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €2,674 |
| 8+ Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Lisbon | €2,944 |
University life in Lisbon
University life can be hectic, challenging, daunting, tedious, and exciting, all at the same time. You’ll have to be strong-minded, and have a certain amount of grit to get ready for the textbooks grind you’ll have to put in.
Living off-campus can be cheaper, as campus housing costs can be pricy. Living with roommate(s) and communal living are good ways to lighten the financial burden. While creating your ‘move to Lisbon’ list, don’t forget to include the commute, groceries, and essential expenses.
Top Universities in Lisbon:
- Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa)
- Técnico Lisboa
- Universidade Lusófona
- NOVA University Lisbon
- Universidade Europeia
Related: 10 Important Factors For An Ideal Roommate
How transit-friendly is Lisbon?
Public transportation in European countries and cities is relatively convenient and efficient. Being an alpha-city, you can definitely be sure Lisbon will meet your public transportation needs easily.
1. Walkability
Lisbon is an extremely walkable city with waterfront areas, narrow lanes, and streets zigzagging in all corners. However, it’s a hilly region, and walking long distances can get tiring.
2. Roads/traffic
Lisbon has narrow, small roads and traffic can get bad. Parking is a serious inconvenience and the few available spaces cost a lot. Typical rush hours are from Monday through Friday, 8:00.a.m. to 10:00.a.m., then at lunch-time from 1:00.p.m. to 2:00.p.m., and again from 4:00 to 6:00.p.m.
3. Taxis
Taxis are a good option for tired walkers at any time of the day or night. Local taxis are green and black and some older versions are cream-colored. A convenient and pocket-friendly option.
4. Public Transportation
The public transport network in Lisbon is good. In fact, the main public transport modes are:
- Trams: a touristy way to traverse the city.
- Bus: buses have different timings, though most run from 6am to 9pm.
- Funiculars: assisting tourists to ascend and descend sheer inclines.
- Metro: fastest transit option.
5. Airports
Humberto Delgado Airport, also simply known as Lisbon Airport is located northeast of the Lisbon city center. The airport services both national and international flights.
6. Cycling
Lisbon’s scenic views and vistas make cycling in Lisbon a joy. You have to be fit to ride in Lisbon – it’s pretty hilly with some challenging slopes and rises.
Nightlife in Lisbon
- Chapitô à Mesa: attached to an entertainment (circus) school, this restaurant and bar offers an attractive vista over the city and the river. Moreover, entertainment, drinks, fantastic meals and stunning views are a heady mix.
- Sabotage Clube: the Rock’n’Roll club is owned by ‘amigos’ who manage record stores, labels, and music distributors. Certainly, this place knows how to sabotage the mundane.
- Ministerium Club: formerly the Ministry of Finance, Portugal – the facility is now a house and techno joint. They regularly feature vanguards of electronic music and local underground artists.
Shopping Centers in Lisbon
- Armazens do Chiado: is centrally located and features international stores. Popular with the youth for all-new gadgets, electronics, and entertainment to purchase here. Anyone looking at rooms for rent in Lisbon would come here to shop while setting up their new nook.
- Centro Vasco Da Gama: with H&M, Levis, Rockport, Vans, Timberland, and more, this center is popular with locals and tourists. There’s also a health club, cinema and more to keep you visiting regularly.
- Colombo: a shopping and recreational complex, it’s one of the largest shopping centers in Europe. Moreover, it has numerous restaurants to visit and cultural events you can attend.
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find rooms for rent in Lisbon, Portugal? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we’ll help you find your perfect match!
