From Paris to Lisbon: The best and worst European cities for a workcation

Where Europe’s Remote Workers Should (and Shouldn’t) Set Up Shop

Poinews.com – The traditional office is losing its grip on the modern workforce. Laptop-carrying professionals now have the option to trade a daily commute for a sun-drenched terrace in Lisbon, a Parisian espresso bar, or a London coworking floor — all without filing a single day of leave. Yet not every destination is equally equipped to host such an arrangement. Compare the Market recently published a cross-continental ranking that weighs broadband and mobile speeds, coworking availability, lodging costs, sightseeing options, and the price of a cappuccino or a pint. Each city received a composite score out of 100, with factors weighted by their real-world influence on a traveller’s decision. What follows is a look at both the top and the bottom of that European leaderboard.

The Bottom of the Table: Where Workcations Go to Die

At the very nadir sits Salzburg, Austria’s fourth-largest city, which managed a score of just 10 out of 100. Though the town is globally recognised as the filming backdrop for The Sound of Music, its practical credentials for remote work are dismal. The cheapest one-month apartment rental in the city runs €2,211.41 — the highest figure in the entire dataset. Coworking infrastructure is nearly absent: Salzburg hosts only seven such spaces, the lowest count of any destination examined. Internet speeds compound the problem, making the city a poor fit for anyone whose primary purpose is productivity rather than sightseeing.

Munich fared only marginally better, landing second from the bottom with a score of 20 out of 100. Despite Bavaria’s reputation for operational efficiency, the city’s connectivity lags badly. Germany posted the third-slowest fixed broadband speeds in the study and the second-slowest mobile speeds. Temporary office costs are steep as well: the cheapest one-month apartment in Munich is €1,437, placing it among the priciest entries in the ranking.

Hamburg scored 23 out of 100, edging ahead of Munich but still firmly in the bottom tier. The city shares Munich’s weaknesses — comparatively slow internet and elevated living costs relative to top-ranked destinations. It does, however, offer a few redeeming features. A one-month apartment can be secured for roughly €889, and 81 coworking spaces are scattered throughout the urban area. Hamburg is therefore not ideal for a workcation, but it is a considerably more affordable option than its German neighbours.

The Top Three: Where Productivity Meets Pleasure

London — Third Place (60.0)

The British capital earned its podium spot largely through superior work infrastructure and an almost inexhaustible supply of post-work entertainment. London counts 562 coworking spaces — more than double the number in second-placed Barcelona — making it one of the easiest European cities in which to find a functional workspace. Once the laptop closes, the city logged 4,450 TripAdvisor-listed attractions in the study, spanning museums, galleries, historic landmarks, theatres, and markets. The downside is cost: accommodation and beer are notoriously pricey, and a cappuccino averages €4.80, placing London among the more expensive entries for a coffee break.

Lisbon — Second Place (61.2)

The Portuguese capital reinforced its standing as one of Europe’s most remote-worker-friendly cities. Its standout advantage is affordability: a one-month apartment rental can be as low as €237, the cheapest accommodation figure in the study. A cappuccino runs a comparatively modest €2.55. Practical infrastructure is solid, with fast fixed broadband speeds keeping connections reliable. Layer in abundant sunshine, a deeply rooted café culture, and a rapidly expanding remote-working community, and Lisbon presents a compelling argument for trading the office for a city-centre terrace.

Paris — First Place (63.4)

The City of Lights claimed the top spot with an overall score of 63.4. Paris posted the best fixed broadband download speeds in Europe and maintained respectable mobile download speeds. The French capital also offers an extraordinary density of cultural attractions — it recorded the second-highest number in the study, surpassed only by Rome. Where Paris stumbles is affordability. Both accommodation costs and cappuccino prices ranked among the highest in the dataset, tempering the otherwise stellar score.

The nine-to-five is looking increasingly less tied to one particular desk.

For the remote worker weighing options, the data is clear: Lisbon delivers the best balance of cost, connectivity, and lifestyle, while Paris offers unmatched cultural depth at a premium price. At the opposite extreme, cities like Salzburg and Munich remain poor choices for anyone whose itinerary includes actual work.