Lisbon, the charming capital of Portugal, has become a firm favourite among digital nomads in recent years. With its pleasant year-round climate, reasonable cost of living, and a thriving start-up scene, it's not hard to see why. Here's your complete guide to living and working in Lisbon as a digital nomad.
Getting there and around
Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the city's main international gateway, with flights connecting to numerous European destinations. From the airport, you can take the metro's red line to the city centre in around 20 minutes, or hop in a taxi or rideshare for a slightly quicker journey. Public transport in Lisbon consists of a comprehensive network of metro, bus, tram, and funicular lines, making it easy to explore the city without a car. A single metro ticket costs €1.50 (£1.30), while a 24-hour pass is available for €6.40 (£5.50).
Accommodation
Coliving spaces are plentiful in Lisbon, offering digital nomads a convenient all-in-one solution for accommodation and workspaces. A popular option is Outsite Lisbon, located in the vibrant district of Alfama. Here, a private room with access to a shared kitchen, lounge, and outdoor terrace starts from €650 (£555) per month. Alternatively, you can rent a furnished apartment through platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com, with monthly rates starting from around €700 (£600) for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
Coworking spaces
Lisbon boasts a wide variety of coworking spaces, catering to digital nomads of all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top picks:
- Second Home: Located in the heart of the city, Second Home Lisbon offers a stylish and creative environment for remote workers. Prices start from €20 (£17) per day or €200 (£170) per month for a dedicated desk.
- Heden: This eco-friendly coworking space, located in the trendy district of Graça, is a popular choice among digital nomads who value sustainability. Prices start from €160 (£135) per month for a hot desk.
- Cowork Central: Situated in the historic Baixa district, Cowork Central offers a range of flexible workspace solutions, from hot desks to private offices. Prices start from €15 (£13) per day or €175 (£150) per month for a hot desk.
Internet connectivity
Lisbon's internet infrastructure is generally reliable, with most cafés, restaurants, and public spaces offering free Wi-Fi. The city's average download speed is around 40 Mbps, while mobile data speeds are also decent, with 4G coverage available throughout most of the city. If you need a dedicated internet connection in your accommodation or coworking space, it's worth checking the exact speeds and any additional costs before you commit.
Living costs
Compared to other European capitals, Lisbon offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Here's a breakdown of some typical living costs:
| Expense | Cost (per month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (private room in a shared apartment) | €400-€600 (£340-£510) |
| Coworking space (hot desk) | €150-€250 (£130-£215) |
| Groceries | €200-€300 (£170-£255) |
| Public transport | €30-€50 (£25-£42) |
| Eating out (main meal in a local restaurant) | €8-€12 (£7-£10) |
| Leisure activities (e.g. Cinema, gym membership) | €50-€100 (£42-£85) |
Please note that these figures are approximate and may vary depending on your personal spending habits and lifestyle choices.
Remote work-friendly cafés
Lisbon's vibrant café culture makes it easy to find a cosy spot to work from, with many establishments offering free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a steady supply of coffee. Some of the best remote work-friendly cafés include:
- Copenhagen Coffee Lab: This Scandinavian-inspired café in the Principe Real district is popular among digital nomads for its relaxed atmosphere, excellent coffee, and plentiful power outlets.
- Hello, Kristof: Located in the heart of the city, Hello, Kristof is a trendy café with a spacious interior, perfect for getting some work done while enjoying a delicious lunch or a slice of homemade cake.
- Brasileira: This historic café, located in the Baixa district, is a Lisbon institution, famous for its Belle Époque décor and strong espressos. While it can get busy, the bustling atmosphere is perfect for a quick coffee break between meetings.
What flights LON to LIS actually cost
Prices below are live fares from Aviasales. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
The cheapest return found right now is €61 with Ryanair, departing 31 Oct 2026 (2h 50m each way). See current fares.
Cheapest dates to fly
| Departure | Price | Airline | Stops | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Oct 2026 | €61 | Ryanair | Direct | Check |
| 2 Sept 2026 | €63 | easyJet | Direct | Check |
| 30 Sept 2026 | €65 | Ryanair | Direct | Check |
| 10 Oct 2026 | €73 | Ryanair | Direct | Check |
| 15 Sept 2026 | €79 | Ryanair | 1 stop | Check |
Live fares, checked 16 Aug 2026. Prices change daily.
Booking in Lisbon: where to look
We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we would use ourselves.
- Airalo — eSIM data the moment you land, no SIM swap
- Saily — Travel eSIM with per-country plans
- Yesim — eSIM covering multiple countries on one plan
Networking events and communities
Lisbon's thriving digital nomad community hosts a variety of networking events and meetups, providing ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Some popular groups include:
- Digital Nomads Lisbon: This active Facebook group is a great place to ask questions, share tips, and meet fellow digital nomads in Lisbon. They regularly organise meetups, workshops, and other events.
- Startup Lisboa: This incubator and accelerator programme supports local and international startups in Lisbon, offering a range of resources, events, and networking opportunities for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.
- Lisbon Coworking Spaces: This network of coworking spaces in Lisbon hosts regular events and meetups, giving digital nomads the chance to connect with other professionals, learn new skills, and discover the city's vibrant start-up scene.
With its sunny climate, affordable cost of living, and welcoming community, Lisbon is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to combine work and adventure. So pack your bags, grab your laptop, and join the growing number of remote workers who have discovered the many charms of Portugal's picturesque capital.
