This post is written from a lived-in perspective — not just where things look nice, but where daily life actually works for digital nomads: neighborhoods that balance workspaces, movement, coffee culture, fitness, surf access, safety, and social life.

One important lifestyle factor to clarify: Lisbon has a surprisingly strong yoga and fitness scene for a European capital. Combined with its proximity to the ocean and consistent surf breaks, this is a major reason why many surfing digital nomads choose to live in Lisbon — and why these elements are considered throughout this neighborhood guide.

Príncipe Real — Still the Best All-Around Choice

If someone asked me where to live in Lisbon as a digital nomad without overthinking it, Príncipe Real would still be one of my default answers.

It’s central, leafy, safe, and social. You’re close to everything without being swallowed by tourists. Pilates and yoga studios are easy to find, Kynd Space and Amplify Avenida being my regular studio. Although, only the atmospheric but slightly shabby gym of Pavilhão Clube Nacional de Natação was the only option for working out. this might be the best spot for shopping with lovely shops on R.da Escola Politecnica. With Principe Real situated on a hill, you have a good chance of finding a lovely old house with a fantastic view, otherwise, had to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for fantastic city views. With the Botanical Garden and Jardim da Estrella, you have lush green spaces nearby

Regarding surfing, Lisbon itself doesn’t sit on a surf break, but the popular beach of Costa da Caparica — with long sandy whiteshore and waves suitable from beginner to intermediate — is only about 30-40 minutes away by an Uber making it the easiest daily or weekend trip from the center. There are even combined surf-and-yoga experiences that start in Lisbon and take you there for both activities. For dedicated surf culture and world-class waves, places like Ericeira (not a Lisbon district but a town farther out) are beloved by locals and nomads alike.

Café Culture Reality Check (Important)

One thing nomads need to understand quickly: many Lisbon cafés do not allow laptops.

That said, there’s nuance.

In winter, when the city is quieter, cafés are more relaxed — especially if:

• You’re a regular

• You don’t camp all day

• You order more than one galão — ideally an actual lunch

Santos / Estrela / Misericórdia

São Bento, is not a standalone neighborhood, it’s better understood as part of Santos / Misericórdia, sometimes mentally overlapping with Estrela.

That said, for us, “São Bento” has become shorthand for a very specific lifestyle zone — gyms, yoga studios, cafés, vintage shops, walkability, and easy access to both central neighborhoods and the train to the (surf) beaches.

The area is packed with wellness spaces — including Viva Gym Santos, one of the most convenient, no-nonsense gym options in the city.

My personal favorites here for barre, yoga, pilates, and cycling:

• Amplify Santos for barre and cycling classes

• Jazzy Dance Studios for dance

• A short walk to ABHYASA Yoga Lisbon for the most challenging Ashtanga-inspired classes I’ve found in Lisbon so far

• Leela Yoga for breathwork sessions

This area is also very practical if you surf. You’re closer to the bridge and main exits toward Costa da Caparica than most central neighborhoods. On top of that, you’re near the train station heading to Carcavelos Beach (great for winter surf) and to Cascais, where it’s easy to grab an Uber to the stunning Praia do Guincho.

Coffee here is excellent — W.café is a favorite — and there’s a strong barista scene overall. You’ll find far more variety here than, for example, in Graça, another neighborhood we recommend but with a very different café culture.

Graça — Lively, Beautiful, Slightly Cut Off

Graça is vibrant, social, and full of character. The Mirador is one of the best in Lisbon, and the views can be incredible.

But the height difference matters. Graça is slightly cut off from other neighborhoods, and those hills affect daily life more than people admit.

When I lived there, my go-to spots were:

• Agora Studio for yoga

• Lisboa Ginásio Clube —a bit shabby, although, you might get a glimse of the top gymnasts training

• Cafés along Rua do Forno do Tijolo

Big positive: it feels far less touristy than Baixa or Chiado. Most tourists stay in Alfama, not Graça.

If you work mostly from home and love a neighborhood feel, Graça can be great.

If surfing matters to you, neighborhoods closer to Santos and Alcântara make life easier. You’re faster to bridges, trains, and exits toward Costa da Caparica.

Graça and eastern neighborhoods add friction if you’re surfing regularly.

Areas I’d Think Twice About as a Digital Nomad

Baixa and Alfama are beautiful, but living there can feel like being inside a museum. Tourist crowds, short-term rentals, and limited daily-life infrastructure make them harder for long stays.

Cais do Sodré is fun — until it’s loud every night. Great for visits, less ideal for consistent work.

Living in the South of Lisbon vs Cascais — Is It Actually a Good Idea?

On paper, living in the south of the city or moving to Cascais sounds perfect. Beaches, sun, surf, calmer life. In reality, it depends a lot on how you live and work.

South Lisbon (Across the Bridge / Caparica Side)

When people say “south Lisbon,” they usually mean areas across the 25 de Abril bridge, closer to Costa da Caparica.

The good:

• You are genuinely close to surf beaches

• Easy beach access without planning your whole day around it

• More space and sometimes better value for money

The reality check:

• You’re not really living in Lisbon anymore

• Crossing the bridge daily gets old very fast

• Social life, events, studios, dinners all require planning

This setup works best if surfing is a core part of your life and you’re happy with a quieter, more local routine. If you want spontaneous dinners, classes, or coworking meetups, it can feel isolating.

Cascais — Beautiful, Easy, and… Not Very Nomadic

Cascais is lovely. Clean, safe, organized, close to beaches, and extremely comfortable.

It’s also very different from central Lisbon.

The good:

• Easy access to beaches and coastal walks

• Very safe and polished

• Great if you want nature and calm

The downsides for digital nomads:

• It can feel suburban and slow

• The social scene is limited and skews older or family-oriented

• You’ll commute to Lisbon for culture, studios, or events

Cascais works well for couples, longer stays, or people intentionally stepping away from city energy. It’s less ideal if you’re single, new in town, or want spontaneous social life.

So, Where Would I Actually Live?

If I had to choose based on real nomadic life:

• Príncipe Real for balance

• Santos / São Bento for movement, studios, and surf access

• Graça for views, character, and a more local feel.

Lisbon is forgiving, but choosing the right neighborhood makes daily life noticeably easier.

And that’s what matters most when you’re not just visiting — but actually living here.