Lisbon is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads. With its sunny weather, rich culture and history, and modern infrastructure, it is a top choice for remote workers.
Whether you plan to stay in Lisbon for a couple of weeks or several months, the Portuguese capital offers a very welcoming environment with a growing number of cafes, coworking spaces, and networking opportunities.
- Why Lisbon?
- Best time to visit
- Visas
- Accommodation
- Cost of living
- Itineraries
- Coworking spaces
- Public places for remote work
- Must-try dishes
- Transportation
- Essential services
- Top activities
- Networking
- Best neighborhoods
- Top places to visit
- Tips for nomads
- Basic phrases in Portuguese
- FAQs
- Other useful information
This comprehensive guide provides essential information and tips on how to make the most of your stay in this city, covering everything from accommodation for rent in Lisbon to must-visit spots.
Why Lisbon?
Lisbon is a popular digital nomad hub due to its combination of pleasant weather, quality of life, affordability, and a fast-growing international community.
The city, thanks to its geographical location, offers easy access to other parts of Europe, as well as a lively art and cultural scene, all while providing fast, reliable internet and a wide variety of coworking spaces.
What’s more, it's a gateway to nature escapes and beautiful beaches just a short ride away. Whether you're in Lisbon for a short stay or a longer trip, the city is suitable for balancing exploration with work.
Find the perfect apartmens for rent in Lisbon
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lisbon depends on the kind of experience you're looking for. The city enjoys warm summers and mild winters, which makes it a year-round destination.
- Spring (March to May): Fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures (15°C-22°C).
- Summer (June to August): Lots of festivals and events, but more tourists. Hot weather (25°C-32°C).
- Fall (September to November): Quieter streets, suitable for exploring. Pleasant weather (18°C-26°C).
- Winter (December to February): Cooler temperatures (10°C-15°C), but the city remains lively, and costs are lower.
Visas
There are various visa options in Portugal for freelancers, digital nomads, and other kinds of travelers. The process and requirements depend on the duration and purpose of your stay and your nationality.
- Schengen visa: Allows non-EU citizens to stay in the country for up to 90 days and other Schengen member countries within a 180-day period.
- Digital nomad visa: Available for remote workers, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal.
- D7 visa: Ideal for freelancers or individuals who have a passive income, granting a long-term stay that can lead to residency.
- Temporary stay visa: Valid for stays lasting more than 90 days but less than one year, typically for study, work, or extended tourism.
Make sure to double check the specific requirements for your nationality before applying.
Source: Photo by Erik Knoef on Unsplash
Accommodation in Lisbon
Finding housing in Lisbon is relatively easy, due to a variety of options available through a growing number of online platforms such as Flatio. It's advisable to reserve your stay in Portugal well in advance, particularly during the high season, i.e. summer.
For nomads, flexible options ranging from a few weeks to several months are becoming increasingly common.
Accommodation types
- Short-term rentals: Suitable for stays of up to three months. These are typically furnished studios or apartments.
- Long-term rentals: Perfect for anyone planning a stay of six months or more. You can find houses, apartments, or shared living spaces.
- Co-living spaces: These are becoming more popular among digital nomads. They are more affordable and offer furnished private rooms and communal living areas, often combined with gyms and coworking spaces.
Rent prices in Lisbon
Rental prices vary depending on the neighborhoods in Lisbon you choose and the type of accommodation. On average, you can expect these monthly rental prices:
- Shared apartments: €400-€700
- Studio apartments: €800-€1,200
- One-bedroom apartments: €1,000-€1,500
- Two-bedroom apartments: €1,200-€2,000
The closer you stay to the center, the higher the rental price tends to be, but some areas outside the city center offer more affordable stays with excellent transportation links.
Flatio: Flexible, deposit-free stays in Lisbon
Are you looking for flexible, reasonably priced, and deposit-free accommodations to rent in Lisbon? Take a look at the listings on Flatio and we believe you will find a suitable living space in the city center, near the nearby beaches, and beyond.
Cost of living in Lisbon
Cost of living in Portugal as a nomad is more affordable than many other capital cities in Europe. Here’s a breakdown of estimated monthly expenses:
- Accommodation: €700-€1,500 (according to location and accommodation type)
- Food & Groceries: €300-€600
- Transportation: €40-€60 (monthly public transportation pass)
- Coworking Spaces: €100-€250
- Other Expenses (leisure, gym, etc.): €100-€300
With smart budgeting, it's possible to live comfortably in Lisbon for about €1,500-€2,500 a month.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Portugal
Itineraries for Lisbon
3 days
- Day 1: Explore Baixa and Chiado, go to Praça do Comércio, and enjoy a ride on the iconic Tram 28.
- Day 2: Discover the treasures in Belém, such as Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
- Day 3: Go on a day trip to Sintra to visit Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace.
1 week
- Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary mentioned above.
- Day 4: Discover Alfama, explore the São Jorge Castle, and experience Fado music in the evening.
- Day 5: Head to Estoril and Cascais for a relaxing day at the beach.
- Day 6: Visit the National Museum of Ancient Art and LX Factory.
- Day 7: Take a hike in Arrábida Natural Park or enjoy a day at Costa da Caparica.
1 month
- Week 1: Get to know Lisbon’s key neighborhoods such as Baixa, Alfama, and Belém.
- Week 2: Plan day trips to Sintra, Estoril, and Cascais.
- Week 3: Dive deeper into the local culture by taking language classes, visiting markets, and taking part in cultural events.
- Week 4: Spend more time at the parks and beaches and discover the Algarve or Porto over a weekend.
3 months
- Months 1-2: Focus on fully discovering Lisbon and the nearby towns. Settle into a routine and start connecting and networking with other nomads and travelers.
- Month 3: Visit more distant destinations like the Algarve, Porto, or Madeira, and go on weekend trips to other destinations in Europe.
Source: Photo by Nicolas Ruiz on Unsplash
Coworking spaces
Lisbon offers a wide and diverse range of coworking spaces that cater to nomads and remote workers.
These spaces typically provide users with reliable, fast internet, social events, and meeting rooms.
Some well-known ones are:
- Second Home: A creative and vibrant space with lots of greenery.
- Heden: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and community focus.
- Sitio: Popular among nomads for its community-driven approach, with workshops and events that help remote workers connect.
- Workhub: Spacious with a professional vibe.
Are you curious to find out more about Portugal?
On our website you can explore a range of topics related to Portugal, including:
- Portugal weather
- Portugal education system
- Portugal accommodation
- Portugal renting tips
- Portugal tax
- Portugal things to do
- Portugal best places
- Portugal cost of living
- Portugal advice
- Portugal FAQs
- Portugal visas
- Portugal residency
Public places for remote work
For those who want to work in public places, Lisbon hosts plenty of libraries and cafes that are remote-work friendly:
- Cafés:
- Fabrica Coffee Roasters
- Delta The Coffee House Experience
- Hello, Kristof
- Libraries:
- Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal
- Biblioteca de Belém
Must-try dishes
Portuguese cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with lots of dishes you should try while in Lisbon.
- Pastéis de Nata: Custard tarts, which are internationally known and nationally popular.
- Bacalhau à Brás: A tasty cod dish with shredded potatoes and eggs.
- Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines, which are often served in the summer.
- Caldo Verde: A traditional chouriço and kale soup.
- Francesinha: A hearty sandwich that’s filled with meats and is covered in beer sauce and melted cheese(originating from Porto).
Transportation
Lisbon’s public transportation system is very well-connected and relatively affordable, which makes it easy to explore the city and the surrounding areas.
- Metro: The fastest way to get around Lisbon, with several lines covering most areas.
- Trams: Iconic trams, which includes the iconic Tram 28, are both scenic and functional.
- Buses: Cover areas that are not serviced by the trams and metro.
- Ferries: Travel across the Tagus River to Cacilhas or Almada.
- Ride-sharing: Services such as Bolt and Uber are available in Lisbon.
- E-scooters and bikes: Widely and readily available across the city for short distances.
Essential services
- Healthcare: Public and private healthcare are available. Pharmacies are readily available, with some of them open 24/7.
- SIM cards: You can easily buy prepaid SIM cards that offer good data packages for short-term stays.
- Banking: It is relatively easy for nomads to open a bank account in Lisbon with national and foreign banks.
Top activities
- Explore Alfama: Explore the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, known as Old Town, featuring narrow, winding streets and many places where you can enjoy Fado music.
- Surfing: Head to beaches such as Ericeira or Carcavelos to catch some waves.
- Lisbon Oceanarium: One of Europe’s biggest and most beautiful aquariums.
- Museums: Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) for a dose of innovation and culture.
- Sunset at Miradouros: Take in scenic views from Lisbon’s hilltop viewpoints, like Miradouro de Santa Catarina or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
- LX Factory: A creative hub with unique restaurants, shops, and events, located in an old industrial complex.
- Day Trips: Take excursions to Cascais, Sintra, or the Setúbal wine region.
Networking
Lisbon’s growing digital expat and nomad community means there are lots of networking opportunities. You can connect with other location-independent professionals through local meetups, coworking spaces, and social events. These are some of the best ways to network in Lisbon:
- Meetup groups: There are many groups that cater specifically to digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs.
- Coworking spaces: Many host monthly or weekly networking events, workshops, and happy hours.
- Social media groups: LinkedIn, Slack, and Facebook communities are ideal for meeting other nomads or finding local events.
- Tech events: Lisbon hosts a large number of startup and tech conferences, such as Web Summit, where participants can meet like-minded individuals.
Best neighborhoods in Lisbon
Lisbon’s neighborhoods each have a unique, distinct character, and your choice of area could greatly impact your experience. These are some of the most popular options for digital nomads when it comes to accessibility, affordability, or both.
- Baixa
- Chiado
- Bairro Alto
- Alfama (Old Town)
- Graça
- Belém
- Príncipe Real
- Santos
- Campo de Ourique
- Parque das Nações
- Areeiro
- Estrela
- Arroios
- Alcântara
Source: Photo by Teodor Kuduschiev on Unsplash
Top places to visit in Lisbon
Lisbon is characterized by a rich history and culture and beautiful architecture. These are some of the must-see sights of the city:
- Belém Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage site that played an important role in the country’s maritime history.
- Jerónimos Monastery: Another UNESCO site, this iconic monastery dates back to the Age of Discovery.
- São Jorge Castle: Offering picturesque views over the city, this medieval castle is regarded as a symbol of Lisbon’s heritage.
- LX Factory: A lively cultural space with bookshops, art installations, and cafes.
- Pena Palace in Sintra: A fairy-tale, colorful castle just outside Lisbon.
- Oceanário de Lisboa: One of the biggest aquariums in Europe, which is located at Parque das Nações.
Interested in learning more about other destinations in Portugal?
On our website you will find travel guides and information about destinations in Portugal beyond Lisbon, including:
Tips for digital nomads
- Language: Learning basic Portuguese phrases can be very helpful, although many locals speak English.
- Wi-Fi: Reliable, fast Wi-Fi is available in almost all coworking spaces, cafes, and accommodation. However, it’s always advisable to check speeds beforehand, especially for important online meetings.
- Transport apps: Download apps such as ride-sharing apps and Google Maps to navigate Lisbon easily.
- Explore beyond Lisbon: While Lisbon is a fantastic destination to explore, don’t forget about the nearby mountains, beaches,and other cities like Faro and Porto.
- Adapt to local customs: Dinner times in Lisbon are typically later than in other countries, usually around 8-9 PM. Most cafes serve meals throughout the day, which makes it easy to work and dine when you want.
Find the perfect accommodation in Lisbon
Basic phrases in Portuguese
While many people speak English in Lisbon, knowing a few basic Portuguese phrases can enhance your experience and also help you connect with locals.
- Olá – Hello
- Bom dia – Good morning
- Boa tarde – Good afternoon
- Boa noite – Good evening/night
- Por favor – Please
- Obrigado/a – Thank you (male/female)
- Desculpe – Sorry
- Sim/Não – Yes/No
- Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?
- Onde é a estação de metro? – Where is the metro station?
- Fala inglês? – Do you speak English?
FAQs
Do I need to speak Portuguese to be able live in Lisbon?
No, many people in the Portuguese capital speak English, especially in areas that are frequented by expats and tourists. However, it’s helpful to learn some basic phrases in Portuguese. It’s also appreciated by locals.
Is Lisbon an expensive city for digital nomads?
Lisbon is more affordable when compared to many other European capitals. However, prices can obviously vary based on factors such as the accommodation you choose and your lifestyle. You can live in Lisbon comfortably with a budget of €1,500-€2,500 a month.
Can I work remotely in Lisbon if I hold a tourist visa?
If your stay is shorter than 90 days, you can work remotely with a tourist visa (for non-EU citizens). For longer stays, you can apply for a D7 or digital nomad visa.
What is the weather like in Lisbon?
Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate featuring mild winters and hot summers. You can expect many days of sunshine year-round, although there are rainy days during the winter months.
Source: Photo by Carla M.J. Gomes on Unsplash
Other useful information
- Time Zone: GMT+1 in summer, GMT in winter.
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory, but it’s appreciated (around 5-10%).
- Emergency number: 112 for all emergencies.
- Electrical Outlets: Lisbon uses Type C and F plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.
Flatio: Rental accommodation in Lisbon
Why choose Flatio to rent accommodation in Lisbon? Discover the unique features that make us the perfect choice:
- Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from days to months)
- Wide range of accommodation options (rooms, apartments, houses, etc.)
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- Visa-friendly lease agreements
- Online signing of lease agreement
- Renting directly from hosts
- No deposit required for stays under 180 days (unless required by local laws)
- Balanced lease agreement, translated into multiple languages
- Very attractive cancelation policy
- StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
- 100% money protection
- Customer support available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option
