How to Choose a Coworking Space in a New City, With Lisbon as an Example

Before you commit to a coworking space in a new city, book a trial day and test it against a short checklist: connection, desk and chair, noise, meeting options and the people around you. Lisbon is a good example, because it has everything from design-led spaces to creative hubs, so the choice comes down to how you work.

What should you check on a trial day?

A tour shows you the lobby. A trial day shows you the work. Plan a normal workday, including at least one video call, and note how the space handles it.

• Connection: run a speed test at your desk and join a call. Ask whether the network is shared with the whole building and whether a wired option exists.
• Seat: sit for at least an hour. Is the chair adjustable, and is the desk at a height that suits you?
• Noise: note where calls happen and whether phone booths or quiet rooms are free when you need them.
• Hours and access: confirm opening times and whether the space is open on weekends if you need them.
• Price and terms: ask what a day pass, a flexible desk and a fixed desk cost, and how much notice a plan needs to end.

How do you set up a desk that will not hurt after a month?

Shared desks are rarely built around you, so adjust what you can. OSHA's computer workstation guidance covers the basics, such as keeping the screen at a comfortable viewing height and supporting your back and feet. Read OSHA's computer workstation page and bring a laptop stand or an external keyboard if the space does not supply one. For more on carrying your own gear, see our guide to a portable home office kit.

Which type of space fits which kind of work?

Spaces differ in feel more than in facilities. In Lisbon, Second Home is built around a design-led, plant-filled environment, while Village Underground is a creative campus that makes use of shipping containers and old buses. Check each space's own site for current details, as plans and prices change.

• Focused solo work: choose a space with quiet zones and a clear etiquette for calls.
• Client meetings: look for bookable rooms and ask how far ahead you must reserve them.
• Collaboration or networking: a lively community space with regular events helps, but expect more background noise.
• Workshops and sessions: see how coworking spaces can host successful workshops.

What if your internet at the space fails?

Have a backup before you need one. A phone hotspot with enough data usually covers a short outage, and knowing where the router sits helps you pick a desk with a stronger signal. Our guide to reliable internet for remote workers goes through the options.

How do you work with a remote team from a shared space?

Agree on call times with your colleagues and keep recurring meetings in slots when the space is quieter. If your team spans several time zones, our tips on scheduling client meetings across borders help you protect your best working hours. Use headphones with a good microphone so you are heard clearly without raising your voice.

How do you build a community without forcing it?

Go at the same hours for a week and say hello to the people near your desk. Most spaces run events or have a shared chat, and a coffee with one or two regulars is usually enough to make the place feel familiar. Treat networking as a bonus, not a requirement of the desk.

When is a coworking membership not worth it?

If you only need a quiet place for a few days a month, day passes may cost less than a membership. If you can work well at home and only miss company, an occasional visit to a community space may be enough. Compare what you would pay over a typical month before you sign anything.