Everyone’s obsessed with Lisbon. Every travel influencer, digital nomad guru, and “best places to live” list won’t shut up about it. So I went to see what the hype is really about. Spoiler: it’s not all custard tarts and cheap wine.
Lisbon is having a moment. Maybe too much of a moment. After getting bombarded with Instagram posts of yellow trams and sunset viewpoints, I figured I’d better check it out myself before the entire internet moves there.
Here’s what I actually found after wandering those famous hills, dodging tourist crowds, and trying to figure out if this place lives up to the hype.
The People Situation
Let’s talk about something nobody mentions: Lisbon doesn’t feel very Portuguese anymore. Don’t get me wrong—it’s incredibly multicultural, which can be awesome. But if you’re expecting traditional Portuguese culture everywhere, you’re in for a surprise.
The city is full of immigrants from former Portuguese colonies, tons of digital nomads, and waves of tourists. Every single Uber driver I had was named Muhammad (seriously, every single one). The actual Portuguese locals seem to have retreated to the suburbs or maybe just avoid the touristy areas entirely.
This creates a weird vibe where you’re in Portugal but it doesn’t always feel like Portugal. It’s more like “International City That Happens to Be in Portugal.” Not necessarily bad, just different from what you might expect.
Money Talk
Remember when Lisbon was supposed to be this affordable European gem? Those days are mostly over, at least for housing. The digital nomad invasion has absolutely destroyed the rental market. Expect to pay around $1,800+ per month for a decent short-term rental in summer. That’s not exactly “budget paradise” territory.
The daily stuff is still reasonable though:
- Hotel rooms: Around $50/night for something decent
- Meals: $15-20 for solid food
- Getting around: Uber rides were like €4 for short trips
- Drinks: Still cheap compared to northern Europe
So if you can solve the housing puzzle without going broke, everything else won’t kill your budget.
Weather That Actually Delivers
This is where Lisbon genuinely shines. I was there in February—supposedly the “worst” time—and it was completely pleasant. 60°F during the day, perfect for walking around in jeans and a t-shirt. Just needed a light jacket at night.
If you’re escaping northern European winters, this place is a lifesaver. Sunny, mild, and actually enjoyable to be outside. One of the few things that absolutely lives up to the hype.
Tourist Stuff
It’s a solid tourist city without being overwhelming. The Alfama district is genuinely charming, those yellow trams are fun (if crowded), and the viewpoints actually deliver those Instagram-worthy shots.
Day trips to Sintra and Cascais are worth it if you have time. It’s more of a “wander and discover” city than a checklist of must-see monuments, which I actually prefer. You can cover the main sights pretty quickly.
Nightlife Reality Check
Here’s where the influencers might be lying to you: the nightlife is pretty meh. It exists, but it’s not Barcelona or Budapest. The scene feels very tourist-heavy because, well, there aren’t that many locals around to create an authentic party culture.
If you’re a big nightlife person, you might find Lisbon a bit sleepy. It’s more “wine with dinner” than “party until sunrise.”
Those Famous Hills
Nobody warns you that Lisbon is basically San Francisco’s European cousin. This city has some serious elevation changes. If you’re planning to walk everywhere, your calves are going to hate you.
It’s beautiful to walk through—the tile buildings and winding streets are genuinely gorgeous—but be prepared for a workout. This isn’t a flat, easy-stroll kind of place.
Getting Around
Public transport looks decent (metro, buses, trams), though I mostly just used Uber since it was so cheap. If you’re staying central and don’t mind the hills, a lot of stuff is walkable.
The famous Tram 28 is more of a tourist experience than practical transport—it’s packed with people taking photos.
Food Scene
Portuguese food deserves more credit. Those custard tarts (pastéis de nata) are legitimately addictive, the seafood is fresh, and the wine is both good and cheap. Plus, with all the international residents, you can find pretty much any cuisine you want.
The variety impressed me more than I expected. You’re not stuck eating sardines every meal (though they’re actually pretty good).
Dating Prospects
This might be brutally honest, but the dating scene didn’t look super promising—at least from a straight male tourist perspective. With so many tourists and expats, and fewer local women around the central areas, it felt more like a networking event than a city where you’d easily meet locals.
You might get lucky with other nomads or expats, but if dating is important for your travel experience, other cities might offer better odds.
Safety Check
Felt completely safe, even wandering around at night. There are a few neighborhoods that look a bit sketchy at first glance, but nothing genuinely dangerous. Basic common sense and you’ll be fine.
One of the more relaxed European capitals in terms of safety concerns.
Digital Nomad Central
This is Lisbon’s main claim to fame now. Great weather, good internet, tons of coworking spaces, and a huge community of remote workers. If you need to post up somewhere with your laptop for a few months, it checks all the boxes.
The downside? All those nomads are exactly why housing costs have exploded. The nomad boom kind of ruined the affordability that attracted nomads in the first place. Classic gentrification cycle.
The Verdict
Lisbon is a solid city that’s become a victim of its own success. It’s genuinely beautiful, safe, and pleasant—but it’s also expensive, crowded with tourists, and not as authentically Portuguese as you might hope.
**The Good:**
- Amazing weather year-round
- Beautiful architecture and views
- Safe and walkable (if you don’t mind hills)
- Great food scene
- Perfect for digital nomads
**The Bad:**
- Housing costs are brutal
- Very touristy and international (less authentic)
- Mediocre nightlife
- Dating scene is limited
**Bottom line:** If you can afford it and you’re not looking for an authentic cultural deep-dive, Lisbon is a great place to spend time. Just don’t believe the hype about it being a budget paradise—those days are over.
It’s become the victim of its own Instagram success. Still worth visiting, just manage your expectations and your budget accordingly.
Should You Go?
Have you been to Lisbon? Did it live up to the hype for you? What other “Instagram cities” have disappointed you in real life?
Share this with someone planning a Lisbon trip who needs realistic expectations instead of influencer fairy tales.
Remember: Just because every travel blogger is obsessed with a place doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Sometimes the hype is real, sometimes it’s just good marketing.