A Digital Nomad Guide To Lisbon

Portugal Visa for Lisbon

For those travelling from within the EU, no visa is required to enter Portugal as it is part of the Schengen area, making it easy to come and go to Lisbon as you please without any restrictions on time. You’ll also have the right to live, work and settle here – no questions asked – which goes some way to explaining why Lisbon has become such a hotspot amongst European nomads in recent years.

For UK citizens, the recently signed Brexit deal means that somewhat different rules should be observed by Brits, who can travel to the nation visa free but are limited to 90 days in Portugal out of any six-month period.

US and Canadian citizens can also stay in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa – but if you’re planning to stay for any longer than that, and you will need to look into the various types of working visa available to work out which best suits your circumstances.

Culture and Food in Lisbon

The Portuguese culture is vibrant and exciting, and there’s certainly no shortage of its influences in Lisbon. Centred around the likes of art, literature, food and sport – as well as religion, it’s evident just about everywhere you look – and that’s all part of the city’s incredible charm.

Food

As a nation, Portugal has a rich foodie culture, and anywhere you go in the country you will no doubt come across cafes and restaurants serving up some of its most mouth-watering traditional dishes. From fresh fish to succulent pork dishes and hearty, garlicky soups, dining in Portugal is a sensory experience that serves up influences from other countries such as Brazil, Angola and Mozambique alongside its own home-grown flavours. 

This is owed largely to the fact that in history, many of the Portuguese lived in overseas colonies, later returning when each one declared independence. Sugar cane and pineapples were cultivated in Brazil and chili peppers took root in Angola, all of which were later brought back to Portugal, and are now key ingredients within some of Portugal’s – and Lisbon’s – signature dishes, in the case of the latter including the famous piri-piri.

The Algarve region is famous for its seafood, although the country’s most famous dishes are all based around ‘bacalhau’ (cod). Dried salt cod dates back to the 16th century, when Portuguese fishermen learned to salt the fish to make it last longer during the voyage home. Must-try dishes include bacalhau à brás (cod served with eggs, onions and potatoes) and bacalhau à Gomes de sá (a cod casserole with sliced potatoes, hard-boiled eggs and black olives).

A Cevicheria (R. Dom Pedro v 129) serves up some of the best fish dishes in Lisbon, while the Time Out Market is a great place to pick something up to try on the go.

Lisbon is famed for being home to some of the nation’s best pasteis de nata – an egg custard tart which originated from the Jerónimos monastery, with the world-famous cafe Pasteis de Belem serving up the very finest of the bunch.

If you’re a meat eater, then the tasty bifana – a barbecued pork sandwich – is a must try, and a typical dish from the city.

Arts

Lisbon enjoys a thriving art scene and regularly plays host to world-class exhibitions. It is also home to some fantastic contemporary art of its own, and features a range of galleries and museums that showcase its home-grown art, including the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado and Hangar – one of Lisbon’s most established art centres and gallery spaces, set on the hillside in the quiet neighbourhood of Graça.

Meanwhile, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) is often dubbed Lisbon’s answer to the Tate Modern, while the Underdogs Gallery is a celebration of Lisbon’s impressive street art scene.

Of course, one of the most widely recognised forms of art in Portugal is Fado music – a traditional folk style genre that can be heard drifting out of the city’s many bars on an evening and often, during the day, too. Amalia Rodrigues – one of the most famous Fado singers – passed away in 1999, and the country declared not one, but three days of national mourning as a result.

Religion

There is no official national religion in Portugal, but the most dominant is Roman Catholic – and the country is home to some beautiful basilicas as a result that are worth a visit if you’re so inclined.

Portuguese culture also comprises an element of folklore and superstition. While stories tend to include an element of Roman Catholicism, they also tell of mythical creatures and fantasies.

Holidays

The 25th April marks the Carnation Revolution, which freed Portugal from the dictatorship initiated by Antonio Oliveira Salazar, and is the most celebrated annual holiday in Portugal.

Many people also observe religious holidays, including a large Carnival celebration in the lead-up to lent, which although is not as prolific as its Brazilian equivalent, still features huge parties and parades which fill the streets for several days.

Sports

Spend a week or two in Portugal and you’ll quickly come to experience the immense passion the nation has for its football, and this is certainly evident in Lisbon. The Portuguese national team, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, is currently ranked as 5th in the world by FIFA.

Portugal also has a small bull-fighting culture, but this has now largely died out, and never experienced anywhere near the popularity here as it did in Spain.

Lisbon Nightlife

As Portugal’s capital, it comes as no surprise that Lisbon offers a thriving nightlife scene, and whether you prefer a more laid-back evening at a cosy wine bar or a raucous night out at one of the city’s many nightclubs, there’s something for everyone.

These days, Lisbon is recognised as one of Europe’s most up-and-coming party spots – and with good reason. Taking on a whole new ambience when as sun dips below the horizon, you can enjoy live music at one of the venues along the water’s edge, enjoy after-dinners at a swanky rooftop bar or book your tickets for a lively DJ set – or better yet, do all three.

Lisbon’s more laid-back bars tend to attract digital nomads looking to meet other travellers, and offer a vibrant social scene as a result. Here are some of the bars, clubs and wine bars to check out when you arrive and see what best suits your tastes.

Best Bars in Lisbon

Ministerium Club – Praça do Comércio 72 Lisbon

A regular haunt for some of Europe’s biggest name DJs playing a mix of house and techno music, Ministerium has managed to maintain an air of exclusivity over the years due to the fact that it still only opens on Saturdays, and is housed in a former Portuguese Ministry of Finance building which adds to its unique feel.

K Urban Beach – Cais da Viscondessa Lisbon, 1200-109

In search of a little escapism after a busy day of co-working? K Urban Beach is exactly what it sounds like, and offers an evening at the beach without even leaving the city. Set against the River Tagus, it features a man-made patch of sand and a distinctive laid-back vibe. Here, you can expect bright colours, electro-pop beats and a tropical party atmosphere that transports you straight to an Ibiza-style pool party on the sand.

Musicbox – Rua Nova do Carvalho (Pink Street), 24 Lisbon

Centrally located on Lisbon’s iconic Pink Street in the edgy Cais do Sodre neighbourhood, Music box has fast become one of the city’s trendiest bars and with its gritty, underground vibe it regularly plays host to rock bands, hip hop artists and DJs from around Europe. The feel here is relatively intimate, with a capacity of just 300 – and with something for everyone, it’s a great place to meet and socialise with other digital nomads and friends.

Lux Frágil – Av. Infante D. Henrique, Armazém A 1950-376 Lisbon 

One of the most sophisticated clubs in Lisbon, Lux Frágil is a playground for the rich and famous, and has become a popular place for celebrity spotting as a result. Set right next to the city’s waterfront, it comprises a club, bar and rooftop lounge and often features iconic DJs throughout the year. The spectacular sunrise views from the terrace – if you can carry on that long – are a must.

Dock’s Club – Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa, 1350-352 Lisbon

Set in a warehouse which gives it a distinctive urban feel, Dock’s Club attracts a varied crowd thanks to its varied calendar of events. Nights span a range of genres, ranging from hip hop and R&B to classic club nights and with six bars, a sophisticated VIP area and an excellent range of themed nights on offer, make sure to visit at least once.

Things to do in Lisbon

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Lisbon, and you could easily spend a few months here without exhausting your list. From live music and world-class DJs to museums, art galleries and an excellent foodie scene, it enjoys all of the options you’d expect from a capital city – and, thanks to its proximity to some of Portugal’s best beaches, a lot more, too.

Add to that the spectacular range of day trips you can easily take using public transport from the city – and of course, all of the major iconic sites in Lisbon itself – and there is something to do for every day of the week.

The beauty of setting up base in Lisbon means that over time, you’ll start to enjoy it just as the locals do – and once you’ve ticked off many of the major ‘must do’s, you’ll begin to discover a world far beyond what you first see on arrival to the city. The locals know exactly where to find the best food and the coolest bars (and the cheapest, too), so be sure to take the time to get to know them.

Here are some of the activities and pursuits you won’t want to miss during your time in the city.

• Indulge in some shopping at Feira da Ladra

  Lisbon’s answer to London’s Portobello Road market, Feira da Ladra – which happens every Tuesday and Friday at the Campo de Santa Clara – began in the 13th century, and has continued to be a huge draw for city dwellers ever since. From art to antiques, socks to silk scarves, there’s something for everyone here. Come early to avoid the crowds, then head for a good cup of coffee and refuel with a traditional Portuguese breakfast afterwards at one of the many nearby cafes.

• Taste test the Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira)

  Whether you’re eager to taste some of the best and most authentic Portuguese food in Lisbon or to lay your hands on some exciting modern twists on your favourite cuisines, the Time Out Market, which features more than 40 food stalls, has got you covered. Every item of food here has been chosen, tested and tasted by an independent panel of city experts – who also happen to be Time Out’s very own team of critics.

• Go for a stroll in Parque Florestal de Monsanto

  This highly underrated park is an impressive three times the size of the iconic Central Park in New York, and is the perfect place to indulge in a spot of exercise. Best of all, it’s so big that you can come here numerous times and never see the same stretch – even if you’re out for a long run or a cycle. This is also a great spot for summer picnics or simply soaking up the sunshine with a good book.

• Take in the view at Portas do Sol

  Thanks to its hilly composition, the viewpoints in Lisbon are many – but one of the most popular has to be at the Portas do Sol cocktail bar, which overlooks the Alfama and the Tejo river. This is a great spot at sunset and features regular DJ sets at the weekends, when it becomes a lively spot for those in search of a little dance floor action and all the cocktails they can drink.

• Explore LX Factory

  An amalgamation of shops, cafes, markets, concerts and exhibitions, the LX Factory is a cultural hub in Alcantara and is a great place to soak up some entertainment and spend some of your hard-earned cash. Whatever you feel like doing, this place has got it all, and it’s one of the city’s most popular destinations, day and night, as a result. 

• Peruse the MAAT Architecture & Technology Museum

  The latest contemporary art museum in Lisbon, the MAAT has been causing quite a stir in the city since its inauguration in 2016, not least thanks to its unique and Instagram-worthy exterior. Located close to the iconic Torre de Belém, its strong architectural lines, which were dreamt up by British architect Amanda Levete, draw crowds from across the city and beyond, and with a plethora of exhibitions – both permanent and temporary – happening throughout the year, you’ll likely want to head back more than once.

• Pause for a pitstop at Pastéis de Belém

  While you’re in the area, it would be rude not to stop in at this world famous pastelaria for one of Lisbon’s very best custard tarts. The walls of its tea rooms are lined with the pretty blue and white azulejos Portugal is famed for, making it a popular haunt for locals as well as the tourists who queue up outside for takeaway.

  Made with the flakiest of puff pastry and a rich, creamy filling that is perfectly crisp on top, at just €1.10 each, they are cheap enough to fit into any digital nomad’s budget and are an absolute must that will keep you coming back for more countless times.

• Dine at LOCO

  If your budget allows, then a blow-out meal at Michelin-starred eatery Loco – perhaps for a special occasion – is a must. An haute cuisine restaurant headed up by Chef Alexandre Silva, who also happens to be one of the most impressive in the city, the mood here is laid-back and relaxed – but be prepared for a taste sensation, with an avant-garde take on Portuguese cuisine, and be sure to book well in advance to secure your table. 

Day trips from Lisbon

Sintra – Take the train to the magical civil parish of Sintra, where you’ll have the chance to take in fairytale-like palaces and castles and soak up some of the area’s rich history.

Cascais – A coastal city with a laid-back, beachy vibe, around an hour’s train ride from Lisbon. Great for surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and soaking up some rays.

Ericeira – another seaside community on the western coast and the only European spot in the World Surfing Reserves. Bring your board and be prepared to catch some impressive rays.

Wineries and vineyards – The Setúbal region, south of Lisbon, is home to some great wineries, while Alentejo, which is a little further afield, produces some of the best Portuguese wines.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

 There are many reasons that Lisbon, Portugal attracts quite so many digital nomads these days, and its warm, Mediterranean climate is one of them. Due to its far west location within Europe, overlooking the ocean, its climate is particularly mild compared with other European cities and the city enjoys hot and sunny summers with pleasant weather that stretches well into autumn/fall, followed by rainy but mild winters.

Lisbon’s mean annual temperature sits in the low 60s (F), or around 17 °C, with the influence of the Gulf stream and the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean mediating the weather conditions throughout the year.

August is the warmest month, with highs of 82 °F (28 °C), while the coolest temperatures are in January, averaging 50 °F (10 °C). The average monthly rainfall is between 01. Inches (3mm) in summer and around 4 inches (100mm) in winter.

Lisbon for Families

In Portugal, the majority of children under the age of three are taken care of either by family or by informal babysitters. There is plenty of financial support here for stay-at-home mothers, and as such, nurseries and childcare centres are uncommon.

The Lisbon area is home to three main international schools and one prep school. Compared to other European cities such as Barcelona or Rome, the family expat community remains relatively small, although as numbers have risen in recent years, schools are all either at, or even slightly over, capacity.

There are two schools offering British curriculums (the International Preparatory School and St. Julian’s). A Levels are not offered at either, having been replaces by the IB Diplom instead.

The international and bilingual schools in the city which cater to expat families and their children, include:

Carlucci American international School of Lisbon: Adapted curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 690 students

International Preparatory School: Adapted National Curriculum for England; ages 3-11; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 290 students

St Dominic’s international School, Lisbon:PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 750 students

St. Julian’s School: Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,100 students

Things to do for families in Lisbon

Thankfully, there are a range of child-friendly activities and attractions in Lisbon, as well as green spaces and nearby beaches for family days out in the summer. Top family attractions in Lisbon include:

The Oceanário: One of Lisbon’s most beautiful buildings and one of the most impressive aquariums in the world, the breath-taking Oceanário in Parque das Nações is a must visit for families with children. Featuring immersive exhibitions and a range of ocean animals including sharks and turtles, as well as super cute sea otters and penguins, it also happens to be the largest of its kind in Europe.

Jardim da Estreia: One of Lisbon’s most popular parks, this large green space is home to two cute cafés, a large children’s playground and a garden library, with a beautiful collection of exotic trees and treasure hunts to keep kids entertained.

The Beach: Within just 15-30 minutes of travel from Lisbon, you can reach some of the coastline’s best beaches, including the Costa da Caparica stretch and São João , which features some lovely restaurants and plenty of parking.

Living in Lisbon

Lisbon Transportation

Despite being remarkably hilly, Lisbon is also an extremely walkable city, and exploring it on foot is one of the simplest pleasures you’ll get to enjoy during your time here. With pretty, tiled houses and azulejo-adorned churches and cafes at every turn, there is always something new to admire, most of which you would miss should you choose to take another means of transport.

An excellent compromise, however, is to use the city’s tram network. Not only is it a great excuse to get that iconic Lisbon photo, but it will also take you where you need to go fairly quickly without you having to miss any of the sights along the way. Tickets are cheap, at €40 per month or around €1.10 for a single, and will get you to the top of just about any hill in the city, so if you’re tired from a long day of exploring, then hop on board.

Lisbon has a fleet of 600 buses and 146 different bus routes, making it by far the most versatile way to get around, if at times, it can be a little slow. There are two bus lines in Lisbon – the quickest of which runs from Praça do Comércio and another which leaves from the financial centre. A one-way ticket will set you back €4, while €5.50 will get you a return.

Lisbon’s Metro

For travelling longer distances, the metro is also very affordable, and in some cases can be the fastest way to get where you need to go. It’s often a speedier option than taking multiple buses or a combination of buses and trams, and with tickets starting at €1.50 for a single fare, or €6.40 for 24-hour unlimited travel, it certainly won’t break the bank.

This one is a bargain if you’re planning on travelling a lot in one day, because it includes all Lisbon trams and buses, too. It’s worth bearing in mind that the metro system is fairly limited, so you won’t want to rely on them all of the time and they might not always get you where exactly you want to go.

Whilst Ubers are readily available in the city, we strongly avoid giving them a miss when you’re new to the city. Due to the nature of the traffic system in Lisbon, they often have trouble accessing your location, which can result in frantic phone calls from the driver, much frustration and long waits!  Once you’ve gotten to know the place a little better (and ideally, have brushed up on your Portuguese), this will get easier, as you can arrange a more suitable pick-up point with your driver.

Lisbon is connected to the interior of Portugal – and to the rest of Europe – by both rail and road, making it easily accessible from pretty much anywhere else on the continent. Access to the city is via the 25th April Bridge, which just so happens to be one of the largest suspension bridges in Europe.

Fitness and Health

Like many European capital cities, Lisbon offers an excellent health and fitness scene, and one that caters well to the digital nomad, too. Many nomads who plan to stick around for a while opt to join low-cost gyms like Fitness Hut, where you’ll find flexible contracts that cater perfectly to those with ever-changing plans.

Aside from that, there are a range of other gyms, health clubs and yoga studios in the city that will allow you to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing after a day at your desk. 

Of course, you don’t have to join a gym or pay for classes to stay fit in Lisbon – just walking up and down its many steep hills and along its windy streets will do the job. 

Gyms and Yoga Studios

Fitness Hut – an affordable and flexible gym with multiple branches across the city.

Academia Life Club – waterfront gym with fully-equipped fitness suite and indoor and outdoor workout spaces.

Baraza Yoga – a small studio in Cais do Sodre offering affordable daily classes.

The Bakery CrossFit – offers daily Crossfit classes and the opportunity to pay by class, week or month.

Lisbon People

One of the most attractive things about Portugal for digital nomads is no doubt its people, who are warm, friendly and tolerant and will be the first to make you feel welcome in the city if you approach them in the same way. Where some countries can go a little over the top in this sense, the Portuguese come across as entirely genuine in their approach. The people in Lisbon are, like in many busy capital cities, a little more reserved and serious than in other parts of Portugal, but this is to be expected. 

Many of the Portuguese who live in Lisbon have worked abroad and lived elsewhere in Europe at some point, and many nomads will tell you that they tend to be the most sociable and outgoing, as they are used to mixing with people from around the world. Those who haven’t can take a little longer to form a connection with – but this is the norm in most countries.

Of course, thanks to the ever-expanding digital nomad and expat community in Lisbon and the distinctly international feel, the social scene is thriving, so you’ll likely have little trouble meeting others and making friends. A great place to do this is in the city’s coolest cafes, which typically have excellent Wi-Fi and offer a laid-back setting in which to connect with others and chat over a coffee or a post-work beer.

Despite the fact that the Lisbon metropolitan area only occupies around 3 per cent of Portugal’s total area, more than a quarter of the country’s inhabitants reside here. In the 1970s, Lisbon experienced a surge in population due to migration from rural areas of the country and the return of natives who had been living overseas in the nation’s African colonies, which had since gained independence.

As the 21st century began, foreign residents accounted for around one tenth of the Lisbon population, with immigrants from Angola, Brazil and Cape Verde having made it their home. Since then, the foreign population has continued to grow, and with the city now a hotspot for digital nomads from across Europe, North America and beyond, it has quickly transformed into a cosmopolitan metropolis. 

Lisbon Insurance and Medical Care

As the capital city of Portugal and a major urban area, Lisbon enjoys a larger concentration of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals than anywhere else in the country, with a number of hospitals encompassing state, private and military.

There have been ongoing efforts to modernise the city’s facilities – in particular, the public hospitals, with additional branches of some of the larger hospitals opening in other areas of the city.

Digital nomads in Lisbon can either pay to access the private healthcare system or get health insurance to cover it. If you’re a resident of an EU country, or Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Iceland or Lichtenstein then you’ll also be able to access emergency medical treatment under the same terms as Portuguese residents through the EHIC scheme. Do bear in mind though, that this only covers certain medical treatments – so it’s wise to take out additional medical insurance to ensure that you have all bases covered.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Lisbon

Like most European cities, Lisbon has been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the jobs market has suffered as a result – which means that if you don’t already have a source of income then moving here now could prove challenging. 

The jobs market, when compared to Portugal’s more developed neighbours – for example, the UK or Germany – is fairly small and unemployment even before the pandemic began was at 12 per cent. Under normal circumstances, the average salary in Portugal is already quite low, and even with good qualifications and an excellent level of experience, you’ll likely earn more in other countries.

The average monthly salary in Lisbon is around €600 – €800 per month. However, if money is not your main motivator and the opportunity to live by the sea and enjoy a slower pace of life is, then this might not be an issue for you.

Despite its challenges, Lisbon is famous for its start-up scene and is the preferred choice for many young entrepreneurs who are looking to launch new businesses – which means there are some fast-developing new companies and more opportunities for locals and digital nomads in the city as a result. Even so, this is likely to have stalled somewhat in the wake of the current global situation.

Jobs within tourism and hospitality have traditionally been some of the easiest to find, but with long hours, hard work and low pay, it’s not for everyone. However, if you’re simply looking to supplement your nomadic endeavours with a little extra income then it might be worth exploring once the situation has returned to near-normal. Restaurants, bars, coffee shops and tour companies are all good places to start.

Of course, knowing a little Portuguese will greatly increase your chances of landing a role, and there are some great schools in the city that will help you get started. And if you can’t yet speak a word, there is always demand for English language teachers in language schools across the city, where speaking English is considered an important skill to have.

Employment law in Portugal allows employees to work for up to 60 hours per week, but the majority work an average of 40 hours per week (or eight hours per day).

Holiday entitlement for full-time employees is 22 days per year, plus the nine annual Portuguese bank holidays.

If you’re from an EU country or elsewhere in the Schengen area then you are entitled to live and work in Portugal. However, after 90 days in Portugal you will need to register with your local junta (council). You won’t require a work visa, but you must apply for a Cartão de Residencia (residency card) after six months or risk being fined.

If you’re moving to Lisbon from another country then you’ll need to check out the individual requirements to secure a work visa.

If you’re planning to work in Portugal then you should also apply for a Número de Identificação Fiscal or Número de Contribuinte (NIF), which entitles you to pay taxes and receive free healthcare.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.