Where to stay in Lisbon

Here’s something very interesting about Lisbon: each neighborhood is very distinct and different. So believe it when we say there’s really something for everyone.



While there are a lot of neighborhoods in Lisbon, these are the recommended ones for digital nomads depending on their preferences and lifestyles.

Alfama

(for those who want an authentic Lisbon experience)

📌Advantages of staying in Alfama:

• Rich history and culture which is really a great area for those who want to immerse themselves in the city's culture and     history.
• Plenty of co-working spaces that offer high-speed internet and a community of like-minded professionals.
• Lots of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine and listen to traditional fado music.
• Located close to the city center, with easy access to other popular neighborhoods like Baixa and Chiado.

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Alfama:

• Casa do Jasmim - a beautiful guesthouse with six stylish rooms, a communal kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
• Tings Lisbon - a boutique hotel with ten rooms, a garden, and a rooftop terrace. The hotel also has a cafe that serves international cuisine.
• Palacete Chafariz D'El Rei - a luxury guesthouse with seven spacious rooms, a garden, and a terrace with panoramic views of the city.
• Living Lounge Hostel - a budget-friendly option with dorm rooms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a lounge area with a bar.
• Lisbon Story Guesthouse - a cozy guesthouse with eight rooms, a communal kitchen, and a terrace with views of the city and the river.

Graça

(for those who want a quieter and more local experience)

📌 Advantages of staying in Graca:

• Peaceful and relaxed area with a low-key nightlife, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more laid-back lifestyle.
• Plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops that cater to locals, providing a more authentic and less touristy experience.
• Well-connected to other parts of the city, with several bus and tram lines passing through the area.
• Relatively affordable compared to other areas in Lisbon, making it a great option for those on a budget.

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Graca:

• Graca Luxury House: beautifully renovated apartment for those who want to experience the authentic Lisbon lifestyle
• Alfama Yellow House: charming guesthouse and a great option for budget-conscious digital nomads
• Vila Garden Guesthouse: cozy guesthouse with spacious rooms and a charming garden

Estrela

(for those seeking a peaceful and elegant residential area)

📌 Advantages of staying in Estrela

• Peaceful surroundings with a tranquil and serene atmosphere, perfect for digital nomads who need a quiet space to work.
• Access to green spaces - the neighbourhood is home to the beautiful Jardim da Estrela, a lush park perfect for a mid-day break of weekend picnic.
• Conveniently located close to the city center, making it easy to access all the amenities of Lisbon.

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Estrela:

• Casa Amora Guesthouse - comfortable rooms and a tranquil garden.
• Memmo Principe Real - upscale hotel with sleek and modern rooms with stunning views of the city.
• Casa Balthazar: a boutique hotel in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion.

Options for living arrangements in Lisbon for digital nomads

There are several living arrangements for digital nomads in Lisbon, ranging from Airbnb rentals to co-living spaces. Here are some of the most popular options and their estimated costs as of 2023:

PRO TIP:

If you’re considering to move or stay for a long time in Lisbon, you don’t really need to finalise your accommodation right away. You can book a hotel or Airbnb for a few days while you explore the different areas of Lisbon. Working in co-working spaces will also expand your network and increase your knowledge of good deals and areas to live in.

Education

Lisbon offers various schooling options for digital nomads with kids. Here’s a quick list of schools that are often considered by expats:

International schools

These schools typically follow an International Baccalaureate (IB) and emphasise on nurturing students' individual talents and interests.

• St. Dominic's International School
• St. Julian’s School
• Carlucci American International School of Lisbon

Other alternatives

(Homeschooling and remote learning)

• Self Design
• K12 Online Homeschool Program
• Time4Learning

Healthcare

Healthcare in Lisbon is pretty accessible and comprehensive. Many private healthcare providers in the city have English-speaking staff and online appointment booking systems.

Additionally, public healthcare is free for all residents and visitors who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Digital nomads who would like to use local healthcare should apply to be residents in Portugal as well as pay their taxes there. American, Canadian, and Australian citizens who want to apply for residency in Portugal must show proof of private healthcare insurance or travel insurance that covers medical costs

Top hospitals in Lisbon

*Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other hospitals and healthcare providers in Lisbon. If you need medical care while in Lisbon, you can contact the Portuguese national emergency number, which is 112, or visit a local hospital or healthcare provider.

Hospital da Luz

Hospital CUF Descobertas

Hospital Lusíadas Lisboa

Insurance

For digital nomads, it is generally recommended that you have international health insurance with wide coverage for medical emergencies. If you do plan on staying in Lisbon for the long term, you can look into applying as a resident so you can avail public healthcare.

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Do’s and Don’ts

✅  DO

✅ Do take advantage of Lisbon’s beautiful coworking spaces. 

✅ Do try local food and wine. Lisbon is known for seafood, pastries, and wine.

✅ Do learn some basic Portuguese even if you can get by without it. This is helpful especially if you plan to stay long.

✅ Do respect local customs and traditions. 

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❌  DON’T

❌ Don’t buy anything from people trying to sell you different substances even in broad daylight.

❌ Don’t rely solely on your mobile phone for navigation. Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods can be confusing.

❌ Don’t be loud and disruptive in public. 

❌ Don’t forget to keep an eye on your belongings when walking around.

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How to move around in Lisbon

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Co-working spaces

• Heden  - Popular spot for those looking for hot desking options (they call it Flex Desk Membership), dedicated desks, or  private offices.
• Outsite Cowork Cafe - Co-working cafe with co-living options for maximizing networking.
• Avila Spaces - Fast wifi, free coffee, an open terrace, and unique workshops from time to time.    
• Second Home - One of the trendiest co-working spaces as it’s located right within Time Out Market.
  
• The Block - (for those in the crypto space!) - Best co-working space for those in the crypto space to meet like-minded individuals.
  

Public workspaces

• Fabrica Coffee Roasters - Superb coffee and friendly staff who might even teach you some Portuguese phrases.
• Dear Breakfast - Has a lot of power plugs and bright areas to keep you alert and energetic.
• Copenhagen Coffee Lab - Fast wifi, free coffee, an open terrace, and unique workshops from time to time.    
  
• DeBru - Co-working space where you can get special home-brewed beer after a hard day at work.
  

Cost of living: a month in Lisbon

Here is a table of estimated monthly expenses for a solo traveler living in Lisbon:

Additional expenses for a family of four:

How to handle your taxes as a digital nomad in Lisbon

Tax residency

If you spend more than 183 days in Portugal in one year, you are considered a tax resident. This means you are required to pay taxes on your worldwide income in Portugal. *For US citizens, you will still need to file a US tax return—regardless of where you’re based. However, there are tax relief programs so you don’t need to pay double the tax in Lisbon and the US.

Non-habitual resident (NHR) program

Digital nomads who have lived in Lisbon for at least 183 days or own or rent a property in the city are eligible to apply for the NHR tax status. This simply means that there is a 20% tax rate of total exemption of income of expats—for 10 years. You will need to renew the status every year.

Reminder: Do seek advice from a tax professional who has experience in international tax laws to ensure you are compliant.

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What will get your stay terminated and your visa revoked?

❌ Violating the terms of your visa: Do not violate the terms of your visa, such as working without the proper permits or staying longer than allowed.

❌ Criminal activity: If you are convicted of a crime while in Portugal or even abroad.

❌ Security concerns: If the Portuguese authorities suspect that you are a security risk or threat, your visa may be revoked.

❌ Health concerns: If you have a contagious disease or pose a health risk to the public, your visa may be revoked.

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Important links: Must-know websites & emergency numbers

Government website links

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Issuance of Schengen Visa
• Portuguese Immigration
• Portuguese Republic
• Lisbon Tourist Office

Other useful contact numbers

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