The life of a digital nomad is one that offers an unparalleled amount of freedom, which allows you to choose how you work, but most importantly, where you work. Deciding where to work can be difficult and often feel overwhelming, but thanks to the internet, we know about everything we need to know about every place on Earth, including Europe — the continent with some of the most famous countries and cities.
You obviously have the option to work within the most popular cities in Europe, from Madrid and Milan to London and Athens, but there are cities that most people often overlook. These overlooked cities, or “hidden gems” offer unique experiences, affordable living, and reliable infrastructure — ideal for any remote worker.
In this blog, we’ll explore all the hidden gems that this culturally rich and historically diverse continent has to offer and therefore are the best locations in Europe for digital nomads.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
First on our list is the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Though it’s considered one of Europe’s smallest capitals, its compact size makes it wonderfully walkable and perfect for immersing yourself in its stunning medieval architecture.
Along with this, it also has a relatively low-cost of living, so you’ll have plenty of budget left to enjoy the local cafés and coworking spaces. However, if you’re more of a nature-enthusiast, you may also take a short drive and enjoy the city’s stunning natural sights, like Lake Bled and Triglav National Park.
Why Ljubljana is great for digital nomads:
- Affordable living
- Great public transport and connectivity
- Central location for traveling around Europe
- Strong community of freelancers and entrepreneurs
Porto, Portugal
While Lisbon is considered the digital nomad hotspot in Portugal, Porto offers a more relaxed and less touristy alternative for those who seek an option like that. It’s also home to stunning architecture, like the Clérigos Tower, and delicious food, such as “Tripas à Moda do Porto”.
For those digital nomads who want to experience Portugal while also not breaking the bank, Porto is definitely an option worth considering. While it may not be considered the hotspot of digital nomadism in Portugal, there is certainly a growing number of coworking spaces and has a vibrant digital nomad community within the city.
Why Porto is great for digital nomads:
- Affordable accommodation and dining
- Slower pace of life compared to Lisbon
- Access to beautiful beaches and nature
- Growing coworking scene
Zagreb, Croatia
The main Croatian cities, Dubrovnik and Split, are sure to catch tourists’ attention, but Zagreb remains a hidden gem for tourists and digital nomads alike. This city is somewhat overlooked and often placed third in terms of the best cities in the country – even if it’s the capital of Croatia – but it offers so much to those digital nomads who are looking for a place in Croatia to temporarily live in, for example, its affordable cost of living, excellent public transportation, and friendly coworking culture.
Also, if you ever need a break from the city life during your stay there, it’s useful to remember that you’re only a short trip away from the scenic Žumberak and Samobor Mountains, one of Zagreb’s many parks!
Why Zagreb is great for digital nomads:
- Affordable living and dining options
- Home to 33 tended parks
- Easy connections to other European destinations
- Strong café and coworking culture
Brno, Czech Republic
If you’re looking for a place to stay long-term, Brno is the perfect place for you. The city has an admirable balance of old-world charm and modern convenience, which means that it has a little something for everyone. However, something that’ll motivate digital nomads to stay in this city even more so than its architecture is its growing entrepreneurial and start-up culture. Since the city is home to several incubators, innovation centers, and international companies, it immediately makes it an attractive location for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads.
Additionally, if you’re a nomad who enjoys working in cafés and is overall a coffee connoisseur, Brno is undoubtedly the location for you. The city takes great pride in their cafés and coffee (since the city was basically built around them), which means that every café you walk into will offer you a gorgeous place to relax, work, and drink delicious coffee. But, if you prefer a more formal working environment, Brno is also home to a growing number of coworking spaces, such as Impact Hub and Coworking Brno.
Brno is also widely known for its student scene, which means that it’s quite affordable. If you compare the cost of living to Brno’s older brother, Prague, you’ll definitely notice a huge difference.
Why Brno is great for digital nomads:
- Affordable rent and cost of living
- Numerous cafés with reliable WIFI
- Rich history and culture to explore
- A rising coworking scene
Gdańsk, Poland
Like most cities in this list, the small northern city of Gdańsk in Poland is often overshadowed by Warsaw and Kraków, but once you’ve spent enough time there, you’ll actually want to encourage people to not visit and keep it as your own little secret. The city is a fitting option if you want to take on the typical nomad trail, since it offers the perfect mix of history, seaside views, and modern conveniences.
Speaking of its seaside views, they are actually one of the main reasons why people travel and vacation in Gdańsk, so it’s a no-brainer that if you ever find yourself working there, consider renting out a place near the seaside. If you do take our advice, make sure your place is near Sopot where you’ll be able to enjoy some downtime on the golden sands of the Baltic Sea or take a stroll along Europe’s longest wooden pier!
The city’s creative and entrepreneurial scene has been growing at a steady pace, so you’ll for sure find plenty of coworking spaces that welcome all types of remote workers.
Why Gdańsk is great for digital nomads:
- Coastal living with affordable prices
- Easy access to nature and beaches
- Rich history and cultural life
- Strong internet and coworking infrastructure
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read through the list of the best locations in Europe for digital nomads, we hope you’ll be motivated to see what some of Europe’s hidden gems have to offer. The decision to choose the next location of your digital nomad journey is ultimately up to you, but we hope you’ll give the little guys a shot.
Every city mentioned above has its own unique blend of affordability, culture, and community, so if you’re ready to break away from the usual spots and discover somewhere new, pack your bags and head to one of these incredible destinations!
