In recent years, Lisbon has become a magnet for creative professionals and startups, drawn by its affordable lifestyle, sunny climate, and vibrant culture. In the midst of this transformation is Second Home, a unique working space and cultural venue located in Cais do Sodré, within the historic Mercado da Ribeira. This space is more than just a place to work—it's a carefully designed environment that fosters collaboration and creativity, vital for the city’s burgeoning entrepreneurial scene.
Second Home occupies a beautifully restored 1,100m2 area in one of Lisbon’s oldest markets, a traditional iron structure topped with an iconic Oriental dome. This blend of old and new reflects the spirit of Lisbon itself, a city that is rooted in history yet constantly evolving. For expats and locals alike, Second Home offers a workspace that is not only functional but also inspiring, with a design that encourages interaction among its diverse members.
Second Home’s community includes teams and individuals based at Second Home, as well as a broader constellation of speakers and friends who have visited the workspace since they opened in December 2016. Past speakers have included Martha Lane Fox, Marcus Fairs, Eloise King, and Sam Bompas, among others. The on-site team is committed to stirring the pot, connecting members with other members, companies and high-profile visitors, and fostering new opportunities for collaboration that fosters a strong community.
Second Home’s community is what sets it apart from typical offices and other shared workspaces. In an age where digital communication can often replace face-to-face interaction, Second Home recognizes the value of in-person interaction and the benefits of spontaneity. The space is intentionally designed to encourage these creative collisions.
Spatially, there isn’t another office like it. The building’s open floor plan and high vaulted ceilings offered Second Home an opportunity to create a space that is truly inspiring. From the bright yellow floors juxtaposed against an incredibly dense green space to the serpentine-like table that winds throughout the space, this isn’t your typical office. The plants, which number in the 1000’s, not only create an element of privacy but also support Second Home’s commitment to biophilic design which mimics nature and is known to support creativity and productivity in the office.
This is beyond a coworking space; it's a microcosm of Lisbon’s creative economy. Members range from tech startups and digital designers to environmental scientists and venture capitalists, all working side by side. This Member diversity was intentional to help encourage unique opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and business growth.
As Lisbon continues to attract global talent, spaces like Second Home are playing a crucial role in supporting the city’s growth as a creative and entrepreneurial hub. For expats in Lisbon, Second Home offers not just a place to work, but a community to belong to—one that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.