The best places in Europe to be a digital nomad or executive nomad
Europe offers some incredible destinations for both digital nomads and executive nomads, blending strong internet infrastructure, a high quality of life, vibrant communities, and business-friendly environments.
We take a look at some of the best places across the continent where remote workers can thrive. Each of these cities provides a unique blend of professional opportunity, quality of life, and cultural richness, making them excellent options for digital nomads and executive nomads seeking both business growth and personal enrichment. The best choice will depend on your work preferences, lifestyle goals, and whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a quieter place to focus on your business. They all offer an exciting blend of home-from-home apartments for short and long term stays as well as a variety of cultural attractions and top-notch bars and restaurants. If you are more of an executive nomad than a digital nomad and are seeking smart serviced accommodation then all of these places have something suitable for even the most discerning traveller.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a top destination for digital nomads thanks to its combination of a mild climate, relatively low cost of living (compared to other European cities), and a growing tech scene. The city offers excellent coworking spaces, including places like Second Home and Cowork Central, where entrepreneurs and remote workers can collaborate and network. Lisbon’s beautiful environment with its coastal views, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife makes it a perfect spot for both work and relaxation. Additionally, Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to legally live and work from the country for up to a year, with an option to extend. This makes it an even more attractive option for long-term stays.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is another popular choice for remote workers looking for a blend of work and leisure. The city is home to numerous coworking spaces, an active startup scene, and a high standard of living, offering everything from a great work environment to endless beaches, tapas, and historic streets to explore. Barcelona’s culture of innovation and collaboration is evident in its well-established entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it a perfect place for executive nomads seeking both business connections and an inspiring place to work. Spain’s favorable tax policies and the relatively low cost of living (compared to other Western European cities) are additional bonuses for those considering longer stays.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn stands out for its forward-thinking government and digital infrastructure, making it one of the best places for digital nomads in Europe. Estonia pioneered the concept of e-residency, which allows entrepreneurs to establish and run businesses remotely from anywhere in the world. The capital, Tallinn, offers an affordable living environment, modern coworking spaces, and a strong tech community, making it ideal for both tech-driven remote workers and business executives. The city is also known for its medieval charm and thriving arts scene, offering a mix of both work opportunities and lifestyle benefits.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a global hub for creatives, tech entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. Known for its diverse, inclusive culture and affordable cost of living (relative to other major European capitals), Berlin offers an abundance of coworking spaces, networking events, and conferences where digital nomads and executives can easily collaborate and expand their professional networks. The city’s dynamic arts scene, rich history, and access to a wide range of amenities make it a well-rounded base for anyone balancing remote work with leisure. For those working in tech, Berlin is a magnet for startups, making it an excellent environment for innovation and growth.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest has been gaining traction among digital nomads due to its very affordable cost of living combined with a fast internet infrastructure. Romania is one of the countries with the fastest internet speeds in Europe, making it ideal for remote work. Bucharest offers a burgeoning startup scene, vibrant cultural offerings, and a combination of modernity and tradition. As an executive nomad, you can take advantage of the growing business environment while enjoying a cost-effective lifestyle in a city with lots of green spaces, great food, and rich historical landmarks.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most famous business hubs, making it a solid choice for executive nomads. The city is known for its highly efficient infrastructure, excellent transport connections, and high English proficiency, which makes it easy for remote workers to thrive. Amsterdam is also a tech and startup hotspot, offering plenty of opportunities to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and executives. The city combines modern coworking spaces and a great lifestyle, with a strong focus on sustainability, cycling, and a high quality of life. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living can be higher than in some other European cities, but the opportunities and lifestyle it offers make it worthwhile.
Prague, Czechia
Prague is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers looking for affordability and culture. With a low cost of living compared to Western Europe and high-speed internet, Prague offers excellent value. The city has a strong tech scene and plenty of coworking spaces where digital nomads can network and collaborate. Its stunning architecture, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene make it a great place to unwind after work. The central European location also means you’re well-positioned for travel to other parts of Europe, enhancing the experience of being a remote worker.
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is gaining recognition as an emerging hotspot for digital nomads, especially in the wake of the country’s growth as a tech and innovation hub. The city has a number of coworking spaces, cafes with great internet, and a laid-back lifestyle with affordable costs. Croatia’s stunning coastline, with islands and beach resorts, provides an ideal escape for downtime. With Croatia now a member of the EU, remote workers can also enjoy the benefit of working across the Schengen Area while staying in the country.