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12 Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe for Freelancers

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If you’re wondering where to move to next, I thought I’d tell you about the best digital nomad cities in Europe for freelancers and study abroad students today.

Have you ever stopped and thought that a long boring job isn’t particularly what you desire to do for the rest of your days?

That’s alright, thought.

Most of us have felt it at some point.

Building a career from scratch is hard, let alone living a complete digital nomad lifestyle, but it’s definitely worth the risk.

Between life-changing experiences and new friends you’ll make in the process, every bit of downside of the digital nomad life is countered by endless perks and knowledge!

12 Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe for Freelancers

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There are some important factors to take into account if you want to take a leap of faith and become a digital nomad, and the city definitely is the second.

You know, after knowing exactly how you’ll make money online while living abroad.

Between the cost of living, finding libraries and study cafes, a great atmosphere, safety and accessibility in the city, you have lots to think about.

Packing for travel is fun, but it is important to measure all these factors before you actually start packing.

Without further ado, here are all the best digital nomad cities in Europe!

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Krakow, Poland

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One of our first digital nomad cities in Europe to consider is Krakow, Poland.

Besides gorgeous winter sceneries (yes, be prepared for the cold), there are a lot of things that make this little city a good nest for a while.

If you often find yourself searching ‘cheapest digital nomad locations Europe’, look no further.

Krakow is considered to be just the right amount of a big city for you to enjoy as a digital nomad, with affordable prices for rent and food.

It’s also one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, with incredible architecture for days.

Beautiful history, places, coworking spaces and a lot of entertainment including nightlife…

You will have a lot to do in Krakow, and yet the European city is small enough for you to still focus on your career.

But, if spending the winter in Europe as a digital nomad doesn’t rhyme with cold and snow for you, then I would suggest our next destination!

Read: The Best Breakfast in Rome Italy

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Barcelona, Spain

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There are so many good cafes to work in Barcelona that it would be strange for it not to be the perfect digital nomad city.

It’s a charming spot, and along with many coworking spaces and study cafes, you will also be able to try wonderful Spanish tapas and traditional meals.

I can’t resist a good tapa, can you?

Barcelona is a large city with lots of potential, history, and things to do and see, and as soon as you have the time, make sure you visit all the best hidden gems in Barcelona!

This warm city located on the coast of the Mediterranean sea will keep you cosy in winter, but beware because it tends to be very hot for freelancers who aren’t used to the Mediterranean weather.

The only downside is that Barcelona tends to be more pricey as time goes by.

If you’re looking for the cheapest digital nomad locations Europe, with a wee bit of self-control, you might be able to still save some money on groceries and going out.

Read: The Best Neapolitan Pizza in London

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Lisbon, Portugal

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I’m Portuguese and have lived most of my life in the suburban area of Lisbon, and for European visitors, Lisbon tends to be just the perfect tiny paradise.

Cheap, with good weather, and even better food and music.

If you’re looking for a good quality of life, and good work life balance, Lisbon is one of the best cities to work remotely in Europe.

There are a lot of good cafes to work in Lisbon, coworking spaces, beautiful restaurants and unique accommodations, and there’s always something to do here.

Much like Barcelona, Lisbon tends to be loved by digital nomads looking for warm cities in Europe in the winter, as the weather stays pretty consistent throughout the year.

Read: The Best Coworking Spaces in Lisbon

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

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If you’re like me and desire a colder city than Lisbon with magical views, I would suggest Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland, which is very much worth exploring.

Hiking trails, mountains, nature and an off the grid vibe – Lauterbrunnen is home to many expats already, making it one of the best digital nomad friendly countries.

The highlight of this Swiss city definitely is the nature, perfect if you work online and really just want to disappear for a while.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in London

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Prague, Czech Republic

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If you don’t mind the cold, you’ll find that Prague is one of the best digital nomad cities in Europe when winter is about.

Some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe are located in Prague, and the city offers many more hidden gems than you’d initially suspect.

Capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is known for its well-preserved castles, bridges, beautiful scenery and of course, nightlife.

The public transportation system is phenomenal, and that’s one of the European cities where you’ll feel at your best being a digital nomad.

Read: The Best Restaurants in Trastevere Rome

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Tallinn, Estonia

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Estonia was the first place in the world to come up with a digital nomad visa, which allows you to spend up to one year in the country legally.

There are so many reasons to choose Tallinn as your next destination, and that includes the perfect balance between big city life and village vibes.

The old town is particularly stunning, and whether you’re looking for coworking spaces or cafes to work in Tallinn, you’ll find them.

Oh, you’ll find them alright.

The perfect spot to start your digital nomad life, with affordable living costs and countless places to explore, both in Tallinn and around!

Read: The Cutest Pink Places in the World

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Budapest, Hungary

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With its unique thermal baths located all around the city, Budapest is yet another one of the best digital nomad cities in Europe for warm months.

You’ll find tons of pubs, restaurants and cafes to work in Budapest, whose architecture is nothing if not magical.

Plus, if you’re looking for the cheapest digital nomad locations in Europe, you’ll be quite safe in Budapest, which offers not only gorgeousness but affordable rent too.

That’s amazing if you check out the pros and cons of living in a hostel and decide to go for a studio solo!

Incredibly romantic, and perfect to be really productive with work!

Read: How to Survive Life in a Hostel

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Amsterdam is one of the most colorful cities in Europe, and the vibe here remains unmatched.

This incredible city is loaded with expats and visitors from all over the world, it has fast-speed internet, amazing street food and some of the best views in the world.

Lots of amazing cafes to work in Amsterdam, too, and a lively nightlife to relax after a good work or study session.

This one is definitely not one of the cheapest digital nomad cities in Europe, but Amsterdam’s elegance and culture are enough to make you want to stay some more.

Read: The Most Secret Gardens in London

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Palma, Spain

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Let’s leave the cold weather aside for a bit, with another one of the best digital nomad cities in Spain, Palma.

Spain is considered to be a top country to work remotely in Europe, and Palma brings you natural beaches, pine forests and utterly beautiful architecture.

Spain offers a digital nomad visa, so if you wish to give this destination a try, you’ll be able to explore a brilliant combo of nature and modern city life.

Just good vibes, good food, plenty of opportunities to meet new friends and learn how to organize yourself to be productive while living in a hostel.

Plus, as is usually the case, prices in Palma tend to be lower outside of the holiday season or summer – make sure to take this into account!

Read: The Most Colorful Places in London

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Malta, Malta

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One of the primary languages of Malta is English, which is a bonus when compared to many other European cities for digital nomads I’ve mentioned here.

Malta is a thriving business city, filled with young entrepreneurs and rising investors and offers tax incentives to everyone.

This enough makes it one of the best digital nomad cities in Europe, when you know how much taxes will rip you off in cities like London or Paris.

Malta also offers affordable transportation costs and some of the tastiest food you’ve ever tried under the sun – perfect for those looking for warm European cities during winters!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Zurich, Switzerland

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Zurich is definitely not amongst the cheapest digital nomad cities in Europe – on the contrary, it’s quite expensive, but it also gives you a lot to experience.

With its unique medieval architecture and mesmerizing mountains, Zurich makes you feel like you’re living inside a Christmas commercial.

If you’re looking for secret beaches and warm countries, that’s not the one.

Here, we have tons of forest and river areas and nature sports, a place to enjoy kayaking and pure air.

You will also find fancy restaurants and exquisite street food, coworking spaces and really good study cafes in Zurich, with fast-speed WiFi everywhere.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in NYC

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe: Copenhagen, Denmark

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I have so far avoided including Scandinavian countries here for a simple reason – they’re quite expensive.

However, if you’re looking for the best digital nomad cities in Europe, you really can’t overlook Copenhagen.

I absolutely love Scandinavia, and find it really interesting to see how the quality of life compensates the prices.

Will you live a less boujee life at the beginning?

Most likely.

However, moving there can really help you achieve the work life balance you might have been craving in cities like London.

For starters, Copenhagen is an ideal location for digital nomads and expats in terms of safety and security.

Copenhagen offers an excellent public transportation system and a low cost of living when compared to many other cities in Europe, and lots of ways to stay entertained.

You’ll find lots of cafes to work in Copenhagen, coworking spaces and natural places to enjoy the off the grid vibe.

Read: The Cutest Villages in London

12 Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe for Freelancers

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There you have them, all the best digital nomad cities in Europe to stay whether it’s summer or the dead of winter!

Some places are obviously cheaper than others, with cities like Lisbon and Krakow notoriously cheaper than, say, Barcelona and Amsterdam.

And if you’d like to get out of Europe, check out our guide to the best digital nomad cities in the world!

Until next time!

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