Ask an expat in Europe what is their favourite thing about being on the continent, and it’s very likely that they will talk about their proximity to a plethora of cultures. In Europe, you are a stone’s throw (or a short plane ride) away from another culture that awaits you to discover it.
If you are an expat in Europe, and you are looking to put the pieces of the European puzzle together, or if you are planning to expatriate to Europe, and you want to skim through its most likeable destinations by travellers, Expat.com presents Europe's five best cities as voted online by avid travellers and ranked by the organisation European Best Destinations. And who knows? Maybe these city breaks help you decide what your next expat destination will be!
Porto — Portugal
Porto is Portugal's second largest city only after Lisbon, and it firmly combines the old with the new — the past with the present. In Porto you can have the best of two worlds — the old town that sits on the hills stretching above the Douro River offers a scenic journey back in time, while the modern city is a hub of activity and contemporary architecture. There is a variety of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment — from cruises on the Douro River to museums and bike tours.
Porto is for those who like: history, warm climate, and seafood
Milan — Italy
Milan is Italy's second largest city (Rome being the first) located at the very north of Italy — only 200 km away from the borders with Austria. There's no doubt that Rome can boast about its history and politics, but Milan, on the other hand, is Italy's commercial centre, where business and hard work happen. Thus, don't be surprised by the city's fast pace and the hustle and bustle. With two international airports serving the city, in Milan, you will never feel isolated from the rest of the world.
Milan is for those who like: the change of seasons, strict work ethics, travelling, design, and fashion
Gdansk — Poland
Gdansk is one of the three Polish cities connected by train that form the Tri-city in the region of Pomerania — the other two are the Sopot resort and Gdynia port city. The Baltic city of Gdansk is full of history — a pivotal port that used to be the crossroad of the biggest trade routes on the one hand, and the place where the Second World War began on the other. But in Gdansk, which made it to European Best Destinations' ranking for the first time, there's much more to charm you — the architecture, museums, art galleries, monuments, boutiques, and cafés will inspire your life and will fill you up with energy.
Gdansk is for those who like: history, art, boutiques, and museums
Athens — Greece
Everything that you may dislike about Athens, the cradle of the greatest Western civilisations, immediately balances out with something to like about the capital that has been living in the shadow of the Acropolis for the past 3,500 years. So, the chaotic traffic, the pollution, the small pavements, and the stray dogs are just part of the overall city character that seduces its visitors with the warm and dynamic locals, the integration of arts and sciences, and the active night scene for those who never sleep.
Athens is for those who like: history, nightlife, food, the sea
San Sebastian — Spain
San Sebastian is a popular destination in Spain not only for its magnificent Concha Bay, a shell-shaped bay but also for its dynamic setting, day and night. It is the ideal place to enjoy a pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and an innovative gastronomy in an array of first-class restaurants. However, you may feel a bit isolated in San Sebastian as the closest international airport is in Bilbao, over an hour's drive away. Also, if you are planning to expatriate there, you should take into account that in 2014 The Financial Times ranked San Sebastian as the most expensive Spanish city to buy a property.
San Sebastian is for those who like: nightlife, seafood, moderate climate
