Lisbon Web Summit
Heading to the Lisbon Web Summit? This isn’t just a tech event — it’s the heartbeat of global innovation. Held every year in Portugal’s vibrant capital, the Web Summit attracts founders, investors, startups, and future-makers from around the world. From navigating the venue to networking like a pro, this is The Ultimate Guide to Lisbon Web Summit — clear, practical, and built to help you make the most of every moment.
The Ultimate Guide to Lisbon Web Summit
🧠 1. What is the Lisbon Web Summit?
The Lisbon Web Summit is one of the world’s biggest tech conferences, with 70,000+ attendees, 1,000+ speakers, and global media coverage.
Launched in Dublin in 2009, it moved to Lisbon in 2016 for its larger venue, better weather, and thriving tech scene.
Why go? It’s where tech giants, startups, VCs, and media collide to shape what’s next.
📍 2. Know the Venue: Altice Arena & FIL
The event takes place in Parque das Nações, a modern riverfront district in eastern Lisbon. Two main venues host the action:
Altice Arena – main stage and keynotes
FIL (Feira Internacional de Lisboa) – pavilions, startups, networking zones
Pro Tip: Download the Web Summit app. It’s your digital map, schedule, and networking tool — all in one.
📅 3. Plan Your Days (But Stay Flexible)
With hundreds of sessions, planning is key. The app lets you bookmark speakers, create a custom agenda, and get live updates.
Prioritize keynotes and workshops you don’t want to miss
Leave space for surprises and serendipity — they happen often
Bonus Tip: Allow time to explore Lisbon in between!
🎤 4. Don’t Miss the Keynotes
Expect big-name speakers from tech, politics, entertainment, and science. Think: Elon Musk, Margrethe Vestager, Serena Williams, Edward Snowden.
Get there early. These talks fill up fast and often set the tone for major industry shifts.
🤝 5. Network Like a Natural
The real magic of Web Summit often happens in hallways, cafes, and happy hours.
Use the app’s matchmaking tool to set meetings
Go to roundtables, meetups, and the Night Summit (see below)
Be open, curious, and respectful — Lisbon is chill, and so is the vibe
Your next investor, cofounder, or job offer could be one chat away.
🚀 6. Watch the PITCH Competition
This is where startups battle on stage for attention, exposure, and investment.
Discover the hottest early-stage startups in one place
Great for investors, journalists, and curious minds
If you’re a founder, apply early — competition is fierce.
🏢 7. Explore the Exhibition Floors
Pavilions feature everything from big tech booths to country showcases and experimental projects.
Don’t skip the hardware demos and AI displays
Some companies give away cool swag and run mini-events
Use your badge — it can be scanned to connect instantly.
🛠️ 8. Sign Up for Workshops & Masterclasses
Want to learn how to launch a product, raise funding, or master growth marketing?
Many sessions are hands-on and expert-led
Seating is often limited — register early
You’ll walk away with practical tips and real takeaways you can use.
👩💻 9. Support Women in Tech
The Women in Tech track features keynotes, panels, and mentoring events.
Designed to promote diversity and inclusion in tech
Open to everyone — not just women
Great place to meet leaders, allies, and changemakers in the industry.
🌆 10. Join the Night Summit
When the sun goes down, the Night Summit lights up. It’s part party, part networking — and all unforgettable.
Held across Lisbon’s bars, clubs, and rooftops
Casual, friendly vibe that makes connecting easy
Dress smart-casual — Lisbon nights are cool, but not stiff.
🌍 11. Tap into Lisbon’s Startup Scene
Lisbon is more than a host city — it’s a rising tech hub in its own right.
Visit Startup Lisboa, Second Home, or Beta-i
Grab a coffee at coworking spaces and talk to locals
Want to stay longer? Many founders do.
🇵🇹 12. Experience Lisbon Beyond the Conference
Don’t just fly in and out. Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and food. Make time for:
Alfama’s winding streets
Local dishes like bacalhau, bifana, and pastel de nata
Lisbon is affordable, walkable, and absolutely photogenic.
🔗 13. Follow Up and Stay Connected
After Web Summit, don’t disappear. Keep the momentum going:
Follow up on LinkedIn
Share your insights on social media
Join Web Summit groups or forums to stay in the loop
Tip: Keep your badge and notes handy — you’ll want them next year.
💼 14. Where to Work (and Recharge) in Lisbon
If you’re staying in Lisbon before or after the Web Summit, you’ll find plenty of great places to get work done, meet people, or simply relax with Wi-Fi and coffee.
Top spots for remote work in Lisbon:
Outsite (Cais do Sodré) – Cozy, social coworking with a digital nomad vibe
Second Home (inside Mercado da Ribeira) – Stunning space with plants and creatives
Avila Spaces (Saldanha) – A bit more corporate, but great for focus time
Dear Breakfast or Copenhagen Coffee Lab – Perfect for laptop sessions with great food
Bonus Tip: Many Lisbon cafes are remote-work friendly, but avoid peak lunch hours if you’re planning to stay a while.
🚇 15. Getting Around Lisbon During Web Summit
Lisbon is compact and well-connected, making it easy to get between your hotel, the Altice Arena, and the city’s best neighborhoods.
🚆 Public Transport:
Metro: Take the Red Line to Oriente Station — it drops you right next to the venue.
Buses & Trams: Affordable and efficient, but may be crowded during summit days.
Train: Oriente also connects to Sintra, Cascais, and other nearby towns if you’re planning side trips.
🚖 Rideshares & Taxis:
Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are widely used.
Taxis are also available but check that the meter is running.
🚶 Walking & Scooters:
Many areas (especially Baixa, Alfama, Chiado) are very walkable.
Electric scooters and bikes (via apps like Lime, VOI, or Gira) are great for short distances.
Pro Tip: Get a Viva Viagem card at any metro station — it works for metro, trams, buses, and trains.
🏨 16. Where to Stay for Web Summit in Lisbon
Finding the right place to stay during Web Summit can make a big difference. Choose a neighborhood that matches your schedule, budget, and vibe.
🛏️ Best Areas to Stay:
📍 Parque das Nações
Closest to the venue (walking distance)
Quiet, modern, and great for business travelers
Hotels: Tivoli Oriente, MYRIAD by SANA, Olissippo Oriente
📍 Baixa / Chiado
Central, historic, full of restaurants and nightlife
15–20 mins by metro to the venue
Hotels: The Ivens, Lisboa Pessoa Hotel, My Story Hotel Tejo
📍Avenida da Liberdade / Marquês de Pombal
Upscale area with wide boulevards and top hotels
Great for a mix of work and leisure
Hotels: Sofitel Lisbon, Hotel Fénix, TURIM Boulevard Hotel
📍Alfama / Graça
Charming, local, and scenic — but farther from the summit
Great for post-conference exploring
Hotels: Memmo Alfama, Santiago de Alfama, boutique guesthouses
Pro Tip: Book early — Lisbon gets busy fast during Web Summit week.
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first Web Summit or your fifth, one thing is true: Lisbon delivers.
Use The Ultimate Guide to Lisbon Web Summit to plan, connect, and experience the best of both the event and the city.
🎉 See you in Lisbon!
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