Welcome to Lisbon, a city that’s rapidly becoming one of Europe’s hottest destinations for remote workers and digital nomads!
With its perfect blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, Portugal’s capital offers an incredible array of spaces where you can set up your mobile office. Let’s explore some of the best spots to work remotely in Lisbon, from cozy cafés to modern co-working spaces.
Café Culture: Best Coffee Shops for Working
Copenhagen Coffee Lab
Location: Multiple locations (Alcântara, Alfama, Príncipe Real)
Best for: Serious coffee enthusiasts who need a quiet workspace
This Scandinavian-inspired coffee chain has become a favorite among Lisbon’s remote working community. The minimalist design, excellent WiFi, and arguably the best coffee in town make it perfect for focused work sessions. The Príncipe Real location is particularly spacious, with plenty of tables and power outlets. Just be mindful that during lunch hours, they prefer to keep tables free for dining customers.
Pro tip: Arrive before 10 AM to secure a good spot, and try their amazing cinnamon rolls for a mid-morning boost.
Hello, Kristof
Location: Rua do Poço dos Negros, São Bento
Best for: Creative professionals who appreciate design and good coffee
This Instagram-worthy café is a haven for creative types. With its carefully curated magazine collection and stylish interior, Hello, Kristof offers more than just a workspace – it’s an inspiration hub. The WiFi is reliable, and the staff is super friendly toward remote workers. Their signature toasts make for a perfect lunch break.
Pro tip: They have a “no laptop” policy during weekend brunches, so stick to weekdays for work sessions.
Heim Café
Location: Rua Santos-O-Velho, Santos
Best for: Morning people looking for a cozy workspace with great breakfast options
This charming spot combines Nordic coziness with Portuguese hospitality. The large communal table is perfect for remote workers, and their breakfast menu is outstanding. The WiFi is strong, and the atmosphere is conducive to productivity.
Pro tip: Their outdoor seating area is lovely for spring and autumn working sessions.
Coworking Spaces: Professional Environments
Second Home Lisboa
Location: Mercado da Ribeira, Cais do Sodré
Best for: Professionals seeking a premium coworking experience
Housed in the iconic Time Out Market building, Second Home is possibly Lisbon’s most beautiful coworking space. The biophilic design (think hundreds of plants and natural light) creates an environment that boosts both productivity and wellbeing. They offer flexible membership options, from hot desking to private offices.
Amenities include:
- High-speed fiber internet
- Meeting rooms and phone booths
- Events and networking opportunities
- On-site café
- 24/7 access for members
Price range: €€€ (Monthly memberships start from €190)
WOOD
Location: Rua daCintura do Porto de Lisboa, Santos
Best for: Freelancers and small teams looking for a community-focused space
WOOD offers a more relaxed, community-oriented approach to coworking. The industrial-chic design, riverside location, and regular community events make it a favorite among creative professionals and tech workers.
Amenities include:
- Fast WiFi
- Free coffee and tea
- Meeting rooms
- Regular networking events
- Bike parking
Price range: €€ (Day passes from €15, monthly from €130)
Heden Santa Apolónia
Location: Santa Apolónia
Best for: Those seeking a boutique coworking experience with stunning views
This beautifully designed space offers spectacular views over the Tagus River. With a mix of open-plan areas and private offices, it’s perfect for both independent workers and small teams.
Amenities include:
- Ergonomic furniture
- High-speed internet
- Meeting rooms
- Kitchen facilities
- Regular community events
Price range: €€-€€€ (Various membership options available)
Alternative Spaces: Unique Working Environments
LX Factory
Location: Alcântara
Best for: Creative souls who thrive in an artistic atmosphere
While not a traditional workspace, this converted industrial complex houses several cafés and restaurants that welcome remote workers. Wish Coffee House and Landeau Chocolate are particularly laptop-friendly, and the industrial-chic atmosphere is inspiring.
Best spots within LX Factory:
- Wish Coffee House (great for morning sessions)
- Landeau Chocolate (perfect for afternoon work)
- Rio Maravilha (rooftop workspace with incredible views)
Biblioteca de São Lázaro
Location: Rua do Saco, São Lázaro
Best for: Those who need absolute quiet and appreciate historical surroundings
As Lisbon’s oldest public library, this hidden gem offers a unique working environment. It’s free to use, quiet, and has basic WiFi. The beautiful 18th-century building provides an atmospheric alternative to modern workspaces.
Pro tip: Bring headphones as it can get very quiet, and remember it’s closed on weekends.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
Location: Belém
Best for: Creative professionals who draw inspiration from their surroundings
The museum’s café and riverside area offer a unique working environment. While it might not be suitable for full-day working sessions, it’s perfect for a few hours of inspired work with a view.
Digital Nomad-Friendly Bars for Evening Work
Café Tati
Location: Rua da Ribeira Nova, Cais do Sodré
Best for: Evening workers who appreciate live jazz and good wine
This charming spot transforms from a café during the day to a jazz bar at night. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for those who prefer working in the evening hours. They’re very welcoming to laptop users before the live music starts.
The Decadente
Location: Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara, Bairro Alto
Best for: Late afternoon/evening work sessions with great food options
Part of The Independente Hostel, this stylish bar/restaurant has plenty of comfortable seating and a great atmosphere for working. The cocktails and food menu provide perfect sustenance for evening productivity.
Practical Tips for Remote Working in Lisbon
WiFi and Connectivity
- Most cafés offer free WiFi, but speeds can vary
- Consider getting a local SIM card for backup internet (MEO and NOS are reliable providers)
- Public WiFi is available in many squares and parks through the “WIFI Lisboa” network
Working Hours
- Many cafés get busy during traditional Portuguese lunch hours (1-3 PM)
- Some places have laptop-free periods during peak times
- Coworking spaces typically offer 24/7 access for members
Weather Considerations
- Summer afternoons can be very hot – seek air-conditioned spaces
- Many places offer lovely outdoor seating in spring and autumn
- Some cafés close windows during winter, which can make spaces quite warm
Etiquette Tips
- Always order something if working from a café
- During busy periods, try to limit your stay to 2-3 hours
- Bring headphones for video calls
- Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases – it goes a long way!
Cost Considerations
Budget-Friendly Options
- Public libraries (free)
- Basic cafés (cost of drinks/food)
- Public spaces with WiFi Lisboa
Mid-Range Options
- Specialty coffee shops (€3-5 per coffee)
- Day passes at coworking spaces (€15-25)
- Cultural centers with cafés
Premium Options
- Monthly coworking memberships (€130-300)
- Private office spaces
- Hotel lobby working areas (usually requires purchasing food/drinks)
Conclusion
Lisbon’s remote working scene offers something for everyone, from budget-conscious freelancers to professionals seeking premium workspace solutions. The city’s blend of historical charm and modern amenities creates unique working environments that can suit any working style or preference.
Whether you prefer the buzz of a busy café, the professionalism of a coworking space, or the uniqueness of alternative venues, Lisbon has you covered. The key is to experiment with different spots until you find your perfect workspace – or better yet, build a rotation of favorites to keep your working life varied and interesting.
Remember that the city’s remote working scene is constantly evolving, with new spaces opening regularly. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond this guide and discover your own perfect spot in this beautiful city.
Happy working in Lisboa!