There are many lists of the best places to work remotely in Lisbon, Portugal, on the Internet. The problem, however, is that many of these lists are similar and usually go back to a top article that other publications repeatedly use as their main source. So even if things have changed, the lists haven’t.
But how about hearing it from one of Flatio’s Lisbon-based team members, who has tried out various spots for remote work over the last five years and knows the famous and some lesser-known places inside out.
Read on for our team member's suggestions for truly remote work-friendly places, including public spaces, libraries, coworking spaces, cafés, and more.
- National Library of Portugal (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal)
- Municipal libraries (Bibliotecas Municipais)
- Caleidoscópio - ULisboa
- McDonald's | McCafé - Campo Grande Garden (Jardim do Campo Grande)
- Food courts of Vasco da Gama Shopping Center & Colombo Shopping Center
- Delta The Coffee House Experience
- sitio coworking space
1 - National Library of Portugal (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal)
This library is located near the Campo Grande metro and bus station, one of the easiest places to get to in the Portuguese capital. It is more for those who appreciate a historic ambience, a quiet and serious working environment and, of course, access to the books and resources available there.
The library consists of two areas, a smaller area, which is more like a study room, and the main hall. The study area is accessible without a library card. The main hall is only accessible with the information on your library card, which is very affordable and which you can typically apply for and obtain on-site.
To work or study in the main hall, you must reserve one of the available seats using the system accessible via the computers in the study area. The study area can be used without prior arrangement as long as places are available. There’s Wi-Fi and also power outlets for each desk in both areas.
While you can talk to others or make short phone calls in the study area, any kind of noise is frowned upon in the main hall. You must silence your phone and make sure you follow instructions.
In the main hall there are toilets, a drinking fountain, and a terrace with a few seats and tables overlooking a small lake where you can relax, make phone calls, or take part in online meetings. You’ll also find a power plug there.
Working at the National Library of Portugal usually makes for a focused, productive day, as you don’t have to leave the building for a coffee or a meal. There is a cafeteria in the basement with a variety of options. If you prefer to eat outside, there are many restaurants and cafés in the neighbourhood.
What else should you know about the library?
You must put your bags in the lockers at the entrance. Ask reception for help if you need to know how to use the lockers with tokens.
In the main hall, make sure your water bottle is not on your desk. You should keep it under your desk to avoid possible damage to library resources.
The study area, which you can access without a card, and the main hall, which is only accessible with a card, are open at different times.
Check in advance, as opening days and times change depending on the season, public holidays, etc. According to the library's current timetable, it is closed on Sundays.
The main hall can get very cold in winter and very hot in summer, so dress accordingly.
Who is it for?
- The library is suitable for concentrated, individual work. If you appreciate a historic ambience, a serious environment, and old-school practices, this is a great place for you.
Who is it not for?
- If you like modern infrastructure and need super-fast internet or if you want to socialize with other people while working, which is possible in cafés or coworking spaces, for example, this library may not be the right place for you. If you prefer fresh air, remember that the main hall can feel stuffy in summer.
2 - Municipal libraries (Bibliotecas Municipais)
In Lisbon, you will find small municipal libraries in various neighbourhoods. There are many of them, and they are good places for remote work. Wi-Fi is available, and they offer a relatively quiet environment, although not as quiet as the National Library of Portugal.
In general, however, the opening days and times are somewhat unusual, the opening hours are limited and they close at lunchtime. Sometimes the timetables of some of them are not updated regularly.
The nice thing about these smaller libraries is that they are usually frequented by retired Portuguese who appreciate a good chat with other library visitors. Many of them speak English, but if you want to practice some Portuguese, you should take this opportunity.
Almost all of them have coffee and snack vending machines on-site, and they’re located in places that are easily accessible by bus, metro, train, etc.
Who is it for?
- Municipal libraries are ideal for casual remote work. If you don’t mind distractions and enjoy socializing with locals, you should definitely visit them.
Who is it not for?
- If you are one of those people who do not tolerate unpunctuality and lack of planning, municipal libraries may not be the best choice, as experience has shown that timetables are sometimes not updated, especially during holidays.
Source: Photo by Freguesia de Estrela on Unsplash
3 - Caleidoscópio - ULisboa
Overlooking a lake in one of the city’s most famous gardens, Campo Grande Garden (Jardim do Campo Grande), Caleidoscópio-ULisboa is open to remote workers who have a valid university card from a Portuguese or international university.
According to the official website, the spacious study hall on the top floor has 175 seats and is open 24 hours a day, including weekends. It has eduroam Wi-Fi, a conference room, and coffee and snack vending machines.
Short conversations are not frowned upon, but make sure you respect the right of others to work or study in peace.
Although the study hall is open all day for most of the year, it may be closed on some important public holidays. The administration usually announces this in advance by posting a notice on the entrance door.
Who is it for?
- Remote workers with a student card who are looking for a space that is open 24 hours a day and is located in a beautiful setting where they can go for a walk during their break.
Who is it not for?
- Remote workers who do not have a valid student card.
4 - McDonald's | McCafé - Campo Grande Garden (Jardim do Campo Grande)
McDonald's may not be a typical choice for remote work in Lisbon, mainly because some of the branches are too busy throughout the day.
However, the branch below Caleidoscópio - ULisboa in Campo Grande Garden (Jardim do Campo Grande) is one of the most work-friendly places for remote working during the morning and evening hours. At lunchtime, it is crowded with students from the neighbouring universities.
It has fast Wi-Fi and plenty of power plugs. The McCafé area is more suitable for remote workers than the restaurant area. As in any similar space, just make sure you order regularly, don’t overstay your welcome, and don’t take up more space than you need, especially at busy times.
Who is it for?
- It is suitable for remote workers who feel isolated and want to be surrounded by people, including other remote workers, while minding their own business.
Who is it not for?
- If the distracting noises of a fast food restaurant, the smell of food, background music, or the sometimes uncomfortable seating bother you, this place will probably not suit your needs and preferences.
5 - Food courts of Vasco da Gama Shopping Center & Colombo Shopping Center
In the food courts of Vasco da Gama Shopping Center and Colombo Shopping Center there are many seats with access to power plugs, making them a good choice for those who like the atmosphere of a shopping mall.
There are also small cafés in both shopping centres, but it’s best to avoid them as the limited number of seats means that remote workers are generally not welcome for long periods of time.
Vasco da Gama Shopping Center has an outdoor seating area where you can use power plugs and enjoy the view of the Tagus, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. You can also take a walk along the riverside promenade during your break. It has a fresher atmosphere than Colombo Shopping Center.
Who is it for?
- These food courts are ideal for those who like to be surrounded by people without being obliged to order regularly, which is the right thing to do in cafés.
Who is it not for?
- Food courts are usually not the best place for remote workers who don't like the atmosphere of a shopping center or the typical issues that come with working in such a place, such as food stains or leftover food on the tables.
Source: Photo by Kit Suman on Unsplash
6 - Delta The Coffee House Experience
Delta The Coffee House Experience - Avenida da Liberdade was one of the first coffee shops in Lisbon to embrace remote work. The notices on the premises make it clear that remote workers are welcome, but are respectfully requested not to use the space for work during peak hours.
The only issue is that the tables that the Flatio team member has tried so far did not have access to power plugs. So you should go there with a fully charged laptop as a precaution.
Who is it for?
- It’s a great place for remote workers who like to work remotely in cafés, who want to strike a balance between socializing and privacy and make sure they are welcomed not only by the staff but also by the other guests.
Who is it not for?
- This place may not be suitable for those who need a space for concentrated work, as there are some distractions like in any other café. It’s also not the best place if you need regular access to power plugs.
7 - sitio coworking space
With one of the largest networks of coworking spaces in Lisbon, sitio could offer a great experience for those seeking a professional environment or those looking to establish a routine for a longer stay in Lisbon.
The many locations are easy to reach by public transport and you can enjoy all the comfort and convenience of a coworking space. The fact that sitio has many locations allows you to choose the part of the city where you feel most comfortable in terms of atmosphere, access, and more.
Who is it for?
- It is a smart choice and a wise investment for anyone who wants to work in a professional environment with fast Wi-Fi and good infrastructure and equipment. It is particularly ideal for those who want to establish a routine or network with other professionals.
Who is it not for?
- It is not ideal for those who like to work remotely where there are a lot of people moving around, such as in shopping centers or cafés, or for those who prefer to not pay for a remote work location for various reasons.
Tip
Café culture is very strong while staying in Portugal and for most people it's a place to relax and socialize. Although café staff are generally friendly to remote workers, other guests may not like the sight of an open laptop on the table next to them, and that’s only fair as they are there to relax and their experience could be negatively affected.
So choose your location wisely and make sure you follow remote work etiquette so that you feel comfortable and the people around you feel the same.
Flatio can help you find a remote work-friendly rental in Lisbon!
If you plan to have rentals in Portugal and want to live in a space that’s suitable for remote work, Flatio is the place for you. Our platform is specially designed for digital nomads.
Most rentals in Lisbon on Flatio don't require a deposit, so you can use your budget for other things that are important to you. Our accommodations for rent in Lisbon, which are spread across different parts of the city, have flexible terms and all come with Wi-Fi as standard.
Here are the highlights of Flatio's features that make it particularly suitable for remote workers looking for a trustworthy, professional platform to make their stay in Lisbon as pleasant and efficient as possible.
- Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from days to months)
- Large selection of accommodation (rooms, apartments, houses, etc.)
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- Visa-friendly lease agreements
- Online signing of lease agreement
- Renting directly from hosts
- No deposit for stays under 180 days (unless required by local law)
- Balanced lease agreement, translated into several languages
- Favorable cancelation policy
- StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
- 100% money protection
- Customer support available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option
COVER IMAGE: Source: Photo by Lisha Riabinina on Unsplash
