If you could choose one European city for the best lifestyle and quality of life, which would it be?
Posted by indieness@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 566 comments
Which European city impressed you the most, either as a resident or as someone who spent significant time there? And what makes it stand out compared to other places you’ve lived or visited?
KAToriginal@reddit
Barcelona
roderickli@reddit
If you want to have a knight experience, go to london
Rutherfnord@reddit
Munich 100%
mamadetri@reddit
Madrid, Santander, Edinburgh
Original_Poster_1@reddit
Copenhagen. I value walkability, bikability, cold weather, air quality, rule of law, food, and cultural life.
the_vikm@reddit
Air quality? Not with that amount of smokers
Rupperrt@reddit
still better air quality than most other larger cities (and not more smokers than most cities south of CPH)
Lightweight_Hooligan@reddit
Yeah I was very surprised all the bars and clubs were full of tobacco smoke, absolutely disgusting
Miragalat@reddit
I’ve lived in Copenhagen for 9 years and yes it gives you a lot of financial freedom if you land a good job (which can take ages, I am talking 1-2 years on unemployment), it is very safe, walkable, lgbtq friendly and air quality of good BUT the winters are DEADLY, I am talking winter depression. It’s cold from October to low key May? It’s currently 7 C degrees here and it’s mid May lol. Danes are polite but not very friendly, I’ve never felt connected to them. A lot of cover racism too.
Original_Poster_1@reddit
Deadly winters 🤩 sound like a dream to me
ConceivedPotAuLait@reddit
What cultural life???
multiplesof3@reddit
Every city has cultural life, don’t be silly.
ConceivedPotAuLait@reddit
Really? Then why list it as a particular attribute for Copenhagen? Just curious , is all….. What marked the city’s cultural life so special?
XenonXcraft@reddit
As an example here’s a list of music festivals in Copenhagen this summer:
A colossal weekend - 7-9 maj
Knife 8-9. Maj
48timer festival - 8-10 maj
Nasty Cut Fest - 29-30. Maj
SV festival 1-7. Juni
Distortion 3-7. Juni
Klang 8.-13. Juni
Engage - 19-20. Juni
Festegnen - 19-20. juni
Stella Polaris - 20. Juni
Copenhell - 24-27. Juni
Copenhagen Jazz Festival - 3-12. Juli
Roots and Jazz - 4 - 11 juli
Grøn Koncert - 26. Juli
O Days - 30. Juli - 1. August
Musik i Gentofte - 31. Juli - 1. August
Uhørt - 6. - 8. August
Syd for solen - 13.-15. August
Copenhagen Opera Festival - 13. - 23. August
En sommerdag på Bellahøj- 21 august
Karussel - 27-29. August
terenceill@reddit
[ Removed by Reddit ]
Ok-Sheepherder-870@reddit
Very expensive alcohol…
ProfessionalNo4711@reddit
Still cheaper than Sweden
Ok-Sheepherder-870@reddit
Indeed but not as cheap as in the Netherlands, Belgium or France
Jaeger_Meister_@reddit
Never thought alcohol in my country could be regarded as cheap. Must be rough out there. On the upside we are forced to live a more healthy lifestyle I guess
IMadeaUCDRedditAcc@reddit
Europeans rarely have culture lol
Bingo31@reddit
Had to search for this post to see if someone actually wrote something this unintelligent.
Eranov@reddit
Tell me you've never left your basement without telling me you've never left you basement.
Stay there and tell your mummy to unplug your internet.
QuadrilleQuadtriceps@reddit
I traveled all the way here from an another subreddit to see what the person who left this comment meant. I left empty-handed and confused.
SecretDisaster936@reddit
He probably thinks of free alcoholic drinks...
Ok_Employer7837@reddit
What do you think culture means, exactly?
Fowl_Eye@reddit
Americans: Europeans have no culture
Also Americans: I’m 20% Italian, 48% Polish 1% Norse, 1% Irish.
dreamrpg@reddit
Doing drugs is not a culture.
Ill-Prior-8429@reddit
That's funny from the people that believes jeans are culture and whose biggest cultural trait is to make up they invented things they didn't
Alert-Schedule-1298@reddit
I ate a yoghurt with more culture than the US earlier.
Brief-Walk-5409@reddit
Italy, Russia, Spain, France, Netherlands, Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium, Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Russia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Romania, Monaco, Serbia and Montenegro, Poland, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Moldova, Malta and Lithuania likes to have a LONG conservation with you
KabouterPrikPrak@reddit
Go eat your burger out of trumps ass. Well talk to you in a decade. See how it goes.
CaughtALiteSneez@reddit
r/ShitAmericansSay
flywheel_battery@reddit
Maybe this analogy will help.
“San Diego is wonderful. Great weather.”
“Weather? What weather???”
“Uh, all cities have weather…”
“Then why did you mention it?”
ConceivedPotAuLait@reddit
There is a big difference between weather in Copenhagen and , say, Spain …..it is why people tend to holiday and buy retirement homes in sunny Spain. …….geddit?
multiplesof3@reddit
This is being silly
djpeekz@reddit
It's really not
ElSuroGato247@reddit
It’s ridiculous to think that all cities value diversity of cultures the same amount.
Some countries put more value in assimilation and therefore their cities have less diversity of culture, they’re there, don’t get me wrong, just not as prevalent or celebrated as in other countries.
pdoherty972@reddit
Culture doesn’t mean diversity of culture
Anonymous30005000@reddit
Culture doesn’t just mean the culture of immigrants and brown people, things that will be called “exotic.” White Europeans don’t have to import culture. Literally what people do and value who are FROM the country is also culture.
multiplesof3@reddit
What does culture mean to you?
power_bottom_boi@reddit
This is interesting to me, I’ve been all over Europe and it sticks out in my mind for being very unwelcoming. When the locals weren’t cold they were downright rude and hostile. Worst airport experience in my life. The Danes in Roskilde were a bit friendlier but very content with never stepping foot in Copenhagen again.
rockmus@reddit
You are of course allowed to your own opinion, but I don’t get the thing about the airport? Having been to quite a few airports, Kastrup is really smooth, clean, and you can actually get some decent food there
simple_explorer1@reddit
So you think the Danes are less welcoming than Germans and French. Delusional
SeanBourne@reddit
TBH, despite the reputation, the French are super welcoming if you bother with a few phrases and courtesies in French. (And the more you do here / adapt to their culture, the better it gets.)
The Germans are also (or at least the Bavarians as that’s mainly where Ive spent time in Germany) very hospitable… though be prepared to discuss why US politics is the way it is.
Both also have great food, drink, culture.
Meanwhile Danish society en masse are the arbiters of janteloven … and are just as miserable as you’d expect given that. Though that’s too broad as I’ve met great Danes individually who are fun, fantastic people.
simple_explorer1@reddit
And Danes are super friendly even if you DON'T speak any danish. Friendliness is being humble, easy going and being empathetic. You are 100% wrong to say that Danes are less friendly than French and Germans.
Go to berlin and ask a bus driver for help,look how they react. Or call for a doctors appointment and look how the receptionist keep the call on your face while you ask for help with your health issues. You seem like someone who has no idea what you are talking about and have not lived in either of the places to claim expertise.
matisbv@reddit
For what it’s worth, I’ve been living in Denmark for 3 years and I agree with them. I find French people to be 10 times more warm, welcoming and nice to strangers than Danes. And yes, I’ve been learning Danish and doing my best to integrate. I still think that Danes, although polite, are an extremely cold and unwelcoming people. I do think they are slightly nicer than Germans though.
simple_explorer1@reddit
I disagree and have a complete opposite experience as yours. So yours anecdote is not a common phenomenon. Majority of people find French and germans rude and unwelcoming for a reason. Your experience is an exception than a norm.
Also, try living for 3 years in france as well, then may be your opinions will change
matisbv@reddit
"Your experience is an exception" my feelings are shared by basically all of the international friends I’ve made here. And yes, that is anecdotal experiences and not "evidence", but even if you think we should instead go with Internet stereotypes as accepted evidence, Scandinavian people being seen as cold and unwelcoming is a pretty universal stereotype. Nothing "delusional" about that.
simple_explorer1@reddit
After experiencing france and Germany and how almost all my friends left it for friendlier countries, hard disagree. Actually I myself left it after several years simply because of the utter lack of friendliness and unnecessary rudeness.
It is quite widely documents. Go to any French or German reddit and see people living there constantly complaining about how they are struggling with rudeness and lack of friendliness. Nobody I know actually wanted to stay there because of this.
biqboii@reddit
I agree. Jantelagen in its core means staying humble and not thinking you are better than anyone else. Thats the opposite of rudeness. These people are confusing being introverted with being rude when there are so many countries where a lot of the locals are straight up hostile to tourists and English speakers.
power_bottom_boi@reddit
I’ve been to Copenhagen twice and through the airport 3 times. This is not confusing being introverted with being hostile and rude. I’ve heard this excuse before, I’m not stupid. This isn’t a gee whiz why don’t these people smile more issue. My kid was left in panicked tears at that goddamn airport after how poorly we were treated. A bartender asked where I was from and proceeded to lecture me on foreign policy for my duration which I could not get out of fast enough. I asked the front desk at the hotel for directions to the nearest metro stop and they told me to look it up. Those are just a few off the top of my head and this was years ago - I still remember it. Restaurants, coffee shops, tourist spots were all generally the same. Just a wildly unfriendly place. And this isn’t me not knowing how to travel or whatever, I’m invariably polite and respectful and do my due diligence before I travel and don’t have similar experiences I can think of anywhere else.
KatiushK@reddit
Thank you, people really are weird regarding the french. So many cliches... "The french are unfriendly and rude but the nords are so much better.". Just...
SeanBourne@reddit
There is a LOT of ‘nord glazing’ on Reddit… often from people who have spent no time there (and a lot of the French cliches are also from people who haven’t spent time there.)
KatiushK@reddit
I won't generalize too much because there are cool and shitty people everywhere, regardless of nationality.
However, outside of Paris and the heavy tourists spots, the french are still "half mediteranean" for a good part. That comes with other quirks but "unfriendly and rude" are overblown.
Whereas some nations with a much more... culturally homogenous (and/or smaller) territory can have traits that are more generalized in their population.
Not sa6ing good or bad, cause there are tons of goods things to pick from every nation.
Just, the french bashing annoys me a little because it's just... Wrong. But I also don't live in Paris, and I also like to rag on parisians lol. But that's my god damn right as a fellow french. You tourists better not. I'll lay my life for parisians. But also fuck them haha
SeanBourne@reddit
Agreed, like I mention originally, I’ve met great individuals across Northern Europe… just commenting on the societal feel/averages.
Now I’m going to really piss you off - I actually find Parisians to also be quite friendly and helpful (again, use a bit of French, understand the culture, start with a greeting, etc. - all of that goes a tremendous way).
That said, I’m the oddball that seems to do well in cities (I find NYC to be very friendly and helpful where many Americans give it a reputation as a rude place).
power_bottom_boi@reddit
I also had great experiences with the French and Germans/Austrians. Germans can be a bit boorish as tourists themselves but otherwise no complaints. I think with the French manners go really far, you just need to meet basic social decorum and they’re lovely. Danes were just downright mean people. I’d go back if I absolutely had to. If you want biking and walkability Amsterdam is nearby and while the Dutch are a bit reserved they’re much friendlier.
FaranorRed@reddit
American?
snubb@reddit
And it's close to Sweden 😉
elpigo@reddit
I love Copenhagen but - it’s expensive and the weather sucks. I know I’ve lived there before for a few years.
RelevanceReverence@reddit
Copenhagen is really good. Odense is also wonderful, nearly completely void of tourists.
MinimumHeight6779@reddit
And very expensive you forgot to add.
Ohbollocksnotagain@reddit
High wages counter that. I live rather well on a chef's salary.
MinimumHeight6779@reddit
My point is Denmark is a very expensive country. I have never been yet, hopefully in time I will and see for myself. Thanks!
Original-Measurement@reddit
If you live and work there, it's not the absolute CoL that matters, but rather how it compares to median salary. You can get a much better life in Denmark on a median Danish salary than you can get in Vietnam on a median Vietnamese salary.
ElSuroGato247@reddit
That CoL is WILD tho
SeanBourne@reddit
To actually have to live in: London, and there’s really no ‘second contender’ for me. From the standpoint of having things to do, quality of life, options available, career growth, etc., etc., just no city in Europe like it.
To visit: Paris & Madrid (no particular order.) The career would be marginal, but at least the food, drink, and culture are great. Alternates: San Sebastian, Munich, Lyon. The career would be dead, but the food, drink and culture are fantastic.
Darkhorse: Amsterdam. The career would be better than marginal, though not great per se. The architecture and environment are great. Nightlife can be good when you’re not being gatekept as an outsider. Culture is good. Drink can be good if you know where to look. Food is largely marginal, especially relative to all of the above.
GrimFandago@reddit
Amsterdam supersedes London in things to do, quality of life, options available and career growth in my view.
authortitle_uk@reddit
I am sure it varies from field to field but for my industry (tech) London is a lot stronger for career growth at the top end financially - many more “big tech” have large offices here. For many big companies it’s probably their second largest presence outside the US I would guess.
I really like Amsterdam though. If my company had an office there I’d love to try living there for a bit
kendrickispop@reddit
Work sounds like a significant identity vector for you
SeanBourne@reddit
I mean for those of us who aren’t independently wealthy (sadly not me), it’s a pretty significant consideration on where to base period.
For those of us who get professional fulfillment (happily me - since I have to work I’d rather something that I can get engaged in, not just something where I “push buttons” and “phone it in” all day as I’d actually find that more of a drudgery), it adds even more to the consideration.
kendrickispop@reddit
I’m not independently wealthy but I find pursuing a career exhausting. I have lately decided to prioritise life. Maybe I’m still burnt out
Different_Anteater52@reddit
And by “life”you mean what exactly?
kendrickispop@reddit
Friends, dating, doing a hobby, being able to travel more spontaneously in the weekend because it’s not required to be on top of things all the time
Different_Anteater52@reddit
Well being passionate about your career, building it and have fulfilment from it is so satisfying actually… All you listed is fine too, but it can be done while doing the job you like
kendrickispop@reddit
I had a big law job. I was on call during all my waking hours. I did not see that as fulfilling although from a career perspective it was the best one could do in their field
grumpyfucker123@reddit
I've lived in San Sebastian, it's like a big village. I've also lived in Amsterdam (in the center on a canal) and I love the city, wife struggled with the winters though (they're worse than Southern UK)
simple_explorer1@reddit
Typical Anglo reply. London has the worst quality of life than even Budapest, let alone Amsterdam,
There is a reason NO British city ranks in top 20 for most livable cities when that list is dominated by Europen cities. Tells you everything, but typical Commonwealth people will only pick "London" and look down on other on EU places with genuinely high quality of life.
That's true for most mainland Europeans even in Amsterdam and wider EU, but proud have significantly healthy WLB and don't make with their identity like in London and Canada and Australia. Also a workaholic Anglo is not a surprise. Most mainland European culture don't value that
hditano@reddit
Krakow
Telecom_VoIP_Fan@reddit
I'd choose Prague
Mad_Dagrid@reddit
Surprised to see it so down the list. The architecture, culture, people, vibe.
LiveKindred@reddit
100% London. Public transport is amazing, parks are everywhere, lots of things to do, beautiful architecture, great nightlife and pub culture. London it’s a beautiful and colorful city with an amazing airports that allows you to travel easily to different parts of Europe on your free time.
purpleunicorns07@reddit
Edinburgh
Opposite-Ad8208@reddit
Valencia or the outskirts of Florence if I had a totally remote job
deeoh01@reddit
I loved Funchal (and all of Madeira) but I'm afraid the island fever would hit me. I'd be willing to give it a try though!
antiputer@reddit
I hope I don’t die. I want to be able to visit all those places
Opposite-Ad8208@reddit
I would recommend Impruneta, Tuscany. So gorgeous. Such lovely people. So easily connected to Florence but without the hustle and bustle. They say Yorkshire is God’s Own Country but Toscana has a pretty good claim too.
BreqsCousin@reddit
It'll depend on what you like.
I like watching live theatre. In English, so I like London.
If you like mountains London would not be such a good choice.
OutdoorsActivities@reddit
London is a shit hole. Never recommend no one to go there.
Rose_sixfold2f@reddit
I do need a new IT job if anyone is hiring
wouldacouldashoulda@reddit
That's probably why he asked which one you'd choose. You know, personally.
BreqsCousin@reddit
Which I answered.
But I note that many people are answering without saying what they like, which makes it a fairly unimformative answer
OutdoorsActivities@reddit
Moscow hands down. Seen many different cities, different countries in Europe, but nothing came close to Moscow.
Ok-Bandicoot1353@reddit
Palma Mallorca
thestocklord@reddit
Lubjana in Slovenia and it’s not even close
Best-Scallion-2730@reddit
Helsinki. I spent years traveling and trying to find a new home, but coming back I don’t want to leave anymore. Helsinki has it all. There are sea, island, lots of nature, it’s walkable, bikeable, good public transportation, quite international already, cozy neighborhoods, nowadays lots of interesting events and things to do, digital, clean, saunas, higher salaries so if I want to travel I can actually afford it. The only thing missing is job opportunities.
Responsible_River_23@reddit
I feel the same. I was born in Helsinki. I had not been in Helsinki or in Finland since 2010. Went back this year in March, if I was able to get a suitable job there I would move back in an instant. I have lived abroad most of my life but Helsinki is home. Never had the same feeling anywhere else although Warsaw came close second. Can't wait for summer!
AggravatingStart7322@reddit
Munich Germany
yogajulia@reddit
Barcelona.
But it’s become quite pricey since COVID times.
Still my favorite in Europe for year-round activities and lots of other immigrants to meet & hang out with on the reg.
DifficultTerm-20@reddit
Probably Valencia. Good weather, beach, decent public transport, walkable, safer than many big cities, and still cheaper than places like Amsterdam, London, or Paris. It also feels more balanced and less stressful than a lot of major European cities. It’s not perfect though. Salaries in Spain are lower, and the job market can be rough unless you work remotely. But purely for lifestyle and day-to-day quality of life, it’s hard to beat.
DifficultTerm-20@reddit
But if we’re talking high salaries, strong healthcare, excellent infrastructure, and overall stability in Europe, then Switzerland is probably the top choice realistically. The downside is the cost of living is brutal, but people still manage to save a lot because incomes are so high.
RegularFirm2179@reddit
I live in Rome and love it. The beauty alone keeps me inspired
nicko0409@reddit
Where were you before? We're considering it in 5-7 years
inga-babi@reddit
I haven’t spent a significant time in either but my picks would be Hvar, Croatia in the winters and San Sebastián, Spain in the summers.
Cool_Sympathy_9900@reddit
Hvar in winter? Must be quite rainy no?
nicko0409@reddit
Fully dead too. You have three months of too much tourism and then nine months of eating at 2 restaurants. That's the life of seasonal tourist villages
inga-babi@reddit
This is why I said I’ve not spent enough time in either lol. I didn’t think it would be rainy!
BaitaJurureza@reddit
And windy, google bora wind
jayjaylaker@reddit
Madrid is the only answer
ThinktwiceAct1@reddit
Budapest - lots of culture, beautiful architecture, a very nice geographical setting (hills and mountains nearby, the Danube).
A great nightlife, super frequent public transportation, safety (you can walk around at night even as a woman with no issues), friendly locals. Many young people speak English.
Office salaries make a good life possible, even if they are lower than in Western EU. Cheap airline tickets to all of Europe. Vienna is 2.5 hours by car, Belgrade is 4.5 hours, Bratislava is 2 hours)
Late-Photograph-1954@reddit
Whilst still working: Amsterdam. Compact yet cosmopolitan vibes.
Once retired: somewhere in the Alps. Domodossala, Luzern, Bellinzona.
sleepand@reddit
Why would retire to somewhere cold?
Late-Photograph-1954@reddit
Fresh air and skiing in winter, hiking Alps rest of the year.
bobsollish@reddit
I prefer Utrecht - both touristy, but tourism in Amsterdam is borderline oppressive imo.
princess-rainbows666@reddit
Woah did not expect to see Domodossola in this list 🥹 I grew up there but would never go back unless for epic hiking trips
Late-Photograph-1954@reddit
Beautiful little town, great nature all around. Endless hikes and biking. Great community spirit. Not touristy. It is heaven!
HeatherJMD@reddit
Not even the Swiss retire in Switzerland 😝
Various-Following-82@reddit
Monte Carlo
Swimming_Storm798@reddit
Palma Mallorca.
Great coffee shops, restaurants, malls and architecture plus 15 minutes taxi ride away from the best beaches.
cosmopoof@reddit
I am still happy with my life in Munich. Great drinking water quality, lots of green, quick access to the woods and mountains, lakes and to Italy, beautiful architecture, a very good international airport, great restaurants and food in general, good job options - I can't complain. And it's super safe, no matter if crime or natural disasters.
Efficient-County2382@reddit
Probably Brighton/Hove in the UK. On the continent I'd say Munich
FlimsyDiscipline9950@reddit
Toulouse, France San Sebastian, Spain Porto, Portugal Any of these: Avignon, Orange, Aix en Provence Edinburgh Tromso, Norway Reykjavik, Iceland
Any-Secret2715@reddit
Of all the cities I've been....I'd have to agree that Copenhagen is difficult to beat. Safe, Beautiful, and has all the culture you could want.
elevenblade@reddit
I already made my choice and it’s Stockholm. Yeah, the weather kind of sucks in November, but it’s an incredibly beautiful city that makes up for it the rest of the year. There’s water everywhere. It’s easy to get around on foot, by bicycle and with public transportation. It fits my ideal of urban living but with easy access to nature — there are tons of hiking trails that are available with a short ride by bus, train, boat or subway. Great restaurants, cafes, pubs, and microbreweries. There’s plenty of culture too, concerts, sporting events (Forza Bajen!), theatre and museums. I’ve been here a decade now and have yet to find any other city I like nearly as much.
AK_Sole@reddit
Howdy, neighbor!
I’m living Trondheim for all the same reasons.
My bff just moved to Sweden, so I’ll be visiting often.
Away-Huckleberry-735@reddit
Another fan of Trondheim here. 🇳🇴
Away-Huckleberry-735@reddit
Although I should add that they had a lot of rain this past Fall. Wondering if that’s typical. ( I’m not a fan grey, rainy days .)
FreddyNoodles@reddit
Really? You’re the first person I have heard say that. Where are you from originally?
I spent years in Stockholm, living in Gamla Stan with my Swedish partner and it made us both so miserable. He hates it there, too. My friends/family would visit, get really bored and fly away to another country in less than a week. All of the expats I met there, (other than 3rd world) could not wait to leave. I am sure there are going to be Swedes here that are mad about my comment bit it’s just experience I have had. It’s not personal at all. I have been madly in love with a Swedish man for 13 years. Swedes are fine usually, Stockholm…eh, not for me.
He was born and raised in the same apartment that he owns in Gamla Stan. His friends there are the same ones he had in school. He rents his apartment out and lives in SE Asia. We are 47/48. We met in Bangkok 13 years ago. Before Thailand, he lived in Indonesia. He just does not like Sweden at all. I didn’t either- I thought he was being lame at first. I wanted snowy Christmases again. No. He’s right.
But being on an expat page, most of us are not huge fans of our home countries. So I guess my comment is more about how he feels about it there? But you are honestly the first person I have heard say that in well over a decade.
Glad you enjoy it. It’s always amazing to find that place you feel you’ve been looking for, for so long. It somehow clicks just right. I’m still hunting. After over 20 years, I have thought I found my place 3 times. Sadly, I have not yet and I am beginning to believe that it maybe doesn’t actually exist. Almost 60 countries visited -lots for months, lived in 12 for at least a year- I feel like I should be closer but instead I am just as confused about where I belong as I was when I started. 😕
For real, very happy for you. Next time I go, I’ll try to see it the way you do.
rocksteadyrudie@reddit
I’m married to a Swede from Stockholm and the city has not thrilled me in the almost 12 years I’ve lived here. I get it so I end up traveling a lot.
FreddyNoodles@reddit
That’s much more common for me to hear than the other poster. To each their own, right? I have no issues with where people want to live. But Swedes spend a lot of time traveling, as well. They love to get away for a month or so in the summer and again in the winter. Little weekends here and there.
I remember one year we returned in late December from a month in Rome and my bf’s friend is a taxi driver so he grabbed us from Arlanda. We packed in and my bf said “Why don’t we all just live in Italy, Magnus?? The weather was so amazing, it was sunny and sweater weather every day!”
And poor Magnus got all excited and said, “Oh we had a very nice weekend too! Some afternoon sun for lunch hour!! Very nice! We sat in the car to eat!” 🌝
Now Magnus travels a lot. More than the average Swede, I think. His wife is from Central Africa and he is also a photographer so he has been all over the world and is constantly on another trip but THERE WAS DECEMBER SUN IN STOCKHOLM IN 2019! FOR THE ENTIRETY OF LUNCH!! His happiness was so funny.
My bf and I are laughing but Magnus is a bit on the spectrum and didn’t even know that we were laughing about what he said.
rocksteadyrudie@reddit
Oh man is this the most Swedish story ever. I do love their sense of pride.
Glad1atus@reddit
Living in Gamla Stan in Stockholm is crazy though. About 0.3% of Stockholm live there, it is tiny, packed with tourists and has no proper supermarket or regular "everyday" things. I don't see why anyone would live there apart from being a quirky thing to do for 6 months.
Although anecdotes are not evidence, all of the people who have moved to Sweden and Stockholm especially who I know (20+, including myself) love it and would never move back to their home countries.
What is it that Stockholm doesn't have that your friends and family lack and make them think Stockholm is boring?
appropriateye@reddit
Crazy that nobody has said Stockholm is awesome to you. American and would have said 100% if I could get a job (moved to se England). It’s incredibly beautiful and organized. Why does everyone you meet want to leave!
elevenblade@reddit
Thank you for this comment. Something I think is likely to emerge from this post is that finding a ”home” is an extremely personal thing that will vary considerably from person to person. My personality just kind of clicks with most Swedish culture but I can easily see how many people wouldn’t like it.
I think another thing that has colored my perception is that I was fortunate to make some really great, close friends here. From this and other subs I gather that many people struggle with that in the Nordic countries and I’d bet that if that had been a problem for me I probably wouldn’t like it here nearly so much.
Original-Release-885@reddit
Love Stockholm and Gothenburg!
Morning_Skies92@reddit
I would move to Gothenburg in a heartbeat. Such a beautiful city!
ML71000@reddit
I moved from Stuttgart to Palma de Mallorca a little over 2 years ago and honestly, I don’t regret a single day. My quality of life improved massively.
Great weather almost year-round, international atmosphere, good infrastructure, good schools, the sea 10 minutes away and very well connected to the rest of Europe.
Flights to major German cities are often cheaper than taking the train within Germany, let alone flying domestically in Germany.
And yes, there are a lot of tourists, especially in summer, but there are still plenty of places where you can escape the crowds. Plus, you can always plan your own travels during peak season.
Bananamuffin89@reddit
How's the job market?
ML71000@reddit
I run a company in immigration, relocation and visas, and we expanded into Spain, so I see a lot of this from the inside. My impression: the job market has become tougher again for employees. We receive a lot of applications, including from qualified people. Mallorca is still very attractive, especially for newcomers from South America. We currently see many people from Colombia, Argentina and Chile moving here. But the market is extremely seasonal. Summer offers a lot in hospitality, tourism, real estate, services and international-client businesses. Winter is a very different story. Spain is also very regional. In that sense it reminds me a bit of Italy’s north-south divide: some regions act as stronger economic engines, while others have fewer opportunities. Catalonia and the Balearics are among the stronger regions, so Mallorca is better positioned than many parts of Spain but it’s still not an easy job market.
bklynparklover@reddit
Sevilla, España
Wufwufdoug@reddit
Beautiful city , one of the most astonishing city’s I have visited .
I tell you that coming from France and having visited many other city’s/country
CaughtALiteSneez@reddit
Don’t stick around during the Summer
bklynparklover@reddit
I live in a hotter place now, Mérida, Yucatán. I’m sure I can handle that summer in Sevilla. After a while, you acclimate.
CaughtALiteSneez@reddit
It’s not hotter where you are - average Sevilla temperatures in the depth of Summer is 104 F +.
The air conditioning is minimal…a major difference.
andyone100@reddit
And Merida is more consistently humid throughout the year. July &August in Sevila however, is a drier atmosphere but an inferno. Take your pick. Without A/C in Sevilla, I’d prefer Merida tbh….
bklynparklover@reddit
Have you lived in Merida year-round? I don’t really care that everyone thinks Sevilla is too hot. I’m just saying I’ve lived in Merida for 6 years and it’s hotter here. I’m sure I can handle Seville even if others do t want to. I get it. It’s 100 right now in Merida.
andyone100@reddit
You missed the point-the a/c. Yes Merida is hotter, but without a/c in summer, which lots of folks don’t have in Sevilla, it’s not good. If you don’t have a/c in Merida, well that’s obviously awful.😞
bklynparklover@reddit
Yes, AC for a bedroom is necessary, and I've found that in most places I've rented. Last night in Merida, our power went out from 3-4am; luckily, it had cooled off from 100 degrees. I definitely need AC to sleep in this weather. I still have to convince my Mexican partner to move to Spain but it's a long term plan. He's never been there but he's from Sonora, which is even hotter than Merida for part of the year (although dry). He bike rides daily in the heat.
bklynparklover@reddit
Check out the average monthly temperatures for both cities. In Sevilla, the high is in the 90s for three months of the year and in Mérida it’s eight months of the year that our average temperature is in the 90’s, it’s much hotter here.
bklynparklover@reddit
The hot season there is much shorter and we also have temps of 104, sometimes for 5 to 7 days in a row. Currently the temperature there is between the 50’s - 70’s and here our whole week is high 70s to 100. It’s currently 86° before nine in the morning and going up to 99 today. There is no central air here either but houses are built to minimize the heat and we have a pool. I’m sure it wouldn’t be my favorite time of year, but I also know I can tolerate it, after living here. Trust me this place is hotter for longer. Mexican sun is also just more intense. I’ve been in Seville in the summer, and although you prefer to walk in the shade, you can walk in the sun, here at midday during the hottest part of the year, it hurts to walk in the sun for even a few minutes.
Anyways, I’m not deterred by the summer heat. I’m going bike riding here in a few hours.
ArsonJones@reddit
I know several Sevilla natives who don't live there because they said they couldn't handle the Summer there.
Sufficient_Stable738@reddit
And it's getting worse every summer, now, i seems.
bikerdude214@reddit
why Seville over Madrid?
bklynparklover@reddit
I like Madrid, but lived 30 years in NYC and don't need to live in such a big, busy city. From Seville, it is easy enough to visit, and I like all the small surrounding areas of Seville.
primo_iv@reddit
Where in Mexico? I am moving soon and have 3 spots in mind just keep rethinking everything
bklynparklover@reddit
Merida, it's hot and prices have risen a lot the last few years, especially housing and restaurants. Traffic has also worsened, but it is still very safe.
okitobamberg@reddit
Seville is really incredible.
Big_Rip_4020@reddit
WTF is MX?
CalifMtnGrl@reddit
Mexico
Big_Rip_4020@reddit
I’ve somehow never seen that abbreviation before
tnvoipguy@reddit
Really…it’s at the end of every domain name from Mexico…LOL
flywheel_battery@reddit
Even more common is the abbreviation CDMX for Mexico City. It’s a newer abbreviation but it’s everywhere now
Old-Oven-8851@reddit
Heidelberg ♥
I am Italian and I have lived there, in London and in Sydney, but Heidelberg will always be home for me.
If I were rich I would buy an apartment with a view on the Neckar because I love that it is walkable - its centre has the longest pedestrian street in Europe - safe, beautiful, trams work perfectly and it is not so far from Frankfurt and Stuttgart airport + you can reach many countries by car/train/bus very easily from there.
AgitatedSecond4321@reddit
Heidelberg is truely beautiful. ( but the parking and number of tourists is a little overwhelming).
Old-Oven-8851@reddit
Luckily for me I did not even own a driving license when I lived there - I am now on my way to get one.
Plus, I lived just behind the Hauptstraße, so I was able to enjoy the Altstadt every single day.
Remarkable-Hawkeye@reddit
Now I’m curious!
Electronic-Ad-3875@reddit
Gent - insane old historic buildings everywhere, neat, rich, lots of good jobs, lots English speakers, great uni, great culture, great food and run by bikes, less than an hour from the seaside
spara-budget@reddit
I enjoy living in Barcelona.
Weather is fantastic. Friendly people. The sea. The hills. Seems like there is a festival every weekend.
RandomTopTT@reddit
Barcelona. Weather. Food. Beach. Beauty. Water.
Yo_Mr_White_@reddit
Is crime in Barcelona blown out of proportion or it's a real concern for most people that live there?
After_Education_4201@reddit
There r 5 stabbing in last 2 weeks. I live in Barcelona. Rapidly detoriating city. Central areas are not safe. I know multiple people who were robbed or snatched. It can happen anywhere any time. My friends wife was pushed while she was walking. She fell down and her teeth got broken. Phone snatchers. Also housing a is a huge problem. There r not enough houses here.
Radiant-Tip4832@reddit
Is it Spaniards committing these crimes or forasteros?
cuyFrito1@reddit
Vast majority North African
Abject_Ovni@reddit
jajajajajajajajaja im spanish, ill just answer with the jajajajajaja
Glittering-Let-2888@reddit
?????
fosfeen@reddit
You anyway know the answer, don't you?
CaughtALiteSneez@reddit
It’s always been a bit like that, but has indeed gotten worse.
I wouldn’t live there.
visualize_this_@reddit
Have you noticed the amount of tents all around the city popping up in the past weeks? it's insane. I noticed so many new tents around the Diagonal Mar area and all around the ronda
me_gustas_tu@reddit
Totally out of proportion. It's not a dangerous city at all.
visualize_this_@reddit
It has gone downhill rapidly lately.. it remains my favorite city but you can’t deny something is going very wrong
ToTheMoonAlice75@reddit
Tell that to the Chinese girl who got stabbed to death or the guy who got injured trying to save her a week ago. We were there for a month in Barceloneta and saw a pickpocket and heard another mugging happen downstairs from our window. There's a lot of crime in Barcelona. It's sad.
andddmiller@reddit
Blown out of proportion.
power_bottom_boi@reddit
Only city I’ve been to where someone tried to mug me, luckily I got away unharmed and with my belongings.
RandomTopTT@reddit
When I was there recently the pickpockets were so obvious. It’s easy to avoid them but if you’re from a country where that doesn’t happen you might get caught out.
Prst_@reddit
There's a lot of pickpockets pickpocketing touristy tourists. In the year and a half i lived there i never got mugged. But that was in the age of very small cell phones and just needing a bit of cash in my pants pockets.
No-Command7098@reddit
Hmm you could probable get stabbed….plus non muslims might find a huge cultural shock…
Vorarbeiter@reddit
What are you on about? I bet you've never set foot in bcn
No-Command7098@reddit
I’m Spaniard and I’ve lived in Barcelona, I bet you are part of the radical invasion…
Vorarbeiter@reddit
You're wrong on both accounts.
1) I'm from Barcelona and live there. 2) I did no such thing.
I guess you're not good at logic?
No-Command7098@reddit
https://youtu.be/0pvvUU8IPNQ?si=DXjA_HLKRAHno29z
Welcome to BCN
Glittering-Let-2888@reddit
??? What is this video saying. Thx.
Vorarbeiter@reddit
It's made-up bullshit from a far right party
Vorarbeiter@reddit
Lol, youtube as a source. Expected, yet still sad.
No-Command7098@reddit
Why I’m not surprised to see you support socialists after seeing you defended the Moroccans who killed a girl…
Vorarbeiter@reddit
Again, I did no such thing. Seems you struggle with logic and / or reading
Sufficient_Stable738@reddit
And tourists
PrncessVespa@reddit
My husband and I are looking at Terragona
spiritsarise@reddit
A spicy choice!
DirtyAnusSnorter@reddit
Second this, can’t think of any other place that beats it. Maybe Madrid, but no beach, and Valencia and Malaga are much smaller.
bbbbento@reddit
Lyon , right size, right climate, great food, bikable, walkable, great transit. Fun and vibrant but not too touristy. Affordable housing. I love it .
Parisean@reddit
Lisbon and Utrecht.
I live in Paris so take that for whatever it’s worth.
Puckster123@reddit
Live in Porto now but it doesn’t compare to Paris
WongKarWhey@reddit
Netherlands ofc
WongKarWhey@reddit
Netherlands ofc
brzinldn@reddit
The Hague!?
Mysterious_artist24@reddit
Libourne, France
Zealousideal-Set2314@reddit
If you can afford the high life, south Athens by the sea is your choice
DMT_is_from_GOD@reddit
Madrid
expatraccoon@reddit
I'd say Vienna. The culture/arts, walkability, well maintained parks, excellent public transit, very affordable housing relative to other large European cities. It's so easy to travel to the alps or other countries for a weekend break. The people are really funny, too.
No_Grape4473@reddit
As a resident, I absolutely love Zurich. Big enough that there are plenty of restaurants, events, etc., small enough that it is not a hassle to navigate, utterly safe, plenty of job opportunities, and can't beat the nature available with a short drive (lakes, mountains,...), big enough regional airport, location in central europe gives easy access to france, italy for quick vacay trips, strong currency.... could go on, but really love it here. Just pricey, but that also keeps the amount of tourists down, which is nice
Desert_Mermaid_4321@reddit
Athens or Vienna
Master_Ladder_4337@reddit
I was between London and Paris and chose Paris in the end!
Three years in and overall I'm very happy, if you want to learn more about life here to consider it , i wrote a few articles that could help:
What it actually costs to live in Paris (a realistic 2026 budget)
Looking for a job in Paris without speaking French? This is everything I wish I knew.
and more here
Hope you find this useful! :))
Used-Alps3233@reddit
For year round sun and great food, I'd choose Malaga, Spain any day of the week. But if you like experiencing all 4 seasons and the ability to drive to other EU countries in just a few hours then Wiesbaden, Germany gets the vote. I've loved living in both.
jefflimk@reddit
If any size city , Galway Ireland. Big city, Porto.
radiopelican@reddit
London. I spent the summer of 2017 there when the world cup was on.
Gosh the nightlife there was crazy, the memories of the nightbuses and underground trains all around the city. Legit would just get text's and jump in random ubers with friends to house parties all around.
Love london!
MysticLion23@reddit
There was no World Cup in 2017
QUARTERMASTEREMI6@reddit
As an introvert, London made me grow up a lot 🥹😅
Trupinta@reddit
Riga
LibrarianByNight@reddit
I like Copenhagen, but I'd also live in any other smaller cities in Denmark as well. We value walk/bikeability and a culture where our kids are safe out in the neighborhood alone. It's also quite clean with good public transit (and delicious baked goods).
Independent_Major556@reddit
The fact that we have 2 and half months of summer at best is a major disadvantage tho
Pesty-knight_ESBCKTA@reddit
And this year it alresdy happened for four days last week. Looking forward to seeing the sun again in 2027!
LibrarianByNight@reddit
For you, maybe. I'm fine with it.
Bright-Resolution802@reddit
Ci vivo e sono d'accordo, tranne sui prodotti da forno, molti li elogiano ma a me fanno stracagare 😭 non vado pazzo per Copenhagen, Aarhus la trovo più graziosa e meno caotica.
Exotic_Notice_9817@reddit
So basically the Netherlands but as a downside you have to speak danish.
LibrarianByNight@reddit
If you want to lump two countries together, then I guess so.
ChallengeWorth1393@reddit
Crete
Altruistic-Gas-9932@reddit
😂
LibrarianByNight@reddit
Oh I see, you didn't have success in Norway, so by default you hate all the Nordics. Good luck with your startup in the US 😅😅😅
LibrarianByNight@reddit
I guess I missed the joke.
KeyScientist7@reddit
I really enjoyed Amsterdam. Really friendly people!
Ok-Sheepherder-870@reddit
Yeah and loads of tourists…:(
rahim0602@reddit
Not in most neighborhoods where locals live. Expats often really overpay to get homes in the touristy parts which is weird to me.
Ok-Sheepherder-870@reddit
A shame indeed. If you have to go work in Utrecht, get yourself a house in Bunnik. Way better and still 8 min from central train station Utrecht.
According_Water_5774@reddit
Only in places you don't live.
Ok-Sheepherder-870@reddit
I lived here for 9 years, now just 5 km away :)
According_Water_5774@reddit
I’ve lived here for 10 years. 10 minute (cycle) from Centrum - hardly ever encounter a tourist.
CampReal2716@reddit
I’m really happy living in Amsterdam. Going everywhere on my bicycle feel liberating
Numerous_Lynx4440@reddit
I prefer cities with a bit more density so you don’t need a bicycle to get around. I find having a bike a hassle compared to walking.
_EcstaticArachnid_@reddit
I love it here. There’s no housing though, but I think that’s true of most big cities now
simple_explorer1@reddit
Why did you leave
poopybuttholesex@reddit
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
mackebono@reddit
how is the weather there? I have a friend that lives there for many years now and from what I understand, the weather was kind of meh..
poopybuttholesex@reddit
You don't here for the weather
gerbileleventh@reddit
I've been here for 8 years and couldn't agree more. A lot of people call it boring and without much to do but I find that it suits me due to how simple life is. And the public administration is way more efficient than what I grew up with
Bloooberries@reddit
Aix en Provence
babijar@reddit
Overated.
tingymomo@reddit
Aix is nice if you have a home. Otherwise, it’s too small of a city with not a lot going on unless you drive to Marseille.
blood_klaat@reddit
Isn’t Aix just a village?
I enjoyed Montpellier as a small city.
Sufficient_Stable738@reddit
no
Sufficient_Stable738@reddit
Aix and Marseille are one big conurbation
VD-journey@reddit
Yep but boring
let-it-rain-sunshine@reddit
Nice is nice as well.
fosfeen@reddit
Why?
Bloooberries@reddit
The hilltop villages just north of it are quiet and gorgeous, but still close enough to cities (Aix and Marseille) but you get the beauty, tranquility and good communities for families. Close enough to the ocean/beaches too.
OutsiderEverywhere@reddit
isn't Marseille a bit unsafe?
SeanBourne@reddit
Overblown by parisians/ other French IMO.
As an outsider visiting it was just a ‘be aware of your surroundings’ kind of place (which should be your default visiting any strange place) - hardly a war zone.
fosfeen@reddit
Oh, that does sound great!
mehmehwoofwoof@reddit
Really? it feels excessively touristy to me
The-American-Abroad@reddit
yeah, it feels a bit like a tourist town and is the answer a foreigner would give for "the most French small town." Nice place, don't get me wrong.
Bloooberries@reddit
Well I mean the villages just north of it - Puyricard, Venelles, Eguilles but most people know Aix
babijar@reddit
Vienna - as a born and raised Czech, Vienna is as close to Prague as it gets. Like a German mentality with a touch of Slavic background, you can get it there. Prague, unfortunately, is getting worse as times go by - politics and still a little of former communism. Toying with idea to live there for part of the year when I retire ( have both Czech and US passports, so easy to do).
CoffeeInTheTropics@reddit
Hard to choose but if I could divide my time between The Hague, Netherlands & Valencia, Spain approximately four months out of the year, I would be a happy camper!
Ozapft@reddit
You are so right…
Aisling207@reddit
Paris
Upset-Ad-622@reddit
London has everything
matisbv@reddit
"Your experience is an exception" my feelings are shared by basically all of the international friends I’ve made here. And yes, that is anecdotal experiences and not "evidence", but even if you think we should instead go with Internet stereotypes as accepted evidence, Scandinavian people being seen as cold and unwelcoming is a pretty universal stereotype. Nothing "delusional" about that.
Xander_Cordova@reddit
when I was in Amsterdam I loved it. only downside is very expensive housing. other than that it's good weather, not the hardest language, some nice food, good culture and a constant party place. I lived there only for few months; of course it depends on what you look for, but would recommend for sure
Future_Mirror_879@reddit
Good weather???
Adventurous-Elk-1457@reddit
Assuming that I’d work remotely and wouldn’t have to deal with the local job market, I’d choose Lisbon
Assuming that I'd need to work on-site, I'd stay in Warsaw
HVP2019@reddit
Why do you pick Poland? I wander if we use the same reasons.
I’d pick Poland because of how easy it will be for me to settle there legally, practically and because of language. But I may not pick Poland if my background was different, if I had to learn language from zero, for example.
Adventurous-Elk-1457@reddit
Because: 1) I'm a Pole, born and raised in Warsaw (duh) 2) I work in the IT sector, which is basically a cheat code as far as living in Poland is concerned. You earn (in many cases outearn) like a Western European, but your costs of life are significantly lower 3) Safety - I think that this one is pretty self-explanatory. Warsaw is a ridiculously safe place. You have to be extremely unlucky to end up in a dangerous situation. Many of my friends from LatAm refuse to believe that I can go for a casual walk at 4 AM and feel totally unbothered by my surroundings 4) Immunity to any sort of crisis. For some weird reason the Polish economy seems to be growing no matter what. It's a very positive trait, especially given how most first world countries seem to be either stagnant (Western Europe, Canada) or at the brink of collapse (the US, New Zealand)
swellfog@reddit
The U.S. stock market climbed to record highs on Friday, May 8, 2026, as investors cheered a resilient jobs report that far exceeded economic forecasts. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both finished at all-time high closes, marking their sixth consecutive winning week—the longest such streak since 2024.
Market Performance Snapshot (May 8, 2026) S&P 500: Rose 61.82 points (0.84%) to a record 7,398.93.
Nasdaq Composite: Surged 440.88 points (1.71%) to a record 26,247.08, driven by a massive rally in semiconductor and AI-related stocks.
Dow Jones Industrial Average: Edged up 12.19 points (0.02%) to 49,609.16, slightly lagging behind as it lacked the high-growth tech momentum seen in other indexes.
zbrights@reddit
The Dow is a terrible index for the actual life satisfaction of the average working person. When some industry lays off most of their workers and replaces them with some AI that is going to screw everyone, their stocks go through the roof (nevermind the oncoming historical crash). When unions get pushed out, the stock jumps. Workers lose benefits or their jobs. And I say this as a tech worker with thirty years experience.
swellfog@reddit
You said the US was “on the brink of collapse”. It has its problems for certain, but it has the healthiest, most diverse and innovative economy on the planet.
lake_hood@reddit
Poles don’t out earn Western Europe. At my company, we send jobs there to save money. We don’t save as much as India, but it’s significantly cheaper than the rest of Europe and obviously even bigger savings than the us.
Adventurous-Elk-1457@reddit
I was talking about IT specifically. Additionally, bare in mind that our taxes are generally lower
lake_hood@reddit
I’m talking about IT as well.
Sephass@reddit
The rest of Europe you know perhaps? There are plenty of countries in Europe cheaper than Poland
hokageace@reddit
The reason is Poland has become the India of Europe in terms of being a favourite country for international companies to hire for IT jobs.
Tough-Stock-1450@reddit
Love Poland. But contingency plans are in place to relocate the North inland should Russia choose to launch an attack via the Kaliningrad Oblast. The probability as of last summer was assessed at 50%.
Time is Poland’s ally - the older Putin gets etc. And Ukraine is not going well for Russia right now.
I’d rather live with that risk than having ICE agents killing people on the streets.
Still-Wafer1384@reddit
There are amlot of other countries besides the US and Poland ;)
HVP2019@reddit
That makes sense
ttr26@reddit
Same- I agree. I actually love Poland, but luckily at the same time I can legally settle there and am "OK" at Polish. I really like Warsaw, but my favorite city is Wrocław (hidden gem) and I have recently bought an apartment there- love the size, quality of life, lifestyle, etc.
That's the thing- for most people, it's not easy to settle in Poland unless you essentially have family ties, ancestry, or a job- there's no remote work or passive income visas like
Funny enough, I also own a property north of Lisbon- but not sure we'll ever move there.
gregd303@reddit
Wroclaw is a great city ...not on most people's radar. I live in Krakow but it ai easily could have been Wroclaw
ttr26@reddit
Yes and I kind of hope it stays off people's radars. Maybe I shouldn't mention it on Reddit 😅 Kraków is lovely when it comes to the actual city, but there are too many tourists for my liking. But I think it doesn't bother everyone.
Valuable_Echo2043@reddit
The way you’ve spoken of your home country makes me assume it’s definitely not Poland so I’m unsure if it could be for the same reasons.
Gates_wupatki_zion@reddit
If it’s Poland then I’m going Gdánsk.
Possimpible746@reddit
I’m never gonna Gdansk again
Guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it's easy to pretend
I know you're not a fool
-Polish George Michael
Adventurous-Elk-1457@reddit
Personally, I wouldn't swap Warsaw for any other city in Poland. But if I were forced to - I'd pick Gdańsk hands down
El_Diablo_Feo@reddit
Why not Krakow, Wroclaw, or Lodz? And why Gdansk if not the capital? Curious as I see Poland rising and my wife enjoyed her time in Warsaw
mrmniks@reddit
Because every city in Poland that is not Warsaw is a whole tier lower. You can see it immediately.
Entering Warsaw, you get nice lawns, great quality roads, lighting, the buildings are clean, sidewalks are modern, lots of bike lanes and in general it looks like Germany and even better.
Krakow, Gdańsk and others invest zero into the parts of them where people live. They’re cosplaying Disneyland for tourists, all their money go to very limited old towns, while literally every other area is struggling a lot.
Yesterday I came back to Warsaw from krakow (i have to move there for some time), and I’ve been legit depressed. After the whole day of looking for an apartment we didn’t find a single neighborhood that would look half as good as the worst area of Warsaw.
It’ll take maybe another 10-15 years for these cities to develop to the level that Warsaw has now. And the salaries are much lower.
The only upside of Gdańsk is the sea, and the only upside of Krakow is the mountains nearby. Hardly a plus for a city since you’d have to leave Krakow.
rbnd@reddit
Not even just tourist area is well maintained. I have been to Jelitkowo, Gdańsk and boy how bad was quality of the roads there. Full of holes and cracks. Terrible.
LunaDote@reddit
I love Bydgoszcz and am surprised Poznan dint even make your list.
mrmniks@reddit
Never been :)
But I’ll come to Bydgoszcz for a triathlon this summer! Heard good things about the city, hope I’ll like it.
The-American-Abroad@reddit
Warsaw is better than any city in Warsaw to live except maybe Wroclaw.
Lodz is cool but too run down for the average expat probably.
Gdansk is fine but the weather really really sucks there.
Krakow is too touristy.
Dizzy-Ad-8161@reddit
Wrocław has terrible public transport Action. Accident every Day. Only Warsaw
bobsollish@reddit
Just got back from Lisbon - it would definitely be at or near the top of my list.
gratedwasabi486@reddit
Lisbon is my answer as well. Easy access to Porto and the Algarve, which are just fantastic vacation spots. Good food. Lovely city. Good international scene and a mix of hipstery new and traditional old. Coffee and pastry everywhere you turn.
Lots of tourists, although much less so outside of the core. Definitely an anti expat sentiment, although that's all of Europe and Lisbon is not nearly as bad as some spots. I find people are proportionally as friendly to the effort you make to speak Portugese and be respectful.
Otherwise I'd look at Zurich or Vienna.
Forsaken_Ad2907@reddit
Porto, Portugal.
Early-Scientist-000@reddit
Wow, it’s funny - this would be one of my last choices. The city feels overpriced, overcrowded in certain months, and generally boring for what it is. Claustrophobic and hard to walk in all the pretty parts. Food choices and things to do lacking in most of the non-touristy parts. Service and bureaucracy is agonizingly slow moving… I simply have never understood the hype.
Anxious_Turnover_995@reddit
Very boring
IridescentImaginings@reddit
Porto was beautiful, but unfortunately at my age the hills were killer!!! Otherwise it was fantastic.
gianakis05@reddit
kids these days cant even walk up the hill anymore
RelevanceReverence@reddit
2022 and 2025 saw temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Porto was beautiful, before climate change became noticeable.
sikiboy96@reddit
I live in Porto since 2022 and heat is not a problem. It's colder than people think in fact
IMadeaUCDRedditAcc@reddit
Boring!!
dallyan@reddit
I lived a couple months there in the winter and I was so cold. Lovely city overall but the lack of radiators in many apartments surprised me.
gregd303@reddit
Yea many of the places are only built for sunny climate. It gets to winter, or not even that cold / some rain and you really feel it because there's lack of heating, and poor insulation.
Extension_Canary3717@reddit
Lived about a decade there , its cool
BaitaJurureza@reddit
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
MARXISM47@reddit
PÍO PÍO
AdmirableStop406@reddit
Valencia
Lightowy93@reddit
Lucerne, Switzerland. Amazing architecture, directly by the sea and mountains. And if you want to have the "italian touch" you just cross the Gotthard tunnel and have a completely different world out there
DumpsterSlunt@reddit
Funchal, Portugal. I like Tromsø, Norway quite a bit, but only for about a third of the year.
NinetalesFire@reddit
Maybe Granada
mannix67@reddit
I believe Bilbao has it all. its quite a lively place , next to pristine beaches, the weather is perfect in my opinion. it will be a 2 hour train ride from Madrid when they build the high speed rail line, which would be handy for attending big events and concerts or getting a huge internatoinal airport. it also is next to mountains and lakes so you can Ski in the summer time. brilliant food and culture aswell..
AssistAble6787@reddit
Was waiting for this answer
Lola-in-Spain@reddit
Bilbao, perfect weather?! 🤣
mannix67@reddit
Yes, I don't like it sunny and too hot all the time. I like a mix.
RaggaDruida@reddit
Very strong candidate indeed!
Half-agony_half-hope@reddit
Bergen, Norway but I do not mind the cold!
Dramatic-Dig4901@reddit
Milton Keynes
398409columbia@reddit
Vienna
haitch31@reddit
Madrid, Madrid, Madrid
Zestyclose_End_217@reddit
Bordeaux for sure :)
callemagdalena@reddit
madrid, bilbao, but i speak spanish and love the culture
AwkwardRent5758@reddit
I'd love to say Naples or Palermo, but I know the reality so I agreed to let her going to Italy for a while.
Tight-Classroom4856@reddit
Depends how rich you are, different wealth = different choice. Paris for instance is great but only if you are rich.
shrapnelll@reddit
Portimao ( PT ) or Andorra
Calm-Comment-9255@reddit
I think Vienna is overall the best city in Europe; livable and if you have a job there you can enjoy a good quality life. No place is perfect but i personally like that it‘s beautiful, you can live in good quality apartments with affordable rent ratio to local salaries, safe & clean without being overrun by tourists. Four seasons with pleasant summer without extreme temperatures and mild winters with still a bit snow.
mel2kill@reddit
Similar but more fun, Budapest. But the jobs are not as well paid.
Lola-in-Spain@reddit
And no sun Nov-March
con_sonar_crazy_ivan@reddit
Vienna truly reveals itself when you start to consider leaving. You start weighing pros and cons and keep saying to yourself: why would I take a step down in that area? And its like this in, not all, but a surprising number of areas.
I feel like Vienna, apart from the rankings, doesn't make a big deal about its liveability (in fact, they complain all the time), but it slowly roots you into comfort and safety. Not necessarily excitement or ambition-- at least not on the world stage-- but in everyday life
Sufficient_Stable738@reddit
How is the weather though ?
Silver-Pass53@reddit
Also about 50quid for a sandwich!
Original-Measurement@reddit
Where are you finding these 50 quid (pounds?) sandwiches?
Silver-Pass53@reddit
Was there about 10 years ago, some cafe/restaurant had half a sandwich for about £8.
Original-Measurement@reddit
Agreed! Vienna isn't the most "exciting" place to visit, but out of all the cities I've been to, it's one of the few that made me think: "Hmm, I could probably be happy living here."
ProfessionalPain5198@reddit
Its really nice and calm but I felt like I was at a small village in terms of things to do and boredom. I'm not a super outgoing person but it felt outright dead on a spring evening.
trashhighway@reddit
Interesting because we were visiting a few months ago and LOVED Vienna. Our tour guide was bemoaning the prices there and said he grew up there but now it was unlivable for regular people because of AirBnBs and wealthy people. Said if you needed a plumber/some sort of worker, you’d wait a long time because those people have to live far out of the city. Granted this was just one resident’s opinion but it struck me as possible after seeing what has happened in other beautiful city centers.
antiputer@reddit
I think that’s generally what’s happening everywhere, and why having the culture of just spending just to spend money needs scrutinized
Mysterious-Switch766@reddit
The summers in recent years have been extremely hot with 30-35 degrees for weeks. Last year was fine though. Cost of living is still great for a capital but I’ll never get used to the grumpiness and rudeness of the locals.
orange-ym@reddit
I think Barcelona is great, or Nice.
Barcelona is great as it is a huge metropolis with much to do and great weather. I also loved the Spanish culture there! I think the work culture is also cool and modern as there are many expats/digital nomads.
Nice is a little smaller and more artsy, the charm and the flair of the Cote d´Azur is unmatched in my opinion!
oumsmak@reddit
Taking money out of the acquisition? Then Spain!
comments83820@reddit
Non-EU citizens can't choose. They can only move where they have a visa or residency permit.
throwaway178480@reddit
Not being able to answer rhetorical questions is a sign of low IQ btw
comments83820@reddit
Maybe I have a good idea of who's asking this.
frombsc2msc@reddit
Not every post needs your input. This is one of the post that doesnt.
comments83820@reddit
I'm so sorry that Americans aren't entitled to live wherever they want in the world.
frombsc2msc@reddit
Neither are europeans. Whats your point? If someone asks: “if you could chose one us city to live in” then im not gonna reply the same way you did.
Im just gonna say miami in the summer and nyc for the experience, san diego to raise a family and get on with my day.
comments83820@reddit
well, in the EU, Europeans are entitled to live wherever they want
LibrarianByNight@reddit
You still don't show up and move in. You need permits and jobs or a way to support yourself and you don't get all the full benefits of citizenship.
frombsc2msc@reddit
What is your point? Mexicans are allowed to live in mexico?
LibrarianByNight@reddit
No one here said they were...
lastsundew@reddit
OP also never even said they’re American lol
LibrarianByNight@reddit
Great point.
Captlard@reddit
You do not answer the question 🤷♀️
RoundAd4247@reddit
The question is senseless without context. (Or it is simply harvesting answers for the so-called “generative AI”.)
Designer_Status2214@reddit
London
DioSeo@reddit
It is nowhere as good as at home) Believe to a person who left not the richest country in the world because of war and switched a bunch of locations in last year's. As a person with family and a kid I would not choose any of EU countries these days mainly because of the immigrants and lack of safety which is kinda a thing for us after few years of warzone mode living. If I would be single (which would be weird I'm my late 30th :-D) I would choose Netherlands I think. Good vibe, easy to reach different counties around and of course very open minded people with all this recreational substances laws they have)
anchaescastilla@reddit
So you wouldn’t want to be an inmigrant in Europe cause you don’t like migrants in Europe? Would you find it problematic that your migrant kid mixes with migrant kids?
🤦🏻♂️
DioSeo@reddit
Not at all) I am an immigrant at the moment. Just not in Europe. My kid mixes with a variety of other kid from all over the world. No problem with that. And don't get me wrong. I am not blaiming immigrants. it is more about the government that is unable to manage the flow and controll the situation in their countries. And when you don't set a borders in a propper way everything will mess up. I learned this a parent as well)
anchaescastilla@reddit
So your point is that migrants that you are bad for the places they migrate to, I am guessing based on your own personal experience. So when you do something wrong your excuse is that the goverment of the country you migrated to should control you better? How is your presence as a migrant in a foreign country messing everything up in the contry to migrated to? It would be cool you tell us specific examples of how bad your presence as a migrant is for the contry you are apparently destroying with the sheer power of your presence.
DioSeo@reddit
This sounds aggressive. Trying to prove something? Make some point not passive arrogant tone. Any examples that prove I am wrong? All I meant to say - I would not choose any single EU place to live and grow my kid today. And frankly I don't care if you are okay with this) Either make you point and share actual position or just back off)
As for the questions - when I do something that is completely normal in my home country this does not mean it is appropriate elsewhere. Like someone used shit on the loan.. or drunk and drive.. or chase a women on the steer trying to get new friends) no real examples from my current life, sorry. It is hardly punished in my current country so I follow the rules. And point here is that if in your country there are more immigrants than locals their "normal" becomes new reality. Is it bad? Could be if you live, pay taxes and actually consider this place you home. And when government says "be respectfull" instead of setting and protecting the borders of their citizens and culture there will be day when someone will shit on your doorstep and call it normal.
anchaescastilla@reddit
I am trying to prove that reading an anti inmigrant inmigrant is funny, and you keep giving me more.
Can you please elaborate how "migrants are ruining Europe" interacts with your experience as a migrant destroying the continent you migrated too, and how your migrant kid has cause problems to the local kids by interacting with them?
DioSeo@reddit
Aha. More questions with no points) glad you had fun though. I am sure you got my point and just trolling since have nothing to actually say. You are reading something that is not there. Non of the above says all immigrants the same and ruin everything.
anchaescastilla@reddit
Questions are a really cool way to make points. You should reserach who Socrates is.
So you have met every migrant in Europe so you know they are the bad kind and thus "ruining Europe"? I don't think that's true, there are millions of migrants in Europe. I think you are just a racist, and trolling racists is fun.
DioSeo@reddit
Where did this comment disappear? I am sure you had something to say. Don't limit yourself. Socrates would not. Tell us more about how white immigrants ruin your country. Not racist point at all))
anchaescastilla@reddit
Nothing disappeared, except your self respect? You clearly need to work on your relationship with reality. For example, you have to learn that being a proud racist on the Internet will make people react, and when you start double messaging them with unhinged loony monologues, they’ll just block you. Bye. And remember: migrants are workers who try to integrate and help run the country, expats are colonizers who destroy whole communities, steal resources from locals on a massive scale and turn every local culture into post modern, performative matcha tik tok bullshit.
DioSeo@reddit
Damn you are slow)) Of course there are good immigrants! Like me :-D or millions of other people who left their home for whatever reason and moved to make things around themselves better.. maybe even you, don't know. I feel you are not an immigrant but just a kid in his 20th trying to prove something for yourself. Socrates lived in a world of words, but we live in a world of data. Philosophy is fine for a chat, but it doesn't change the police reports. And no need to meet every single person in EU. It is enough to be robed couple times on the street. You keep trying to paint me as ‘anti-migrant’ to avoid the real point: this is about the government's failure to protect its citizens while taking 30 or 40% of their income? Though I am almost sure you don't earn and pay much since you are into Socrates philosophy. Why are you so desperate to ignore the crime stats from Sweden or Germany? Is the official data 'racist' too?
AcceptableProduct161@reddit
Lyon, France
Wonderful_Box8@reddit
Haarlem NL or Cassis FR
Harry10253@reddit
Haarlem is lovely. Surprised me how much I enjoyed my time there.
Wunid@reddit
Of the major cities, Milan. A large international airport, close to the mountains, close to the sea and lakes. Practically everything is within easy reach. Plus, great Italian cuisine and people who dress better than in most European countries.
multiplesof3@reddit
Isn’t Milan notorious for being quite polluted?
Lordgyo@reddit
We live there since two years, omg: Milan is sooo over rated and postdated. Especially if you’re about the night life and cultural dynamism, Milan is light years from Paris, Berlin or London. A disaster of boredom.
kulashaker28@reddit
It is. Air quality is really bad. Wonderful place March-May and September-November, but winter is miserable and summer too hot IMO.
More-Environment4639@reddit
Just moved near Lago Maggiore within less than an hour I’m in Milan by train for work. Loving my decision so far! It’s beautiful.
ChayleBlake@reddit
Swiss or Italian side?
IridescentImaginings@reddit
Milan is actually on my list to check out before retirement.
Usual_Climate_5105@reddit
Tenerife
Outrageous_Maximum_3@reddit
Copenhagen for sure
Sea_Fly_2413@reddit
Nej
ChloeVFA@reddit
Haarlem.
InterNote278@reddit
Pas une ville en particulier car je préfère être en dehors des villes, mais plutôt une région et pour moi les regions les plus agréables à vivre à l’année en Europe sont l’Algarve et le sud de l’Italie côté Adriatique
milldawgydawg@reddit
London 🤣
AnyRegular1@reddit
I’d have said Innsbruk, Austria But Austria in general is very expat and “I’ll start my own business” unfriendly with their laws. Without a job you need to pay into a public insurance which is easily €550/months, remember that’s Public. So 2+ months of wait time for everything. And other stupid rules too. Everything gets solved magically if you have a spouse/you yourself work, even like 10 hrs a week job would cover all these govt imposed social security and insurance.
Uookhier@reddit
Rotterdam for sure. As one of the worlds biggest port cities it has a vibrant expat life. More restaurants then you can ever visit and plenty of cultural events all year round. It’s like Amsterdam, but without the tourist crowds and more modern architecture. Bikeable and with excellent public transport.
And maybe just as important, it’s located perfectly. Want to see tourists, channels and 16 century citycenters? Delft is 15 minutes away. The Hague 30 and Amsterdam & Antwerp less then an hour. It has it’s own airport which will bring you to any major city in europe within 2-3 hours. See Rome? Olso? Sevilla? Vienna for a weekend? Sure thing. Weather is too cold and want some time to relax on a Greek island like Santorini? Just a 3 hour flight away.
Conscious_County3208@reddit
Veria, Greece
A small paradise in a paradisal-country
crowdavoid@reddit
The crowd factor tends to be underweighted when comparing cities. Lisbon has gotten noticeably harder to live in over the past few years for that reason — rents rise, locals move out, and the city starts feeling like a stage set. Porto, Ghent, and Ljubljana have a much better ratio of liveability to cost partly because they never made the 'top 10 European cities' lists that drive the seasonal surges.
duiml65@reddit
Ghent, definitely very underrated but so beautiful. Food, beer, culture, music...
margaux_bdx@reddit
Lubjana, Slovenia !
Erdiless@reddit
I am surprised Edinburgh hasn’t come up yet. The old town is stunning, people are friendly and you are never more than few minutes away from breathtaking nature. Lived there for five years and loved every minute of it.
The only downside is the summers. Short, cold and rainy.
QUARTERMASTEREMI6@reddit
Yeah, my brother is there currently! Miss him lots 🥹
apricot-5@reddit
Copenhagen and Stockholm
MarketByObservation@reddit
Copenhagen stands out because it blends calm, beauty, social trust, and everyday convenience better than almost anywhere else in Europe.
ToronoYYZ@reddit
Utrecht is top tier to live in. Moved here in January from Toronto and it’s an amazingly great city to live in.
laapsaap@reddit
really is an hidden gem.
proof_required@reddit
It's not. Why does something not known to Americans/NA crowd is "hidden". I lived there 15 years ago and it was already quite expensive. I used to pay like 1200 euros rent for a 1 BR apartment. I am sure those apartments are at least double that price.
laapsaap@reddit
I live in Utrecht my whole life. No one fucking knows Utrecht really, lets not pretend otherwise. To make things easier I always just say I am from Amsterdam when I am traveling.
dutch_emdub@reddit
I think internationally it is quite hidden. There's not many Europeans outside NL, Germany, Belgium that know Utrecht.
proof_required@reddit
It has quite a famous university and full of international students. When I lived there, not as a student, I have quite a multinational group of people that I spent time with.
Just because every European city is not famous tourist attraction hyped on social media, it doesn't mean it's a hidden gem. What does hidden mean to you? Just hidden from you?
dutch_emdub@reddit
Omg. No, I mean hidden from most people in the rest of the world. Almost all other places names here are major cities: Copenhagen, Barcelona, Paris, that are much less "hidden" or internationally known than Utrecht. Obviously it is not hidden form the people that you refer to: those who live there, or who live in the Netherlands.
What does hidden mean to you? Unknown to people who actually live in Utrecht?
proof_required@reddit
By that parameter anything outside of country capital and famous tourist destinations would be called hidden gem. Kinda defeats the whole idea of using hidden gem then. So pretty much any city but Amsterdam in NL is hidden gem like Rotterdam, the Hague etc.
I actually don't really know what people, at least NA crowd, mean when they use this term since they use it for pretty much any European city which isn't super touristic. I remember not long time ago Lisbon was called hidden gem by NA crowd and now I hear Valencia in Spain is considered one. It's almost like people don't realize there are more cities in European countries and just because you didn't know about them before, it doesn't mean they were hidden in some way.
dutch_emdub@reddit
Yeah, that's the whole point of a hidden gem. People don't know the place (hence: hidden), or they know the place but don't know it's a gem (hence: hidden gem). So, e.g., most people don't know Emmeloord. If it were an absolute, unexpected delight to live there, it would constitute 'A hidden gem'. Alas, it isnt.
Ofc, people know there are other places than Amsterdam and Valencia. They just don't know which of these are actual gems.
Next time, before you start a discussion, google the term first, eh
proof_required@reddit
Maybe try to use it properly,eh. Saying 4th largest city of a well known European country as hidden gem is pretty much abusing the term. Next I will call Calgary as a hidden gem.
JCI2026@reddit
Definitely Malmo, this town in 🇸🇪 it’s just magical …
If I had to give a second choice Tallinn in 🇪🇪, both places will make you feel as in a fairy tale
funlovinggay@reddit
The other hidden gem is Maastricht… small city , but so so beautiful.
ToronoYYZ@reddit
Haven’t visited but have heard it’s nice!
Ok-Sheepherder-870@reddit
Live here now, just in an outskirt town. Great city, best city to live in imho
Dragt_peak@reddit
But its always raining. I cant with that
Ok-Sheepherder-870@reddit
Nope just in 9,75% of the days.
simple_explorer1@reddit
Compared to Toronto snowy Weather?
moderationscarcity@reddit
it’s beautifully sunny today!
phen0@reddit
It rains a lot during the winter. The rest of the year not so much. Not nearly as much as some European cities.
BramFokke@reddit
Compared to Phoenix maybe. The Netherlands sure can get gloomy at times, but you also have plenty of nice weather.
udigogogo@reddit
You havent actually ever been here, have you?
Dragt_peak@reddit
No, just visited lol
Loezzel@reddit
I haven’t seen rain for weeks here. Right now I’m sitting on my balcony in full sun. It’s hot!!
Etikoza@reddit
Honestly the last couple of years have been pretty dry
drkwbr@reddit
I love Utrecht but it's a small town compared to the big cities everyone mentiones.
deadenddivision@reddit
True, but you get Amsterdam (25m by train), Rotterdam (30m), Eindhoven (35m) and everything in between.
proof_required@reddit
It gets old real fast and also trains are expensive in NL. You need to live close to the central station to have fast access. Otherwise that 25 minutes is like 40-45 minutes and more. Also things in Amsterdam aren't directly at the central station, so you need to further take tram into the city. Been there done that and this wasn't just my experience. Lot of people after initial excitement give up and just stay in Utrecht.
ToronoYYZ@reddit
Exactly
simple_explorer1@reddit
Buddy, you get to Amsterdam in 30 mins from Utrecht. In other so called Big cities it will take longer to do intra city movement
perdivad@reddit
Boring as shit
simple_explorer1@reddit
Which city is entertaining to you
stardustViiiii@reddit
Expensive though
simple_explorer1@reddit
And Toronto is more expensive for lower quality
TheTrueLorenza@reddit
I also moved to Utrecht from Toronto. Small world lol. I loving living here aswell. Gorgeous, super walkable 👌
Dependent_Garlic_727@reddit
How would you compare Toronto and Utrecht?
simple_explorer1@reddit
Toronto is poor in quality of life, poor work life balance, massive distances to travel by car, traffic jams, significantly less walkable and car dependent and poor salaries compared to Netherlands.
Do you know that in Toronto the legal vacations in job is just 10 days per year vs 25 minimum in Netherlands and most of Europe including UK (20 to 25 but still).
simple_explorer1@reddit
Utrecht has truly high quality of life for a city stones throw away from Amsterdam. Same for Haarlem. No similar sized Canadian cities can match the walkability, cycling and public transport infrastructure options like Utrecht.
Dependent_Garlic_727@reddit
How interesting. Can you please make a comparison between Utrecht and Toronto?
ToronoYYZ@reddit
It’s probably not the best comparison since they differ across every single metric but I was offered a job at a large consulting firm in Utrecht and so I took it. It’s been fantastic, very quaint but still a lot going on, peaceful at night time, close proximity to each major city, super safe, a lot of history and honestly just a really beautiful city. It’s not super big but big enough for a high quality of life
BIGplouf@reddit
Been here for 5 years. It’s the shire of cities.
BloodyTjeul@reddit
Amazingly expensive to rent let alone buy. Born there but had to move to another town in its vinicity when I started a family because housing is too expensive in Utrecht. I rented an appartment in a street with regular houses too, and it felt strange to see the amount of expats increase in the area.
VD-journey@reddit
Lyon 😏
LingonberryLoser@reddit
I dream of living in Lyon.
bklynparklover@reddit
Merida is like living on the surface of the sun half the year. I’ve been here year round for 6 years. I can now tolerate 40c temps without trouble. I think in Seville it’s similar but the hot season is shorter. Here we start in April and go into October. I’ve been in Seville in late June and found it enjoyable. Hot but enjoyable.
crosscourt-fh@reddit
Late June is not peak summer heat in Seville. July and especially August. Companies often move the work day earlier because of it beginning in August if I recall correctly. June is a cakewalk.
bklynparklover@reddit
Have you been to Merida, Yucatán?
honesttogodprettyasf@reddit
i quiiiite enjoyed florence as a visitor and see myself there as a retiree when it's my turn!
Halladottir@reddit
I've been in Hamburg, Germany a little over 4 years now and absolutely love it. Couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
hcbjraz@reddit
The best places are unknown to most Americans.
robotalk@reddit
DM me!
YejapBali@reddit
I haven't be around a lot, but of the places I've been too, Berlin was the best. It's big, there's always something happening in the evenings, it's relatively clean and quiet even for a big city, and the metro is really good. By far the best of the many cities I have lived in, in Germany.
robotalk@reddit
Surprised this one isn’t further up. Berlin has been on my top 5 for a couple decades. Germany is amazing but can feel culturally rigid at times. Berlin is a totally different vibe w/ all the German benefits. The first week I was there a young Berliner told me most Germans don’t think of Berlin as being a part of Germany. I thought that was a funny exaggeration but after living and working in the city for a bit I got to see his point.
Berlin has it all. It’s big and distinct yet still easy to navigate and the metro rocks. People are amazing. Prices aren’t bad depending on where you are and what you’re up to. QoL is fantastic. It’s a big city that you can still find solace and serenity in. Pretty rare. We absolutely loved living in Prenzlauer Berg.
Plus the history of the city is not only fascinating it’s also physically embedded in everyday life. It was one thing to be a tourist there taking it in but completely different when you’re a real part of your community: living and working amongst the remnants of contemporary evils that have been torn down by empathy and love and absorbed into the city’s daily fabric. I found living in Berlin to be a really unique and profound experience. It’s been too long since I’ve been back.
DrunkEnginir@reddit
I agree, amazing city, you just have to find the right neighborhood for you as they're very different
somethingreallypithy@reddit
Zadar, Croatia. Walkable old Town, great seafood
Bosw8r@reddit
As a Dutch guy, I must say, Prague
makimaki124@reddit
If someone handed me an apartment and I could work there I’d move to Montpellier tomorrow
floare_salbatica@reddit
If I didn't have to learn the language and also didn't have to live on the outskirts, Prague, hands down. I also loved Palermo but I guess being a local is different to being a tourist.
Nofanta@reddit
None, all the great cities are in severe decline. Even just 20 years ago they were so much better.
Suspicious_Care_549@reddit
Paris : best culture and best food
CoffeeInTheTropics@reddit
The people though……
Historical_Topic650@reddit
Have always been lovely to me.
Bitter_Weekend2763@reddit
Karlsruhe, Baden.
Spiritual-Job-952@reddit
Villach
branzzin@reddit
London for culture, Amsterdam for cycling and Paris for hedonism
MelkorTheDairyDevil@reddit
If I didn't have to worry about anything? Funchal (Madeira-Portugal).
Dizzy-Ad-8161@reddit
Warsaw
dollhouss1@reddit
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Sagarret@reddit
I like Prague and it is relatively tax friendly regarding FIRE with a decent cost of living
Cornholio231@reddit
Looooove London so much. Would jump at the chance to live there if a company was willing to sponsor me for a visa (I've tried several times).
I would be happy with Madrid though
TruthSuper4973@reddit
++ for lisbon
gypsy-bean@reddit
Palma, Mallorca (Spain). Relatively affordable, very beautiful, not too big but has everything you need. Good food. Very international and cosmopolitan people. Great weather and beaches. Hiking nearby.
Sagarret@reddit
Have you been there during winter?
The island is dead during winter, locals are leaving ane the infrastructure really sucks.
Mallorcan culture is really cool, at least for me as a local that left, but you will never enter in a local social group as a foreigner.
TruthSuper4973@reddit
Omg this post is like a travel destination advice across Europe!
I’d definitely live in cote d’azure
Antibes, Cannes, Grass, Montpellier even though it’s occitania
Places to enjoy life!
Ok-Sheepherder-870@reddit
Utrecht for sure.
Nice people (and a lot of students which gives the city a lively atmosphere). A lot of history & historical buildings dating back to Roman period. Very bikable and walkable, good restaurants, not too many tourists (if you compare it with Amsterdam, Utrecht really is a paradise). Create cultural life with festivals classical music, jazz. For my kids: safety, very good schools, etc. Green, a lot of parks, canals, the forest is just 20 min away.
No-Lie2476@reddit
Dublin for the craic with the added bonus of fine gray windy wet weather
yeeyo95@reddit
Stockholm, such a beautiful city! 🇸🇪
2kokuoyabun@reddit
London and Spain!
gratedwasabi486@reddit
Really depends what's most important to you.
If you value sunshine/favorable weather year round, you'll want to stick to one of the Mediterranean cities. Lisbon or Barcelona would be the standouts for me.
For a large, urban center I think Paris, London, and Berlin are the obvious choices. I'd heavily favor the latter two, Paris is one of the less welcoming places.
For something comfortable, clean, just really easy to live in/exceedingly family friendly I'd look at Zurich, Geneva, or Vienna.
I also think if you get EU citizenship and have the funds, it's really ideal to split winter/summer. An example would be spending summers in San Sebastian and the rest of the year in Barcelona. Or summers in Porto and the rest of the year between Lisbon and the Algarve. Copenhagen enters the list if this is the case, as summers there are superb while the rest of the year is a bit rough.
Common factors for basically all major European cities are; tourist crowds, anti-immigrant sentiment, rising prices, difficult housing.
There are heaps of smaller cities across Europe that are absolute gems, but the smaller the city, the harder it can be to find a social circle. The reality is as an expat most of your friends will end up being expats, no matter how hard you try to integrate. So unless you're bringing a social circle with you, I'd stick to a larger city.
JoeLustre@reddit
Amsterdam without a doubt.
jeanjean5555@reddit
No housing.
Turbulent-Tea-2172@reddit
Zürich would be my first pick
Minimum-Host5277@reddit
Liège : festive, avec une vie nocturne, pas chère, active, avec le TGV, des gens sympa et pas stressées, des théâtres, des étudiants, à 2h de la mer, à 30 min de Maastricht, de jolis paysages tout autour.
mdvseventysix@reddit
Zurich. 🇨🇭
Own_Illustrator_6387@reddit
Sant Cugat Del Vallès
unicorn_sparklesweat@reddit
The Hague. It’s green with lots of parks, the beach is nearby, great city center with lots of history, good food and not as touristy/busy as Amsterdam. If you’re into night life it’s not top tier but I’m in my 30s so I enjoy my nights in
littlevai@reddit
Idk we live in Oslo and the quality of life here is pretty incredible, especially if you have young children.
longaaaaa@reddit
Geneva, Switzerland. Cleanest, safest, great food, intelligent kind educated people. Only downsides the winters are long and can be a bit dull.
funlovinggay@reddit
If I have copious amount of money … it has to be Zurich for me . Thank you . 🙏
jaminbob@reddit
Yeah if money was no object Zurich.
funlovinggay@reddit
My ex was from there , visited him a few times , went to street parade a few times . The lake , the mountains, the water , chocolates and hot boys …. Yes yes yes … 😂
Tinsel_Toes@reddit
Vienna, great metro, great walking, access to culture, great food, mountains and wilderness close by. Oh and vanilla cream on destroyed pancakes.
kbmeadow@reddit
Munich. Very high quality of life here. Surprised it hasn’t been mentioned yet.
tingymomo@reddit
I moved here two months ago. I love it!
kbmeadow@reddit
Yay glad you you love it! Just over two years for us now, of course there are natural challenges that come with a move abroad but I feel so lucky that we get to call this home.
DrunkEnginir@reddit
Amazing but super expensive. Can't even buy a small apartment unless you're super rich
kbmeadow@reddit
It is expensive for sure.
Cord1083@reddit
Haarlem
Tiny-Cranberry1686@reddit
Geneva would be my answer: lake and mountains at your doorstep and easy access to the rest of Europe. It’s a small enough city to reach most places in half an hour by bike. And the public transportation is great. Yes, it’s expensive but salaries are good, too
Original-Measurement@reddit
To live and work in? Munich or Vienna. To visit over and over again? Paris.
rowdt@reddit
Groningen, The Netherlands.
CoffeeInTheTropics@reddit
Agree and so underrated!
Junior_Film_475@reddit
Charleroi. LOL. Just kidding.
tarotfairies@reddit
Gothenburg
Separate_Employee_86@reddit
Porto
ealwhale@reddit
Bern
domerich86@reddit
I guess Krakow. Green, affordable and young
exception82@reddit
Bucharest
gregd303@reddit
Hell traffic, noise, heat, and polution. I'd go to any other place in Romania
exception82@reddit
Like most cities of that size
TrainingAd377@reddit
When was the last time you visited other cities of that size ? Do you find Berlin, Viena, Lyon, Madrid etc. to be like Bucharest ?
Big-Entertainer2074@reddit
I moved to Enschede, Netherlands because my partner is from there. It’s surprisingly nice but lacks the beauty of a 700 year old city but that’s mostly due to the WW2 occupation and subsequent bombings. I dream of living along the southern French seaside. There are many villages and cities that are beautiful, have access to delicious food, and are easily walkable. I imagine living by the sea and reading my books quietly while enjoying a nice coffee.
theearthisflatonmaps@reddit
Most of the small Italian towns are absolutely stunning. The history, the culture, the food, the people, I absolutely love it. I also love other hands-on not-so-beaten-path maybe villages in Serbia and Croatia, also really outstanding.
Soulnomad1955@reddit
I loved both Paris and Amsterdam, but the city that I loved the most will always be London. Oxford and Cambridge were also nice.
Valuable_Echo2043@reddit
For me specifically, Kraków. I couldn’t imagine living elsewhere tbh, to the point where I’m now in the process of buying my forever home here.
Mundane_Sort_305@reddit
Is your job in English? I quite like Poland but feel like it’d be a struggle to find a job in English
Valuable_Echo2043@reddit
My job is in English yes, but it's with a US startup who employs people abroad via Deel. As in, I don't work locally.
In Krakow I have friends who work local jobs that are in English. Krakow has a strong tech presence but it's different in that they're largely either subsidiaries of international companies or they're tech consulting agencies. I fit in more with the fast-paced "Silicon Valley" startup scenery so I'm not sure I'll ever get a local job here.
gregd303@reddit
There's lots of multinational companies , it's relatively easy to find a job in English ..in Krakow or any of the main cities anyway
yegegebzia@reddit
What's the air quality like there especially in winter time?
gregd303@reddit
A lot better than it used to be. Had some rough days this last winter. One day it was the worst on the planet!! But it's used to be a lot worse and like 2 months in winter like that.
Gates_wupatki_zion@reddit
Lotta tourists especially the drunk British kind. But Krakow is truly a gem. Have a great life there.
wagdog1970@reddit
Drunken British tourists are a lot of fun. Provided you don’t have to clean up after them.
Gates_wupatki_zion@reddit
Not usually in my experience. They’ll get so hammered they are literally yelling like no one is around. Love to start brawls and when I was in Poland they were particularly awful to the Polish women who worked outside the clubs. And of course the Poles have to clean up after them — what a weird comment.
No drunk Brits might be some of the worst that you don’t want around.
Adorable-Chipmunk794@reddit
Annecy, France
donpaulo@reddit
Vigo Pontevedra
Latter_Annual_9274@reddit
Valencia
basicbagbitch@reddit
Ljubljana
hokageace@reddit
I have visited manay European cities. I always think about retiring in one of them but I change my mind constantly.
Nice - beautiful city, weather and beaches. Also has so many wonderful towns nearby with good connectivity with airport and trains.
Paris - beautiful city and great food. Lots of culture. Very central.
Vienna - so beautiful and clean. Lots of culture. Very central.
Amsterdam - beautiful city with a lot of culture and good food.
hiimmaze@reddit
Maastricht
Important-Gift-3375@reddit
Paris or Barcelona.
zhabitzhabatz@reddit
Same for me. 🥰
Dorkypotato@reddit
Paris for the win, for us. Food, art, fashion, history, museums, it's all here.
StraightPin4420@reddit
London, Vienna or Paris
gregd303@reddit
Are you rich?!
HorrorFreak93@reddit
Vienna is actually very affordable, one of the few major European cities that have actually gotten housing prices under control
a_protsyuk@reddit
Lifestyle quality is real but the actual cost varies more than the averages suggest. Lisbon gets recommended constantly but it's 40% more expensive than it was 3 years ago. Valencia is the current value leader. Tallinn is underrated for infrastructure quality vs. cost.
The honest answer: pick a shortlist, then track your actual spending from day one wherever you land. I use DrakeAI for this - voice log every expense in local currency, 40 currencies supported. After 30 days you have real data instead of blog estimates. https://drakeai.app
Ukrokie@reddit
Rouen, France
MajesticDeeer@reddit
I lived in Rotterdam (NL) for a year for my masters. Such wonderful city with amazing architecture and long waterfront. Diverse culture (hence food), mild weather, very decent transportation. Miss my time there everyday
PintsOfGuinness_@reddit
Ljubljana
I dunno, I like the vibe. It feels old and awesome without being too touristy.
ImplementEven1196@reddit
Falmouth
Extension_Canary3717@reddit
Depends but on the source of your money, but Oslo , Barcelona , Warsaw are great starters to figure out
Original-Release-885@reddit
Goteborg Sweden or Oslo
JohnnyFencer@reddit
Darkness in winter is a big downside though
HVP2019@reddit
It would be my birth city. Not because it is objectively recognized as the best European city by everyone.
My home town is better for me specifically compared to other European cities because it is a familiar place. I have family and friends there, I speak language, I can settle there easily. I believe those things are extremely important for quality of life.
I currently live in US. I have no plans of returning back to Europe but if i were to return then I would choose my home town over other European cities, especially foreign ones. Because not knowing local language and not having social connections greatly reduce my quality of life.
officerboba@reddit
Umm where is it
Sufficient-Job7098@reddit
I this you are missing the point. The name of city is irrelevant
stevie_nickle@reddit
I think you are missing the point of this post.
Sufficient-Job7098@reddit
Maybe. English isn’t my native language.
What is the point of this post is not help person to identify city where they have the highest probability of living well.
antiputer@reddit
You’re losing the plot
Sufficient-Job7098@reddit
Which is?
antiputer@reddit
You’re just losing plot, man, idk what do tell you, you’re just losing it
Sufficient-Job7098@reddit
You just tell me what is plot
antiputer@reddit
My man, you have GOT to lock in.
Sufficient-Job7098@reddit
This is not what I asked
antiputer@reddit
LOCK IN. I can’t do this for you, dawg.
Sufficient-Job7098@reddit
Why can’t you? What is so difficult about articulating a point?
katnip-evergreen@reddit
Right
Sufficient-Job7098@reddit
I this you are missing the point. The name of city is irrelevant
antiputer@reddit
I will have an affordable room for rent in the center of Lisbon. I do need a new IT job if anyone is hiring
Level-Brain-4786@reddit
I’ve visited most and lived in a few. Moscow was the most impressive, safe and comfortable.
frombsc2msc@reddit
Idk why you’re being downvoted. It’s one of the major cities of the world.
Level-Brain-4786@reddit
I do. 30% USA, 20% Netherlands, 8% Germany, the rest from the other EU countries is what Reddit is showing me. Chauvinism and double-standards is what defines the culture here.
frombsc2msc@reddit
that sucks, man. Sorry you have to deal with this hate.
Level-Brain-4786@reddit
Oh, I’m from Canada. It is just an observation for me, a reflection on those people.
MentalFred@reddit
Also you never have to think about having to vote with those silly “democratic” elections.
wilgotniczka@reddit
Hands down Copenhagen
ExerciseTrue@reddit
Since you don't say anything about weather: Utrecht.
FormalLog9276@reddit
It’s fascinating how choices differ so much based on priorities. Some prefer the Mediterranean vibe of Barcelona or Valencia for the climate and social scene, while others lean towards the stability and pragmatism of Vienna or the quality of life in Stockholm. Ultimately, the 'perfect city' depends heavily on whether you’re working remotely or need to integrate into the local job market.
MarcusFallon@reddit
Anywhere that you aren't living
owzleee@reddit
I love London, but I'm biased as I lived there for 30 years. Palermo (Sicily). New York (not at the moment, obvs, but before/ after the current whatever this is). NOT Paris. Prague is pretty cool.
palbuddy1234@reddit
The one that granted my family a visa.
Captlard@reddit
Couldn't choose one really.
Each has so many things. r/slowtravel perhaps.
I guess Barcelona would be my "one".