Top 10 destinations in Europe for digital nomads

The way we work has been changing at lightning speed. Remote work has become the new normal, breaking free from the traditional 9 to 5 grind. Work-life balance and mental health have taken center stage. It's not just about productivity anymore; it's about finding happiness in our jobs. And guess what? The rise of digital nomads is off the charts, as people embrace the freedom to explore while staying connected to their work online. These changes have turned the work game upside down, opening doors to a whole new era of possibilities in the digital world.

When looking for a destination to work remotely, Europe is the ideal place to start. With interesting and diverse cities in close proximity and many offering nomad-friendly visas, it’s the perfect destination to embark on a part-work, part-travel adventure. If the idea of working from a new city every other month sounds like a dream to you, here’s how to get very real on planning where to go and make sure you’re always in good company.

How to choose a digital nomad destination

What makes a great digital nomad destination? Where you choose to live while you work depends on a few key factors, including:

• Cost of living. You want things to be reasonably priced, so you have the budget spare to do what digital nomads do best: explore!
• Fast internet connection. The foundation of successfully working remotely is ensuring you have a speedy connection to your team and all the resources you need, wherever you are. A digital nomad without good internet is like a jockey without a horse.
• Travel opportunities. Ideally, the city you choose is somewhere you’ve never been before, or is well-connected with areas you’ve always wanted to check out.
• Networking opportunities. Digital nomad life can be lonely if you don’t know anyone in your new city home. You want to make sure that you’re surrounded by plenty of opportunities to network, find your expat community, and fill your days with adventures; whether that means a big restaurant and bar scene, lots of social or sporting clubs, or a vibrant cultural events calendar.
• Coworking alternatives. Coworking spaces offer the flexibility to change work environments from time to time, preventing monotony and diversifying the routine. By working in different spaces with varying atmospheres, digital nomads can stay motivated, stimulate creativity, and embrace new perspectives, ultimately enhancing their overall work experience while on the go.
• Mental health. Being on the move, away from familiar surroundings, and dealing with the challenges of remote work can take a toll on one's mental well-being. That's why it's crucial for digital nomads to make self-care a priority, establish routines, make connections with other people, and find that sweet spot between work and personal life.  

Now we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to look at locations. With so many amazing destinations in Europe, it can be hard to choose one. Luckily, we’ve done the groundwork for you, researching where the remote-working community is thriving. Here’s our pick of the top 10 destinations in Europe for digital nomads based on the most commonly searched places on Google.

Best digital nomad destinations by the beach

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Mediterranean climate, affordable living, and plenty of work and travel opportunities, it’s no wonder Portugal’s coastal capital city is becoming ever popular among digital nomads. You can work pretty much anywhere in the city, with excellent Wi-Fi in public spaces and cafes, making it easy to take your laptop somewhere new for a couple of hours and a bica (coffee) or two. Besides, Lisbon serves as an excellent base for exploring Portugal and other European destinations. The city is well-connected with affordable flights, making it convenient for digital nomads to embark on weekend getaways or longer trips to nearby countries.

Pros:

• Vibrant city
• Welcoming community
• Affordable cost of living
• Beautiful surroundings

Cons:

• Crowded tourist season

Need a place to live and work in Portugal? The Social Hub is coming to Porto in late 2024 and Lisbon from 2026! Learn more.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is comfortably the most popular city in Spain for digital nomads, not least for its incredible architecture, great weather, and unrivalled culture. The expat community in Barcelona is extremely diverse, so you’re bound to meet people from all over the world at any café or co-working hub you visit. Like most cities, accommodation gets pricier the closer to the city centre you go, but Barcelona is incredibly well-connected, making daily commutes a breeze. Plus, with a beautiful sandy beach on your doorstep, what’s not to love?

Pros:

• Cultural diversity
• Networking opportunities
• Location & lifestyle
• Culinary delights

Cons:

• Cost of living
• Tourist crowds

Need a place to live and work in Spain? We opened two new flagship locations in 2022! Check out The Social Hub Madrid and The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou

Best digital nomad destinations for culture

3. Berlin, Germany

Bordering an impressive 9 countries, Germany is a great place for nomadic workers. Of course, there is plenty to experience within Germany’s borders too, especially if you decide to base yourself in the thriving capital. Berlin is renowned for its culture, international community, and strong work opportunities, which makes it a great place for personal and professional growth. While the long-term rental market can get competitive, lots of coworking and co-living options are available for digital nomads – including our own The Social Hub Berlin!

Pros: 

• Thriving tech scene 
• Cultural hub 
• Infrastructure & connectivity 

Cons: 

• High cost of living 
• Competitive rental market 
• Limited sunlight in winter 

4. Florence & Bologna, Italy

Incredible outdoor scenery? Check. Buzzing café and bar scene? Check and check! No European destinations list is complete without mentioning Italia. While the major cities such as Rome and Milan can seem overpriced due to tourism, the cost of living in the likes of Florence and Bologna is comparatively attractive for digital nomads looking for a base in Italy. With great weather year-round, amazing natural landscapes to explore, and incredible food, it’s not hard to see why either city is so popular among working nomads.

Our stunning palatial property in Florence serves as a great base to experience the best of Italy, from its food to its amazing beaches, and wine regions. All that, plus an ability to easily connect with other nomads in our community. What more do you need?

Pros: 

• Rich cultural heritage 
• Quality of life 
• Culinary delights 

Cons: 

• Tourist crowds 

5. Paris & Toulouse, France

While France and its capital conjure images of delicious fine food, next-level cultural institutions, and bohemian neighbourhoods, it’s also an attractive place to work from – indeed, the country’s 4-million-strong expat community certainly agrees. If your digital nomad daydreams involve working from cosy cafes with fresh croissant in hand, you can certainly make it a reality.

With work/life balance, and of course, an unparalleled gastronomic scene, France really makes it easy to embrace the joie de vivre. While English is widely spoken, it helps to learn a little of the language to make the most of your stay. While the cost of living can get pricey in Paris, the accommodation, dining out and daily expenses can be more affordable in Toulouse.

Pros:

• Cultural diversity
• Networking opportunities
• Culinary delights
• Vibrant lifestyle
• Slower pace of life in Toulouse
• Lower cost of living in Toulouse

Cons:

• Cost of living in Paris
• Tourist crowds in Paris
• Work-life balance in Paris

Best digital nomad destinations for nature

6. Ireland

The Emerald Isle is fast becoming a mecca for expat living due to its proximity to the EU and an abundance of tech companies choosing Ireland to base their European HQs. Yes, the cost of living is comparatively higher than other European cities, and the cooler climate means Ireland isn’t always the first choice for nomadic sunseekers. That said, Ireland offers so much in the way of domestic and international travel opportunities, stunning landscapes perfect to enjoy outdoor activities, and, of course, a bustling social scene (Guinness, anyone?).

Pros: 

• Welcoming culture 
• Natural beauty 
• Cultural heritage & vibrant cities 

Cons: 

• Higher cost of living 
• Unpredictable weather 

7. Switzerland

For a country that’s famously neutral, there sure is an impressive list of reasons that make it an attractive base for digital nomads seeking professional growth, cultural experiences, and, of course, adventure. Switzerland revels in economic and political stability, with a population famed for being outdoorsy types – it’s not hard to see why once you get a glimpse of the country’s spectacular natural beauty. Additionally, Switzerland consistently ranks among the countries with the highest quality of life. It offers excellent healthcare, safety, and a well-developed infrastructure. As a digital nomad, you can enjoy a high standard of living and access to various amenities.

Pros: 

• High quality of life 
• Stunning natural beauty  
• Strong economy & infrastructure 
• Multilingual environment  

Cons: 

• High cost of living 
• Reserved social culture 

8. Norway

While Norway’s capital is extreme in some ways – super-cold winters, high living expenses, and tax rates – it more than compensates with a great quality of life and opportunities aplenty for adventurous digital nomads. When you’re not working in one of the city’s fabulous cafes or welcoming workspaces, you’ll probably find yourself taking in some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe, possibly even the world, from pristine ski fields in winter to blooming mountainsides and crystal-clear lakes in summer.

Pros: 

• Breathtaking landscapes 
• High quality of life 
• Work-life balance 
• Technological advancements 

Cons: 

• High cost of living 
• Limited daylight in winter 

9. Sweden

Sweden shares a lot of similarities to its next-door neighbour, Norway, with high tax rates and cost of living, but it’s also safe and affords residents a high quality of life. Flexible working is ingrained in the culture here, so you’ll find yourself able to slip into a work-life balance with ease. Sweden offers a bustling, progressive city living in Goteborg, Stockholm, and Malmo, where English is widely spoken, and plenty of untouched wilderness that changes entirely with the changing of the seasons – a great destination for adventurous hearts.

Pros: 

• Strong digital infrastructure 
• Work-life balance 
• Progressive society 

Cons: 

• High cost of living 
• Shorter winter days 

10. Iceland

‘Remote nomad’ takes on a new meaning here – it really doesn’t get much more isolated than Iceland! Being far from anywhere with a high cost of living and year-round cool weather means life in Iceland isn’t for everyone, but it certainly rewards those who do call the island home. An idyllic landscape dotted with volcanic cliffs, hot springs, towering fjords, and more than a few waterfalls will fill up your free time, while the capital Reykjavik is rated as one of the world’s coolest with a busy nightlife, quirky cultural landmarks, and incredible food.

Pros: 

• Stunning nature 
• Clean & sustainable environment 
• Safety & low crime rate 
• Cultural & artistic scene 

Cons: 

• High cost of living 
• Remote location 
• Harsh winter conditions 

Inspired for your next destination yet? Well, we have some more good news for you! The Social Hub offers the perfect stays for digital nomads across Europe — from Amsterdam to Paris, Florence, Berlin and more, we offer cool, spacious digs and coworking desks so you can balance work and play in your new city. Explore our locations and start planning your next digital nomad adventure today!