Co-living in Lisbon, productivity and exploration

When remote work becomes an adventure

Lisbon had been calling me for a long time. Between its iconic yellow trams, colorful azulejos, and uniquely laid-back atmosphere, the Portuguese capital seemed like the perfect setting to experiment with co-living. After a few days of planning, I booked a stay with Outsite. A look back at an experience that transformed my vision of nomadic work.

Why Lisbon and why Outsite ?

Lisbon naturally stands out as a destination of choice for digital nomads. The city offers an affordable cost of living, a pleasant Mediterranean climate almost year-round, and a solid digital infrastructure essential for our digital professions. Not to mention the creative energy emanating from every neighborhood, from Príncipe Real to Cais do Sodré.

Outsite stood out for its community-driven approach to co-living. Rather than simply renting a workspace, they create a true ecosystem where professionals and creatives meet, collaborate, and share experiences. Their Lisbon space, located in the trendy Cais do Sodre neighborhood, promised exactly what I was looking for: a balance between productivity and discovery.

Azulejo's made of Nespresso capsules

Preparation in advance: the keys to a successful stay

Administrative organization

Before even setting foot in Lisbon airport, several steps are required. I made sure to check the entry formalities (identity card is sufficient for European citizens), but above all, to inform my clients of my temporary time zone change. Even though Lisbon time is only one hour from Brussels, this could impact some appointments.

It's essential to purchase travel insurance tailored to digital nomadism. Some policies specifically cover computer equipment and telecommunications costs abroad.

Hardware and connectivity

Choosing the right equipment becomes crucial when working from abroad. I opted for a minimalist but effective setup: a lightweight laptop, universal adapters, and, most importantly, a portable 4G router as backup. At Outsite, the Wi-Fi was excellent, but having a backup connection allowed me to work peacefully from the cafés of Chiado or the Belém Gardens.

Integrate into the Outsite ecosystem

First steps in the community

The welcome at Outsite goes far beyond simply handing over the keys. As soon as I arrived, the team added me to the hosts' WhatsApp group and shared their favorite places to stay. This personal approach makes all the difference: within 48 hours, I had already made friends with American and European hosts as they explored the city.

The common areas are designed to encourage natural encounters. The shared kitchen quickly becomes the social heart of the space, where professional conversations and cultural exchanges mingle over Portuguese coffee.

Optimized work routine

The design of Outsite's workspaces meets the needs of digital nomads. Ergonomic desks, adapted lighting, quiet zones for client calls: everything is designed to maintain a professional level of productivity.

I quickly developed my Lisbon routine: getting up at 7 a.m. to enjoy the soft morning light on the balcony, intensive work sessions between 9 p.m. and noon, then an extended lunch break to explore a new neighborhood, including the Timeout food market with a selection of the city's best restaurants. I resume work in the late afternoon for creative tasks that require less coordination.

Urban exploration and networking

Discover Lisbon differently

Co-living completely transforms the tourist experience. Rather than following traditional itineraries, I discovered Lisbon through the eyes of its temporary residents. Each resident brought their own discoveries: the small pastéis de nata restaurant hidden in Mouraria, the secret viewpoint over the Tagus River, or the natural wine bar in Príncipe Real frequented by local creatives.

Weekends became an opportunity for group excursions to Sintra or Cascais, forging connections that go far beyond the professional sphere.

Unexpected professional opportunities

Networking in co-living spaces happens naturally, without the artificiality of traditional business events. Over a shared dinner or a collaborative work session, I met a full-stack developer with whom we enjoyed a beach getaway while remaking the world.

Practical advice to optimize your stay

Daily management

Meal management deserves special attention. Enjoying local cuisine while maintaining a reasonable budget requires a balance between discovering restaurants and shared home cooking.

Work-life balance and discovery

The temptation to "see it all" can quickly impede professional productivity. I've established simple rules: no sightseeing during working hours agreed upon with my clients, but I systematically plan one discovery per day, even if it's a short one.

Lisbon evenings, between fado in Alfama and the rooftops of Cais do Sodré, also require energy management. The co-living experience considerably enriches the stay, but must not compromise professional commitments.

A Cevicheria, chef Kiko's restaurant

Feedback and perspectives

Impact on my professional practice

This month in Lisbon has profoundly enriched my approach to digital marketing. Working with entrepreneurs of different nationalities has made me aware of the cultural specificities of cross-border marketing. Discussions with other freelancers have also fueled my thinking about the evolution of our professions and new opportunities in the European market. Participating in a startup event on the roof of an office allowed me to broaden my horizons.

Daily exposure to English and Portuguese has also developed my language skills, a significant asset for my international projects.

Lisbon, a springboard to other adventures

This wonderful co-living experience has made me want to explore other destinations. Outsite has a global network that facilitates the transition from one city to another, creating a true international nomadic community.

Lisbon will nevertheless remain a benchmark: the quality of life, cultural richness, and ease of integration make it an ideal destination to test the concept of professional co-living.

Tips for getting started

If the experience tempts you, here are some recommendations to maximize your stay:

Before departure: Clearly establish your professional and personal goals, prepare your clients for your mobility, and maintain a flexible schedule to seize opportunities.

On site: Involve yourself in the community without neglecting your professional commitments, explore beyond the tourist areas, and document your experience for your future marketing content.

After the stay: Maintain the connections you've made, capitalize on the skills you've developed, and start planning your next destination.

Co-living in Lisbon proved to me that it's possible to reconcile professional demands with a thirst for discovery. A valuable lesson in an age where our digital professions offer us unprecedented geographical freedom. Now all that's left is to decide what the next step in this nomadic adventure will be...

☕️ Outsite Lisbon - Cais do Sodre : https://www.outsite.co/locations/lisbon-cais-do-sodre