Lisbon, Portugal is home to one of the most active digital nomad communities in the world.
This sunny European capital is a haven for freelancers and online entrepreneurs looking to soak in some history, enjoy the thriving nightlife scene, or relax with a cold glass of cerveja. Coworking spaces abound, and there are plenty of other remote workers to keep you company. Lisbon digital nomads are living the good life!
This Lisbon digital nomad guide breaks down where to stay, eat, work and play in Portugal’s vibrant capital. Plus insight into visas, internet speed, cost of living and more.
Still wondering how to make your digital nomad dream a reality? Check out the Laptop Lifestyle Blueprint, your guide to setting up an online business in just 30 days, so you can travel the world full time and build your own freedom lifestyle.
Portugal Basics
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Majority Religion: Catholic
When to Visit Lisbon as a Digital Nomad
Lisbon is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, making it an ideal place to visit any month of the year. For the best weather, try Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November), when temperatures hover around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius). June is the Popular Saints festival, bringing a whole month of festivities, colorful parades and music.
Summer is peak tourist season, bringing crowds and higher prices. Some Lisbon digital nomads relocate during the winter to avoid the colder weather–though if you’re coming from North America or Northern Europe, you’ll still find it quite mild at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius).
Pros and Cons of Life as a Lisbon Digital Nomad
Wondering how Lisbon stacks up to other digital nomad destinations? Check out our other destination guides:
- Canggu Digital Nomad Guide
- Da Nang Digital Nomad Guide
- Tulum Digital Nomad Guide
- Chiang Mai Digital Nomad Guide
- Athens Digital Nomad Guide
Related Post: The Best Digital Nomad Destinations in 2021
Cost of Living for Lisbon Digital Nomads
Lisbon’s great quality of life doesn’t come cheap (at least not compared to other digital nomad destinations), but it’s still affordable by European standards. Food, drinks and transportation are all reasonably priced. Rent will be your biggest expense, but you can save money by renting a room in a shared apartment or being flexible with location.
For most Lisbon digital nomads, a monthly budget of €1200 ($1400 USD) is enough to live comfortably. If you want a private apartment or plan to indulge more then plan accordingly.
Related Post: How Much Money Do You Need to Save Before Moving Abroad?
Housing
Popular Neighbourhoods for Lisbon Digital Nomads
Baixa and Chiado
These two central districts are perfect for exploring all Lisbon has to offer. From boutique stores to coffee shops and nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to do. The central location comes with steeper price tags, but if you want to be in the heart of the action, this is it!
When I lived in Lisbon, we stayed right outside of Baixa near the Selina coworking space. I loved this area as it was a little bit away from the main hustle and bustle, but no more than a 10-15 minute walk into the center of the city. However, do note that Lisbon is the city of hills so any time you are walking be prepared for a workout!
Alfama
One of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Lisbon, historic Alfama is also the most popular and crowded, especially during the summer months. Expats and tourists dominate the cobblestone streets, so if you’re looking for a local feel, try somewhere else.
Santos
This up and coming expat neighbourhood is lined with trendy shops and cafes. Previously an industrial area of the city, it’s undergone a massive rejuvenation project and become Lisbon’s design centre. A little more removed from the heart of the city, it’s ideal for Lisbon digital nomads looking for a quieter pace.
How to find housing as a Lisbon Digital Nomad
There’s no shortage of housing in Lisbon, especially short term rentals like AirBNB. If you plan on staying for longer than a month, try apartment rental site Idealista. You can also join Lisbon digital nomad Facebook groups like this one to ask around for tips or see if anyone is looking for a roommate.
A room in a shared apartment downtown will likely set you back around €500 ($580 USD). A studio or one bedroom will be closer to €1000 ($1200 USD), and prices are always on the rise. If you’re looking to save money, staying outside the city centre can be a great option–Lisbon is extremely walkable and has great public transit.
Related Post: How to Quit Your 9 to 5 and Travel the World Full Time
Where to Work as a Lisbon Digital Nomad
Coworking spaces
Outsite Cowork Cafe
Outsite offers a laid back workspace, coffee and cocktails. There are lots of different seating options and a coliving space located above the cafe as well. Daily passes start at €17 ($20). This was my favorite coworking space to work as the vibes were very bright and open but it’s definitely pricey.
Heden
Heden is a sustainability and wellness-focused coworking space with three locations around Lisbon. They also host events for the Lisbon digital community, running regular movie nights and yoga classes.
Impact Hub
Located in the Alcantara neighbourhood, Impact Hub is another great coworking option for Lisbon digital nomads. The space is geared towards creatives and entrepreneurs, with lots of events and workshops.
Selina
The Selina Secret Garden is a coliving and coworking, for Lisbon digital nomads who would prefer to let someone else handle the planning. They’ll take care of your accommodation, work space, sightseeing, tours and more. All you have to do is pack your bags!
Second Home
Plant lovers will love this greenhouse-like coworking space. If natural light and wellness are your thing, it might be worth their pricier membership.
Cafes
Dear Breakfast
This was my go-to spot to work every day. While there are quite a few coworking spaces I preferred cafes and specifically Dear Breakfast. It’s a chic, beautifully decorated cafe with tons of seats, great coffee, and outlets (if you find a seat against the wall).
The cafe didn’t mind us working there as long as we kept buying coffee or lunch and we were accompanied by several other Lisbon digital nomads.
Note: there are two Dear Breakfast locations and this one is way better than this one. The second location is downtown in a more crowded cafe space and is very loud so I didn’t enjoy working there.
Hello Kristof
This unique coffee shop sells magazines, candles, aromatherapy kits and more. The clean, bright space is ideal for work and the food is delicious!
Copenhagen Coffee Lab
This cozy coffee shop is a favorite among Lisbon digital nomads. With delicious baked goods and excellent coffee, it’s the perfect place to spend your work day. This was another one of our go-to coffee shops, not only for the coffee but for the work space.
There are always many students and remote workers in this cafe. Be aware they typically leave the door open, so it can get quite warm in the summer.
Fabrica Coffee Roasters
Located in the heart of the city, this specialty coffee roaster is another great working option for Lisbon digital nomads. Set up shop with your laptop indoors or grab one of the tables outside on the patio.
Related Post: Where to Work in Canggu, Bali: 10 Best Cafes and Coworking Spaces
Internet and SIM Cards
Technically before purchasing a Portuguese SIM card, you’ll need to apply for a NIF (tax) number, however this was not the case for us or many people we know. We were able to pick up a SIM card at the airport or in town (we used Vodafone). The most popular phone companies are MEO, Vodafone, or NOS.
Lisbon has high speed internet just about everywhere, and there is strong public wifi in coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Connectivity issues are more common outside the city, so be aware if you plan to travel around the country. In general, though, Portugal has excellent wifi.
Transportation
Lisbon is a very walkable city, and there’s also a great public transit system. Between the metro, buses and trams, you won’t have any issues getting around. You can purchase a monthly travel pass for €30 and use it on any public transit. Rechargeable “Zapping” cards cost €1.34 per one-way trip. Cabs and Uber are also both widely available.
Food
Eating Out
Eating out in Lisbon is relatively inexpensive, especially if you avoid tourist areas. A main course and glass of wine will be under €20 ($23 USD) at most sit-down restaurants. There are so many great restaurants and cafes in Lisbon, you’ll never run out of new places to try!
Tip: Save money by eating at local tascas–family-run restaurants serving cheap pratos do dia (daily specials) that change every week.
Augusto Lisboa in Alfama is the perfect place to grab brunch on a weekend morning. For traditional Portuguese food, try Crisfama or A Venda Lusitana. For tapas, don’t miss Tapas Bar 52, one our favorite restaurants!
P.S. If you are gluten free like me, check out Zarzuela bakery – an all gluten free bakery with the most amazing pastries I’ve (literally) had in the world!
Groceries
Lisbon digital nomads can find everything they need at Mini Preco, a local chain of convenience stores. For more options, Continente Supermarkets is the larger chain. You can also buy groceries at one of the many local markets, which is a great way to save money, too!
Related Post: Cost of Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Gyms
There are various budget friendly gyms available throughout Lisbon, some offering membership from as little as €5/week. Try Fitness Hut, Lemon Fit or Baraza Yoga.
Nightlife
Lisbon digital nomads will find no shortage of places to party. Bairro Alto is the nightlife district, although you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs scattered across the city. Try a Morangoska (a vodka cocktail with vodka fresh strawberries) or Ginjinha (cherry liquor) and stay out all night!
Tip: Thursdays are the best night to party with locals–weekends are for tourists.
Things to See and Do in Lisbon
Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George’s Castle)
Explore a piece of history and one of the best views in Lisbon. This castle is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon–book your tickets in advance to skip the line!
Miradoures (Viewpoints)
Admire the spectacular city views from Miradouro São Pedro de Alcantara, Miradouro do Graça, or Miradouro do Monte Agudo.
Visit the beach
Estoril and Cascais are less than an hour by train from the city centre, offering gorgeous ocean views. You can even try your hand at surfing!
Belém Tower
One of the most iconic sites in Lisbon, Belém Tower is a remnant from Portugal’s days of exploration and discovery. It looks like a small castle rising from the river and makes a great photo spot!
Lx Factory
This abandoned factory complex has turned into one of Lisbon’s trendiest areas, home to many cafes, shops and restaurants, and the graffiti lined walls are a modern art gallery. Visit on the weekend to explore one of the outdoor markets.
Related Post: 6 Best Things to do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Day Trips from Lisbon
Sintra
Sintra is only an hour from Lisbon by train, but it feels a world away. Packed with history and old world charm, you can easily spend the day exploring castles and monuments.
Cascais
This laidback beach town is just an hour from Lisbon and a great place to soak up the sun. Spend the day outdoors suntanning, hiking or surfing.
Setabul Region
Just south of Lisbon is one of Portugal’s best wine regions. Whether or not you’re a wine lover, it’s a great way to learn more about Portuguese culture, and the scenery is beautiful!
Visa Tips for Lisbon Digital Nomads
While EU citizens can live and work in Portugal for any length of time, most Lisbon digital nomads visit on a 90 day tourist visa. There is also the temporary resident visa (often called the digital nomad visa), which can be used by freelancers and entrepreneurs. Digital nomads on this visa can stay for upwards of one year.
The exact visa you need will depend on your citizenship and how long you plan to stay in Portugal. Read more about the different types of visas here and the digital nomad visa in particular here.
Related Post: How to manage your business while traveling full-time
Health and Safety
Lisbon is a very safe place and there are few major health concerns. Like any tourist city, watch for pickpockets and scams. As always, make sure you’re up to date on vaccines and have proper health insurance. We use Safety Wing and I recommend them for all digital nomads!
Ready to become a Lisbon digital nomad?
With sunny weather, flexible visas, and endless charming cafes, it’s easy to see why more and more digital nomads are calling Lisbon home. If you’re ready to join them, check out Laptop Lifestyle Bootcamp, my signature group coaching program, designed to get your online business up and running so you can travel the world full time and live in amazing places like Portugal, Mexico, Bali and Thailand.
Want more digital nomad lifestyle tips? Subscribe to my Youtube channel and join us in the Laptop Lifestyle Entrepreneur Facebook group!
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amanda kolbye
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