The internet revolution has changed the way we work forever. The potential for remote work has today blown away the obligation to stay rooted in a single place for work for your whole life. If you have the skills, it is now possible to marry your job together with many people’s favorite pastime: travel.

People who work remotely whilst hopping between countries are today known as ‘digital nomads.’ Armed with just their laptop and a few belongings, digital nomads are free to explore the world as they please without the obligation to turn up at the office every morning. 

While many digital nomads these days choose countries in Southeast Asia or Latin America, Europe is fast emerging as the next big destination. In this article, we will explore some of the top digital nomad hotspots in Europe and why they are proving so attractive for remote working.

1. Budapest

Hungary’s capital of Budapest is a great place to spend a few months remote working. The cost of living is much lower than in many other Western European cities, and little is sacrificed in terms of culture or networking opportunities.

The city lies on the Danube, one of Europe’s most important arteries. Its position as an important trading post in Eastern Europe brought with it riches that can still be seen in Budapest’s combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural heritage.

Budapest today is a modern city with plenty to offer in terms of co-working spaces and hipster cafes, making it the perfect destination of digital nomads.

2. Tallinn

Estonia is not usually near the top of the pile when it comes to tourist destinations, but perhaps it should be! The Baltic republic is home to some unique medieval architecture, fascinating Nordic cuisine and culture, and stunning nature. 

One of the most attractive things about Tallinn is the new Digital Nomad Visa that the forward-thinking Estonia government has recently brought in. This gives a person the right to reside in Estonia for a year for a nominal fee. If you are a U.S. citizen and want to gain access to most of the other countries in this article,  you will need to apply for the new EU ETIAS visa waiver scheme as of January 2021 – take a look at this excellent ETIAS visa guide for more info.

Tallinn has tons going for it for digital nomads. Internet is cheap and reliable, rents are low, and there are plenty of cafes designed for remote working.

3. Krakow

Krakow is Poland’s second-largest city after Warsaw, but in many ways, it has the edge over the capital when it comes to interest. Although it is not massive, Krakow is known for its lively nightlife, making it perfect for those who like the small-town feel but still like to party. 

Incredibly cheap rents, coupled with cheap eating and drinking, mean that Krakow is a remarkably easy place to save money. If you are on a budget, you can still have a lot of fun in the city as the music and art scene offers a great mix between hipster-chic and down-to-earth venues. And we could simply go on for hours about the city’s gorgeous architecture…

4. Ljubljana

Ljubljana is another city on this list which falls some way off the beaten tourist track in Europe. When it comes to digital nomadism, however, the Slovenian capital seems almost like it has been purpose-built. 

A far cry from the fumes and pollution on many of Europe’s larger and better-known capital cities, Ljubljana is composed of 75 percent green areas. The parks and tree-lined boulevards give the city a relaxed and laid-back vibe, whilst also making it possibly the cleanest and greenest city in Europe or maybe even the world!

5. Lisbon

Those who visit Lisbon often liken it to San Francisco in the United States. This is due to the city’s steeply inclined streets and old-fashioned trams that trundle up and down them at a pedestrian pace. 

Lisbon makes a great refuge for digital nomads due to its abundance of co-working spaces, lively bar culture and friendly locals. Unlike some parts of Spain where English is not widely spoken (except major cities and touristic locations), the Portuguese tend to be well-endowed in the language department and friendly to boot, which makes life easier for those of us who struggle with foreign languages.

Nowhere is the life of a digital nomad better served in Europe than in the destinations listed above. Make sure you pencil a few in if you are planning on living and working in the continent any time soon!