The internet has changed the world of work forever. If you have the right skills and the motivation to be your own boss, there are now tons of jobs that you can do remotely using just your laptop and an internet connection. People who work this way are known by the newly-coined term ‘digital nomads’ because they have transcended the ties of geographic location imposed by traditional jobs. As a digital nomad, you can go wherever your fancy takes you: enjoy the beaches of Southeast Asia while you work with a martini in hand or hang out in the cafes of downtown Rio de Janeiro – the world is your oyster in a way that was never possible for previous generations.
When choosing the best places to move to as a digital nomad, there are always a number of factors that need to be taken into account. The perfect location will have a blend of cheap living and rent, an excellent internet connection, a happening culture and arts scene, and easy access to some spots of outstanding natural beauty. For these reasons, Europe is fast emerging as one of the premier hotspots for digital nomads.
In this post, we will take a look at some of the best remote work hotspots in Europe and what makes them so attractive to digital nomads. Read on to find out more.
- Budapest, Hungary
There are few cities in Europe that offer the perfect balance between affordability, quality of life and convenience than Budapest. The Hungarian capital has it all: a buzzing nightlife, excellent public transport, work-friendly cafes and reliable high-speed internet.
Not only is Budapest a great place to live, but there are some awesome health and wellness that you can access close to the city. The thermal baths and top-class spas are some of the best that you will find anywhere!
- Krakow, Poland
Krakow is Poland’s second-largest city, but people often say that it is a more interesting place to live than the capital of Warsaw. While it still maintains its small-town feel, the city is known for its vibrant nightlife and its fascinating history and architecture.
Krakow has become popular in recent years with digital nomads because of its incredible value for money. Coupled with its high standard of living and abundance of cafes and coworking spaces, it is easy to see what the attraction is!
- Lisbon, Portugal
Many people who visit Lisbon liken the Portuguese capital to San Francisco because of the steep inclines on which the city is sprawled. It even has trams and a thriving art scene as well!
Lisbon makes an attractive place to spend time as a digital nomad due to its ideal location close to the beach and its thriving network of freelancers. The locals are extremely welcoming and an impressive number of people speak English, making it easy to find your feet.
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
It would be hard to imagine a more perfect city for digital nomads than Ljubljana. The capital city of Slovenia is renowned for its clean air and water, making a stroll around the streets and many green areas that Ljubljana is famous for an experience of unrivaled pleasantness.
The city is a hotspot for bright minds and tech startups. There is a fantastic coffee culture, making it easy to bump into like-minded and upwardly mobile young professionals.
- Tallinn, Estonia
When it comes to remote working, Estonia is one of the most forward-thinking countries in the world. The Estonian government is the first to introduce a specific year-long digital nomad visa, making it an incredible attraction to people who want to spend more than a few months in a place before being forced to move on.
The most popular place for digital nomads in Estonia is the capital city of Tallinn. Tallinn offers an incredible mixture of medieval Baltic architecture, a lively cultural scene and some of the most affordable living in Europe. There are plenty of coworking spaces dotted around the city, and it is hard not to get caught up in the buzz of creative thinkers that emanates from the city.
The cities listed above are some of the first places you should look as a digital nomad in Europe. If you plan to spend some time living and working in Europe in 2021, be aware that you will now have to apply for the new ETIAS waiver scheme as of January next year to qualify for a visa. Take a look at this helpful ETIAS visa guide if you have any doubts about how to apply.