Get to know Santos Lisbon with our neighborhood guide. Discover local gems, dining spots, and must-see attractions.
Welcome to Santos Lisbon, where downtown Lisbon slows down and the Tagus River takes center stage. Locals call it Santos-o-Velho, but don’t let the “old” fool you—it’s where antique palaces share sidewalks with hip cafés and design studios.
You’ve got Wi-Fi strong enough to crush deadlines, restaurants that make you stay for dessert, and just enough buzz to keep you inspired without frying your focus. The Ancient Art Museum is here, tucked into a mansion that’s been around for more than a century—just like the tiled façades and crooked staircases you’ll pass on your way to brunch.
It’s artsy without being too cool. Central without the chaos. Quiet enough to think, but never boring.
If you’re looking to live like a local and work like a pro, Santos might just be your sweet spot
Santos isn’t trying to impress you—it just does. Tucked between Lisbon’s historic center and the Tagus River, it’s one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. Once home to noble families and the upper classes of Portugal, it still wears its historic architecture with quiet pride: tiled façades, wrought-iron balconies, 18th-century palacetes now housing boutique hotels, architecture schools, and embassies.
But Santos doesn’t live in the past. Walk a few blocks and you’ll find sleek design stores, indie cafés, and co-working spots where creatives brainstorm over oat lattes.
If you want to dip into culture without diving into crowds, skip the usual tourist attractions. Santos is home to the National Museum of Ancient Art, one of the best museums in Lisbon, and arguably the most underrated. Housed in a palace from the 1600s, it features over 40,000 pieces—from Portuguese paintings and furniture to African and Asian art, a reflection of the Portuguese capital’s global past.
Pro tip: entry is free on Sundays until 2PM. And if you're a resident of any European country, it's free every day with proof of residence.
Forget the noise of Bairro Alto. Santos lets you think, write, sketch, code. That’s why Lisbon’s architecture schools and design firms have settled in. Even better? The crowd here is more MacBook than megaphone.
Local favorites:
Fábrica Coffee Roasters – tucked into a tiny tile-front shop. Top-tier espresso and quiet corners.
Yakuza by Olivier – fancy sushi in an old palace. Not cheap (€€€), but worth it for a splurge night.
Dear Breakfast – a minimalist brunch spot perfect for midweek morning strategy sessions. Avocado toast around €12.
Don’t let the calm fool you—Santos has lively nightlife without the chaos of the party districts. It’s the kind of place where you start with a sunset drink by the river and end up at a local bar swapping stories with Lisboners and long-stay nomads alike.
Hit list:
Jamaica Lisboa – a Lisbon institution, playing funk and soul since the '70s.
Matiz Pombalina – cocktails in a converted 18th-century house. Feels like a friend’s living room, if your friend had great taste and a gin menu.
You won’t need a car. Santos is flat (a Lisbon miracle), walkable, and well connected to every corner of the city. And with views like this? Walking becomes the best part of your day.
So, you’ve ticked off your to-do list and shut the laptop. Now what? Good news: Santos is built for the golden hour. Whether you're after art, fresh air, or just a break from Slack notifications, this civil parish packs in more cultural activities than you’d expect. Here’s your hit list—no planning needed.
You can’t talk about Santos without mentioning the Ancient Art Museum. Known officially as the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, it’s Portugal’s national gallery and the most important national museum dedicated to ancient art. You’ll find it on Rua das Janelas Verdes, housed inside the 17th-century Palácio Alvor—once home to Queen Mariana Vitória, wife of King João V.
This ancient art museum is a treasure trove of Portuguese and European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. It also features global pieces collected during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries—including African, Indian, and Japanese works. Look out for Hieronymus Bosch’s triptych "Temptation of St. Anthony", one of the museum’s most iconic and unsettling works.
Need a museum break? The garden café has a river view and just enough shade to reset your day.
Tickets: Entry to the National Museum of Ancient Art is (or Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga) is €6, or free Sundays until 2 PM.
Bonus: If you live in any EU country, your visit is free with proof of residency.
Location: Rua das Janelas Verdes, next to Chafariz das Janelas Verdes—a 1750s fountain that’s a favorite photo stop.
Yes, there’s a national museum dedicated to marionettes in Santos—and it’s strangely delightful. Housed in the old Convento das Bernardas, the Museu da Marioneta presents the evolution of puppetry from Portugal and across the globe. It's weird, specific, and a welcome break from screens.
Entry: €5
Best for: Designers, weird-art lovers, and anyone who grew up on Paola's Vision and still thinks about it at night.
Just up the hill, Jardim da Estrela is a large public park filled with palm trees, ponds, and old men playing cards under cast-iron gazebos. It’s a favorite peaceful place among nomads for early morning walks or midday reset strolls.
Across the street, the white dome of Basílica da Estrela marks one of Lisbon’s most recognizable landmarks. Built by Queen Maria I in the late 18th century, it’s as beautiful inside as it is from afar. Climb the rooftop for a sweeping view of the Portuguese capital.
Tip: Bring a snack and make it a mini picnic.
Entry: Free, rooftop access around €4.
Prazeres Cemetery is a popular location for quiet walks, sketching sessions, or just being dramatic in the best way possible. Located near the top of the hill, it’s dotted with statues, family crypts, and enough rich history to fill a novel.
Take the 28 tram or walk through the back streets from Santos. You’ll pass Chafariz das Janelas Verdes—a tiled fountain from the 18th century—on the way.
Just one tram stop from Santos, LX Factory sits beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge in a repurposed factory complex. Think bookshops, rooftop bars, indie clothing stores, and excellent people-watching.
Don’t miss:
Ler Devagar – A bookstore, printing press, and coffee shop hybrid
Rio Maravilha – Rooftop bar with views and a menu that surprises
Entry is free, but expect to spend on drinks, books, and things you didn’t plan to buy.
Whether you're an art buff, a culture chaser, or just want to walk until inspiration strikes, Santos gives you plenty to do after the workday ends—and more than one reason to visit again.
Santos may be one of Lisbon Portugal’s oldest neighborhoods, but when it comes to remote work, it's future-proof. With strong Wi-Fi, great coffee, and a design-forward atmosphere, this quiet corner of the design district has quietly become a favorite among freelancers, founders, and nomads who know better.
If you’re the type who thrives in a lively café, or you need the focus of a proper coworking space, here’s where to plug in and get to work.
The café culture here is no joke. These spots understand the assignment: good coffee, good lighting, and a seat you won’t hate after two hours.
Hello, Kristof – Minimalist interior, magazine racks, and solid coffee. Come for the cortado, stay for the focus.
Average price: Coffee around 2.50 euros, toast from 6 to 8 euros.
Fauna & Flora – One of Santos’ most iconic brunch cafés. Yes, it’s photogenic, but it also has a delightful garden in the back that’s made for quiet mid-morning work sprints.
Crowd favorite: sweet potato toast with feta for about 10 euros.
Two Tanks – A neighborhood secret that’s not so secret anymore. Calm mornings, reliable Wi-Fi, and tables you can actually work from.
Tip: Show up before 10 to beat the brunch rush and claim a quiet corner.
A recent Lisbon coworking survey revealed that 62% of remote professionals prefer cafés for work sessions under three hours. Santos makes that choice easy.
When your workday calls for fewer croissants and more structure, there are coworking spaces nearby that hit all the marks.
Heden Santa Apolónia – A short tram ride from Santos. You’ll find wide desks, big windows, and a mix of tech startups and creatives. One of the most aesthetically designed coworks in the city.
Daily pass: around 20 euros.
Avila Spaces – Just a 15-minute walk away in Rato. Sleek, professional, and perfect if you need meeting rooms, phone booths, and fast, reliable internet.
Note: Popular with nomads who are in Portugal for more than a quick visit. Book in advance.
Need a break from screen time? Pack your hotspot and head to Largo Dr. José de Figueiredo, tucked just behind Basílica da Estrela. It’s peaceful, shaded, and ideal for a quick check-in or a walking call.
This part of the city holds rich history and a slower rhythm that resets your day without pulling you too far from your to-do list.
Prefer to stay closer to caffeine? Fauna & Flora’s garden works just as well for an outdoor inbox session.
After hours, Santos delivers. Whether you’re wrapping up with a glass of wine or catching a sunset over the river, the neighborhood’s restaurants and wine bars keep things interesting without the downtown chaos.
A top pick: Le Chat, just a short walk from the museum of ancient art. It’s a popular location for remote workers and locals alike, thanks to its panoramic views and laid-back vibe. Wine starts at six euros, but the setting is priceless.
For something more grounded in Portuguese cuisine, walk two blocks inland to Restaurante Clube Naval for grilled dourada and a view of the harbor cranes—classic Santos contrast.
Santos isn’t just a nice place to visit. It’s a neighborhood you’ll want to stay in. And not just for a week.
You won’t find rows of high-rises here—just a few buildings with tiled façades, restored interiors, and the occasional rooftop terrace overlooking the Tagus. This isn’t the part of Lisbon crammed with tourist attractions or impersonal commercial properties. It’s residential, walkable, and full of charm. And yes, it’s connected—so you're never far from where you need to be.
Most rentals in Portugal fall into two categories: beautifully refurbished apartments in old buildings, or modern studios with a minimalist twist. Expect:
High ceilings, iron balconies, maybe even bell towers nearby
Interiors mixing vintage tile with clean Scandinavian lines
Short and mid-term rental options that cater to remote professionals
Restaurants and cafés right downstairs—dangerous if you’re easily tempted by brunch
The best flats go fast—especially the ones with a view of the Lisbon-Cascais train line or the river. That line, by the way, is your direct connection to the beaches of Cascais—a remote worker’s reward after a long week.
Santos is no bargain bin, but it’s not the priciest corner of southern Europe either. For a furnished one-bedroom with a dedicated workspace, expect:
€1,100–€1,500/month for short-term stays
€1,800+ for premium flats with river views or ultra-modern design
Cheaper if you’re booking long-term or splitting with a friend
According to a recent housing survey, Lisbon’s average rental price per square meter is 30% lower than in many capital cities of other European countries—but it’s rising fast. Santos, being in demand, reflects that trend.
Not all apartments were created with productivity in mind. Before you book, make sure your stay includes:
A real desk (not a wobbly side table)
An ergonomic chair
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
Soundproof windows if you’re near a tram line
That’s why we vet every apartment we offer. If it doesn’t support your workflow, it’s not on RentRemote. Period.
There’s no metro station in Santos proper, but you won’t miss it. Cais do Sodré is a 10-minute walk away and connects you to the green metro line, city trains, and ferries. The 25E tram runs straight through the neighborhood, and Ubers are always close.
Also within walking distance: the National Museum (a must-see for decorative arts lovers), the riverfront, and enough restaurants to fill your bookmarks folder.
Whether you’re visiting for a month or making Santos your semi-permanent HQ, this neighborhood is the sweet spot between livability and lifestyle. Close to everything, far from average.
Santos o Velho might be quiet, but it knows how to eat. From hole-in-the-wall brunch cafés to noodle bars tucked into tiled corners, this part of Lisbon Portugal is packed with restaurants, ideal for food-loving nomads. Whether you’re team “long lunch with a view” or “quick light meal between meetings,” you’re covered.
You can walk off dinner past Prazeres Cemetery, the Basilica da Estrela, or under the cypress trees near Largo Dr. António de Sousa Macedo—because in Lisbon, even digestion comes with a view.
Brunch isn’t just a weekend sport here—it’s an everyday lifestyle, especially if you're remote-working.
Seagull Method Café – Arty, laid-back, and full of regulars. Their eggs benedict and sourdough pancakes have attracted attention for good reason. Expect to spend around €12–15 for brunch and coffee.
Heim Café – A Santos o Velho staple for creatives and caffeine addicts. The menu blends global flavors with local ingredients. Portions are generous and you’ll likely be sitting next to someone editing a podcast or writing a screenplay.
Want to level up from your usual delivery app scroll? These spots make it worth putting on real pants.
Phō Fin – Vietnamese flavors with a Lisbon twist. Think warming broths, crispy spring rolls, and a cool crowd. It’s casual, fast, and ideal for when you want more than a sandwich without doing the full sit-down production.
Lasanha Real – It’s lasagna, but make it art. Portuguese-Italian fusion served in a minimalist setting. Definitely not your average pasta night.
Average dinner spend: €18–25 with a glass of wine.
When the laptop shuts, Santos o Velho shifts into wine and jazz mode.
Tejo Bar – A cult classic near the Museu da Marioneta. Expect spoken-word poetry, jam sessions, and no menu—just tell them what you like and they’ll pour you something that fits.
Cash only. No frills. Maximum charm.
4 Caravelas – Hidden away behind Prazeres Cemetery, this small bar nails the cozy-local energy. Great beer list, solid petiscos (Portuguese tapas), and the occasional acoustic set.
Le Chat – You’ve probably heard of this one. Right next to the National Museum, this rooftop bar has views across the Iberian Peninsula and cocktails that go down a little too easily. Expect to pay around €8–12 per drink.
Sometimes the best meal is one you don’t have to leave the apartment for. These spots deliver reliably—and taste like they didn’t.
DeliDelux – Upscale groceries and gourmet meals in a box. Great for DIY picnics or midweek “I deserve this” dinners.
Casa dos Ovos Moles – Traditional Portuguese desserts if your sweet tooth kicks in after midnight.
And if you’re near Águas Livres Aqueduct or Largo Dr. António de Sousa Macedo, you’ll find lots of options where children play in the evening and locals grab dinner to go.
With the perfect mix of old-school Lisbon flavors and global bites, Santos makes it easy to eat well—whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or settling in for something memorable.
Santos might be quieter than other Lisbon neighborhoods, but that doesn’t mean you’re cut off. In fact, one of the reasons digital nomads love this neighborhood is because it’s so easy to get where you want to go—without the hassle.
From riverside trams to local shortcuts, this corner of Lisbon keeps you connected to the entire city (and even the beaches beyond). And since it’s all walkable, you’ll get where you’re going without breaking a sweat—or your budget.
Cais do Sodré Station – Just a five-minute walk from most of Santos. This is your hub for metro, train station, ferry, and the famous green line.
Hop on a train here and you’re in Cascais in 40 minutes.
Tram 25E – A local favorite. It snakes through Santos and connects you to Basilica da Estrela, Praça da Figueira, and downtown. More relaxed than the overcrowded Tram 28.
Bus 714 – Your straight shot to Belém. It passes the Ancient Art Museum and Chafariz das Janelas Verdes, and is perfect for museum-hopping days.
You’re a 15-minute walk from:
Chiado – For bookstores, boutiques, and bakeries
Bairro Alto – If you’re chasing music and late-night drinks
Time Out Market – For when your fridge is empty but your standards are high
Not to mention, you’ll pass the Museum of Ancient Art, river views, and tiled alleys that remind you why you picked Lisbon in the first place.
Most locals don’t own a car. Why would they? The city’s public transport is reliable and surprisingly affordable. A monthly pass (good for metro, bus, tram, and even suburban trains) costs around €40.
According to Portugal’s national transit authority, Lisbon’s transport system covers 92% of the metro area, making it one of the best-connected cities in Western Europe.
Working from home? You’re minutes away from cafés with great Wi-Fi.
Heading to a coworking space? Hop a tram and you’re there in under 10.
Craving a new backdrop? Take the train to the beach or ferry to the other side of the river for a scenic afternoon work session.
It can feel tucked away—but it’s not. You’re close to the action when you want it, and far enough to hear yourself think when you don’t. That’s the sweet spot.
Let’s be honest—this isn’t the cheapest neighborhood in Lisbon. But you’re not here for bargain-basement rent or microwave meals. You’re here for cobbled streets, indie cafés, river views, and restored flats with bell towers outside your window. You’re paying for peace, inspiration, and that perfect mix of quiet and connected.
That said, here’s what it actually costs to live well in Santos—with no surprise fees or sketchy listings.
€1,100–€1,500/month for a 1-bedroom in a refurbished building
€1,800+ for something with a view or luxury finishes
RentRemote properties with standing desks and ergonomic chairs land in the upper-mid range, and book fast
You’ll find plenty of restaurants offering stylish interiors and menus that don’t break the bank.
Coffee: €2–2.50
Lunch menus: €10–12 for a main and drink (try Hamburgaria do Bairro or Maria of Lisbon)
Dinner out: Expect €15–20 at casual spots, more if you're heading to a place like Phō Fin
Takeout from local bakeries or cafés is also easy on the wallet and perfect for working lunches
Pro tip: The Tapada das Necessidades park is right around the corner—perfect for grabbing takeaway and having a quiet lunch under the trees.
Coworking day passes: €15–25 (at nearby spaces like Heden or IDEA Spaces)
Monthly coworking memberships: €120–€250 depending on access and location
Working from cafés like Fauna & Flora or Two Tanks costs nothing if you’re ordering coffee and being respectful of space
A Lisboa Viva Card monthly transport pass covers all buses, trams, metro, and some trains for €40
The train station at Cais do Sodré gets you to Cascais in under 40 minutes
Walk almost anywhere—Chiado, Museu da Marioneta, Tapada das Necessidades, and even the museum district near Belém are all within reach
According to Portugal’s National Statistics Institute, Lisbon’s cost of living remains around 25% lower than many Western European capitals—but it’s rising fast in popular areas like Santos.
Let’s put it this way: Santos won’t be the cheapest line on your budget spreadsheet, but it’s one of the most value-packed. You’re getting access to some of Lisbon’s best views, most creative energy, and a lifestyle that keeps productivity and pleasure in balance.
And when your days start with a stroll past bell towers and end at the river with local wine? That price starts to feel like a deal.
If you want fast Wi-Fi, slow mornings, walkable streets, and a creative spark—Santos delivers. It’s not the loudest, trendiest spot in Lisbon. That’s the beauty of it.
This is where design studios live inside old convents. Where a walk to Fauna & Flora turns into an accidental museum day at Museu da Marioneta. Where the Tapada das Necessidades park is your go-to spot for deep thinking, and the basilica da Estrela becomes your unofficial morning landmark. It’s where your post-work drink at Le Chat comes with a river view and your flat comes with real bell towers out the window.
Santos isn’t trying to impress you—it’s just living its life, and it happens to be a great one. For digital nomads looking to blend productivity with personality, it’s the sweet spot.
And with a RentRemote apartment including ergonomic chair, ultrawide monitor, and solid Wi-Fi—you’re set up to work hard and live well.
Book your stay in Santos with RentRemote.
A standing desk, a real chair, and espresso-sipping neighbors are waiting.
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