Laptop with a View: Miradouros & Tramline Cafés — 4 Days in Lisbon
A breezy, productive 4-day plan for remote workers who want reliable Wi‑Fi, comfortable cafés and coworking, and Lisbon’s best miradouros and tramline moments. Each day balances focused work sessions with mellow explorations and easy transfers.
Highlights
- Work-friendly cafés with outlets and calm corners
- Village Underground Lisboa coworking day
- Classic views: São Pedro de Alcântara, Senhora do Monte, Santa Catarina, Santa Luzia
- Tram 28 ride and Bica funicular photo stops
- LX Factory exploration for lunch, coffee and creative breaks
Itinerary
Day 1
Settle in, test the local Wi‑Fi and ease into Lisbon with short work sprints, a view to reset, and a relaxed dinner.
Check in and settle — Altis Avenida Hotel
Quick check-in, drop bags, confirm hotel Wi‑Fi speed and nearby plug options before your first work cafe session. Central Baixa location makes walking to Chiado easy.
Local tips:
- Ask reception for the hotel Wi‑Fi name and a QR code or printed password so you can test speed immediately.
- Request a room near the elevator for faster returns when you need a quick recharge — helpful after coffee runs.
- If you arrive early, ask to leave luggage at the desk and request a quiet corner in the lobby to open your laptop for 20–30 min.
Morning work sprint at Fábrica Coffee Roasters — Chiado
Light, focused 2.5-hour session at a spacious roaster café with reliable Wi‑Fi and plenty of natural light — great for getting a first task done amidst Lisbon energy.
Local tips:
- Sit near the back benches where outlets are often available — bring a short extension cable just in case.
- Mid-morning (10:30–13:00) is quieter than weekend brunch; order a second drink to keep the staff happy if you stay long.
- Ask the barista for the Wi‑Fi network and password on arrival and test speed with a quick cloud sync before settling.
Lunch at Taberna da Rua das Flores (short walk)
Classic small Portuguese tavern run locally — relaxed tapas-style plates and a cozy atmosphere. Good place for a social lunch break away from screens.
Local tips:
- This place gets busy — arrive by 13:00 or be prepared to wait; you can leave a note with the host if you plan to return to work nearby.
- Order a few small dishes to share and keep things unhurried — great for stretching your legs between work blocks.
- If you want to check email while seated, ask for a window or corner table to minimize people flow noise.
Afternoon reset at Miradouro de Santa Luzia
A 30–45 minute outdoor breather with azulejo-lined benches and views over Alfama — perfect for a screen-free walk and quick photos before more work.
Local tips:
- There’s no power here — treat this as a deliberate offline break and toggle on Do Not Disturb.
- Find the bench near the church steps for shade and a sweeping view; mornings are quieter than late afternoon.
- If you need to take a call, use the quieter left-hand terrace looking toward the river — less foot traffic.
Late-afternoon work slot at Copenhagen Coffee Lab — Príncipe Real
Bright café with comfortable chairs and consistent Wi‑Fi — great for finishing a task before dinner. Príncipe Real is calm at this hour.
Local tips:
- Choose a table closer to the wall where outlets are more accessible; ask staff politely for the best plug spots.
- Try to schedule focused work 16:00–18:00 to avoid the early-evening coffee rush.
- If you need long runtime for laptop, order a savory snack to justify lingering during a second coffee.
Dinner at A Cevicheria — Primed for relaxed conversation
Creative seafood plates in Principe Real — a pleasant way to wrap day one without screens.
Local tips:
- Make a reservation (or join the waitlist) — arriving 19:30 avoids the peak dining crush.
- Ask for a table away from the kitchen door if you prefer a quieter meal after a workday.
- Keep devices in airplane mode and enjoy an hour of screen-free downtime to reset for tomorrow.
Day 2
A productive coworking day in Alcântara, followed by LX Factory exploration and a sunset miradouro.
Coworking block at Village Underground Lisboa
A creative coworking space built from repurposed shipping containers and double-decker buses — ideal for a focused morning (quiet floors and meeting rooms available).
Local tips:
- Book a desk or a hot-desk slot in advance to guarantee a seat and access to meeting rooms.
- Use earphones and the community whiteboard to signal you're in a deep-work block; many people respect focused times here.
- There are shared kitchen facilities — bring a power strip if you depend on multiple devices.
Cross to LX Factory for lunch & a creative stroll
Lunch at LX Factory's independent eateries, short shop browse, and scout a casual café for an afternoon work burst if needed.
Local tips:
- Head to a quieter courtyard café for laptop time — avoid the main alley during lunch rush for better Wi‑Fi and seats.
- If you need printing or a postal drop, look for small design shops inside LX that offer services — handy for remote workers.
- Use the back terraces for phone calls; they’re less echo-prone than the main industrial hall.
Late afternoon: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (sunset potential)
One of the highest viewpoints — quieter than some spots and excellent for a contemplative walk or a quick outdoor phone call with a view.
Local tips:
- This hill can be steep — wear comfortable shoes and take a short taxi if you're carrying a laptop bag.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to catch daylight for photos and still have time for a quick check-in call.
- No outlets here — plan this as a screen-light break or use your phone on battery to reply to urgent messages.
Evening work/coffee at The Mill — Bica/Santos
A relaxed local café with good lighting and comfortable tables — perfect for wrapping up tasks in a quieter evening slot.
Local tips:
- Aim for a table at opening (17:00) when it’s calm; late evenings can get livelier with nearby bars.
- Ask for a table near the window for natural light and fewer disruptions from passersby.
- Bring a USB-C cable — outlets can be limited and staff may let you recharge if you order a small snack.
Dinner at Pharmacia — rooftop view over the river
Dinner at the quirky Pharmacy Museum restaurant — great for relaxed conversation and views of the Tagus.
Local tips:
- Reserve a table on the terrace when you book for the best view and calmer ambiance.
- Ask staff about quieter sections if you plan to do a very brief email/plan check during dinner.
- Consider a light dessert and a coffee to fuel a final short work sprint back at your hotel if necessary.
Day 3
Tram 28 day: morning coffee and work, a scenic tram ride, Alfama exploration and two relaxed work bursts with river views.
Morning focus session at Copenhagen Coffee Lab — Chiado
A bright café with consistent Wi‑Fi, ideal for clearing inbox and drafting notes before a midday tram ride.
Local tips:
- Choose a seat against the wall for better access to outlets; mornings are usually quieter than weekends.
- Download any large files before the tram ride — Wi‑Fi is reliable, but avoid big uploads while on the move.
- Bring a noise-reduction pair of headphones; the café can pick up city hum during busier times.
Hop on Tram 28 — classic Lisbon route (Martim Moniz start)
Authentic, scenic tram ride through Alfama and Bairro Alto. Use this as moving sightseeing and an audio-call-free break.
Local tips:
- Start early (around 12:30) to avoid the peak tourist crush; hold your bag close and keep cameras ready for quick shots.
- Tram Wi‑Fi is not reliable — treat this as offline time for listening to podcasts or drafting notes on your device.
- Board near the front or middle if you want a seat; the rear can be bumpier and more crowded with tourists.
Lunch & relaxed working at Pois Café — Alfama
An easygoing Alfama café with a calm interior — great for a relaxed post‑tram lunch and a short task session.
Local tips:
- Request a back-table to escape street noise; the interior has softer acoustics for calls or focused work.
- Outlets are limited — plan lighter device use or top up your battery in the morning before boarding the tram.
- If you expect requests for photos or locals visiting, keep valuables close as Alfama has narrow lanes and busy foot traffic.
Mid-afternoon viewpoint: Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor)
Photo-friendly viewpoint with a relaxed vibe and local skateboarders — ideal for a short walk and phone-checks with a view.
Local tips:
- Bring sunglasses and a light jacket — winds can pick up by the river even in late afternoon.
- Find a bench near the Adamastor statue for the clearest river views and less foot-traffic.
- If you must take a call, step slightly downhill toward the quieter steps rather than the main terrace.
Evening work sprint at Fábrica Coffee Roasters — Rua Garrett (Chiado)
Wrap up tasks in a central café with good lighting and a calmer evening crowd. Great for review and sending final updates.
Local tips:
- Early evening (17:00–19:00) is a sweet spot — not too busy, good light, and staff are accommodating to laptop users.
- Ask for a table with a bench if you have a larger bag — more comfortable for a longer sit.
- Keep your devices charged and close; the area is tourist-heavy at night so pack up before leaving.
Night stroll in Alfama to unwind
Slow walk through Alfama’s lanes; a good low-energy way to end the day before bed.
Local tips:
- Keep to well-lit streets and use your phone map for quick navigation; narrow lanes can be labyrinthine.
- If you want Fado later, select a small casa de fado with early seatings to avoid long performances if you need rest.
- Carry a small battery pack for the walk — winding streets eat battery while you map-route home.
Day 4
A flexible wrap-up day with a morning view café, a sweet stop at Belém, an afternoon coworking refresh and a final sunset miradouro.
Morning work session — Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara + café
Start the day with a short sunrise walk to the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, then move to a nearby café for a calm morning sprint with plugs and light.
Local tips:
- Begin with the viewpoint (no power) and then head to the nearby café terrace for outlets and light if you need to work.
- There are several small cafés on the downhill streets — ask a barista for a seat with plugs if you plan a longer session.
- If mobility is a concern, take the hill elevator or a quick taxi; the viewpoint itself has bench seating and shade.
Late morning co‑work at Second Home Lisboa (creative coworking)
A light, flexible desk session to finish any remaining deliverables before your Belém outing — bright, plant-filled space ideal for focus.
Local tips:
- Reserve a hot desk in advance so you can plug in and get straight to work upon arrival.
- Second Home is plant-filled and bright — choose a corner seat away from the community area if you need quiet.
- Use their kitchenette for a quick refill and bring a short extension cord for multiple devices.
Lunch and pastries at Pastéis de Belém
Take the tram/taxi to Belém for the famed custard tarts — a must-try Lisbon experience and a relaxed midday treat.
Local tips:
- Arrive before 13:00 to avoid the longest queues; order a few pastéis to enjoy with a coffee at a nearby bench.
- This is a standing/quick-eat experience — excellent for a light, energizing break before the last work block.
- If you need to check in with work, the plaza nearby has benches and some shade — quick replies only to preserve the break.
Afternoon catch-up at a calm café near Avenida da Liberdade
Final solid 2.5-hour session for wrap-up: check deliverables, send final emails, and prepare to depart. Choose a café near your hotel for convenience.
Local tips:
- Pick a hotel-adjacent café to shorten your transfer time to luggage collection or departures.
- Ask for a table with access to power and confirm Wi‑Fi speed before committing to a long session.
- If you must be on a call, let staff know you’re a longer-stay guest; they’ll usually suggest the quietest table.
Final sunset at Miradouro de Santa Catarina (or nearby river terrace)
One last relaxed view over the river to close your trip — a calm place to plan the journey home and savour the last light.
Local tips:
- Aim to arrive 30–40 minutes before sunset to find a bench and get a relaxed moment without rush.
- If you need a quiet spot to pack or call a taxi, step a few metres down from the main terrace for less foot traffic.
- Battery low? Many riverside cafés nearby will let you top up with a drink purchase — ask politely.