With a diverse array of cultures, languages, and climates, it can be challenging to determine the best places to be a digital nomad in Europe. Add to that the considerations like cost of living, internet speeds, and access to public transport! That’s why you’ll find that some European cities work better for digital nomads than others.
With over 2500+ past and present members, we have called on the preferences of our own WiFi Tribe community to give you insight when making your decision. We’ll look at the digital nomad scene to help you find your best possible remote work location.
In this list, you’ll find some old favourites, mixed in with a few you may not have considered. With digital nomad visas becoming more prevalent across many countries in Europe, remote workers are flocking to places you might not have scoped out on a map. Our community of digital nomads have experience traveling to (literally) every corner of the globe. So this is a great resource for us to write this blog with serious authority. All suggestions have been road-tested and peer-reviewed by other members. What’s more, many WiFi Tribe chapters happen in these locations. We do more than just spend a weekend. We have sat in many a cafe, booked hundreds of AirBnBs, and frequented restaurants and supermarkets to know the true lay of the land.
So here’s how our members rate the 10 best places to be a digital nomad in Europe (in no particular order).
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
As the largest city in Georgia, the capital, Tbilisi, offers plenty of digital-nomad-friendly points for those looking to relocate. It also has some of the lowest prices in Europe. In Tbilisi, you’ll find lots of English-speaking locals, as well as a large digital nomad community.
Cost of living: Everything is cheap in Tbilisi (compared to other European cities): rent, groceries, and eating out. This makes it perfect for remote workers looking to spend less than $1200 per month on all expenses.
Average rent cost: Rental prices for comfortable accommodation are low in Tbilisi, usually around the $500-$1000 mark per month.
Wifi speed and reliability: Internet speeds are constantly getting higher, but for the best WiFi, head to cafes and restaurants. You can also get your work done at an AirBnB you’ve speed tested, before you head out
Healthcare: Georgian healthcare is best for those who are already covered by their home country’s healthcare system.
Knowledge of local language: Tbilisi is great for people who want to learn Georgian or Russian. You’ll find that most locals speak English well, but don’t be surprised if you get left out on occasion.
Digital nomad community: Tbilisi is a hotspot for digital nomads, especially with the Georgia Visa for digital nomads in play. There are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes best suited for remote workers.
Things to do: Visit the old town area where you’ll find churches, museums, and art galleries. Tbilisi’s cobblestoned old town reflects its long, complicated history under Persian and Russian rule (among others).
Getting around: A car rental is best, as the old town can be hard to navigate without one. Tbilisi also offers reliable public transportation with buses or trolleybuses that take you anywhere in the city.
Climate: Tbilisi is best for people who want to enjoy a subtropical climate year-round without the scorching heat of Southern Europe. It can get cold in the winter, though.
2. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, is another good option for digital nomads on a budget, while not compromising on quality healthcare or wifi speeds. The quality of life in Zagreb is best for remote workers who want to live cheaply but also enjoy cultural events and nature.
Cost of living: As a digital nomad, you can expect total costs to come down to about $1500-$1800 per month.
Average rent cost: About $500-$1000 per month, depending on provider (Airbnb is always more expensive than local landlords) and area.
Wifi speed and reliability: Zagreb has excellent wifi speeds, so you won’t have any trouble staying connected. However, it’s best to be prepared with a SIM card if you want to use your cellular data for anything other than emergencies.
Healthcare: It’s best to have international travel insurance before you go, just in case. Care is best if you speak Croatian, though many doctors speak English.
The digital nomad community: Zagreb is becoming an especially popular destination for remote workers and digital nomads. Even more so with remote workers staying long-term by using the Croatian digital nomad visa. That said, the cost of living is great for those on a budget and who are looking to save money.
Knowledge of the local language: It’s good to have at least basic knowledge of Croatian to get by in Zagreb, though most locals speak English, too.
Things to do: Zagreb offers a wide variety of things to explore. From its best museums and historical sites, good restaurants, to the best bars in town.
Getting around: Public transportation is excellent in Croatia, with bus services available for exploring outside of the city, too. There are also bike-share programs if you want more options.
Climate: Zagreb has a moderately cold climate, making it best for those who prefer cool summers and cold winters.
3. Budapest, Hungary
In Budapest’s city center, there’s an eclectic mix of architectural styles from all periods and regions. That includes Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau buildings with fine-detailed wrought ironwork standing next to modern boutiques with outdoor cafés. In the best cafes, you’ll find locals and digital nomads alike working on laptops or relaxing over coffee.
The quality of life in Budapest is unbeatable. With a rich culture, the best transport systems, and the best healthcare in the region.
Cost of living: Living costs are generally quite low by European standards. Digital nomads and remote workers should expect to spend around $1600-$1900 USD per month if they’re looking to live comfortably.
Average rent cost: Anywhere from $400-$1000 USD per month, depending on your desired neighborhood.
Wifi reliability and speed: Wifi speeds are best in the city center (and generally pretty good all-around). Though getting yourself a MiFi device for those rare, slow moments could be a good bet.
Healthcare: Basic healthcare is provided by the government. But it could be worthwhile looking up SafetyWing for extra coverage, especially if you are traveling around the continent or further afield.
Knowledge of local language: It’s possible to get around Budapest with little to no knowledge of Hungarian. More people speak English here than you might expect. That being said, knowing some basic Hungarian will make things easier for you. Especially when you take trips outside of Hungary’s beautiful capital city.
Community: Budapest offers many digital nomad hotspots for remote workers and travelers alike. Least of all, the fabulous co-working spaces hidden down side streets. If you’re looking to stay a while longer, the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa, otherwise known as the ‘White Card’, allows individuals to live and work in Hungary while being employed by a foreign company or conducting freelance work, adding to the growing number of remote workers inhabiting the city.
Getting around: Budapest is best explored on foot or by public transportation; the metro system allows you to get anywhere in town with ease.
Climate: The best season to enjoy Budapest is from May to November. Even during winter, there are plenty of things to enjoy indoors, for example, the “Furdo” hot water spa baths.
5. Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia now offers a visa that lets digital nomads live and work remotely in the country for up to 12 months. The capital, Tallinn, blends cobblestone streets with a cutting-edge digital infrastructure that makes everyday life seamless. Nearly all public servicesare accessible online around the clock, making it one of the most efficient and connected places to work remotely.
Cost of living: Tallinn is a super affordable destination. Expect to budget around $1800-$2000 USD per month to live comfortably as a remote worker.
Average rent cost in Tallinn: You should budget at least $1000 for rent per month, though it can be more or less depending on the area you choose to stay in.
Wifi speed and reliability: Like many cities with a growing digital nomad presence, Tallinn has certainly upped its game in recent times when it comes to WiFi. What used to be a patchwork network of high and low speeds is quickly turning into a broadband infrastructure of note.
Healthcare: You’ll have to go through the Estonian Health Insurance Fund for healthcare, but you can find plenty of English-speaking staff.
Knowledge of local language: The best way to explore Tallinn is by having some knowledge of Estonian. With that said, English can be found just about everywhere.
The digital nomad community: There’s a thriving community in Tallinn. You’ll find fellow remote workers at popular cafes, co-working spots, hostels, and online on social media platforms like Facebook.
Things to do: With an insanely gorgeous old town and plenty of museums, galleries, and opera houses, you’ll find that there’s never a shortage of things to explore in Tallinn.
Getting around: Tallinn is a wonderfully walkable city with medieval European charm and markets. Public transport is best for getting around outside of Tallinn center.
Climate: Temperate with enjoyably warm summers and cool winters.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a historical city with a youthful and vibrant spirit. With fantastic weather, generally fast internet, great access to public transportation, and a median temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius year-round, Lisbon has long been at the forefront of attracting remote workers. It’s an ideal destination for expats seeking warmth from the cold European winter months.
The quality of life in Lisbon is high, with a general feeling of happiness and satisfaction among residents. Spend a few months at a time here and feel the history of this ancient city.
Costs of living: Budget living expenses for a digital nomad can average about $820 per month, while someone looking to live in Lisbon full-time can expect the costs of living to be around $1600-$2200 per month.
Average rent cost: Between $650-$800 per month.
Wifi reliability and speed: Generally good wifi speeds, with the best connection in the Baixa quarter. Unless you are doing some serious uploading and downloading, you’ll find it hard to notice any lag in connection speed.
Healthcare: There are a number of private healthcare options available, and most visitors to Portugal can purchase health insurance through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Knowledge of local language: People who don’t speak Portuguese should be aware that most locals aren’t fluent in English.
The digital nomad community: It’s no secret anymore that Lisbon is a digital nomad favorite and hotspot for a thriving remote worker community. A trailblazer on the digital nomad visa front, you can apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) so long as you have a monthly income requirement of €3,280 and a savings threshold of €36,480
Things to do: There’s no shortage of things to do in and around Lisbon. This includes great beaches and outdoor activities like surfing or hiking up Sintra’s Pena Palace.
Getting around: Lisbon’s public transport system is fantastic, with a metro that connects all of the best neighborhoods. Getting around by bus or tram is also very easy.
Climate: Lisbon’s best season is from May to September. Be prepared for heavy rains during the winter months and high winds throughout the year.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is best known for its rich history, beautiful architecture and monuments, and delightful cafes. The city also offers digital nomads the best of both worlds. The city is affordable but full of amenities to suit remote workers’ needs. The quality of life in Prague is high, with a low cost of living and plenty to offer for remote workers.
Cost of living: A remote worker should budget at least $1800-$2200 per month to live comfortably here.
Average rent cost: Renting a comfortable place in Prague averages about $700-$1000 a month.
Wifi speed and reliability: The best wifi in Prague runs on good old-fashioned cable internet and is pretty reliable everywhere.
Healthcare: You’ll be able to get the best healthcare in Prague if you have a Czech healthcare card. Of course, make sure you search for appropriate digital nomad healthcare that will give you coverage when you decide to venture outside the city.
Knowledge of the local language: The best way to get around and stay informed is by learning the Czech language. It’s not a difficult language, but it can take some time to learn before you’re able to really have conversations with locals. English is enough to get around, though.
Digital nomad community: It’s growing pretty fast, aided by the introduction of their allows eligible individuals to live and work remotely in the country for up to one year, with the possibility of extensions. You can fill out an application for the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa here.
Things to do: You can’t beat Prague when it comes to attractions. There are more museums, galleries, opera houses, and history than you could explore in one lifetime.
Getting around: The best way to get around Prague is via public transport. You can use the metro, tram, bus, or even a bike. It’s also easy enough to walk and explore on foot if that’s your thing.
Climate: You’ll find that Prague has four distinct seasons, so expect hot summers and some really cold weather in winter.
8. Las Palmas, Canary Islands (Spain)
Best known for its warm climate, vibrant nightlife, and amazing beaches. Las Palmas is high on the list of digital nomad hotspots in Western Europe, and for good reason. It’s definitely one of WiFi Tribe’s favorite European winter destinations. The quality of life in Las Palmas is high, surpassing many other European cities when it comes to great weather and beaches.
Cost of living: Expats can live comfortably on $2000-2500 per month, though Las Palmas offers great alternatives for people on a budget. Cheaper options are available for those willing to sacrifice some luxuries like having their own ensuite bathroom or living space that’s larger than 20 square meters.
Average cost of rent: To live comfortably, you should factor in $1000-$1500 USD a month for rent.
Wifi speed and reliability: As a remote working hotspot, the Canary Islands has built their internet infrastructure with digital nomads in mind. It would be surprising if you had any issues, unless it is in a more remote area.
Healthcare: You’ll be able to get the best healthcare in Spain if you have a Spanish healthcare card.
Knowledge of the local language: The official language in Las Palmas is Spanish. You won’t find many locals who know English well. But you’ll always be able to get by with English and basic Spanish skills.
Digital nomad community: There’s no shortage of digital nomads in Las Palmas. The best hotspots are bars and cafes that offer wifi to customers. There is also a growing number of coworking spaces in Las Palmas. If you’re looking at staying long-term, applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa isn’t hard. With extensions available for up to five years, it is one of the friendliest systems you’ll come across in Europe, full stop!
Things to do: People know Las Palmas for its beaches. However, the city also offers running tracks, tennis courts, and gyms to keep people fit. Activities outside of Las Palmas are also great, with pickleball and surfing just a couple of great things to do.
Getting around: Getting around in Las Palmas couldn’t be easier. There’s an excellent public transportation system that will take you anywhere you need.
Climate: Las Palmas enjoys a warm climate year-round, making it perfect for digital nomads who want to work outside all day and never worry about getting too cold.
9. Berlin, Germany
Berlin offers a quality of life that’s hard to find in other cities. Most residents here feel very happy and satisfied. The city is best for remote workers looking for a city that’s alive with vibrant energy.
Berlin offers a diverse range of digital nomad hotspots, with the best environment in the Mitte district. From freelancers to entrepreneurs, from big-name tech startups to co-working spaces hidden down side streets, there’s always space for more people looking to spend some time here.
Cost of living: Living in Berlin can be pricey. Budget living expenses for expats average about $1400-$1600 USD per month. However, if you don’t want to turn every cent over twice, you should anticipate between $2600-$2800 per month to live comfortably.
Average rent cost: Rent can cost anywhere from $1000-$2000 USD per month, depending on your desired neighborhood.
Wifi reliability and speed: Wifi speeds are pretty solid in Germanyeverywhere you go, and the Capital is no different. We expect you’ll have no issue working in any local cafe, and getting data throughout the city, when you’re on the move.
Healthcare: Germany has a public healthcare system that can be accessed by digital nomads and remote workers, with the best care in big cities like Berlin.
Knowledge of local language: Knowing German isn’t necessary in order to live and work remotely there. However, it may make navigating hotspots easier with a little bit of knowledge about how locals communicate.
Community: Berlin has always been a place that welcomes creatives, musicians, and artists of all types. These days, the digital nomad and remote worker are part of a creative scene that’s flourishing in Berlin. This is thanks to the diverse range of hotspots available for those looking for work or play. While Germany doesn’t have a specific digital Nomad Visa, it offers the German Freelance “Freiberufler” Visa that serves the same purpose. Many digital nomads living in Germany, including some WiFi Tribe members, currently use it with no issues.
that is often used by digital nomads. This visa allows individuals to live and work in Germany while being self-employed or working remotely for foreign companies.
Getting around: Public transportation is best in the Mitte district; it can be a bit more time-consuming to navigate outside of this area, though public transport in German cities is generally very good and gets you everywhere you need to go.
Climate: The best season to enjoy Berlin is during the summer months of April to October. The winter can be extremely cold, windy, and wet – but also quite cozy, with the right setup.
In general, Germany has a lot of cities ranking incredibly high on livability. For the sake of other locations in other countries, we won’t go into detail on them; but if Berlin isn’t quite the German vibe you’re going for, be sure to check out Frankfurt, Munich, or Düsseldorf – all of which are also in Mercer’s Top Ten of 2019 City Ranking.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
While not your typical digital nomad destination, Copenhagen offers some of Europe’s best public transportation systems and plenty of things to do when you’re not working – especially worth it if you’re looking for a less touristy location on your next remote work stint. Copenhagen’s quality of life is great, and it’s a perfect stop for those who have some work experience in Europe already.
Cost of living: Like all Scandinavian countries, Copenhagen isn’t cheap. To live comfortably, you should expect to budget between $3500-$4000 per month, if you’re staying for a couple of months or less.
Average rent cost: Expect to pay up to $2000 per month for short-term accommodation (though prices will jump in high season from May through September), and starting at $1500 for monthly rent.
Wifi speed and reliability: The best public wifi is available at the coastal promenade in Copenhagen. Though internet speeds are reliable enough pretty much everywhere, especially with phone data coverage.
Healthcare: Healthcare in Denmark covers those insured by their home country’s healthcare system. In Copenhagen, it’s fairly accessible for digital nomads, with English-speaking doctors and hospitals in case of emergencies.
Knowledge of local language: Knowledge of Danish will make your experience a lot better, though most locals speak some English too (if you’re willing to learn the basics).
Digital nomad community: Unfortunately, Denmark does not have a specific digital nomad visa. Digital nomads can explore options like a short-term Schengen visa for up to 90 days or a working holiday visa for young citizens of certain countries. For longer stays, they may need to explore other options like getting a visa in another Schengen country, applying for the Greencard scheme or trying to get the more difficult residence pass/work permit.
Things to do: You’ll never be bored as a digital nomad in Copenhagen. From biking around town and exploring the best food spots (with plenty of vegan restaurants), you can’t go wrong!
Getting around: Best done by public transportation, with car rental available on-demand.
Climate: Copenhagen is best suited for those looking for a colder climate, with cooler summers and cold winters.
Join the WiFi Tribe digital nomad community in Europe
At WiFi Tribe, we love European destinations and regularly run Chapters in several of the cities on this list. When you become a member, you immediately gain access to 1000+ current Tribers who are active and generous with advice. If Europe is on your mind, there’s no doubt that we have the collective knowledge to help you out.
Having a travel crew solves many of the issues you struggle with when traveling alone, so keep an eye on our Chapter calendar to see where the community is headed next and if it takes your fancy, take a chance and apply to join the crew!
