Paris has been named the best city in Europe for a workation according to a study by comparison website Compare the Market.
The French capital topped the ranking by offering Europe's fastest fixed broadband download speeds alongside thousands of cultural attractions for remote workers seeking a working holiday.
The study evaluated European destinations across seven key parameters: fixed broadband download speed, mobile internet download speed, the number of coworking spaces, accommodation costs, the price of a cappuccino, the price of beer, and things to do during leisure time. A workation allows remote employees to combine their regular job duties with travel.
Paris recorded a fixed broadband download speed of 352.77 megabits per second, leading the continent, together with a stable mobile download speed of 148.96 megabits per second. Remote workers in the city also have access to 4,550 sights and entertainment options listed on TripAdvisor. However, the study noted that the Parisian lifestyle comes at a high price, with relatively expensive accommodation and cappuccino costs.
Top European destinations for remote work
Lisbon secured second place in the ranking. The Portuguese capital stood out for its relatively low prices and extensive selection of tourist attractions. London finished in third place, benefiting primarily from a high number of coworking spaces, although a high cost of living reduced its overall score.
The worst European cities for a workation
At the opposite end of the ranking, Salzburg was named the worst European city for a workation. Although the Austrian city features impressive architecture, mountain scenery, and musical history, the analysis showed that it can prove challenging for remote employees. Salzburg received a low rating due to expensive housing, a shortage of coworking spaces, and less competitive internet connectivity.
The German cities of Munich and Hamburg followed Salzburg near the bottom of the index. Main problems in both cities included slow internet speeds and a high cost of living. Hamburg finished slightly higher than Munich thanks to a larger number of coworking spaces.
Balancing work and leisure on travel
While digital technology allows people to work remotely from almost anywhere in the world, travel experts warn that finding the right destination is only part of the equation. Travel insurance experts at InsureandGo, in advice previously reported by UNIAN Tourism, warned that maintaining a proper balance between work and rest is essential during a working vacation. Without adequate balance, the travel format can turn into torture where visitors are unable to rest properly or work productively.
