Lisbon is the perfect place for any aspiring girl boss who wants to hook up her laptop, get a strong wifi connection (and even stronger coffee) and the desire to totally rock her online biz from anywhere in the world.
Not only is it one of the most seriously gorg cities in all of Europe, but it just so happens to be the absolute ideal place to live that “digital-nomad” lifestyle!
Today we’re breakin down’ the best places to stay and how to thrive in this storybook city as a globetrotting girl boss!
THE ULTIMATE BB GUIDE TO LISBON
If you’re new around here welcome, girl! This blog post is just one part of our epic Ultimate Bucketlist Bombshells Guide to Lisbon, Portugal. While you’re here, make sure you don’t miss out on:
EAT: The Quintessential Foodie’s Guide to Lisbon, Portugal
PLAY: The 10 Best Activities to Pamper & Play Lisbon, Portugal
WORK: 7 Best Spots to Work From as a Digital Nomads In Lisbon, Portugal
THE LISBON BASICS
photo by The Mirror
Before we jump into the best neighborhoods and places to stay for all you online girl bosses — let’s start with the basics so you can live and thrive in this city by the sea like a local!
CURRENCY
Lisbon is on the Euro, and currently, 1 Euro equals 1.18 USD. Not from the US? No worries, girl! Click here to see the current exchange rate in your home currency.
While tons of place do take card, it’s the savvy gal always has cash on her, just in case!
LANGUAGE
In Lisbon, English is widely spoken, thought it’s always helpful to learn the basics of the country that you’re in. In Lisbon, that language is Portuguese. While most places in Lisbon you won’t have much trouble finding people who speak English, you can head here to learn some of the most important phrases to help you out around the city!
RELIGION
Like much of Europe, the majority of Lisbon is Catholic. This means you will encounter a plethora of incredible cathedrals, perfect if you’re an architectural enthusiast like we are!
THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN LISBON
Lisbon is known as the “City of Seven Hills” and each area is home to its own unique charm and appeal. We’re sharing our fave neighborhoods in the city! Whether you’re lookin’ for something chill and laid-back, or somewhere that comes alive at night, we’ve got you covered chica!
ALFAMA & GRACA 
photo by @ckanani
These historical centers are the epitome of what comes to mind when you think about this gorg European hotspot. What starts at the top as Graca, it fades down the hill and to the river into Alfama, one of the most romantic and iconic spots in the city. If you’re a history buff who loves to feel like they’re walking back through time, this is the neighborhood for you! Staying in the cities oldest ‘hood will be a beyond charming experience for you!
CHIADO
Super walkable and home to some of the most seriously amazing shops and boutiques in the city, Chiado is the place to get your retail therapy on. It’s also filled with endless adorable cafes, so you’ll always have a place to plug in after you shop till ya drop! It’s super lively and full of energy, quite the opposite of the more relaxed vibe you’ll find in Alfama and Graca.
photo by The Mirror
BAIRRO ALTO
This literally translates to “upper city” meaning this hip neighborhood is–yep, you guessed it–at the top of a hill! If you’re curious what everyone is doing on a Saturday night, chances are, they’re exploring the labyrinth of streets and alleyways in Bairro Alto. This is where the city truly comes alive at night, and it’s the perfect place for you if you’re someone who looooves to be in the center of the action!
Photo by Visit Lisboa
THE BEST WAY TO FIND A MONTHLY RENTAL IN LISBON
We knowing going to a new place can be a bit stressful, especially when it comes to finding a place to live, especially one that’s a quality rental in another country for one month or more!
We highly recommend that you do not simply rely on photos before committing to a long-term rental — because as we know, what you see is sooo not always what ya get!
This is exactly why we partnered with our friends at BeHere to create the solution to this dilemma every digital nomad faces.
Our Bucketlist Bombshells Experiences to do all the nitty gritty work for ya! All you need to do? Pack that cute bag of yours, and book the next flight to Lisbon! We’ll take care of the rest for ya, chica!
You’ll get an individualized, total custom 1:1 experience to help you to find the best neighborhood for you AND take all the fuss away by setting you up in a curated private apartment that’s been vetted by our team!
THE 3 BEST HOTELS IN LISBON
HOTEL EXPO ASTORIA
Hotel Expo Astoria is super eye catching from the outside, and a more budget friendly option in Lisbon! It houses super comfy (and stylish) rooms, this home away from home is sure to get your creative juices flowing. The whole place is themed around different art pieces, so if you’re feeling like you need an extra boost of inspo, this is the place for you! (stylish on a budget)
YORK HOUSE
Photo by @travelandleisure
If you’re in the market for an experience that isn’t over the top pricey, but you still feel like you’re getting a bit of a reprieve, the York House is the place for you. Beyond stylish accommodations, delish meals, and a ivy covered courtyard that was seriously made for the ‘gram, this place is the ideal location for the super trendy chica! (trendy, moderate price)
MEMMO ALFAMA
Rooftop terrace looking over one of the most historic neighborhoods in the city? Check. If feelin’ a bit more luxe is your jam, Memmo Alfama in the heart of one of the most classic neighborhoods in the city is the place for you. It’s got seriously swoon-worthy views, and is the perf place to totally indulge while you’re in Lisbon! (mid-size luxury)
HOW TO GET AROUND IN LISBON
photo by @ckanani
Like we mentioned, this idyllic destination is known as The City of Seven Hills, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from walking! Getting around on foot is definitely one of the best, easiest (and free….duh!) ways to get around the city. Plus, it’s a bonus workout so you can indulge in even more of the delish food Lisbon has to offer!
If you’re feeling a weeee bit tired (after all, you are conquering the online biz world all day) we highly suggest using Tram 28 to get around! It will take you to all the hotspots on your list for a super affordable price, and your guaranteed to get some of the best views in the city after your ride..
If you do end up staying here for a month or longer (and we totally suggest that you do!) Purchasing a 24-hour metro ticket for around €6 is sooo worth it. It’s fo’ sho the most budget savvy way to get around, which is perf if you’re here for an extended period of time!
And one of the most fun ways to get around the city? Tuk tuks! These little babies are everywhere, and the drivers know so much about Lisbon, it’s a super cost effective way to get a ride, and a history lesson! #HECKYES
photo by @ckanani
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED
GRAB A SIM CARD
Before traveling abroad and leaving your home country, it’s always be sure to chat with your cell phone provider to see what roaming or international options they have available for your plan. Ain’t nobody got time for surprise roaming charges!
It’s super easy to get a local sim card, just make sure your phone is unlocked and you won’t have any trouble! Vodafone is a huge provider in Lisbon, and with multiple locations both in and out of the airport you’ll be sure to find one that’s convenient for you!
FREE INTERNATIONAL CALLING APPS
Ohhh WiFi, what would we do without you? I hope we never find out! Because as long and you have an internet connection, you will be able to use an app called WhatsApp to easily call and text internationally (and with locals too!)
WhatsApp is a total game-changer, and if you’ve never used it, this is an absolute MUST for traveling and living abroad!
HOW TO GET AN EXTENDED TOURIST VISA
One of the more important parts of organizing long-term travel is making sure your vis requirements are up to par. Depending on your passport, the requirements for staying in Lisbon vary. Always make sure to check the requirements of your passport before booking extended trips!
NO VISA REQUIRED
This applies to the vast majority of countries, including the US! If you are an American citizen travelling to Portugal, you do not need a visa if you plan on staying for less than 90 days.
SCHENGEN VISA
The Schengen Visa applies to a large majority of of European countries, including Portugal. This allows you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days, with the possibility of extending 30 more.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Visa requirements change and vary based on your country, so before you leave, make sure to check which category your passport falls under.
