Why are so many Brits moving to Lisbon

Classical tram in the streets of Lisbon

Why Lisbon is Calling to Brits – Especially Millennials!

It seems like everyone is packing up their London lives and heading south, and for good reason! I’m one of nearly 50,000 Brits who have chosen Portugal as their home, making the move to Lisbon in the summer of 2020. This big influx has seen the British expat community jump to second place in Portugal, just behind Brazilians. While Brits traditionally favoured the Algarve in the south, you'll now find just as many of us in Lisbon, particularly millennials aged between 27 and 42, exploring the city’s hills with no return date in sight. Locals even have affectionate nicknames for us: 'bifes' or 'camones'. So, what’s drawing us to this charming city in southern Europe? Let’s dive in!

An Affordable Social Scene

Socialising in Lisbon won't break the bank! You can catch up with a friend over a glass of delicious wine for the price of a coffee back home. A fruity 'vinho verde' on a sunny terrace might cost just a few euros, and a bottle of top-notch white wine from the supermarket can be around three euros, thanks to Portugal’s abundant vineyards.

Getting around is also surprisingly cheap. While Lisbon is very walkable (if you don't mind a steep incline!), for longer distances, ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt are often cheaper than public transport if you’re splitting the fare. A ride home with heavy groceries might be three euros, and a trip to the airport could be around eight euros, making it a dream for many millennials who frequently get chauffeured around.

Embracing Free Festivals and Vibrant Culture

One of the most exciting times of year is June, when the city erupts into the Festas dos Santos Populares. These lively street parties, particularly vibrant on the 13th, have evolved from 16th-century religious origins into an incredible opportunity to dance to live music, enjoy traditional sardines on toast, and sip on local beers. The best part? This quintessentially Lisbon experience won't cost you a single penny – you just wander the city and soak it all in amidst the colourful bunting and decorations.

Sunny coast around Lisbon

Easy Access to Stunning Beaches

Lisbon isn’t directly a beach city like Barcelona, but incredibly, just a short train ride or drive away are some truly stunning coastal spots. This means you could finish work at 5 pm and be taking a refreshing dip in the ocean by 5:30 pm. For postcard-perfect scenery often seen on Instagram, Praia da Ursa or Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo are less than an hour's drive (just remember your trainers for the hike!). If surfing is more your style, you’ll find fantastic waves at Praia de Carcavelos, Praia do Guincho, and Costa da Caparica, all within easy reach of Lisbon.

A Feast for Food Lovers – On a Budget!

No trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting the city's famous custard tart, the pastel de nata, born in the western district of Belém. You can enjoy the best at Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria for less than a couple of euros each. Dining out in Lisbon offers incredible value. You can enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants for around 20 euros a head if you opt for 'petiscos' – Portugal's answer to tapas. Don't miss local delights like bacalhau à brás (salted cod and fried potato threads) or gambas à guilho (garlic and prawns).

Year-Round Sunshine and Pleasant Climate

After years of grey skies, the bright forecast was a huge draw for me and literally all my fellow Brit millennials. Portugal generally enjoys plenty of sunshine for much of the year. Lisbon and the Tagus estuary even boast their microclimate, meaning that while nearby mountainous Sintra might be cloudy, it’s likely "ice-cream vibes" back in the capital! The temperatures are also less sweltering in the summer than in neighbouring Spain, thanks to a cool Atlantic breeze, making for a truly pleasant climate.

It’s clear why Lisbon has become such a popular destination for Brits. From its affordable lifestyle and vibrant culture to its stunning beaches and delicious food, all under a benevolent sun, this city truly offers a dreamy new chapter for many!