Working from home has never been more embraced - don't let this opportunity go to waste. Pack your bags, throw in your laptop, and become a digital nomad. This is your chance to live like a local in those European cities you only got to visit for a long weekend. We experts here at Plum Guide have been busy scouring the planet, and have chosen the best digital nomad cities in Europe - locations that hit the sweet spot between affordability, quality of life, WiFi, and receptiveness. There's no point in beelining for a city that will empty your pockets and make you wait for a travel visa, so read our expert guide.
Lisbon, Portugal
Yellow tram driving through the city on a sunny day, Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is undoubtedly one of the best cities to be a digital nomad - a fact not kept secret. Expats abound in the creative and colourful city, which means you'll easily be able to find a like-minded community. Explore the seven hills by foot or by tram, or create envy amongst your home friends with selfies next to tiled terraced houses - try not to twist your ankle on the cobblestones after a pitcher of Sangria. This city will keep even the most active digital nomad busy, with an abundance of eateries, underground clubs, and bars. Portugal's friendly persona extends to freelancers, and they offer an independent workers and entrepreneurs visa that's easy to acquire.
In Love In Lisbon, Plum Guide home in Lisbon, Portugal
Budapest, Hungary
An aerial view of the main tower of the famous Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a patchwork of spellbinding architecture - if you're looking for a beautiful yet affordable city, this one's for you. Find your home in rows of baroque, neoclassical, eclectic and art nouveau buildings. This city excels when it comes to personal wellbeing - take your laptop to a cafe and bring a swimming costume, so you can unwind in one of the city's many thermal spas during your lunch break. In the evening, go for a hike in Budapest's many surrounding green spaces - they're easily accessible by public transport. Hungary has one of the easier Digital Nomad visas in Europe, with an income requirement of only €2000 per month. So if you're young, single, and looking to start afresh, head to Budapest.
Berlin, Germany
A view of a Cathedral, the TV Tower and the Schlossbruecke at night in Berlin, Germany
We couldn't write a list of the best digital nomad cities in Europe and not include Berlin. Has this city had its hay day? We don't think so - creatives and tech entrepreneurs alike flock to Germany's most iconic city. What's so attractive about this city is the energy - Berlin comes to life in the summer months, as hipsters and techno-heads flock to the many coffee houses, art galleries, clubs, and parks. The only downside is that you might find little time for work with so much to do. Berlin welcomes remote workers with slightly deeper pockets, and you'll find at least 70 co-working spaces across the city. If you want to make Berlin your home, consider getting a freelance visa - when you finally get your hands on one, you can stay up to 3 years.
Arabica, Plum Guide home in Berlin, Germany
Malta
Boats on the water at the Marsaxlokk village harbour at sunset in Malta
If the reason you want to take your work on the road is to chase endlessly good weather, then head straight for Malta. This sparkling island is located south of Sicily, meaning you can live that sought-after Mediterranean lifestyle Enjoy video calling clients in shades from a sunny balcony. In the evenings, you can refresh in sparkling blue waters, and jump into natural pools from golden rocks. With so much and so little to do, this island will push you to take time for yourself. Malta has introduced a Nomad Resistance Permit, which enables individuals to maintain their current job in another country while living in the slow lane - so it definitely deserves its spot on this list of the best digital nomad cities in Europe.
Life Force, Plum Guide home in Malta
Tbilisi, Georgia
An aerial view of Narikala Castle and view over Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is the best European city you've never heard of, and it's cheap precisely for this reason. But don't be fooled by the affordable rent prices - it's postcard perfect. The crumbly old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, balconied houses, and leafy squares, with plenty of co-working spaces and work-friendly cafes. Venture out in the evening to enjoy Georgia's capital's underground music scene (we hope you like techno). 95 countries can enter Georgia visa-free and stay up to 365 days - you'll struggle to find another European country with this open arms, and this welcoming attitude is not going unnoticed. Tbilisi is burgeoning in creativity.
Porto, Portugal
Two beige trams on a sunny day in the city centre, Porto, Portugal
If you want to stay warm over winter without a woolly coat and hat, pack your bags and head to Porto. Porto sports a temperate, Mediterranean climate (like its big sister Lisbon), making it a favourite destination amongst remote workers. This city is for those looking for Portugal's colourful charm and welcoming arms, but who want a slightly more laid-back lifestyle than that found in the capital. The best thing about this riverside city is the food and the port - between meetings, refuel with a Pastéis de Nata. But watch out - opting for a Francesinha for lunch will leave you craving an afternoon nap. This sandwich is made with layers of sausage, ham, and steak, is covered in cheese, and topped with a beer sauce. Tempted?
Be Cool, Plum Guide home in Porto, Portugal
Tallinn, Estonia
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral above a town, Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn looks like it could have been lifted out of a Disney film. This city is slowly growing in popularity - if you're a seasoned digital nomad, you'll know it's the place to be right now. The old-town charms with its pastel-hued houses, leafy squares, and fairytale-esque ancient churches - it's one of the best preserved Medieval town centres in Europe today, making it a favourite amongst culture and history buffs. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is worth a visit if you're fond of Russian Orthodox architecture, and it looks even more beautiful under snow. But this city isn't just popular because it's Instagram-perfect - it offers co-working spaces, laptop-friendly cafés, and affordability. Not to mention that Estonia was the first country in the world to issue a digital nomad visa.
Split, Croatia
An aerial view of Split Bay and brown rooftops through an old stone window, Split, Croatia
Croatia is a favourite destination amongst remote workers due to its sunny climate and low prices - if you want to spend the next 12 months here, we recommend Split. Split offers the beach when Zagreb doesn't, and isn't as much of a tourist honeypot as Dubrovnik - Split offers laidback living, sunset swims, and bustling nightlife. Take your laptop to a cafe on the coastal promenade, and drink coffee in the sun as your work through your to-do list. Coffee drinking is a tradition here - business deals, make-ups, break-ups, and job interviews take place over a cup of "Kava," and these sessions last at least an hour. If you manage to get any work done in the week, spend your weekends exploring the nearby islands - Hvar is particularly pleasant in the off-season, while Brac and Vis are worth a visit too. Croatia also offers a digital nomad visa, so there's nothing stopping you.
Waves & Watercolours, Plum Guide home in Split, Croatia
Athens, Greece
Empty chairs and tables outside a cafe in the evening, Athens, Greece
You may not have considered Athens a go-to spot for remote working, but this city has a fast emerging digital nomad scene. Yes, Athens is decidedly more raw and chaotic than other cities on this list, but that's its charm. The Greek capital the second oldest city in Europe, and riddled with beguiling ancient monuments. One of Athens' main perks is its low cost of living, as well as its convenient location - every weekend you can jump on a ferry and head to a different sparkling island. There's even good internet, which means you can host a zoom call under the bougainvillaea in a Plaka District cafe courtyard. Greece launched its digital nomad visa in 2021, allowing workers to stay and do remote work for a foreign employer, or your own foreign registered company.
Fresh Lime, Plum Guide home in Athens, Greece
Krakow, Poland
A view of buildings in Krakow Market Square at sunset, Poland
Krakow is the perfect size for remote working. There's not so much to do that you get distracted, but there's enough to keep you occupied - Poland's second-largest city offers a slower pace of life that picks up at night. Descend into the city's iconic cellar bars for vodka, polish sausage, and pierogi. Most days, you'll probably be nursing a hangover, but there are plenty of options if culture is your thing. Architect-buffs will swoon at the picture-perfect old town and gothic monuments, while the creatives among you will find an endless array of film, music, theatre, and art festivals. This city is one of the cheapest to visit in Europe, so it's perfect for digital nomads on a budget.
