For digital nomads, even contemplating a move to Europe once seemed frivolous. Living in Europe long term just wasn’t a smart financial idea when there are so many less expensive options out there in the world. For some though, the lure of Europe is almost irresistible. Big cities like Paris, London and even Rome will put a major dent in your pocket. Are there any large cities that provide a cost-efficient alternative? Yes! That city is Lisbon. Here is our Guide to Lisbon for digital nomads.

Growing as a popular hub for digital nomads over the last few years, many have been escaping to Lisbon from hot spots like Bali or Playa del Carmen. Yes, definitely less bang for your buck, but in relation to the rest of Europe, Portugal is a steal. Lisbon in particular, with stunning architecture, history, a bustling nightlife, and great restaurants you’d associate with London, Amsterdam and Berlin, is surprisingly less expensive than you’d think. So here’s our digital nomads essential guide to Lisbon.

Why Lisbon?

Besides being an affordable European city, Lisbon has so much more to offer digital nomads looking to settle in long term or short term. The weather is hot in the summer and mild in the winter. Snow days? Little to no chance. In fact, Lisbon is one of the sunniest cities in all of Europe. In Lisbon you’ll also experience a slower way of life compared to many larger cities. Be prepared to wait for your meal, but don’t be surprised if you’re given an extra glass of wine or beer on the house when things get busy. Life is just wonderful here. 

Where to Stay

Splurge:  H10 Duque de Loule, Avenida de Loule 81-83

While we say “splurge” here, but at €65 this boutique hotel the perfect place to get your bearings for a few days (for a superior room). The rooms are decorated with traditional artwork and fixtures and superior rooms even feature reading (or working) nooks by the window and each room has a desk and fast wifi. The breakfast and room service is wonderful, but it’s the rooftop bar that won me over. Pro tip: order a cocktail to go when the bar closes and enjoy a little drink before bedtime. Cocktails here are strong, large and incredibly tasty!

Where to find longer term housing?

Airbnb is always a good bet with numerous apartments spread out around the city. Take a few days to discover which neighbourhoods are your vibe and you’ll be sure to find more than a few options. 

The digital nomad community in Lisbon is growing quickly. Check out the Lisbon Digital Nomads Facebook group and you’ll also be able to find many like minded people looking for roommates. You’ll also find invaluable information on visas as well as local events and get togethers. 

Looking for a getaway? There are also amazing well being retreats geared towards digital nomads to refuel, recharge, and network.

Where to Work From

Café’s

Fauna & Flora, Rua da Esperanca 33

This may be one of the trendiest cafe’s in the city. Fast wifi and an unbelievable menu (especially for brunch). The coffee is strong, the smoothie bowls are refreshing, and the avocado toast may be the best in the city

Latte: €2.50

Copenhagen Coffee Lab and Bakery, Rua Nova da Piedade 10

There are a few locations open around Lisbon, but this one is our favourite. Sure the others may be in more central locations, but this one, in Alcanatara is where all their baked goods are made to supply the city. This location also has the best wifi and also have co-working events every Monday.

Latte €3.80

Landeau Chocolate, Rua das Flores 70

Ok, the wifi here may not be the best (but also far from the worst), but there’s so much that this cafe offers that keeps me coming back. First and foremost, the single best slice of chocolate cake in the entire world. I’ve had my fill of chocolate cake around the world and as a former pastry chef, I know what I’m talking about. This cake is the BEST! Second, the coffee! The coffee is strong, well bodied and perfectly brewed and pulled. Long story…go here…often!

Latte: €1,80 Slice of cake: €3,70

Co-Working Spaces

There is no shortage of amazing co-working spaces in Lisbon full of like minded entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers looking to find a more formal location to work from, hold meetings, and be more productive. Here are our favourites

Cowork Central: centrally located along the waterfront in the lively neighbourhood of Cais de Sodre. Here you’ll find plenty of hot desks and meeting rooms in a well lit and friendly setting where you’ll meet fellow inspiring entrepreneurs and remote workers just like you

Second Home Lisboa: This may be the hotspot for co-working. Resembling a greenhouse loft, the space is well lit, lively, and best of all is its location…directly above the TimeOut Market (see below) . While the location might be seem like a huge draw, it might not be the most productive place as a result. Cowork Central is located just down the street and is much quieter

Where to Eat?

TimeOut Market Av. 24 de Julho 49

Lisbon has so many amazing restaurants to choose from but you can’t hit them all….or can you? The TimeOut Market brings together some of Lisbon’s finest restaurants under one roof. Best of all, you’ll find something for every budget. 

What we ate: 64 degree egg – Chef Henrique Sa Pessoa

Cervejaria Ramiro Av. Almirante Reis 1

This might be our favourite restaurant in Lisbon. If you’re looking for some of the best seafood in town this will be the place. Service is quick but friendly. You’ll feel like you’re part of the family. Pro Tip: Get there about 20 minutes before opening to avoid waiting in line. 

What we ate: clams, prawns, oysters 

Manteigaria  Rua do Loreto 2

There is much debate as to who makes the best Egg Tart in Lisbon and much of it is personal preference. The egg tart at Manteigaria for us, was perfection. A flaky, buttery shell and an filling that isn’t too “eggy”

What we ate: two egg tarts a day and 8 to go when we left Lisbon

Taberna Bairro do Avillez Rua Nova da Trindade 18

Jose Avillez is one of the most famous Chefs in all of Portugal. His restaurants are hard tickets to come by and cost a pretty penny. Taberna Bairro do Avillez is his new, more casual restaurant, but equally inventive. 

What we ate: the olive, charcuterie, crispy cod “taco”, chocolate caramel pot

Augusto Rua Santa Marina 26

This was our favourite place for a leisurely weekend brunch. You’ll find many brunchtime staples here as well as a variety of “superlatte’s”

What we ate: Serrano ham, poached egg on toast

Frangasqueira Nacional Monte do Carmo 19

Much like the egg tart debate, finding the best roast chicken in Lisbon comes down to personal preference. The chicken at Frangasqueira Nacional cannot be beat and the lineup proves it. This is a whole in the wall that serves the most amazingly moist, perfectly spiced chicken cooked over a coal grill.

What we ate: Chicken, sausage and rice platter. Pro tip: take your order outside to the nearby park and have the best picnic of your life

What to See

Belem

Take tram 28 all the way to Belem. Visit the Columbus memorial, Belem tower and the nearby monastery. Don’t forget to stop for an egg tart at the cafe that started it all…Pasteis de Belem R. De Belem 84

Alfama

Hit the steep streets of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. While touristy, it’s well worth exploring at least once to experience some of the best views in the city but also to visit one of the many traditional cork shops

Praia do Comercio

Maybe not one of the most grand squares in Europe, but it is one deeply rooted in the history of Lisbon. This is the spot where modern Lisbon began to rebuild after the Tsunami and earthquake of 1755. The statue in the middle commemorates the beginning of the restoration. On hot summer days, you won’t find much shade, or cafes so best to visit early in the morning

Sintra

The town of Sintra is like something straight out of a fairy tale. Located roughly 45 minutes from Lisbon by train, we highly recommend taking this trip as early in the morning as possible, as line ups for buses to Pena Palace and Pena Palace itself get very long even before 10am. We recommend taking a bus up to Pena Palace, and buying a ticket for the Pena Palace grounds only. The palace interior itself is less interesting than the palace grounds. Once finished, head town towards the Palace gardens to take a peaceful stroll in one of the most picturesque gardens in Europe.

Feeling peckish? Head to:

Piriquita Bakery: order a travesseiros, a pillowy soft pastry filled with almond cream. Perfect for a quick morning snack

Feeling like something more hearty after a long day on your feet? Head to Tascantiga for some truly inventive, affordable, and absolutely delicious tapas.

Have we got you thinking about spending some extended time in Lisbon? We sure hope so. Once you’re in Lisbon or even once you start planning your visit, you’ll see why we and thousands of other digital nomads have fallen in love with the city. Are you currently living in Lisbon? Let us know some of your favourite spots or reasons why you love living there so much, we’d love more reasons to go back soon.