PortugalVisited Jun 2023 · 1 week
Europe's undisputed capital of remote work.
This guide was written 3 years ago
Prices, opening hours and recommendations may have changed since my visit, so double-check anything important before you book.
Featuring picturesque streets, iconic yellow trams, and a rich maritime history, it has seen a recent upsurge in tourists visiting the city from Europe and further afield.
If you can secure a good deal on accommodation, it's without a doubt worth a visit. However, is it worth paying a substantial premium otherwise? I'd say there are better alternatives out there.
Ok · #60 of 62
4.2/10
The cities growing reputation as a hub for remote work means there's a huge demand on Airbnbs in the city with prices to reflect it. Even when booking well in advance, your chances of finding a good value deal are slim to non existent, especially during the summer months.
Whilst you will probably never find a bargain, it's worth looking into alternative avenues to try find a good deal.
Great · #6 of 62
8.7/10
As you would expect from a city with Lisbon's reputation, there is no shortage of great places to work from. That being said, a couple which I did contact were at capacity for hot desking, so I would aim to sort something in advance if arriving during peak season.
Good · #55 of 62
6.8/10
Compared to other major European capitals, Lisbon remains a relatively good value option. However, while its reputation for exceptional affordability might have diminished from a decade ago, you can still find exceedingly inexpensive espressos and bottles of Sagres in the numerous small cafes that line the city's streets.
If you're arriving from another Western European country, budget similar to what you would at home and consider any spare change a pleasant bonus.
Great · #7 of 62
8.5/10
Lisbon has earned its enviable reputation as one of Europe's leading holiday destinations for good reason. An excellent array of culinary offerings and distinctive architecture make it a truly memorable destination. The area surrounding Bairro Alto serves as a hotbed of nightlife, with seemingly endless bars lining each street.
A friend's wedding in Lisbon was a great reason to make an extended visit to one of Europe's most popular destinations for remote working. Having had it recommended to me by so many people as a great place to work from, my expectations were exceedingly high.
$1,584a month, before rent
Basic living costs, rent not included
Day-to-day spending for a month: two meals out and a coffee every day, three taxis and two nights out a week, a gym and a coworking desk. Add your rent on top.
ModeratePrices as of Oct 2026. Confidence: high (gym & coworking verified; other prices restated at 2026-10-07 exchange rates). Sources: numbeo.com, workin.space, altar.io. Always check locally before planning around them.
June to August are peak season the city so you may be better off visiting a few months either side where the weather is still great but with slightly reduced demand. With that being said, I visited during the Festas dos Santos in June, which was an amazing time to see the city in full party spirit.
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 16 | 149 | wet month |
| February | 11 | 17 | 87 | |
| March | 9 | 18 | 129 | wet month |
| April | 12 | 24 | 69 | |
| May | 13 | 26 | 26 | |
| June | 17 | 31 | 25 | peak season |
| July | 18 | 34 | 8 | peak season |
| August | 19 | 33 | 0 | peak season |
| September | 16 | 28 | 12 | peak season |
| October | 15 | 26 | 80 | |
| November | 11 | 21 | 128 | wet month |
| December | 10 | 15 | 72 |
Typical daytime highs and overnight lows, from the last two years of observations (Open-Meteo). Rain icons mark the wettest months.
Digital nomad visa available
Portugal offers five visa options for remote workers who wish to live and work in the country:
Portugal is an hour behind CET, aligned with the UK in GMT.
Having only spent a week in such a big city I feel somewhat under qualified to comment on this but these areas stood out to me.
I ended up spending a lot of time around this area and would be definitely somewhere I would consider on a future visit with lots of great options for food and drinks.
A suitable destination for a couple of nights for a holiday but i would not have any interest in a longer stay. Poor access to any immediate amenities like supermarkets and particularly aggressive hills.
As you would expect from a city with Lisbon's reputation, there is no shortage of great places to work from. That being said, a couple which I did contact were at capacity for hot desking, so I would aim to sort something in advance if arriving during peak season.
By far the best coffee experience I had in Lisbon. Great quality coffee & friendly staff.
From what I could gather, mainly geared towards the tourist audience, but nevertheless a great selection of local and international foods.
Worth the hype? I'm not sure. But very tasty baked goods with a big variety of options,
A coastal town accessible via a short train ride from Cais do Sodré.
Boasting picturesque beaches and a quaint harbour.
My visit coincided with this popular two week festival celebrating the city's patron saint, Saint Anthony, with festivities featuring colorful parades, traditional music, local foods, and vibrant street parties.
If you are looking to visit at a time where there is a real party atmosphere then I could not recommend this more. Equally, if you are looking for a more sedate visit, you may want to give these weeks a miss.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible in about an hour by train, Sintra is a stunning landscape of lush forests and vegetation with colourful palaces nestled within.
Well worth a trip from the centre of Lisbon and would make for an excellent (if not demanding) cycle if in a possession of a bike.
Flat surfaces are difficult to come by in Lisbon but the waterfront is an ideal place for a morning run before the sun comes up.
As you would expect from such a renowned tourist destination, during the peak summer months you are likely to see a high mix of visitors from across the world.
Lisbon is a year round base for a large remote work community, with many Europeans having moved to the city permanently. There is also a noticeably strong Brazilian expat community as a result of the countries long standing ties of association.
Partners I recommend. Some of these links give you a discount, and I may receive a referral reward.
SafetyWing
For trips exceeding 30 continuous days, seek dedicated travel insurance. Most holiday policies or credit card offerings become invalid after 30 days, despite advertising year-round protection. SafetyWing provides medical and travel coverage specifically designed for remote workers.
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