Why intern in Lisbon?

Lisbon might be the oldest city in Western Europe, but its seamless mix of old and new has earned its reputation as the ‘capital of cool’. The best and simplest thing to do in this Mediterranean city is walk: across the city, you’ll find winding streets and curious alleyways against a backdrop of colourful buildings and greenery. The further you walk from the centre, the closer you’ll get to the real heart of Lisbon.

‘The Coolest City in Europe’

While you’ll still find plenty of tradition in Lisbon, the city’s growing popularity with younger tourists has encouraged a new wave of upbeat nightlife and experimental cuisine. Lisbon’s party district, Bairro Alto, is a graffitied Mecca for quirky bars and rooftop lounges, while Pink Street - which really is painted pink - is teeming with some of the city’s most popular bars and clubs. If you find yourself in Bairro Alto, try ringing the bell underneath a red frog on the wall and you’ll be transported to a hidden Prohibition New York, complete with live Jazz and expertly crafted cocktails.

Those Yellow Trams

It’s impossible to imagine Lisbon without its iconic yellow trams. Not only do they make it easy to traverse the city centre, but they’re a tourist attraction in themselves: many still feature the original polished wood interiors, brass dials, and, of course, the bright yellow paint. These quaint, vibrant carriages are a microcosm of Lisbon, a city awash with pastel pinks, yellows, blues, and oranges, where the sun shines for nearly 300 days of the year. There are a multitude of ways to enjoy the warmth, too. Only 15 minutes away from the city centre is Carcavelos beach, where you can swim, surf, and sunbathe the afternoon away.

Fado and Flaming Chorizo

Fado, a traditional style of Portuguese music, is as elusive as it is beautiful. Amália Rodrigues, a Portuguese activist, describes it as something to be ‘felt’ rather than understood: ‘The fado is not meant to be sung; it simply happens. You feel it, you don’t understand it and you don’t explain it.’ Thankfully, it’s easy to experience Fado music for yourself in its origin city. For the best experience in an intimate setting, head to the family-owned A Baiuca, where you can enjoy traditional grilled fish and ‘vagrant fado’.

There’s plenty for foodies to sink their teeth into in the Portuguese capital. You’ll find ‘Pasticcerie’ all over the city, serving cream puffs, espresso, and of course, pastel de nata, a flaky custard-filled pastry with a brûléed top. For something savoury, try the salted cod, or Bacalhau. Alternatively, visit Restaurant Lucimar for the infamous Francesinha, a rich Portuguese sandwich made from toasted bread, layered with steak, sausage, and cheese, and topped with a spicy sauce. 

Turing Scheme Internships in Lisbon

In Lisbon, we currently offer work placements in Digital Marketing. For more information please click below:

Language Classes

As part of your Turing Scheme placement, you'll be given 10 sessions of Portuguese lessons at a local language school to enhance your experience. 

Accommodation

You’ll be living in an apartment shared with other Turing interns, either in the heart of Lisbon’s Old Town or on the coast, depending on the location of your placement. Accommodation in Lisbon has been carefully selected to give you the opportunity to integrate with the local community and practise your Portuguese. You’ll also find transport close by, and a variety of bars, restaurants and shops.

You’ll have a single bedroom with a study space and storage, with access to shared bathrooms, and equipped kitchen and communal areas. Bed linen is provided, but you’ll need to bring your own towel. All utilities are included.

I have learnt more in 3 months than I did in my previous 2-year role based at home. I have enjoyed the challenge, learning new skills and meeting new people. I feel that this will be a huge benefit towards my career and has expanded my horizons.

Eleanor 
Digital Marketing Intern 2019

Cost of Living in Lisbon 

Lisbon is inexpensive, depending on your lifestyle. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost as little as 10€, and you’ll be able to buy a bottle of wine for as little as a few euros.

What to do while you're there

As the oldest city in Western Europe, Lisbon beautifully blends ancient heritage with compelling modernism and progressive thinking. It's like stepping into a postcard – cobbled streets are lined with colourful houses framed by the domed cathedrals that have been carved into the city's hills that overlook sparkling beaches. Lisbon's trademark eight hills are spread across the cityscape like towering custodians of history, making cycling an activity for the fit and very brave! So, while you can make use of the Lisboa Gira (cycle rentals) to get around town, you also have access to the Trams - that can get you to areas the busses and Metro don't reach. But be warned, the now infamous yellow trams can get crowded in peak tourist season. While the city isn't huge, the hills and irregular streets can make your journey longer than you may be used to. We advise you to do your research before deciding your commute route - some travel cards could cost up to 40€ per month.

The many viewpoints provide Insta worthy pics – no filter necessary, but a trip to Praça do Comércio (Commercial Plaza or Palace Square) is a must. As the biggest and ‘central’ square in the city, it reflects the wealth and ambitions of Lisbon and Portugal in the late 18th century. And you might just as well taste the history by popping into Café Restaurant Martinho da Arcada - opened by the Marquis de Pombal in 1782. It is Portugal's oldest café. Or, take a day trip to Sintra, where many of Portugal's nobility built their summer residences. Just an hour away from Rossio train station, Sintra is a Unesco World Heritage-listed centre hidden in pine-covered hills, and an absolute gem. 

By day Lisbon is picturesque and charming. However, at night the town comes to life as locals and visitors enjoy many discos, Bars, Fado houses, and nightclubs located throughout the city. The Bairro Alto quarter is trendy among Turing participants thanks to the very reasonable prices and many different small bars that close around 2 am. Principe Real/Praça das Flores is an LGTB-friendly area where you'll find clubs and cocktail bars usually open from 1 am to 5/6 am. Between those, Pink Street, Cais Do Sodré-Santos and Anjos/Intendente, you'll find everything from cheap bars to big clubs and everything in between. 

While a Portuguese language course is included in your placement, we recommend students attend the language exchanges (intercâmbios) in Lisbon. These are a great opportunity for you to improve your Portuguese and make new friends by meeting local people in a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a coffee or a cold beer.

Departure and return dates of our Lisbon programmes are as follows:

07/01/2024 - 17/03/2024, 10 Weeks

24/03/2024 - 02/06/2024, 10 Weeks 

Interested in a work placement experience in Portugal?

Apply now