Whilst a number of workers are returning to their offices, many employees are keen to continue working from home to some degree. One reason for this (aside from doing your laundry/ a yoga class during your lunch break) is that when working remotely, you can, of course, work from anywhere you like.
From cities with an impressive co-working scene to places that offer many post-work perks – 5PM surfing lesson anyone? –, we’ve rounded up the best places in Europe for remote working.
Madrid, Spain
With a culture of midday siestas and late-night dinners, those who can be a little flexible with their daily schedule will see their working week transformed here. Take to the city’s Baroque boulevards and manicured parks for your 9AM work calls and (after you’ve clocked off for the day) feed your soul creatively at the city’s many museums and historical sites. Less touristy than Barcelona – English is also less prevalent –, so do take the opportunity to brush up your Spanish whilst you’re here. Staying for an extended period of time? Rotate between any number of the city’s WeWork locations.
Marseille, France
Bypass your first instinct of setting up camp in Paris and, instead, venture further south, all the way down to the Med coast. Once you’re in Marseille, make the Vieux Port (old port) your base. As international remote workers, much of your time will likely to be spent around Saint-Victor. In need of somewhere to drop laptop? Try out co-working space, Make It Marseille. For those whose working days largely rotate around mealtimes/snack breaks, it’s worth nothing that Marseille’s food scene is on the up and up and the city also boasts a number of impressive food markets – hello lunch hour upgrade.
Florence, Italy
Where better than the birthplace of the Renaissance to reinvent your 9-to-5? Truthfully, it doesn’t take much convincing to come around to the Florentine way of living/working – as the historic city’s influx of digital nomads can attest. Rents are more affordable than you’d expect, the food is (obviously) phenomenal, and the culture of ‘il dolce far niente’ (the sweetness of doing nothing) is one which we’re attempting to embrace more wholly in our continued endeavour to create a boundary between our work and our downtime.
Istanbul, Turkey
If we could work remotely from Soho House Istanbul forever we probably would. Surrounded by the art galleries and museums of Galatea, Beyoğlu, and Tophane, it’s the ideal city base for constant creative inspiration. Their ‘Games Room’ – “workspace by day, ping pong by night” – is a signifier of the work-life balance we’re striving for. On a more practical/ less daydreamy level, living costs in Istanbul – from rent to food and cultural experiences – are considered to be far more affordable than those of Europe’s other main cities.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is undoubtedly picturesque, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have a dynamic underbelly. Quite the contrary; the city is home to arthouse cinemas, quirky cafés, and off-kilter gallery spaces aplenty. Creative types will be most at home here – writers amongst you, decamp at Café Louvre (which dates back to 1902 and was frequented by Kafka and Einstein no less) for a boosts of inspiration, and potential sparks of genius. Then, for post-work drinks, head to the Žižkov neighbourhood for the best beers and beer gardens.
Ericeira, Portugal
Remote workers with a penchant for sunbathing and surfing will be right at home here. For relaxed vibes and solid flexi-working options, Ericeira is just the ticket. Lisboetas have been holidaying here for years and a strong international crowd has since caught on. Work your way through this coastal spot’s selection of chill workspaces – to start, try out Salt Studio for size – and end each day on the beach. Then, at the weekend, make tracks for nearby towns such as Sintra, Mafra, and Estoril.
Any Questions or Tips to add?