Lisbon offers an enchanting mix of historical charm and natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a vibrant city life with easy access to serene landscapes. From the rolling hills within the city to nearby beaches and forests, Lisbon caters to all lifestyle preferences.

Parks

Lisbon boasts several beautiful green spaces such as the Parque Eduardo VII, the city’s largest park, offers stunning views of the city and is ideal for leisurely walks or outdoor picnics. Jardim da Estrela, located in a residential area, is a lush garden with a pond, playgrounds, and shaded areas, making it a favorite for families. For those looking for modern spaces, Parque das Nações, near the Tagus River, features contemporary architecture, walking paths, and scenic waterfront views.

Nearby mountains

Though Lisbon itself is hilly rather than mountainous, the nearby Sintra Mountains, just a 30-minute drive or train ride, provide a magical escape. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, the area is dotted with fairytale castles, forests, and hiking trails. The Serra da Arrábida, about an hour’s drive, offers breathtaking landscapes, limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches.

Proximity to the sea

Lisbon’s location along the Tagus River places it just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean. Popular seaside escapes include Cascais, known for its sandy beaches and luxury resorts, and Costa da Caparica, a hotspot for surfing. The charming fishing village of Sesimbra offers crystal-clear waters and fresh seafood, making it perfect for a relaxing day trip.

Forests

Nature lovers can visit the Mata Nacional de Monsanto, a large urban forest within Lisbon, offering hiking and cycling trails, picnic spots, and panoramic viewpoints. For those seeking a more immersive natural experience, the Tapada de Mafra, about 40 minutes away, provides opportunities for wildlife spotting and forest exploration.

Whether it’s parks, beaches, mountains, or forests, Lisbon provides ample opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying the city’s vibrant lifestyle.

Lisbon’s neighborhoods are rich in character, each offering a unique atmosphere, lifestyle, and cultural experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable areas:

• ‍Baixa and Chiado: The heart of Lisbon, these districts are perfect for those who enjoy a lively urban lifestyle. Baixa features grand plazas, neoclassical architecture, and shopping streets, while Chiado is known for its vibrant cafes, theaters, and bookstores, making it a cultural hub.‍
• Alfama: Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, Alfama, is a maze of narrow streets, traditional Fado music venues, and stunning views. Its historic charm makes it a favorite among tourists and locals who appreciate a slower pace and old-world ambiance.‍
• Bairro Alto: Known for its nightlife, Bairro Alto transforms into a bustling hub of bars, restaurants, and music venues after dark. During the day, it’s a quieter area with charming streets and local shops, attracting a mix of young professionals and creative types.‍
• Principe Real: A trendy and upscale neighborhood, Principe Real is famous for its boutique shops, gardens, and elegant mansions. It’s a favorite among expats and the LGBTQ+ community for its inclusive vibe and central location.‍
• Belem: Home to iconic landmarks like the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, this waterfront district is steeped in history. With scenic riverfront walks and a calmer atmosphere, it’s ideal for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Lisbon offers a variety of schooling options, accommodating the diverse needs of local and expat families, from public institutions to world-class international schools like:

• ‍Public schools: Public schools in Lisbon are free for Portuguese citizens and EU residents, offering a curriculum focused on the Portuguese language, culture, and academic fundamentals. While public schools provide a solid education, English instruction is limited, making them a better fit for families looking to immerse their children in the local language and culture.‍
• Private schools: Private schools in Lisbon offer an alternative to public education, providing smaller class sizes, advanced facilities, and a mix of bilingual and Portuguese curricula. Schools like Colégio Valsassina and Externato Marista de Lisboa are highly regarded. Tuition fees vary widely, ranging from €3,000 to €10,000 annually depending on the institution and grade level.‍
• International schools: Lisbon hosts a number of prestigious international schools catering to expats and globally minded families. Schools such as St. Julian’s School, Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL), and British School of Lisbon offer globally recognized programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB), British curriculum, and American curriculum. These schools feature multicultural environments, extensive extracurricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities. Tuition fees range from €10,000 to €20,000 per year.

Lisbon is home to an excellent healthcare system, with high-quality public and private hospitals offering comprehensive services to residents and visitors alike:

• ‍Hospital de Santa Maria: As the largest public hospital in Lisbon, Hospital de Santa Maria is known for its extensive services and specialized care, particularly in cardiology, oncology, and trauma. While it primarily serves locals, it also treats international patients and offers affordable healthcare.‍
• CUF Hospitals: CUF is a leading private healthcare network in Lisbon, with facilities such as CUF Descobertas and CUF Tejo providing state-of-the-art diagnostics, surgery, and outpatient care. These hospitals are popular among expats for their multilingual staff and patient-centric approach.‍
• Hospital da Luz: Hospital da Luz is one of Lisbon’s top private hospitals, offering a wide range of medical services, from routine care to advanced surgeries. It’s especially well-regarded for its maternity and pediatric care, making it a favorite among families.‍
• São Francisco Xavier Hospital: This public hospital is known for its excellent emergency and general healthcare services. It also specializes in areas like nephrology and gastroenterology, offering affordable and accessible care to all.‍
• Instituto Português de Oncologia (IPO): The Portuguese Institute of Oncology is a specialized public hospital focusing on cancer treatment and research. It’s a leader in oncology, providing affordable and cutting-edge care.

Lisbon offers an efficient and affordable public transport system that connects the city and its suburbs seamlessly:

Public transport system

Lisbon's transport system is managed by Carris (trams and buses) and the Metropolitan de Lisboa (metro), with additional connections to suburban trains operated by CP and ferries managed by Transtejo and Soflusa. The Viva Viagem card allows seamless travel across all services, including metro, buses, trams, and ferries.

Main commuting options

• Metro: Lisbon's metro system has four lines (Blue, Yellow, Green, and Red) covering major parts of the city. Trains run frequently, offering a quick way to navigate Lisbon.
• ‍Trams: Iconic yellow trams, like the famous Tram 28, traverse historic districts and steep hills, providing both practical transportation and scenic views.
• ‍Buses: Extensive bus routes connect areas not served by the metro, operating until late at night.
• ‍Suburban Trains: Trains connect Lisbon to nearby areas like Sintra, Cascais, and Setúbal, making day trips convenient.
• ‍Ferries: Ferries cross the Tagus River, linking Lisbon to towns like Almada and Cacilhas.

Overall connectivity

The transport network covers most of Lisbon, including suburbs, with options for cycling and walking paths for eco-friendly commuting. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt complement the system for last-mile connectivity, while taxis are readily available.