Lisbon, Portugal's picturesque capital, is a city that appeals to expatriates not only for its sunny climate and historic charm, but also for its vibrant markets. These markets are epicentres of daily life, offering much more than just shopping: they are the pulse of local culture, places where you can taste the freshness of local produce, find unique objects and soak up the Lisbon atmosphere. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my top 9 best markets in the Portuguese capital.
9 good reasons to live in Ericeira and its surroundings
Welcome to Ericeira and the surrounding area, a charming corner of Portugal that seems to have come straight out of a daydream. It's a haven of peace where the ocean, sunshine and conviviality are the watchwords. With its heavenly beaches, rich cultural heritage and welcoming community, there are a thousand and one reasons to fall under the spell of this region and consider settling here. From the world-famous surfing to the proximity of Lisbon, from the healthy lifestyle to the traditional architecture, there's no doubt that this destination has something to appeal to lovers of the sea, culture and well-being. To motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm here to tell you my 9 good reasons for living in and around Ericeira.
9 good reasons to live in Caparica
If you're looking for a peaceful, welcoming place to settle down, Caparica is an ideal choice. Located not far from Lisbon, this town offers a warm, sunny climate, dream beaches, a high quality of life and other advantages that make Caparica a destination to consider when choosing where to live in Portugal. To motivate you I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm revealing my nine good reasons why I recommend you consider Caparica for your next living destination.
9 good reasons to live in Cascais
Located on the Atlantic coast, Cascais is a charming Portuguese village some 25 kilometers from Lisbon. It offers a peaceful and pleasant living environment, with mild temperatures all year round, sandy beaches, a rich cultural life and delicious cuisine. But that's not all: Cascais is also considered one of the safest cities in Europe, and offers a wealth of outdoor activities for nature lovers. To help motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll be revealing my 9 good reasons for moving to Cascais in Portugal.
9 good reasons to live in Alentejo in Portugal
Alentejo is a region in southern Portugal that has a lot to offer those who want to make it their home. With its breathtaking scenery, pleasant year-round climate, rich and diverse cultural life and attractive property prices, it's easy to see why many people choose to live in this region. But these are not the only reasons why the Alentejo is an ideal place to live. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Alentejo.
The most popular names in Portugal in 2020: Maria widely in the lead among girls, a classic Francisco and João among boys
The Portuguese newspaper Diario Das Noticias had access to the list of the most popular names in 2020 in Portugal and unveiled the latest trends. The attribution of the first name of newborns is taken very seriously in Portugal which is one of the strictest countries in Europe on this subject, with a list of around 1,000 authorized first names, which explains why the same first names are often used. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the ranking of the first names of Portuguese newborns in 2020.
Miradors of Lisbon : list of the 7 most beautiful points of view to visit in the Portuguese capital and walking route
When you come to visit Lisbon you must visit its miradors. The historic center of Lisbon is established on seven hills. When you admire Lisbon from a mirador, you have the impression of being suspended above the city, outside the time and tumults of city life. These panoramas are captivating and really relaxing. Over time, small squares have been built to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Portuguese capital: they are called miradouros, or watchtowers and through them visits Lisbon. When you look at the panorama offered by miradors, your perspective on the city changes, to the delight of the eyes and the senses. In order to make your life easier, we have created and shared with you a walking itinerary of the 7 most beautiful points of view of Lisbon. What are the must-see sights of the Portuguese capital? Lisbob, your assistant in Portugal, has prepared the list of the most beautiful viewpoints of Lisbon and a walking route to be able to contemplate everything.
What to do in Coimbra in 2020 : Top 7 monuments and places to see and visit in Coimbra and walking tour
Located between Lisbon and Porto, the medieval city of Coimbra was considered for a long time as the cultural and intellectual center of Portugal and is today one of the cities to visit absolutely. Indeed, the millennial city is full of places to visit and things to do, and Coimbra will not fail to surprise you as its cultural heritage is rich. You will also realize that the history of the city of Coimbra is closely linked to that of the country. The city of Coimbra dominates Rio Mondego and the fifteenth century monuments of the old city give it a special atmosphere, an existence as timeless. To visit Coimbra is to step back in time. What to do to make the most of your visit to the city of Coimbra ? What are the best places to visit and things to see during your stay in Coimbra ? Lisbob, expats’ assistant in Portugal, has prepared his list of the 7 best things to see during your visit to Coimbra and a walking tour.
Visit Tomar in 2020 : how to go, what to do, what to see, where to eat and sleep in the Templars city
One of the best options to spend a weekend away from Lisbon is surely to visit Tomar. Former seat of the Knights Templar, Tomar is a city that has kept a lot of charm, because of its artistic and cultural richness. Visiting Portugal is also discovering its medium-sized but XXL heritage cities, and Tomar is definitely one of them. If you like time travel then visiting Tomar will be an unforgettable experience for you. Indeed, Tomar is full of places and places rich in history and its heritage has nothing to envy to other Portuguese cities. The best proof is the convent of Christ, one of the most important works of the Renaissance in Portugal. Located 2 hours by train from Lisbon this city is one of the most interesting to visit. There are also lot of activities, like the unforgettable Private Tour from Lisbon to discover the mysteries of the headquarters of Templar Knights. What to visit in Tomar ? How to get there ? What to do in the city of the Templars ? Lisbob, the Expatriates' Assistant in Portugal, introduces you to Tomar, the city of the Knights Templar.
Top 5 most beautiful places to get married and organise wedding in Portugal
Each year Portugal attracts more and more couples who want to get married. Indeed, Portugal offers a variety of scenery impressive and for a lower cost than in France. Destination weddings have been popular with foreign couples around the world for years and this is growing. Whether on the farm, in a church, on the beach or in a royal palace, Portugal will offer you a lot of different possibilities to make your wedding unforgettable for you and your loved ones. A wedding in Portugal is like an expatriation project: good preparation is the key to a successful marriage. What are the best places to get married in Portugal ? What are the best places to organize your wedding ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, reveals the list of the 5 most beautiful places to get married in Portugal.
What to do and visit in Lisbon between lovers : Top 5 most romantic tours and activities in Lisbon and surroundings
Lisbon is often one of the most romantic destinations in Europe and couples and lovers do not hesitate to visit the capital of Portugal. And for good reason, with its colorful buildings, its steep streets, its intimate restaurants and its spectacular views, impossible not to fall in love with the Portuguese capital. Often cited as one of the most romantic cities in Europe, Lisbon attracts many couples who want to spend a weekend or more in the white city. As the time spent with two is precious, it is important not to lose it in queues for visits or activities that are not necessarily made for romantic souls. Fado concert, tasting, sunset cruise, sumptuous palace visits, many visits and romantic activities to do with friends in the Portuguese capital. What are the most romantic tours of Lisbon ? What to do between lovers when visiting the Portuguese capital? Lisbob, your assistant in Portugal, offers tours and romantic activities Lisbon and surroundings, amid course fado.
Insurance for fishermen and pleasure boat in Portugal : leisure, sport or professional fishing
Portugal is known for its variety of activities. Indeed, these large wildernesses allow nature lovers to indulge in different hobbies. Fishing is a part of it and it is important to know your insurance obligations. As in other European countries, Portugal imposes a certain number of rules to be fulfilled in order to be able to engage in the practice of the fishing and drive a pleasure boat, that it is occasional for the leisure or professional. Every fisherman must be careful to be in good standing about insurance. Some fishermen are legally required to take out insurance to be able to fish. What compulsory insurance to subscribe to be able to fish ? What are the covers offered ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the different types of insurance for fishermen to fish safely.
Fado concert in Lisbon: where to listen and all you need to know for a successful activity (booking, price, info, tips and traps)
To visit Lisbon is also to take advantage of the many activities that the capital of Portugal proposes, like to listen to fado for example, the typical music of Portugal. Whether you are an expatriate or tourist there are some activities not to be missed: a list of essential things to do in Lisbon and Portugal. The visits and activities in Lisbon are now original and different, and the choice is not lacking. Among all these activities to do when visiting Lisbon, Lisbob has chosen to talk about a more than traditional activity: attend a concert and listen to Fado. In fact, restaurants and Fado concert halls have always been present in Lisbon, but the practical information is sometimes not clear. Where to listen to Fado in Lisbon? How to book and attend a Fado concert? What is the price of a fado concert in Lisbon? Lisbob has gathered for you everything you need to know about fado concerts so that your stay in Lisbon is as good as possible.
Top 5 best places to visit in Belém, Lisbon and walking itinerary
The district of Belém is one of the most emblematic of Lisbon and is one of the essential places to visit when one comes to stay in the Portuguese capital. This district was the place from where we greeted the great Portuguese explorers exploring the world. It has become today a place full of cultural places with many monuments and museums to visit. What to visit in Belém during your stay in Lisbon ? What are the best places to discover in this unique historical district, facing the sea ? Where to go in Belém ? In this article, Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, introduces you to the top 5 best places of Belém that you must visit during your Lisbon stopover. As a bonus, we have prepared the itinerary : follow the guide!
Taste more than 200 wines in Lisbon for 3 euros
If you decide to live in Portugal the good wines may be for something. Indeed Portugal is known to have quality vineyards and affordable but good wines in shops. And if you tasted 200 of them for only 3 €? Bob, the Expats' Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, makes you discover an event not to be missed if you are a wine lover. Let's go !
Epiphany: Vale de Salgueiro, the Portuguese village that makes children smoke
The celebrations of the Epiphany in the Portuguese village of Vale de Salgueiro highlight a tradition that provokes an annual uproar among foreigners: parents encourage their children, some aged 5, to smoke cigarettes. Where does this tradition come from in this village 450km north of Lisbon? What do the locals think? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant tells you everything.
What to do in Lisbon on a rainy day ?
We will not deny it : a rainy day in Lisbon it is not the best to have fun.
But neither bad weather, cold or rain can stop someone who wants to enjoy the beautiful Lisbon and discover new activities.
Prepare the boots and the umbrella because from now on you will have no more excuses to rhyme rainy day with boring day.
We offer here six activities that can make the days of greyness very pleasant.
22 reasons why everyone is going to Portugal right now
Everyone seems to be going to Portugal right now. Indeed, last month the country reported gleefully that it was heading for another record year for overseas arrivals. Just over 7.1 million foreign visitors stayed in Portuguese hotels in the first seven months of 2017 – up 13 per cent year-on-year. Here's why the country, which celebrates its Republic Day today and was this week named Europe's best destination at the World Travel Awards, is proving so popular...
Christmas and New Year in Portugal
If you’re going to be spending Christmas and New Year in Portugal, either as an expat or on holiday, this post is for you. Find out how and where to celebrate, how the Portuguese do things and what events are going on during the festive season (scroll down if you’re most interested in these).
Expat Christmas dilemmas
Compared to the UK, Christmas celebrations in Portugal can seem rather short and low-key, leaving some people unsatisfied and others relieved. In Portugal, Christmas really is a family affair so if you’re away from yours it might seriously affect your enjoyment of it. For good or bad!