Lisbon, the sun-kissed capital of Portugal, has emerged as a top destination for digital nomads seeking a combination of rich culture, modern amenities, and an international community. With its picturesque neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and welcoming atmosphere, Lisbon offers an ideal environment for remote workers.
Why Lisbon Appeals to Digital Nomads?
Lisbon has emerged as a top destination for digital nomads, thanks to a compelling mix of climate, culture, affordability, and connectivity. This exciting coastal city offers an ideal setting for remote work, personal growth, exploration and adventure.
Mild Climate
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Lisbon provides a consistently pleasant environment that enhances both productivity and leisure. The temperate Mediterranean climate means warm summers and mild winters, encouraging an outdoor lifestyle where you can take work breaks by the beach, explore the city’s scenic viewpoints, or enjoy al fresco cafés year-round.
Affordable Living:
Although the prices for real estate are increasing, Lisbon still remains relatively budget friendly, especially if compared to other Western European capitals like Paris or London. Monthly rent, dining out, and general expenses are significantly lower, allowing digital nomads to enjoy a high quality of life without the financial strain. This cost-efficiency makes it an especially attractive base for freelancers, innovative entrepreneurs, and remote workers looking for value without sacrificing experience.
Robust Infrastructure
Lisbon is well-equipped to support remote work. High-speed fiber-optic internet is widely available, and the city boasts a range of modern co-working spaces, laptop-friendly cafés, and networking hubs. Its reliable public transportation system—including trams, buses, and metro—makes it easy to navigate the city, while Lisbon’s international airport offers convenient connections to major global destinations.
Cultural Richness
The city’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and centuries-old monuments. From Fado music echoing through historic neighborhoods to contemporary art galleries and creative festivals, Lisbon offers a wealth of experiences to spark creativity and curiosity. Digital nomads often find inspiration in its vibrant blend of old and new.
Supportive Community
Lisbon has cultivated a thriving ecosystem of digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and expats. Regular meetups, language exchanges, and tech-focused events create ample opportunities for networking, collaboration, and friendship. This welcoming community atmosphere makes it easy for newcomers to integrate, find support, and build a fulfilling lifestyle abroad.
Cost of Living in Lisbon
While Lisbon remains more affordable than many European capitals, costs have been on the rise in the recent years. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly expenses for a single digital nomad:
- Rent: €1,200–€1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center; €900–€1,200 outside the center.
- Utilities: Approximately €130.
- Internet and Mobile: Around €60.
- Groceries: €200–€340
- Public Transport: €40 for a monthly pass.
Overall, a monthly budget of €1,500–€2,500 allows for a comfortable lifestyle, depending on personal preferences and spending habits.
Accommodation Options
Lisbon offers a range of accommodation choices to suit various needs:
- Short-Term Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb provide furnished apartments for flexible stays.
- Coliving Spaces: Always more popular choice among the digital nomads. Co-living spaces are ideal for those seeking community. Very often these spaces offer also co- working environment and are perfect to integrate with the international community of remote workers. If you are interested in this solution check the Nomadgo website and find your space!
- Long-Term Leases: Traditional rentals are available for those planning extended stays, though securing a lease may require local assistance of an agency. Remax is one of the most popular among the international community. However, it’s worth to stay in a short term lease before deciding whether Lisbon is the right choice for you.
Coworking Spaces
There are multiple co-working spaces in Lisbon. If you want to explore the co-working spaces in Lisbon, download the get croissant app, register and book your favorite space. Below a couple of most popular places among the international remote workers:
WorkHub
Situated in Lisbon’s Beato district, WorkHub offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Housed in a renovated 100-year-old wine factory, this space provides high-speed internet, flexible desk options, and a community-driven environment ideal for freelancers and remote workers.
Second Home Lisbon
Nestled above the historic Mercado da Ribeira, Second Home is renowned for its lush interior filled with over 1,000 plants, creating a serene workspace. Designed by the Spanish architecture firm SelgasCano, it offers a creative atmosphere with natural light, ergonomic furniture, and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and creatives.
Are you a type of nomad who prefer to work in a coffee shop? Lisbon have offers many options for you too!
Fábrica Coffee Roasters
Fábrica Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee shop that prides itself on sourcing the best beans globally and roasting them in-house. With multiple locations in Lisbon, including Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, it’s a favorite among digital nomads for its excellent coffee, cozy ambiance, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Hello, Kristof
This is a minimalist café known for its specialty coffee, curated magazines, and relaxed atmosphere. Located in the São Bento area, it’s an ideal spot for remote work, offering a quiet environment and strong internet connection
Navigating Lisbon
Getting around Lisbon is convenient:
- Public Transport: The metro, buses, and trams are efficient and affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €40.
- Walking and Cycling: Lisbon’s compact size makes it pedestrian-friendly, and bike-sharing programs are available.
- Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Bolt operate throughout the city.
Visa Considerations
For non-EU citizens, Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to reside in the country. Requirements include proof of income and health insurance. EU citizens can live and work in Portugal without a visa. I am preparing a dedicated post about digital nomad visa in Portugal so stay tuned!
Community and Networking
Lisbon has become a dynamic hub for digital nomads, not just for its lifestyle perks but also for its strong sense of community. Whether you’re staying for a few weeks or planning a longer-term base, it’s easy to plug into a network of like-minded individuals.
Meetups and Events
The city hosts a steady stream of events designed for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and creatives. You’ll find everything from casual co-working days and happy hours to more structured events like: skill-sharing workshops on topics about UX design, digital marketing, start ups and freelancing. The Lisbon Digital Nomads Meetup is a well-known weekly gathering that brings people together to network, socialize, and exchange ideas.
These events are held in co-working spaces, cafés, rooftop bars, and even parks, fostering both professional and personal connections.
Online Communities
For those looking to connect digitally before or during their stay, Lisbon is home to several thriving online communities where digital nomads share tips, resources, and support. Some key platforms include of course those famous all over the world:
- Meetup.com – Hosts dozens of events each month, from networking mixers to language exchanges.
- Facebook Groups, that allows you to understand more about the digital nomad community living in Lisbon:
- Slack and WhatsApp groups (often shared during meetups) that provide real-time chats about everything from finding housing to organizing co-working days or weekend trips.
Collaborative Culture
Lisbon’s nomad culture is less about competition and more about collaboration. Many people arrive solo and quickly find a network of peers for co-working, skill swaps, and even launching new projects together. The city’s open and inclusive vibe makes it easy to strike up a conversation and build lasting relationships—both professional and personal.
Leisure and Exploration
Lisbon isn’t just a place to work remotely—it’s a city that invites you to truly live. When laptops close for the day, the city opens up with history, nature, culture, and cuisine that digital nomads consistently rave about. Here’s a sneak peak of what awaits beyond your work hours:
Walk Through Centuries of Culture
Lisbon is steeped in history, and it’s easy to experience it just by wandering the city. Some of the most iconic monuments include:
- Belém Tower (Torre de Belém): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 16th-century fortress once guarded the city’s harbor and now stands as an iconic symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
- Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos): A stunning example of Manueline architecture, this monastery is both a historical marvel and the resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama.
- Alfama District: Lose yourself in narrow, cobbled alleys of the city’s oldest quarter. You’ll find Fado music echoing through traditional taverns and panoramic views from hidden miradouros (viewpoints).
Yes, Lisbon is full of places to visit: those famous ones and hidden gems. If you are looking forward to explore the city, check my post Explore Lisbon: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems here.
Sun, Surf, and Relaxation Just Minutes Away
Lisbon’s proximity to the coast means you’re never far from a beach day.
- Cascais: A stylish seaside town just 40 minutes by train, perfect for beach lounging, coastal biking, or sipping cocktails by the marina.
- Costa da Caparica: Popular with surfers and beach-goers, this long stretch of sandy shoreline is easily accessible and offers beach bars, surf schools, and sunset DJs in the summer.
- Carcavelos Beach: Great for beginner surfers and just a 20-minute train ride from Lisbon—many nomads spend half-days working and the rest on the waves.
A Flavorful Introduction to Portuguese Culture
Lisbon is a dream for food lovers.
- Bacalhau (Salted Cod): This beloved staple is prepared in countless ways—try it as bacalhau à brás (shredded with eggs and potatoes).
- Pastéis de Nata: These flaky custard tarts are best enjoyed warm with cinnamon and a bica (espresso). Don’t miss the original from Pastéis de Belém.
- Local Markets: Head to Time Out Market or Mercado de Campo de Ourique for a curated taste of traditional dishes and modern culinary twists.
- Hidden Gems: Explore hole-in-the-wall tascas for home-style meals at budget-friendly prices—many of which are still undiscovered by tourists.
Day Trips: Easy Escapes Into Portugal’s Diverse Landscapes
When you want to get out of the city, Lisbon is the perfect base for exploring more of Portugal.
Setúbal: A quieter port city with excellent seafood and access to Arrábida Natural Park, where you can hike, snorkel, or spot dolphins.
Sintra: Just a 40-minute train ride, Sintra is a fairy-tale town of colorful palaces, misty forests, and romantic ruins. The Palácio da Pena and Moorish Castle are must-sees.
Évora: A UNESCO-listed city in the Alentejo region, known for its Roman temple, bone chapel, and well-preserved medieval streets—just 1.5 hours by train.
Lisbon stands out as a premier destination for digital nomads, offering a harmonious combination of work-friendly infrastructure, cultural richness, and community spirit. I find it a perfect destination for people seeking inspiration, connection, or simply a beautiful place to live and work. Lisbon really delivers on all fronts. Try it by yourself.
Nomadlytics 
Leave a comment