15 Alternative Cities in Europe to Live & Work Remotely (2023)

Europe is home to some of the most liveable cities in the world. The cities here are known for some of the greatest food, culture, and nightlife you could find anywhere in the world.

We’ve already covered the best cities in Europe to live in this article.

But what are some of the best alternative cities to live in Europe?

What are the cities that are slightly less traveled, yet still a brilliant option for living and working remotely?

The Best Alternative Liveable Cities In Europe

From Antalya and Istanbul to Vilnius and Tallinn, here are the best off-the-beaten-track cities for living and working in Europe.

15. Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities in Europe. If you count Turkey as Europe of course, which for the sake of this article, we are.

It is located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey and is known for its clear turquoise waters, stunning beaches, and lush greenery. The city has a rich history and culture, and its beaches are lined with archeological sites and resorts.

Antalya is also a great place to live because it offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. The city has excellent public transportation, good schools, and plenty of things to do. There are also many beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy.

Why is Antalya a great place to live?

• The city has excellent public transportation, good schools, and lots of things to do. 
• There are also many beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy. 
• Antalya offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost.

14. Brno, Czechia

Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. Located in Moravia, in the southern part of the country, it’s a great place to live for so many reasons.

Firstly, Brno has a very low cost of living, with plenty of affordable restaurants and coffee shops dotted around the city.

Brno also has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife, culture, and history. In fact, it has several universities and colleges, making it a great place to live for students and young professionals (plus the added bonus of University nightlife!)

Brno is also known as a very safe city with excellent public transportation.

The city is conveniently located for travel within the Czech Republic and to other parts of Europe.

Why is Brno a great place to live?

• The cost of living in Brno is very low, with plenty of great restaurants and coffee shops to choose from.
• Brno is a safe city with excellent public transportation.
• The nightlife in Brno is great, with lots of bars and clubs to choose from.
• Brno has a lot of culture and history to offer and is conveniently located for travel within the Czech Republic and Europe.

13. Porto, Portugal

Porto is a beautiful city with a lot of history and even more wine.

The city is located on the banks of the Douro River and has some stunning architecture.

The port wine cellars are also a big attraction in Porto. You could spend days exploring the port houses and trying samples as you go.

The city is located in the north of Portugal and has a mild climate. This makes it a great place to live all year round.

Lastly, Porto is a very safe city. The crime rate is very low and there are no real areas in the city that would be considered dangerous

The cost of living is very reasonable, especially compared to most of Western Europe and there are plenty of affordable apartments to choose from.

Check out our Portugal Digital Nomad Guide

Why is Porto a great place to live?

• The city is located in a very beautiful part of Portugal, with stunning architecture and a mild climate.
• The port wine cellars are a major tourist attraction, and there is plenty to see and do in the city itself.
• The cost of living is reasonable, and there are plenty of affordable apartments to choose from.
• The crime rate is low, making it a safe place to live.

READ MORE: Our Portugal Digital Nomad Guide

12. Valletta, Malta

Valletta is the capital of Malta and one of the smallest capitals in Europe.

Despite its size, Valletta is a bustling city with a diverse range of activities and attractions.

The city is home to a number of museums and art galleries, as well as numerous historic monuments. Valletta is also a popular destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

The city has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters.

Valletta is a great alternative place to live in Europe for those who want to experience all that the continent has to offer without the hustle and bustle of some of the larger cities.

Why is Valleta a great place to live?

• Valletta is a great place to live because it has a diverse range of activities and attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historic monuments.
• The city is also popular for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
• Valletta has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters.
• This makes the city a great place to live all year round.

11. Athens, Greece

Athens may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of digital nomads in Europe, but it offers a great combination of lifestyle and cost of living that makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking for an alternative to the more popular destinations.

The city has a vibrant creative scene, with plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and bars to help you meet other digital nomads and get work done. And when you need a break from work, there are plenty of parks and museums to explore.

Best of all, the cost of living in Athens is significantly lower than in other European cities, making it easy to save money while enjoying all the city has to offer.

So if you’re looking for a European city that offers a good mix of lifestyle and affordability, Athens should definitely be on your list.

Why is Athens a great place to live?

• Athens is a great place to live because of its vibrant creative scene and affordable cost of living.
• The city has plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and bars to help you meet other digital nomads and get work done.
• When you need a break from work, there are plenty of parks and museums to explore.
• Athens is a great place to live because it offers a good mix of lifestyle and affordability.

10. Varna, Bulgaria

Varna, Bulgaria is a great alternative place to live for digital nomads in Europe.

The city has a thriving economy and is home to a number of large businesses and startups.

The cost of living is very reasonable, and the city offers a great quality of life.

There are plenty of things to do in Varna, and the city is well-connected to the rest of Europe by air and rail.

Bulgaria also offers several visa-free options for digital nomads, making it an ideal base for those who want to live and work in Europe.

Why is Varna a great place to live?

• Varna is a great place to live for digital nomads because of its thriving economy and affordable cost of living.
• The city offers a great quality of life, with plenty of things to do and a well-connected transportation system.
• Bulgaria also offers several visa-free options for digital nomads, making it an ideal base for those who want to live and work in Europe.

9. Bratislava, Slovakia

If you’re looking for a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities in Europe, look no further than Bratislava.

Not only is it brimming with history and culture, but it’s also a hub for business and technology.

Its central location makes it easily accessible to not only other cities in Slovakia but also neighboring countries like Austria and Hungary. And let’s not forget about its stunning views of the Danube River and Devin Castle.

But what really sets Bratislava apart as a great place to live and work is its diverse community. Expats from all over the world come here to experience the unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Why is Bratislava a great place to live?

• Bratislava is a great place to live because it has a diverse community of expats from all over the world. 
• Its central location makes it easily accessible to other cities in Slovakia and neighboring countries. 
• The city has a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, which makes it a great place to live and work.

8. Vilnius, Lithuania

When it comes to Europe, Vilnius often flies under the radar as a top destination for living and working. This hidden gem offers plenty of perks that make it stand out from its more well-known counterparts.

Vilnius boasts a high quality of life with affordable housing prices, plenty of green space, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city also takes pride in its forward-thinking tech industry, making it an appealing option for digital nomads and remote workers.

With its central location within Europe, Vilnius is the perfect base for exploring all the continent has to offer, especially Northern Europe and the Baltic countries.

Why is Vilnius a great place to live?

• Vilnius offers a high quality of life, with affordable housing prices, plenty of green space, and a vibrant cultural scene.
• The city also takes pride in its forward-thinking tech industry, making it an appealing option for digital nomads and remote workers.
• With its central location within Europe, Vilnius is the perfect base for exploring all the continent has to offer.

7. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for people looking to live and work in Europe.

With its picture-perfect old town, culture, and vibrant startup scene, Tallinn has a lot to offer. Tallinn is also conveniently located, with easy access to both Finland and mainland Europe via ferry or plane.

Tallinn’s cost of living is significantly lower than other European cities like London or Paris. The city is also known for its high-quality (and affordable) healthcare and education systems.

Why is Tallinn a great place to live?

• Tallinn is a great place to live because it has a low cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and education systems.
• The city is also known for its startup scene and beautiful old town.
• Tallinn is a culturally rich city with a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. From its beautiful old town to its lively nightlife, there is something for everyone in Tallinn.

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is often referred to as the heart of Europe, as it’s located in the center of the continent with easy access to multiple countries. But its prime location isn’t the only thing Prague has going for it.

The city is known for its rich history and architecture, with stunning buildings and monuments dating back centuries. Prague’s vibrant culture also sets it apart, with a thriving arts scene and vibrant nightlife.

Prague is also an affordable city to live in, with lower living costs compared to other European cities like London or Paris. And if you’re looking for job opportunities, Prague has a strong economy with numerous international companies setting up offices in the city.

Overall, Prague offers a unique blend of history, culture, affordability, and career opportunities – making it a great option for anyone looking to live and work in Europe.

Why is Prague a great place to live?

• Prague is centrally located in Europe, making it easy to access multiple countries.
• The city has a rich history and architecture, with stunning buildings and monuments dating back centuries.
• Prague’s vibrant culture also sets it apart, with a thriving arts scene and vibrant nightlife.
• Prague is also an affordable city to live in, with lower living costs compared to other European cities.
• The city has a strong economy with numerous international companies setting up offices in the city.

Why Move to Prague as a Digital Nomad?

5. Tirana, Albania

Tirana may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of moving to Europe, but it offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere that makes it a fantastic place to live and work.

Tirana is a bustling metropolis with plenty of cultural and entertainment offerings, but it also maintains its small-town charm.

Tirana’s historic buildings and pedestrian-friendly streets create a charming atmosphere, while the city’s commitment to green spaces makes it a beautiful place to spend time outside.

The cost of living is also very low compared to other European cities, allowing for an enjoyable quality of life.

Why is Tirana a great place to live?

• The city has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of cultural and entertainment offerings.
• Tirana is a frantic city with historic buildings and communist bunkers.
• The city is also very green, with plenty of parks and open spaces.
• The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live and work remotely.

4. Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, Portugal is a prime location for those looking for a unique European destination to live and work in.

The Algarvian-Portuguese lifestyle combines the relaxed atmosphere of a coastal town with the bustling energy of a city, offering something for everyone.

The Algarvian people are warm and welcoming, making it easy to feel at home and build a community. And let’s not forget about the stunning beaches and landscapes that draw visitors from all over the world – perfect for taking a quick break from work or enjoying on weekends.

Plus, the cost of living in Algarve is much lower than in other popular cities like London or Paris, allowing you to stretch your budget further while still enjoying all that the area has to offer.

Why is Algarve a great place to live?

• The Algarve is a great place to live because it has a relaxed atmosphere combined with the energy of a city.
• It is easy to feel at home in Algarve and to build a community.
• The beaches and landscapes are stunning and perfect for taking a break from work or enjoying on weekends.
• The cost of living in Algarve is much lower than in other popular cities.

READ MORE: The Best Countries to Live and Work Remotely

3. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, the vibrant and colorful city straddling two continents, is a unique option for those looking to live and work in Europe.

Istanbul offers all the charm and history of old European cities but with a distinctly Turkish flavor.

The bustling metropolis boasts many opportunities for employment in industries ranging from technology to tourism, as well as a sizeable expat community.

Istanbul’s blend of modernity and tradition also means that there is never a dull moment: famous historical sites like the Hagia Sophia sit alongside trendy cafes and world-class museums.

Istanbul truly offers the best of both worlds: it has the amenities and opportunities of a major city, with the added bonus of being located along the beautiful shores of the Bosphorus.

Why is Istanbul a great place to live?

• Istanbul is a unique city that offers the best of both worlds: a mix of modern amenities and historical sites.
• Istanbul is home to a large expat community, making it easy to meet people and make friends.
• The city is constantly buzzing with activity, making it never dull.
• Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus Strait, which provides stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.

2. Budapest, Hungary

When it comes to living and working in Europe, Budapest is definitely a top choice.

One reason is its amazing culinary scene – Hungarian cuisine has earned a reputation for its unique flavors and techniques, and Budapest boasts some of the best restaurants in the world.

And speaking of culture, Budapest offers endless opportunities to explore the arts – from classical music performances at the stunning State Opera House to contemporary art exhibitions at Ludwig Museum, there’s something for every taste.

Hungary also boasts one of the most affordable costs of living in Europe, making it easy to enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer without breaking the bank.

Why is Budapest a great place to live?

• Budapest offers a wide variety of cultural experiences, from classical music performances to contemporary art exhibitions.
• The city has an excellent quality of life, with a low cost of living.
• Hungarian cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors and techniques, and Budapest boasts some of the best restaurants in the world.

Why Move to Budapest as a Digital Nomad?

And finally, we’ve reached number one!

Can you guess which city we’re about to reveal? *drumroll please*

It is in fact…

1. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is our favorite European city to live and work in because it offers an unbeatable combination of history, culture, affordability, and infrastructure.

The Romanian capital boasts beautiful architecture, from centuries-old churches to stunning Art Nouveau buildings. It also has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.

Bucharest’s cost of living is much lower than that of other major European cities like London or Paris. That means you can enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank.

There is also fantastic infrastructure with some of the highest internet speeds in all of Europe. You will be amazed at how fast the upload and download speed can be, even in rural Romania!

Let’s not forget about the delicious Romanian cuisine, with Zacusca (roasted eggplant and red pepper) and Mici (grilled minced meat) being our personal favorites.

The people are also so friendly and welcoming, making it easy to assimilate into daily life in Bucharest.

From delicious traditional cuisine to stunning parks and green spaces, it is hard to beat Bucharest as our favorite place to live and work in Europe.

We highly recommend living and working here – you won’t regret it!

Why is Bucharest a great place to live?

• The city has beautiful architecture, from centuries-old churches to stunning Art Nouveau buildings.
• There is a vibrant arts scene in Bucharest, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.
• The cost of living in Bucharest is much lower than in other major European cities.
• Bucharest has excellent infrastructure, with some of the highest internet speeds in all of Europe.
• The Romanian cuisine is delicious and affordable.

So there we have it – these are 15 of the best alternative cities in Europe.

Here is the full list of 15 Alternative Cities in Europe to live and work remotely:

• 15 Antalya, Turkey
• 14 Brno, Czechia
• 13 Porto, Portugal
• 12 Valletta, Malta
• 11 Athens, Greece
• 10 Varna, Bulgaria
• 9 Bratislava, Slovakia
• 8 Vilnius, Lithuania
• 7 Tallinn, Estonia
• 6 Prague, Czech Republic
• 5 Tirana, Albania
• 4 Algarve, Portugal
• 3 Istanbul, Turkey
• 2 Budapest, Hungary
• 1 Bucharest, Romania

Did we miss any out? Let us know in the comments below.