Where to work in Lisbon
Updated: March 2025
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Weirdly, Lisbon was never too highly on my list for digital nomad adventures. However, after experiencing it firsthand during a company away week back in 2019, I'm not entirely sure how that was ever the case. As far as capital cities go, it felt incredibly relaxed then and you almost didn't feel the hustle and bustle of capitals like London. Wrapped in beautiful tiled buildings, wandering down cobbled streets, and sampling green wine from hidden rooftop bars, it's a city like no other.
Fast forward to 2025, and I recently returned to see how Lisbon has evolved. Back in 2019, it had the potential to become a digital nomad hotspot with tech companies beginning to move in. Now, it's absolutely taken off—sometimes to its detriment. Even during my February visit, I encountered significant tourist crowds, a stark contrast to the quieter city I experienced years ago. This feels like a direct result of the overtourism Lisbon faced in summer 2024.
The Portuguese capital has fully established itself as a digital nomad favourite, and with good reason. Its blend of affordable living (though prices are rising), excellent infrastructure, vibrant culture, and incredible food scene makes it an attractive base for remote workers looking for both productivity and Mediterranean charm.
Where to work in Lisbon
While there are plenty of coworking spaces to choose from in Lisbon such as Selina and Outsite Lisbon (which I did work from occasionally), I've always preferred the atmosphere of cafés. Here are some standout spots that offer great wifi, delicious coffee, and the perfect environment to get your work done:
Outsite Cowork Café
During my 2025 stay at Outsite, I frequently worked from their dedicated coworking café. The space offers excellent wifi, plenty of power outlets, and a community of fellow digital nomads. Even if you're not staying at Outsite, you can often purchase day passes to access their workspace—ideal for those seeking a productive environment with networking opportunities.
Tribe Social
This spot quickly became one of my go-to workspaces in 2025. With a minimalist design, fast internet, and a menu focusing on healthy options, Tribe Social creates the perfect balance of productivity and comfort. The community-focused atmosphere makes it easy to connect with other nomads while getting work done.
Honest Greens
Several fellow remote entrepreneurs recommended Honest Greens, and it didn't disappoint. This health-focused eatery offers reliable wifi, spacious seating, and nutritious food options that won't leave you feeling sluggish during your workday. The bright, airy space is particularly good for afternoon working sessions.
Copenhagen Coffee
For serious coffee enthusiasts who need a productive workspace, Copenhagen Coffee delivers exceptional brews alongside reliable wifi. The minimalist Scandinavian design creates a distraction-free environment perfect for focused work sessions. Power outlets are plentiful, and the baristas are respectful of those who camp out with laptops.
Fabrica Coffee Roasters
This specialty coffee shop is a haven for remote workers seeking quality beans and a workspace with character. The industrial-chic interior offers various seating options, and the wifi is consistently strong. It does get busy around lunch, so arrive early to secure a good spot with access to power.
Espresso Lab
If you enjoyed my guide to working in Istanbul, you'll appreciate Espresso Lab's approach to both coffee and workspace. With a scientific attention to detail in their coffee preparation and a clean, modern workspace, it's ideal for those who need several hours of focused productivity. The wifi rarely falters, and power outlets are available at most tables.
Fauna & Flora
I returned here multiple times just for their incredible pancakes, but the generally chill atmosphere, fast wifi, and excellent coffee were equally impressive. You can get menus in either Portuguese or English, and the leafy décor adds to the relaxed ambience. Perfect for a few hours of focused work, with plenty of power outlets available at most tables.
Time Out Market
While slightly pricier than other options, Time Out Market offers a vibrant atmosphere that's worth experiencing. The public wifi can be spotty during peak hours, so I found it easier to use my mobile data during the couple of hours I spent there. With dozens of food and beverage options under one roof, it's the perfect place to secure a decent lunch spot or enjoy a few "cerveijas" (beers) after you close your laptop. Best for shorter work sessions or afternoon transitions into evening activities.
Noobai
Come for the views, stay for the experience. Even in December, I could still set up my laptop, order a coffee, and sizzle in the sun! With a stunning view overlooking the Tagus River, Noobai offers a peaceful environment away from the city's bustle. While perhaps better known as a dinner and drinks spot, it was still worth passing a couple of productive hours here before meeting up with friends. The wifi is reliable, though power outlets are limited, so charge up beforehand.
Dear Breakfast
Not my absolute favorite, but I'm glad we tried it. If you've ever experienced one of the Grind cafés in London (more along the lines of the Old Street branch than London Bridge), you'll recognize the vibe of Dear Breakfast. Marble tops, velvet chairs, and a slightly above-average price point characterize this Instagram-friendly spot. There are definitely other places I would rather return to, but it's worth a visit if you're looking for a more upscale work environment. Wifi is excellent but it can get crowded during peak breakfast hours.
Have you discovered another great work spot in Lisbon? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
Where to Stay in Lisbon
During my recent visit, I stayed at the popular Outsite coliving space in Cais do Sodré for a week. My experience was quite different from my 2019 visit, and it's given me some new perspectives on where to base yourself as a digital nomad.
For first-time digital nomads looking for community and an easy introduction to the lifestyle, staying in a coliving space like Outsite can be valuable. You'll instantly connect with like-minded people and have access to comfortable workspaces. However, for more experienced nomads, I'd actually recommend considering areas outside the center or even nearby towns.
Lisbon offers accommodation options for every budget and preference. The city is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and advantages for digital nomads.
Beyond Lisbon
For those who have done the digital nomad thing before and are looking for a more authentic experience, consider:
Cascais: This beautiful coastal town is just a 30-minute train ride from Lisbon with beautiful beaches and a more relaxed pace. Read my Cascais guide here.
Ericeira: A surf town with growing digital nomad infrastructure and, for now, less tourists. Check out my Ericeira experience here.
These nearby locations have a different balance of Portuguese culture with access to Lisbon when needed, without the full impact of overtourism.
Things to Do in Lisbon
When you're not working, Lisbon offers countless activities to fill your downtime. From exploring LX Factory (an industrial complex turned creative hub houses numerous cafés, shops, and restaurants. The famous Ler Devagar bookstore is a must-visit for book lovers), to wandering the narrow, winding streets of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, discovering hidden viewpoints, traditional Fado music venues, and authentic Portuguese eateries. If you have time, it’s also a great idea to take a day trip to other towns in the area, like Sintra, Cascais and Caparica.
Things to Know Before You Travel to Lisbon
Transportation
Lisbon's public transportation system is efficient and affordable. The reloadable Viva Viagem card works on metros, buses, trams, and even some trains. Uber and Bolt are also widely available and reasonably priced.
Language
While Portuguese is the official language, many locals speak excellent English, especially in areas frequented by tourists and in the digital nomad community.
Weather Considerations
Lisbon enjoys a mild climate year-round, though summers can be quite hot. Even in winter months like December, you might find yourself enjoying coffee outdoors in the sunshine.
Hills and Cobblestones
Comfortable walking shoes are essential when exploring Lisbon's famous hills and beautiful but uneven cobblestone streets can be challenging in inappropriate footwear.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at my two very different experiences in Lisbon, first as a corporate visitor in quiet 2019 and then as a digital nomad in increasingly touristy 2025, I've seen firsthand how destinations can transform. The Lisbon I first fell in love with has changed, but it still retains much of its charm if you know where to look.
For first-time digital nomads, Lisbon's infrastructure and community make it an excellent starting point. The established coliving spaces, reliable wifi, and abundance of cafés create an easy transition to nomad life. However, for those with more experience, I'd suggest exploring beyond the centre for a more authentic Portuguese experience that initially made this city so appealing to me.
While Lisbon will always hold a special place in my heart, my recent experience has reminded me that sometimes the best digital nomad destinations are those slightly off the beaten path. Consider this guide your starting point, but don't be afraid to explore beyond the city centre or even to nearby towns for a more balanced experience, like Cascais, Caparica or Ericeira.
Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to hear more about in a future post, or share your own Lisbon digital nomad experiences in the comments below!
Han x
