Lisbon is the kind of city that feels like it was designed with digital nomads in mind. With its sunny cobbled streets, lightning-fast wifi, and a cost of living that's still relatively cheap compared to other European capitals - even if rents have crept up of late. Whether you're here for a month or eyeing a longer stay, you'll settle in fast.
There's tons of coworking options. Spaces like Second Home and Impact Hub (perfect for socially minded hustlers) mix productivity with flair. If you prefer working in cafés you can sip a €3 flat white at The Mill or camp out at Hello Kristof - both hotspots for remote workers.
Neighbourhoods here have personality. Bairro Alto has a youthful feel with boutique shops and cool bars, while Alfama's maze of alleys serves old-school charm and fado vibes. For a quieter feel, Parque das Nações offers modern digs and riverside walks.
Getting around Lisbon is easy too. Hop on the iconic yellow trams (€1.50 a ride), shoot across town on the metro, or grab a Bolt. When work's done, dive into pasteis de nata at a pastelaria, hit a rooftop bar for sunset sangria, or catch a live fado show.
A bifana sandwich costs €3, and a seafood feast at a local tasca won't wreck your budget. The nomad community here is thriving (over 16,000 and counting), the Mediterranean climate means flip-flops in February, and the whole of Europe is just a Ryanair flight away.
The Good
- 🎉 Decent nightlife
- 😋 Decent food options
- ☕ Coffee
- 🦄 Strong nomad community
- 👴 Strong ex-pat community
- ☀️ Warm weather
- 👮 Safe
- 📡 Strong wifi coverage
- 🏛️ Architecture
- 🛍️ Shopping
- 🥰 Beautiful
The Bad
- 💰 Relatively expensive
- 🚘 Traffic
- 📸 Very Touristy
- 🤼 Crowded
- ⛰️ Very hilly
Living costs
- Lisbon is the most expensive place (out of 7) to live in Portugal
- The average salary in Lisbon is
- It's about 96% cheaper to live in Lisbon than it is New York
- You can expect to spend around $2,804.91 per month living here
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- Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
- Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 25th Jul 2026
Safety
Lisbon is generally safe for digital nomads, with low violent crime rates; however, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Where to stay
1. Bairro Alto
- Nightlife
- Hip & Trendy
- Sketchy / Gritty
- Students
Known for its nightlife, Bairro Alto attracts a younger crowd. During the day, it offers a cool atmosphere with eclectic shops, cozy cafes, and street art.
At night, the area comes alive with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Bairro Alto is popular among backpackers and travellers seeking a livelier environment.
2. Chiado
- Luxury & Upscale
- Hip & Trendy
- Foodies
- Touristy
- Shopping
Chiado is the trendy, upscale neighbourhood of Lisbon. It's known for its boutiques, cafes, and landmarks.
It offers a mix of luxury hotels, boutique accommodation, and fancy apartments. It's a great choice for travellers who appreciate a more sophisticated atmosphere.
3. Baixa
- Up & Coming
- Old Town / Historic
- Touristy
- Shopping
Located bang in the heart of Lisbon, Baixa is the city's downtown area and a popular choice for nomads and expats.
It offers a central location, close to most attractions, shopping areas, and public transport.
It has lots of accommodation, from cheap hostels to fancy hotels, making it suitable for backpackers and digital nomads alike.
4. Alfama
- Chilled & Residential
- Old Town / Historic
- Sketchy / Gritty
- Foodies
This old neighbourhood is a maze of narrow streets, colourful homes, and ancient architecture.
Alfama captures the feel of old Lisbon and offers a unique atmosphere. Staying in Alfama gives you a feel of the city's history and provides a more authentic experience.
You can find guesthouses, AirBnbs, small hotels, and apartments round here.
Where to eat
Nightlife
B'Leza
Cais Gás 1, 1200-161 LisboaUpbeat club with live music and dancefloor.
Machimbombo
Calçada do Combro 87, 1200-111 LisboaKnown as the 'pink bar' this is a cool little place for pre-town drinks in Bairro Alto.
Vino Vero
Tv. do Monte 30, 1170-265 LisboaCasual wine bar known for it's laid back vibe and small plates. Super popular with locals and tourists.
Where to work
Transport
Metro
The Lisbon Metro is one of the best ways to get about. With four lines (Blue, Yellow, Green, and Red), it connects key areas and is spotless. The metro runs daily from 6:30am to 1:00am, making it a convenient option for tourists and locals alike.
Bus
Buses run frequently all across Lisbon, and the main terminals are located at Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré. The 'Carris' website provides comprehensive information on routes and schedules.
Carris WebsiteTram
Lisbon is famous for its iconic trams, particularly Tram 28, which takes you through many of the city's historical neighborhoods. The trams are a cool way to explore, although they can get pretty packed during peak tourist season. Tickets can be bought onboard, but a prepaid travel card, like the Lisboa Card, make it much easier (more on that below).
Lisboa Card
The Lisboa Card offers unlimited travel on public transportation, including metro, buses, trams, and trains, along with discounts for many attractions. It's a cheap option for tourists looking to explore the city.
Lisboa CardTaxi
Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Taxi fares are metered and typically reasonable, but it's wise to agree on a price for longer trips going outside the city.
Ride-Hailing
Uber and Bolt are popular ride-hailing services operating throughout Lisbon, providing an alternative to traditional taxis. They can be more economical, especially for longer journeys. Simply download the app, input your destination, and a driver will be dispatched to your location promptly.
Bicycle and Scooter Rentals
Companies like Lime offer electric scooters that can be rented using a mobile app. These options are a great way to explore the city's hilly landscape at your own pace.
Lime ScootersRide hailing apps
The must have ride hailing apps to ensure you can get from A to B
Internet speed
The internet in Lisbon is great with a strong digital nomad scene and tons of places to work from
Time difference
🤫 Pro tip
Download Bolt and Glovo apps. Bolt makes ordering taxis super simple and Glovo is a food delivery service much like Uber Eats or Grab.When to visit
Apr to Jun or Sep to Oct
Jul to Aug
Average temperatures
Who it suits
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Malaga
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