Warning: Lisbon coworking spaces are getting way too loud

I spent three weeks in Lisbon last month working out of four different coworking spots. Every single one had the same problem - nobody respects quiet zones anymore. One place had a guy taking Zoom calls right next to the silent area, and the staff just shrugged when I asked them to do something about it. I get that digital nomads need to network, but there's a difference between a coffee chat and a full sales pitch at full volume. The worst was this spot in Cais do Sodre where someone was streaming a podcast on speaker for 45 minutes. Has anyone else noticed coworking spaces just giving up on basic noise rules? Where do you go when you actually need to get work done without headphones cranked to max?

3 comments

3 Comments

garcia.wren5d ago

Sat down in a "quiet zone" in Alfama last week and watched a guy set up a full-on conference call rig, tripod and ring light included, right next to the sign. When I asked the front desk about it they told me the zones are "self-policing" which is just code for "we don't actually enforce anything anymore." Honestly, I've started working from the public library near Campo Pequeno instead, they have a strict silence policy that the coworking spots seem to have completely abandoned (and it's free, which is a nice bonus).

corap615d ago

That "self-policing" thing is such a joke, it's like they're asking for a noise-cancelling headphone arms race in there. Next time just put up your own "self-policing" sign that says "loud talkers buy everyone a pastel de nata.

rowanr884d ago

Oh man, I gotta push back a little on the library idea. I love the Campo Pequeno library too, but they actually don't have a strict silence policy anymore, they relaxed it a few years back to allow quiet conversations in most areas. The only truly silent room is the one on the top floor with the old newspapers, and even then you'll get the occasional phone buzz. I just don't want you to show up expecting total quiet and get blindsided like I did.