As the vibrant capital of Portugal, Lisbon is known for its captivating blend of old-world charm and modern touches. Lisbon boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving arts and culture scene with desirable amenities for remote workers, digital nomads, and travelers looking to blend culture and old-world charm with a work-friendly coworking environment. But beyond all the beauty and historic wonder, you need the best Lisbon travel guide to help you work remotely while making the most of your adventure.
Here’s how to make Lisbon work for your next trip, whether you’re working remotely or passing through while making the most of your digital nomad lifestyle.
Why Visit Lisbon?
Visitors who love food, nightlife, and colorful buildings will love the vibe in Lisbon. As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon dates back to around 1,200 BC, when the Pheonicians settled the area. Despite all that deep history around every corner, Lisbon is still vibrant and colorful, with an eclectic mix of old and new. It also doesn’t hurt that the views are absolutely incredible and the locals are welcoming.
Why Lisbon is a Great Choice for Remote Workers
Any good Lisbon travel guide should include the best options for remote workers. The relatively low cost of living and hospitable environment contribute to Lisbon’s laid-back atmosphere. World travelers are drawn to the city for its thriving start-up culture and growing community of digital nomads looking for a supportive environment for networking and creative collaboration. With its stunning coastal views, award-winning cuisine, and bustling nightlife, Lisbon blends the perfect balance of work and play to grow digital careers and an adventurous spirit at the same time.
Where to Find the Best Co-Working Spaces in Lisbon
Lisbon has no shortage of co-working spaces and work-friendly cafes tailored to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers. Some of the more popular options around the city include:
Heden Santa Apolónia
Enjoy river views and a green facade between the historic Santa Apolónia Station and the Cruise Terminal. Heden Santa Apolónia is a sustainable coworking and event space that provides a glorious meeting point for freelancers and global teams.
Second Home Lisbon
Second Home Lisbon promises to get visitors from work to the waves in 20 minutes. Beyond coworking and event spaces that hold up to 120 people, Coworking Lisboa offers yoga, breathwork, and fitness classes.
Village Underground Lisboa
Village Underground Lisboa is located in the heart of Lisbon and is easily accessible by public transportation, bus, bicycle, and foot. More than just a coworking space, Village Underground also boasts events and restaurants in a structure made from shipping containers, double-decker buses recycled into work spaces and a recording studio.
Avila Spaces (Atrium Saldanha)
Avila Spaces (Atrium Saldanha) is among the most stylish coworking spaces in all of Lisbon, with virtual offices, a coworking lounge, and space to relax. It’s the perfect way for remote workers and freelancers to team up or get work done in between exploring the city.
Impact Hub Lisbon
Impact Hub is an innovative, green, and inclusive coworking space for freelancers and digital nomads. Whether someone is flying solo or working with a team, Impact Hub is an inspiring and welcoming place to work in the heart of Lisbon. Digital nomads can get an inexpensive membership by day, week, or ongoing access upon request.
For visitors who want to forgo a coworking space, Lisbon also offers multiple cafes and free WiFi spots around the city. With reliable and fast internet connectivity, the area is a welcoming community of like-minded professionals looking to explore.
The Best Times to Visit Lisbon
Add spring and early autumn to your Lisbon travel guide for its mild weather, fewer crowds, and bustling local festivals. The city comes alive during annual events like the Festas de Lisboa in June, where locals and visitors celebrate with lively street parties, music, and traditional feasts. For travelers looking for a bargain, off-peak travel times during late fall and winter offer great flight deals and hotel rates for a more affordable and less crowded time to explore the city.
Explore the Best Adventures and Experiences in Lisbon
Lisbon offers endless adventure and places to explore.
Visit Historic Neighborhoods
Get started with the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto. Known for their charming narrow streets, colorful houses, and traditional Fado music, the area is filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. For a quick coffee and bite to eat with WiFi access, Fabrica Coffee Roasters offers multiple locations and WiFi hotspots.
Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
For a glimpse of Manueline architecture and rich history, the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery delivers. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. The Views from São Jorge Castle offer breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon from São Jorge Castle, a historic Moorish castle perched atop a hill in the heart of the city. Visitors explore the castle’s grounds, gardens, and archaeological site and immerse themselves in the rich history and architectural marvels of this landmark.
Eat at the Mercado da Ribeira
Locals indulge in cuisine at Mercado da Ribeira for delectable Portuguese dishes at Mercado da Ribeira, a bustling food market for gourmet treats. From fresh seafood and pastries to traditional Portuguese delicacies, this market is a haven for foodies.
Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium offers one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe with a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and exotic fish. Visitors learn about the importance of ocean conservation and biodiversity and see unusual marine life.
Stroll through Jardim Botânico
After a day of co-working and networking, it’s time to get outdoors with a walk through the Jardim Botânico, Lisbon’s botanical garden with a diverse collection of plant species from around the world. Visitors take in the lush greenery and beautiful flower displays while connecting with nature in the heart of the city.
Tips on Where Digital Nomads Should Stay in Lisbon
Locals should consider staying in the trendy neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado for easy access to bustling cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Alternatively, the Alfama offers a more traditional and authentic Lisbon experience with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and stunning river views. Hotel options such as the Memmo Alfama Hotel and the Lisbon Wine Hotel provide a blend of comfort and local charm for a memorable entry in your Lisbon travel guide.
Lisbon Safety and Transportation Know-How
Lisbon is generally a safe city for solo travelers and remote workers, with a friendly local population and a well-maintained public transport system of trams, buses, and metro lines. Walking is a popular and safe way to explore the city, allowing visitors to soak in the local culture and ambiance at their own pace.
However, traffic and parking can be a nightmare in Lisbon, especially at tourist attractions. The Viva Viagem travel pass is a good way to get around Lisbon and neighboring cities by metro, buses, trains, boats, and trams. It expands visitors’ options, especially when planning to take day trips and excursions from Lisbon.
If tourists do take the metro in Lisbon, there’s a break in service from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., making it imperative to know how to grab an alternative, like a cab, which is black with a green roof. Rideshares (Uber and Bolt) are also available and generally cheaper than taxis. Pro tip: By law, rideshare vehicles must display a sticker on their windshields with the letters TVDE.
The Best Excursions from Lisbon
Lisbon is within a few hours of glorious attractions, including the nearby coastal town of Cascais, known for its stunning beaches and picturesque landscapes. Another option is the historic town of Sintra, with its enchanting palaces and lush greenery, just a short train ride away from Lisbon. They’re both perfect options to explore more of Portugal’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Surfing is also within reach in Lisbon, which is located about half an hour from Costa de Caparica, over an hour from Peniche, an hour and a-half from Nazarè, and around two to three hours from the Algarve.
Next Steps
Lisbon’s welcoming vibe and bustling digital nomadic work culture make it an ideal stop on any remote worker’s itinerary. Visitors should take the time to soak up the stunning views from their favorite co-working space and enjoy the old-world charm complemented by the modern conveniences and technology that fuel remote careers.
Ready to see the Lisbon travel guide in action or set up your own digital nomad lifestyle around the world? Download the Odyssey app here.
