Learn Portuguese in Lisbon: Social Life
All students are encouraged to make the most of their time in Lisbon by participating in the guided excursions and activities offered by the Portuguese Language School.
Various events are offered by the college; in addition to the main language courses, on a monthly basis – many of which are free of charge! Guided excursions are offered during the week plus a Saturday half-day excursion. Weekly activities include visits to museums, monuments and evenings out to concerts, bars etc (but events only take place if there is a minimum of 3 students interested). Friday evenings a collective dinner is arranged (budget for EUR 20/30.00) and comes highly recommended by past students. Students are accompanied by experienced guides so these activities are memorable experiences of Portuguese life and culture.
Full day excursion on Sunday are offered at extra cost to places such as Cascais, Sintra or Evora (these are at an extra cost and only take place if there are 5 or more students interested).
Lisbon’s historic sites and museums include the Castelo de São Jorge and the Torre de Belém. There is also a thriving range of theatres and cinemas in the city. For shopping in Lisbon, try the smarter stores on the Av da Liberadade, or hunt for bargains in the flea markets of the Feira da Ladra on Saturday mornings.
For those who want to explore Lisbon’s night life we recommend the bars and restaurants around the Barrio Alto (where restaurants open late and an assortment of bars, discos and a number of theatres are based) and along Avenida 24 de Julio (where the bars and clubs stay open until 6.00am). There are also a growing number of Brazilian and African clubs that are proving very popular with college students.
A sample of a Week’s cultural programme:
Sunday: Full day optional excursion to Sintra or Evora
Monday: Visit to a Museum or traditional Portuguese tile factory
Tuesday: Port wine tasting session, or a cultural walk “Fernando Pessoa”
Wednesday: Free afternoon
Thursday: Visit to an Ancient Art Museum. Happy hour in a bar.
Friday: Typical dinner in a local restaurant or at the college.
Saturday: Visit to the Flea market or Lisbon Castle
