The Complete Guide for Digital Nomads in Lisbon

In recent years, Lisbon has become a hotspot for digital nomads and expats alike. While the promise of a warm climate, affordable access to EU residency, and a great airport are highly attractive, affordability has been rapidly declining for digital nomads in Lisbon. Why? In part, precisely because of the influx of nomads and expats fighting with locals for space.

Tram 28 Photo by Paulo Evangelista on Unsplash

With the rise of the city’s popularity amongst nomads, digital nomad co-living communities have popped up left and right, and so have digital nomad meet-ups, co-working cafes, and more. Unfortunately this has also brought resentment by locals towards their new neighbors.

So, is Lisbon still the haven for nomads it once was? Yes, however, you’ll want to be intentional about spending time in Lisbon as a nomad, and do so ethically and respectfully.

So, how can you properly lounge, live, and grow as a digital nomad in Lisbon? Let’s find out.

Photo by Freguesia de Estrela

Lounging: Living in Lisbon as a Digital Nomad the right way 

Cost of Living as a Digital Nomad in Lisbon 

The cost of living for digital nomads in Lisbon has rapidly increased over the years. One used to be able to get a large ensuite room in a co-living community for under $900 a month in 2020,. Nowadays that same room would easily be over $1300. AirBnBs are also wildly inflated, and scams are common in “Short-term rental” Facebook groups for Lisbon.

Accommodation has become a bit of a problem both for visitors and residents, but on the other hand groceries, restaurants, and tours remain significantly more affordable in Lisbon than they are in the rest of Western Europe.

Articles suggesting monthly expenses of under $1500 are, frankly, incorrect and out of date. Do your research before moving to Lisbon to keep your digital nomad money systems and budgets in check.

Generally speaking, it’s wise to budget a minimum of $3000 per person per month when living in Lisbon as a digital nomad. 

As of 2024, these are the prices you can expect to pay as digital nomads in Lisbon:

• 1 room in Lisbon will cost between $800 and $1500 on AirBnB.
• 1 room in Lisbon will cost between $1300 and $2000 in a co-living community.
• A one-bedroom apartment will cost between $1600 and $2500 on the short-term rental website.
• A one-bedroom apartment rented through co-living communities can cost up to $3000 a month.
• A one-bedroom apartment on AirBnB will set you back a minimum of $3000.

For residents, a long term lease on a 2-bedroom apartment in downtown Lisbon would be around $1500 per month. As you can see, accommodation for digital nomads in Lisbon has been highly inflated recently.

Lounging in Lisbon: Useful Tips 

Since Lisbon has recently been overrun by digital nomads and expats coming to enjoy the sunny weather, comparatively low cost of modern living, and easy access to Europe, the Americas, and Africa, it’s wise to be conscious of your impact on the native culture.

It’s easy to live in Lisbon as an expat or nomad and only interact with fellow vagabonds. Unintentionally, you might even contribute to casting out locals by renting at an inflated rate. So, here are a few tips for you to live, lounge, and grow in Lisbon ethically and respectfully:

• Frequent local cafes, restaurants, and stores. Seek out independent merchants and dine at that hole in the wall.
• Rent from a local landlord and only after ensuring that the price you’ll pay is on par with what locals would pay in that area. If you come to live as a digital nomad in Lisbon only for a few months and don’t have access to long-term rentals, do your research on how your intermediary determines their prices.
• Learn some basics of the Portuguese language and do your best to communicate with all locals, regardless of language proficiency. You can get around with English perfectly but don’t assume you can.
• Befriend locals and learn their culture from them instead of only attending digital nomad meetups
• Find and buy produce from the local markets.

Growing: Working from Lisbon

Portugal’s government has intentionally turned Portugal into an attractive hub for nomad entrepreneurs. Over the years, Lisbon in particular has become a huge hub for entrepreneurial networking and intentional co-working in the interest of building a like-minded community and strategic partnerships. Many come to Lisbon seeking partners, clients, consultants, and a community of working nomads and entrepreneurial expats. Between events, co-workinging cafes, and dedicated co-working spaces, there are many opportunities to get involved.

Best Co-working Cafes for Digital Nomads in Lisbon 

You know the drill: some days are for working in PJs on your bed, while others are for serious writing days at a working space. And on the occasional day you need a laid-back atmosphere at a cafe. Thankfully, many cafes in Lisbon allow for your laptop, and they have stocked-up on power sockets at every table, and speedy WiFi.

While many cafes have leaned into co-working for digital nomads in Lisbon, others have gone the other way and actually prohibit the use of electronics on their tables.

Here are some of the best coworking cafes in Lisbon:

Shakar Cafe

Shaker Cafe is a little hole in the wall just across the street from Parque Eduardo. They serve amazing waffles and a variety of coffee based drinks. They welcome remote workers with power outlets and large tables to work on. Their staff is super sweet, too!

Balthazar Cafe

Just up the street from Shakar Cafe, you’ll find Balthazar Cafe which is much larger than the store front might let on. Don’t be afraid to walk right past the coffee counter to find yourself in an indoor-jungle. Their coffee and pancakes are superb and strangely cheap.

Dear Breakfast Cafe

Further South, throughout downtown, you’ll find Dear Breakfast Cafe which serves breakfast so abundant, you might want to consider keeping your laptop in your bag until you’ve devoured it all. From healthy to indulgent, their menu leaves no taste unsatisfied. If you come here to work, however, do stick to the off-peak hours and weekdays. They have various locations all of which are equally as great.

Hello Kristof 

Fancy a little walk around a DIY shop or a 30 minute read through an old book (that’s not your kindle)? Hello Kristof offers all of that plus fabulous, homemade pastries and delicious coffee. Their internet connection is fast, and the vibe here is rather laid back.

Best Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads in Lisbon

Keeping up with demand, Lisbon’s offices have made room for expats, location-independent entrepreneurs, and remote workers to find a supportive yet productive work environment in curated co-working spaces.

Resvés Cowork Space

Resvés Cowork Space is a cozy and vibrant spot perfect for digital nomads in Lisbon. Centrally located, this space is community-driven and boasts a stylish interiors designed to support productivity. Their daily rate is 15€ and monthly packages are available for those staying longer. Resves is among the most affordable coworking spaces in Lisbon.

Lisbon-Cowork

Lisbon-Cowork is a top choice for digital nomads in Lisbon looking for a professional yet welcoming environment. Situated in the bustling business district, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities including high-speed internet and ergonomic workstations. The space offers extensive networking opportunities, with frequent events and workshops that connect professionals from various industries. The daily rate is 15€ with various packages available based on need, including a “US hours package”.

Second Home Lisboa

As the name suggests, Second Home Lisboa, offers a more refreshing and inspiring work atmosphere for remote workers. It stands out with its botanical decor and eco-friendly design. This space also offers work stations throughout its indoor garden, providing an added wellness factor. The daily rate is 35€, which includes access to all amenities and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

Outsite Cowork Cafe

Outsite Cowork Cafe is a popular cafe as it combines the best of a coworking space and a cozy cafe, ideal for those looking to enjoy a relaxed yet productive setting. Located in the trendy Cais do Sodré area, lunch breaks could easily be taken outside along the river. It offers comfortable seating and excellent coffee. Outsite Cowork Cafe blends work and leisure, making it easy to switch from focused work sessions to casual networking over a cup of coffee. The daily rate is 17€.

Photo by Alizée Baudez

Meeting like-minded nomads in Lisbon 

Digital Nomads in Lisbon are amongst the most eager ones to get out there and meet. You find some fairly aggressively facilitated networking events with founders ready to find investors, as well as more leisurely organized nomad and expat meet-ups.

You’ll typically get a good idea of the vibe when signing up. They’ll either have you come prepared with your 2 sentence pitch, or are handing out beer vouchers. and everything in between.

MeetUp and Eventbrite are very actively being used and are great resources for new nomads and expats in town. Livingroom Concerts is another beautiful way to discover new artists AND mingle with like-minded people.

And finally, keep an eye out for conferences around town. In recent years, a number of remote working conferences and similar have made Lisbon their home…just another sign of Portugal having succeeded in attracting expats.

Living: Where to stay as a Digital Nomad in Lisbon

Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads in Lisbon 

There are various neighborhoods in and around Lisbon that are equally as conducive to digital nomads in Lisbon. It truly depends on what your preference is. If you love a great morning run, living either near Marques de Pombal or Cais du Sodre would be your ideal choice. While Marques du Pombal is a little further away, it’s surrounded by gyms, coworking-cafes and spaces, as well as a beautiful park, Parque Eduardo, which lends itself well to a challenging morning jog. Meanwhile, Cais du Sodre is close to the river and offers great access to a run along the water as well as cafes and bars throughout the day.

If you’re ready to be in the middle of it all, Bairro Alto is your perfect choice. You’ll have access to a wide array of bars and restaurants, as well as most tourist sites. However, if you enjoy a quieter area, the backstreets of Principe Real might be perfect for you.

Short-term rentals and co-living communities can literally be found in every single one of these neighborhoods. There are some digital nomad accommodations in Lisbon that are situated North of Parque Eduardo. While these neighborhoods are more residential in nature, they will require significant time on the tram to get into downtown.

Best Co-living for Digital Nomads in Lisbon

Lisbon has one of the largest selection of co-living communities around. From established communities such as Outsite, over fast-growing start-ups such as Yon, to smaller one-building communities such as SameSame Coliving Lisbon, you can find something for nearly every budget and taste.

Yon Living 

Yon Living is new on the market, and a rapidly growing co-living community with a brilliant concept. This community rents large apartments and creates roommate situations in each apartment. You can choose to be in a solo-home or share a home with up to 5 roommates. All rooms are private and only kitchen and living rooms are shared.

Yon strikes an elegant balance between community and privacy, while catering to mostly digital nomad workers and entrepreneurs. Their rates start at roughly $70 a night, depending on room and season. Book well in advance – they’re beloved and tend to book up fast.

SameSame Co-living 

Same Same Co-living has a slightly different concept. Situated in a traditional Portuguese home, community here is fostered through a variety of features: within the same building, co-livers have various types of rooms and apartments to choose from, with rates starting at roughly $30 per night, depending on season. Similarly to Yon, SameSame also offers different kinds of rooms, including an apartment and shared rooms.

Within the same building, two shared kitchens and a built-in co-working space is offered, and included in the living experience. Their location is slightly further out than Yon’s locations.

Lounge, Grow, Live? 

Are you ready to lounge, grow, and live in Lisbon yet? It’s truly the LIFE. There are  wonderful city trips, beach days, festivals, and hikes you can attend and take in and around this bustling city. It’s truly a city where you can have it all: the peaceful hike alone, the adventurous city trip, a vacation getaway with the perfect itinerary to keep you busy, or the focused day to get work done.

Huge thanks to Dina-Marie Weineck for this guest post. Dina-Marie is a professional coach and creator of Way of the Founder, the corner of the internet where holistic success converges with spiritual exploration and perpetual travel. Through her blog and as a professional coach, she serves digital nomad entrepreneurs and other location-independent business owners in creating freedom through purpose-aligned business growth. Follow her travels on Instagram.