Portuguese Blog

Yesterday, AskMen.com released their annual “Top 29 Cities to Live In,” report and in this 2010 edition, 2 Lusophone cities were chosen: Lisbon, Portugal (at #18) and São Paulo, Brazil (at #16)!

I mention these because for someone learning Portuguese and is considering studying or working abroad, there are certain factors one must take into account when decided where to live!  The AskMen version is obviously more partial to [single] men, but it also takes into account overall Nightlife, Day Activities, Cost of Living, and more.

A little bit from each aforementioned city’s page.

Lisbon:

“Lisbon has gone gourmand in recent years, with superstar chefs snagging headlines left, right and center. Henrique Sa Pessoa’s Alma, Luis Baena’s Manifesto and Ljubomir Stanisic’s 100 Maneiras are three of the most talked-about tables in town right now… Although many dance and music repertoires are classical, new auditoriums such as the CCB and Teatro Luís de Camões have given performances a new lease here. The Gulbenkian Foundation, with its own orchestra, auditoriums, ballet company, and art gallery, remains the most defining contemporary collective. This year the city looks forward to IndieLisboa — Lisbon’s independent film festival — and Rock in Rio, a rock festival brought over from Brazil… Although Lisbon is surrounded by water, much of the city’s al fresco pursuits take place in the wide-open spaces that surround its parameters. Activities such as hiking, horseback riding and paintballing offer Lisbon’s residents respite, particularly in Monsanto Forest Park — one of Europe’s largest urban parks. It is also home to Monsanto Park Circuit, a racetrack that hosts a roster of races.”

São Paulo:

“Whatever you feel like doing tonight, Sao Paulo has it. The city’s Pacha and D-Edge Night Clubs are two of the best electronic clubs in the world. You can also find jazz joints such as Jazz nos Fundos for the artsy types, or All of Jazz for a more sophisticated crowd. And the A-List is literally at Club A, which opened last year and requires a pricey annual membership fee. What really sets Sao Paulo apart, however, are the botecos found on street corners in bohemian neighborhoods in Vila Madalena or Vila Mariana, where you’ll find the young and good-looking sipping on draft beer… Ibirapuera Park’s Biennal has exhibits and events year-round, from Sao Paulo Fashion Week to the Art Biennal. One of the most exciting annual events in Sao Paulo is Virada Cultural, where in late April, for 24 hours the city lives and breathes culture with free outdoor concerts, exhibits, dance performances, movie showings, and more at a number of venues and parks all over the city… Green escapes are limitless in Sao Paulo. Parks such as Ibirapuera, Villa Lobos and Água Branca offer getaways within the city. Retreats such as the Buddhist Temple right outside the city or the Messianic Solo Sagrado allow for meditation and a complete escape without leaving.”

Are there any Lusophone cities you’ve lived in or would like to live in? Would you care to share your experiences with us?

p.s. – Other sites that have Popular “Top Cities to Live In” rankings – Forbes, Economist Intelligence Survey & Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey