Avenidas Novas: The Lisbon You Didn’t Expect

Lisbon has become a magnet for digital nomads — and it’s not just because of the weather. Fast Wi-Fi, great food, and a laid-back pace make it easy to work and live well. But not every neighborhood suits the remote life.

Avenidas Novas is different. Tucked into central Lisbon, it trades cobblestone charm for wide streets, modern residential buildings, and clean design. Avenida da República cuts through it all, lined with cafés, offices, and access to transport that actually works. You’ll find green spaces to recharge, coworking spaces to plug in, and fewer crowds to dodge.

If you’re a remote worker looking for a base that blends comfort, connection, and calm, this guide is for you. Let’s take a closer look at what it’s really like to live in Avenidas Novas.

Why Set Up Base in Avenidas Novas?

Avenidas Novas wasn’t built for postcards, it was built to work. Designed in the early 20th century as part of Lisbon’s expansion, the neighborhood feels modern, clean, and intentional. Wide streets, structured blocks, and newer buildings give it a fresh energy that’s hard to find in older parts of the city. This is not the maze of Alfama or the tourist buzz of Bairro Alto — and that’s exactly why digital nomads are settling here.

The area is home to a growing mix of local and international chains, sleek hotels, banks, embassies, and corporate offices. If you’re in town to work, you’ll feel right at home. Several coworking spaces are scattered across the neighborhood, and Campo Pequeno — a repurposed bullring turned event space — adds a cultural twist to this business center.

It’s also incredibly well connected. From Avenida da República, you can hop on the metro, train, or bus and get almost anywhere in Lisbon, including hotspots like Avenida da Liberdade or the waterfront. For remote workers who value time and flow, the transit here is a major plus.

Need a breather? Green areas like Gulbenkian Park or Eduardo VII Park are minutes away. If you’re an art lover, you’ll appreciate the neighborhood’s proximity to major Lisbon museums, like the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum — one of the best places to soak in the city's history without the crowds.

What do locals say about Avenidas Novas?

“I moved here after six months in a touristy neighborhood. It’s quieter, cleaner, and feels like real life.”
– Marta, remote UX designer from Spain

“You’ve got everything within walking distance. I work from cafés, hit the park on lunch breaks, and never miss the buzz of downtown.”
– Leo, nomad copywriter from Brazil

Avenidas Novas might not be on your radar yet, but it’s exactly the kind of place remote workers were hoping to find when they first looked at Lisbon.

What It’ll Cost You

Living in the Avenidas Novas area offers a balanced lifestyle in central Lisbon, but it's essential to understand the associated costs.

Housing Costs in Avenidas Novas

As of April 2025, the average rent for apartments in Avenidas Novas is approximately €1,469 per month, marking a 25.9% decrease from previous months. One-bedroom apartments have seen a significant drop, with average rents around €869 per month.

For those interested in purchasing property, the property market in Avenidas Novas reflects its upscale status. The average price per square meter stands at €9,285, with apartments averaging €9,273/sqm and houses or villas at €9,950/sqm.

Transportation in Lisbon

Avenidas Novas boasts excellent public transport connectivity. A monthly public transportation pass in Lisbon costs around €40, providing access to metros, buses, and trams.

For Non-EU Citizens moving to Portugal

Non-European citizens considering a move to Portugal should be aware of visa requirements. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in October 2022, allows remote workers to reside in the country. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,280.

In summary, while Avenidas Novas offers modern amenities and a prime location near Liberty Avenue, it's crucial to factor in these costs when planning a move.

Work, but Make It Comfortable

The Avenidas Novas area isn’t just home to embassies and business districts — it’s also one of the few places in Lisbon where working remotely can feel like a proper routine instead of a daily compromise.

Coworking spaces in this part of the city range from high-rise setups to converted 19th-century buildings with character. Many are near Parque Eduardo VII, offering fresh air between meetings. Some hotels cater to nomads with decent desks and fast Wi-Fi, but when “decent” isn’t enough, it’s good to know there are better options.

If you're looking for a comfortable place to live and work, RentRemote offers fully-furnished apartments, equipped with workstations that go far beyond the basics. Here’s what that can look like:

• A standing desk for when you’ve been sitting too long

• An ergonomic chair that saves your back

• A widescreen monitor to make multitasking bearable

• A podcast microphone for clean calls and recordings

• High-speed internet, naturally

• And everything set up before you walk in the door

Ideal for the multifaceted artist, remote manager, or founder-in-motion, this setup means you don’t lose a day figuring out how to work in a new city. And with easy access to metro lines and the grand avenues of Avenidas Novas, you’re never far from inspiration — whether that’s scale models in the architecture museum or Chinese porcelain at a nearby gallery.

When your space works, so do you. That’s the idea.

What to do in Avenidas Novas

When the laptop closes, Avenidas Novas Lisbon opens up.

This neighborhood offers more than work, it’s where green spaces, culture, and good food come together without the tourist overload. Here’s how to unwind after a productive day:

Stretch Out in the Green

• Parque Eduardo VII is Lisbon’s largest central park, offering panoramic views over the city and the Tagus River. It's perfect for a jog, picnic, or simply relaxing amidst nature.

• Jardim Cesário Verde, a smaller, quieter park, provides shaded benches and a peaceful atmosphere for reading or contemplation.

What to see in Avenidas Novas: Dive into Cultural Activities

• Pimenta Palace, housing the main campus of the Museum of Lisbon, offers a journey through Portugal's history, from prehistoric times to the modern day.

• Nearby, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum showcases a vast collection of art, including European paintings and Islamic art, catering to the artist in you.

Indulge in Dining and Nightlife

• El Corte Inglés isn’t just a shopping center; its top-floor gourmet area offers a variety of restaurants with panoramic city views.

• Around Praça Marquês de Pombal, you'll find a range of restaurants and bars, from traditional Portuguese eateries to modern fusion spots, perfect for unwinding or networking.

Stroll the Wide Avenues

• The wide avenues of Avenidas Novas, Lisbon, developed in the 19th century, are lined with architectural gems and boutique shops, making evening walks both relaxing and visually stimulating.

Catch a Light Show

• Keep an eye out for seasonal light shows and installations that occasionally illuminate the area, adding a touch of magic to your nights in the town.

Whether you're into parks, art, food, or just a leisurely stroll, Avenidas Novas, Lisbon offers a balanced lifestyle that caters to both work and relaxation.

Housing and Accommodation

Not sure if Avenidas Novas is the right place to stay? Let’s put it side by side with a more central, tourist-heavy spot — Rossio Square. Both are in Lisbon, both have good access to public transport and cultural sites, but they offer very different experiences. Here’s how they compare when it comes to finding a place to stay, settle in, and actually get things done.

Accommodation Comparison: Avenidas Novas vs. Rossio Square

Summary

• Avenidas Novas: Ideal for those looking for modern accommodations with easy access to business districts, shopping centers, and cultural venues. The area offers a quieter environment, suitable for extended stays and work-focused travelers.

• Rossio Square: Perfect for visitors aiming to immerse themselves in Lisbon's rich history and vibrant street life. With numerous hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites within walking distance, it's a hotspot for tourists and short-term visitors.

Both neighborhoods in Lisbon offer unique experiences, catering to different preferences and needs.

Getting Around Avenidas Novas Without Losing Your Mind

A Neighborhood with Depth

The Avenidas Novas district in Lisbon is more than just a collection of new avenues and modern buildings. Formed from former parishes, it blends historical significance with contemporary living, offering a unique urban experience.

Cultural Landmarks and Green Spaces

Art enthusiasts can explore the Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Museum, dedicated to the renowned artist from Portugal, known for his caricatures and ceramics.

For relaxation, Jardim Amália Rodrigues provides a serene environment with its amphitheater and panoramic views of the city. Nearby, Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques offers a spacious park area, perfect for leisure and community events

Accessibility and Amenities

The area has good access to public transportation, with the yellow line metro stations like São Sebastião connecting residents to other areas of Lisbon. Essential services, including the Curry Cabral Hospital, ensure that healthcare needs are met within the neighborhood.

A Community for Everyone

Whether you're a local resident or someone looking to visit Portugal, Avenidas Novas Lisbon stands out as a great place to live, work, and explore. Its blend of cultural attractions, green spaces, and accessibility makes it a vibrant part of the city.

Expat and Nomad Communities in Avenidas Novas

Like most of Portugal, Avenidas Novas is home to a growing international community. You can find regular networking events and meetups, such as those organized by Lisbon Digital Nomads, providing opportunities for newcomers to connect and share experiences.

Language and Integration

For those looking to integrate more deeply, learning Portuguese is invaluable. Local language schools and online platforms like Duolingo offer resources to help expats navigate daily life and connect with the local culture.

Local Events

The neighborhood hosts various events catering to diverse interests. From cultural festivals to professional workshops, there's always something happening to engage both locals and newcomers. Building a social life is easy in this bustling city!

Avenida Novas: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Modern comfort: The Avenidas Novas neighborhood is known for its contemporary feel — wide streets, well-planned layouts, and mostly 20th-century buildings that actually make sense for working and living.

• Safety and quiet: Unlike some parts of Lisbon, this area is calm, clean, and safe — perfect for staying focused without chaos outside your window.

• Connectivity: With access to the metro, especially key hubs like São Sebastião, you're well connected to the rest of the city and beyond.

• Fully-equipped rentals: Serviced apartments by providers like RentRemote offer dedicated workspaces, ergonomic setups, and everything you need to land and start working. No Ikea runs required.

Cons

• Not exactly charming: If your idea of Portugal is azulejos, trams, and centuries-old alleyways, this isn’t it. Avenidas Novas feels more like a business district than a travel postcard.

• Costs run high: Rent is generally more expensive here than in other areas, especially if you want modern amenities or proximity to key locations.

• Limited nightlife: You’ll find good cafés and restaurants, but for live music or late nights, you’ll probably hop on the metro to Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré.

How It Compares

Compared to other neighborhoods in Lisbon, Avenidas Novas is more residential and less touristy. While Alfama is steeped in history and Príncipe Real is trendier, Avenidas Novas is the pragmatic choice — great if you’re here to live and work, not just visit. It’s where comfort, structure, and focus win over cobblestone charm.

So, Should You Stay in Avenida Novas?

If you're moving to Lisbon to actually live, (not just visit!) Avenidas Novas makes a strong case. It’s clean, calm, and built for getting things done. You won’t find centuries-old façades on every corner, but you will find reliable metro lines, fast internet, and cafés that don’t close before dinner.

For remote workers who want structure, stability, and a soft landing in Portugal, this is a smart place to start. And when you land in an apartment that already has a standing desk, ergonomic chair, and external monitor waiting for you? Even better. We take the guesswork out of settling in, so you can focus on work, or getting to know your new city.