Europe is a wonderfully diverse continent known for its rich culture, temperate climate, economic opportunity, and enhanced quality of life. It’s no wonder many expats choose to live in Europe. But with so many vibrant, bustling cities and picturesque countryside, it’s difficult to decide where you want to settle!

With so many great options, it’s hard to narrow it down. However, there are a lot of things to consider when moving abroad. The cost of living, weather, local economy, primary language, access to health care, etc. of each city needs to be weighed against your needs and preferences. Additionally, choosing a more expat-friendly destination can go a long way in helping you navigate the challenges of living in a new country.

With all that in mind, you may be wondering what your best options are.

That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of the top cities to live in Europe for expats to help you determine which city is the best fit for you.

Life in Europe

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when moving to Europe.

History and Culture

Despite being the world’s second-smallest continent, Europe has the third-largest population out of the seven. Widely considered to be the birthplace of Western Civilization, Europe is known for its rich cultural and industrial diversity and high standard of living. The European population is considered highly skilled and well-educated, which is unsurprising given that it’s home to many of the top universities in the world.

Another thing that makes Europe so unique is its architecture. The architectural style heralds from the Gothic/Renaissance period, featuring grand domes, arches, and vaulted ceilings. Most of the buildings and old castles have been carefully restored to retain features from their previous incarnations. You’ll find lots of interesting churches here too—many dating back centuries ago which still attract thousands of tourists to this day.

Geography 

Located in the Northern hemisphere, Europe is often described as the “Peninsula of Peninsulas” because it’s surrounded by water on three sides. Continental Europe is boarded by two oceans; the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. It’s met by the Mediterranean and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the southeast and the Black and Caspian Sea to the southwest.

Naturally, its expansive and highly irregular coastline (which spans approximately 38,000 kms) makes it a locus for water sports enthusiasts! You will also find diverse types of terrain all across the continent, from mountainous regions to rolling plains, perfect for practically any type of outdoor adventure.

Climate

Europe boasts a wide range of climate zones, from the temperate Nordic climate to the balmy Mediterranean Basin. Depending on where you choose to settle, you can enjoy milder summers and cool winters, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, or sweltering summers and plenty of sunshine, well-suited for avid sunbathers.

The European Union

A huge benefit of moving to Europe is the freedom to roam within the Schengen countries (which includes most EU countries.) As long as you have a Visa, you’re permitted to travel between EU countries without internal border checks.

Top Cities to Live in Europe

Europe is a wonderfully diverse continent known for its rich culture, temperate climate, economic opportunity, and enhanced quality of life. It’s no wonder so many expats choose to live in Europe. But with so many vibrant, bustling cities and picturesque countrysides, it’s difficult to decide where you want to move!

Naturally, there are a lot of things to consider when moving abroad including the cost of living, weather, local economy, and access to health care. Plus, choosing a more expat-friendly destination can go a long way in helping you navigate the challenges of living in a new country. With all that in mind, you may be wondering what your best options are.

Here’s a look at our top picks for the best cities in Europe for expats:

• Lisbon, Portugalv
• Madrid, Spain
• Berlin, Germany
• Barcelona, Spain
• Amsterdam, Holland
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Porto, Portugal
• The Algarve, Portugal
• Vienna, Austria
• Tuscany, Italy
• Braga, Portugal

Keep reading to find out which one is the best fit for you.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and it also happens to be the largest city. It is located in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and, just like Rome, is built atop seven hills.

Recently, it has been named by several publications as one of the top 10 cities in the world to visit, including winning Time Out’s “Europe’s Best Destination” award in 2018.

If you love the hustle and bustle of big city living, this town might just be for you. The Lisbon Metropolitan Area comprises one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe, spanning 6 municipalities around the Portuguese capital.

Home to about 2.8 million people, Lisbon is densely populated compared to its surrounding area. In fact, this urban hub has twice as many inhabitants within its administrative borders than any other city or town within its territory.

Additionally, the climate is mild Mediterranean due to the influence of the Portugal Current. The seasonal variation includes short, rainy winters and warm, dry summers, making it a great option for people wishing to avoid the colder months.

The city is known for its history, culture, food, and nightlife. It’s home to a variety of cool discos, bars, fado houses, and nightclubs all over the city, catering to many different crowds. Plus, the cost of dining out is very low compared to other capitals in Europe. All-in-all, it’s an attractive option for expats looking for work/play balance, affordability, and plenty of tourist attractions to explore on their days off from work!

Madrid, Spain

Madrid, which is the capital and largest city in Spain, is located in the center of the nation. It has a population of almost three million people and is home to numerous universities and research centers. The Madrid urban agglomeration has a thriving economy with the third-largest GDP in the euro region. Its influence in politics, education, entertainment, environment, media, and fashion has been felt across all those sectors over recent years.

Madrid was originally founded by Romans as “Mageritum” in 25BCE and was rebuilt following a siege by Napoleon Bonaparte during the Peninsular war (1808-1814.) Madrid regained its importance after being chosen as the capital by King Philip V in 1716. It has a moderately continental climate that varies between hot, sun-filled summers and cold, rainy winters.

Today Madrid remains one of Europe’s major cultural hubs and boasts some amazing architecture such as La Gran Vía boulevard or Plaza Mayor square, among many others.  Madrid was voted fourth best European city by Travel+Leisure magazine in 2015, but it’s top of our list because it offers something unique that you can’t find anywhere else–bullfighting!

Even if that tradition is not your idea of fun, there is no shortage of rich cultural activities. For instance, you might also be familiar with Madrid’s world-renowned museums like the Prado art gallery or the Reina Sofia contemporary art museum.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany and the second-most populated city in the entire European Union (EU). Its population is 3.5 million vwithin its metropolitan area and around 4.8 million in its urban area, including the suburbs. Located in northeastern Germany on the River Spree, it is the lively center of the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region.

Like Madrid, Berlin has a moderate continental climate, with cold winters and warm, but comfortable summers.

Industrially, Berlin is an important global center for commerce, media, culture, art, and fashion. In fact, its economy grew by 1.6% in 2018 based on GDP per capita, which ranks it fourth among EU cities, behind London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

This city has a strong start-up culture which may appeal to entrepreneurial expats. According to a report by Deutsche Bank Research, $1 billion USD has been invested into Berlin’s start-up ecosystem since 2017, making it a great option for young business owners who want to launch their own companies.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second-largest city in Spain. As of 2018, it has a population of just over 1.6 million.  However, its urban area extends to include over 5,230,00 inhabitants, making it one of the most populated cities in Europe.

The city has been officially recognized as one of the most popular places for expats to live. In particular, Barcelona is home to many international headquarters and attracts thousands of expats from all over Europe looking for work opportunities.

Barcelona has a warm-temperate subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. This makes it an ideal place for expatriates who enjoy warm weather during the summer months but don’t want to experience the sweltering heat that you will find in southern European countries, like Greece or Italy.

Amsterdam, Holland

Amsterdam is considered one of the most open-minded, beautiful, and vibrant cities in the world. It is also a very safe place to live with plenty of green spaces, great public transport, and affordable housing options. Plus, 99% of residents have a high level of English proficiency which is a bonus if you don’t speak dutch!

The city has a large expat community that enjoy its many museums, parks, shops, and restaurants. It’s known for having the highest number of national heritage buildings, including the Anne Frank House. It is also home to several universities including University College Roosevelt (UCR) which caters specifically to international students. In fact, many of the courses are taught in English on topics such as business administration and human resources management.

The climate of Amsterdam is sub-oceanic, with comfortably temperate summers and long, cold winters. However, this does not deter residents from biking around as a main form of transportation, making it a great city for healthy and environmentally-conscious individuals.

Plus, its relatively low cost of living makes Amsterdam an ideal choice if you want to save money while still enjoying life in an exciting city full of culture and diversity!

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world and is considered the economic, cultural, and historic center of Turkey. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait, a natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, and straddles the border between two continents.

This city is a modern, cosmopolitan melting pot with a rich history and tradition. More than 90% of its residents are Muslim and the city draws many tourists wishing to explore its famous religious sites, like the Hagia Sophia.

Istanbul has a temperate climate which means it never gets as cold as some of the more northern parts of Europe, however, there are a few cold and even snowy days in the winter. In summer, which is when most tourists visit Turkey, it can be hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

This city boasts great public transit options including trains, trams, busses, and ferries so that you never have to deal with traffic or congestion from big city living! The medical system in Turkey is also very good, but it can be very expensive for foreigners – especially if you don’t have travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies abroad!

It’s also known for being a friendly city because it attracts people from all over. It’s a great city for expats who enjoy meeting people from around the world.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Western Europe. It’s located at the estuary of the Duoro River and is home to over 2 million people.

This city is full of life, good vibes, and incredible cuisine, which will make you want to stay for life. This coastal city is known for its architecture, culture, and history. What’s more, the cost of living is very affordable. In fact, a one-bedroom apartment costs just 700 euros a month (on average), and the cost of utilities and groceries is low.

Porto has a great climate all year round with warm summers where temperatures rarely exceed 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit). The average temperature during winter (December – February) hovers around 9 degrees Celsius (48 Fahrenheit). This temperate climate is excellent for individuals who enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including year-round surfing!

Similarly, the low levels of pollution make Porto one of the best cities to live in for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of beautiful green spaces to enjoy bike rides or strolls along the coastline with breathtaking views across both sides.

The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve region of Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine. It’s also one of the most sparsely populated cities in Europe, making it perfect for individuals who prefer slower-paced life abroad. It is ideal for outdoor lovers because it is sunny for approximately 330 days of the year!

Residents also enjoy spectacular views of the sea and stunning hills laden with orange trees.

For such a small town, it attracts quite the international crowd. You can expect to meet many other English, French, German and Italian retirees, in addition to young workers seeking a new experience in Europe.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is the capital of Austria, and it has been named “the world’s most livable city” by the Economist Intelligence Unit for several years running. This city has some of the best healthcare, culture, sustainability, education, and infrastructure in the world.

Expats are often drawn here because it is one of the greenest and safest cities in the world, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities, like Paris and London.

Vienna also has a population of 1.85 million people who primarily speak German. However, English is also widely spoken here. In terms of weather, you can expect warm summers and very cold, snowy winters if you choose to settle here.

But despite the cold, there are many reasons why Vienna is such a great place to live in Europe. It has some of the best cultural institutions in Europe such as The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, The Salzburg Festival, and The Mozarteum Foundation. It also boasts one of Europe’s finest museums and historical buildings, including The Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Schönbrunn Palace which was built by Maria Theresa in 1751.

If you are into sports then you surely won’t get bored here since there’s always something happening at Ernst Happel Stadium (home stadium of FK Austria Wien football club), Riesenrad Ferris Wheel. It is also home to Prater Park, which used to host 1920 horse races in the 1920s, but now features live concerts.

With so many great attractions, you will never be bored in Vienna!

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a region in Italy, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich agriculture. The area is known for its abundance of olive groves, vineyards, and artichokes. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better location for expats who enjoy Italian cuisine.

Tuscany is for you if you love the heat. The summers are hot with little to no rain, and the winters are mild and damp. However, you can still experience a few sunny days throughout the winter months.

The population of Tuscany is about 1.1 million, which includes the capital, Florence. The region also appeals to young professionals, digital nomads, and those working in the tourism sector. Retired expats live in Tuscany to enjoy the many museums, cultural events, and restaurants that are available there, but the cost of living is much higher than in other regions.

Braga, Portugal

Braga is a city in the north of Portugal, located in the Minho Province. The city is well-known for its mix of history and cuisine, attracting both entrepreneurs and families. Braga has one of Europe’s highest rates of growth in terms of the tourism sector, attracting people from around the world. Additionally, the city is also known as ‘Portuguese Rome’ because of its renowned gastronomy.

Braga has a temperate Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, sunny summers and mild rainy winters. It’s one of the coldest regions in Portugal, with the average daily temperature hovering around 20 degrees centigrade.z

Braga has many proficient English speakers who can help you settle down comfortably there. Additionally, it has an international school that caters to expat children as well as local students. This makes it easy to find other expats to socialize with when your kids need company during breaks or holidays!

Conclusion

If you are looking to move abroad, there is no question that you will have an incredible time in Europe. While this article provided a brief overview of some of the best cities to live in in Europe for expats, but there are many other great places where you can settle down. If you’re still having a tough time deciding, just visit a few and see where you feel the most at home! Happy travels!