From the quaint charm of Prague’s cobblestone streets to the modern sleekness of Germany’s Berlin, there is an incredible array of vibrant beauty on offer in the cities of Europe. There is an endless selection of geographical wonders to explore, whether it’s the idyllic suntraps along the Barcelona coastline, the snow-dusted peaks surrounding Zurich, or the rolling green fields in between, the European landscape is a nature lover's dream. Culturally, Europe is a mosaic of languages, traditions, and culinary masterpieces with each city offering something new and exciting. Anything from world-class art to vibrant nights under the lights can be found across the continent along with the promise of an unparalleled experience that blends history, modernity, and a high quality of life.
All of the world’s cities are different in their own unique way and there are a number of important lifestyle factors that play a key role in ensuring your relocation experience is as smooth and fulfilling as possible. One of the most important of which is climate. Spain as a country boasts a staggering 300 days of sunlight annually, with the coastlines of Greece and Italy not falling too far behind. If warm weather and abundant sun are what you desire in a city, then look no further, but if a cooler climate is preferred then a more northern adventure into stunning Scandinavia might be a better choice.
The perfect European city has hundreds of different definitions that are largely dictated by personal preference. Regardless, it is unlikely that you will not find what you are looking for in one of the beautiful cities listed below.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city that is adored by expatriates for numerous reasons, the most prominent of which is that everyone speaks English. This makes for a thriving expat community, aiding significantly with the settling in process. A medium-sized city with all the modern amenities of a much larger one, Amsterdam manages to avoid the daunting, maze-like quality of a big city without leaving you wanting for anything. With an effective Dutch government and favourable tax rules not to mention a well-connected, countrywide public transport system, the only downside to life in Amsterdam is the cost of living. However, many expats say that everything else about the city more than compensates for the expense.
Lagos, Portugal
Lagos is a small, beautiful town nestled in the Algarve, Southern Portugal. Despite its size, Lagos has a lot to offer including the 10 stunning beaches that are all within walking distance. This proximity to a range of coastal retreats means water sports are plentiful in this town, from surfing and swimming to kayaking and paddleboarding. The idyllic coastline also makes for a breathtaking hike with vast views of the ocean. The crime rate in Lagos is low, making it a safe place to live as a family or as a solo explorer. Accessibility is also not an issue, with English being widely spoken across the city as well as the ease of travel to bigger cities like Lisbon via public transport.
Split, Croatia
A rich history, stunning architecture, and welcoming locals are just three of the things that make Split such an inviting place to live. It is another incredibly safe city and sits just a simple ten-minute walk from the sparkling Adriatic coastline. With a population of 175,000 Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and as such, is very well connected to the rest of the country. One of the interesting things about living in Split is the seasonal fluctuation of the cost of living, prices skyrocket during the summer tourist season, this means that winters are affordable but can also mean that rental prices rise during the warmer months.
Madrid, Spain
Spain’s capital is especially popular with people who are searching for a vibrant, cultural, and social lifestyle. Madrid abounds with a host of activities, trips to the theatre, and some of the most exclusive nightclubs as well as a plentiful supply of perfectly manicured parks and green spaces. Madrid is home to more than half a million expatriates, which makes sense considering the key role the city plays in the European economy. This means there are plenty of jobs that are available and accessible to English speakers.
Trieste, Italy
The history of Trieste, a northern Italian town located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, has a history unlike anywhere else in the country. It fell from Roman rule in the 1300s and belonged to the Habsburg monarchy until 1918, later becoming a prosperous main port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The cultural impact of this is still evident today as Trieste is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and religious communities. The city lies at the intersection of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures at the point where central Europe meets the sea. This central location is a traveller’s heaven as you can be in the heart of the Dolomites in just 2 hours, making Trieste the perfect hub for people with a desire to explore the continent.
Strasbourg, France
The region of Alsace in France, where the city of Strasbourg is located, is a historic melting pot, having belonged interchangeably to Germany and France since the 17th century. It is vastly underrated and endlessly beautiful, particularly the area known as La Petite France which is full of pretty half-timbered houses and historic charm. While the cost of living in France is generally quite high, Strasbourg manages to be one of the most affordable big cities in the country and it sits a mere tram ride away from Germany and other notable sites in Alsace like the fairytale village of Eguisheim.
Athens, Greece
Athens is a bustling, sophisticated city decorated by ancient architecture, rugged landscapes, and an entire pantheon of world-renowned myths marked by the most enjoyable feasts and celebrations. You can spend your days losing yourself in the city’s rich history at monuments like the Parthenon and Ancient Agora and spend your nights in a thriving party scene. The Greek economy is in an ever-constant state of improvement meaning that the cost of living remains lower by comparison but the financial position of the country is on the rise. High-quality living is more than attainable with the added benefit of a stunning, historically rich backdrop.
Berlin, Germany
Hailed as one of the best expat cities in Europe, Berlin manages to achieve astounding modernity without losing any of the historical richness it is famous for. It has an unparalleled cultural scene embellished by iconic museums and longstanding landmarks like the Berlin Wall. The city boasts year-round festivals from Music Week to Art Week as well as the world-class Berlin film festival and the festive Christmas markets. The nightlife and culinary delights of this iconic city will not be found lacking, with its legendary clubs and Michelin stars, fine dining and an excellent night out is easy to come by on the streets of Berlin.
Stratford-Upon-Avon, United Kingdom
This bustling mediaeval market town nestled in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside was the home of famous playwright and poet, William Shakespeare. It is an ideal slice of the countryside and offers a cost of living that is almost 20% lower than London. The city boasts fantastic walking trails along the river Avon or up in the neighbouring Cotswolds, but also offers a beautiful spa town retreat due to its proximity to Leamington.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is quickly on its way to becoming one of the most popular expat hubs in central Europe due to an impressive combination of accessibility and beauty. It has a gothic-medieval architectural core with winding cobbled alleys leading you through the city’s many bars and beer halls. The positive effect of Poland’s globalisation is ever evident in this stunning city, from the array of Middle Eastern-infused restaurants to the artisan pizza houses that fill the two main expat neighbourhoods, the Old Town and Kazimierz. The influx of young professionals moving to the area has led to some left-field additions to the city, none more surprising than the new al-fresco swimming area in the flooded Zakrzowek quarry.
The continent of Europe is home to spectacular cities, charming old architecture, and some of the most beautiful natural havens in the world. When it comes to finding a great place to live it is no wonder that so many people choose Europe.
