For years, Europe’s expat map looked remarkably predictable.
Americans moving abroad gravitated toward Lisbon. Remote workers filled cafés in Barcelona. Retirees settled in southern Spain. Digital nomads flocked to Berlin, Amsterdam, and London.
But in 2026, a growing number of expats are making a different calculation.The question is no longer simply where to find the most famous city. It’s where to find the best everyday life.
Across Europe, housing affordability concerns, overtourism, and rising living costs have pushed many expats to look beyond the continent’s biggest destinations. Rather than competing for apartments in crowded capital cities, they’re increasingly choosing smaller regional hubs where daily errands can be done on foot, train stations are within easy reach, and local life feels more authentic.
Using our Europe Expat Livability Framework, we evaluated cities across Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom based on:
- Pedestrian accessibility
- Rail connectivity
- Public transportation
- Affordability
- Safety
- Quality of life
- Restaurant and café culture
- Ability to live comfortably without a car
The result isn’t a list of Europe’s most famous cities.
It’s a list of cities where many expats can realistically imagine signing a lease, shopping at local markets, walking to dinner, and building a long-term life.
What Makes a Great Expat City in 2026?
The best expat city isn’t necessarily the one with the most landmarks.
It’s often the place where:
- Groceries are a short walk away
- Public transportation is reliable
- Rent doesn’t consume half your income
- Weekend train trips are easy
- Tourist crowds don’t dominate daily life
- Local neighborhoods still feel local
Many of the cities on this list may not appear on every travel bucket list, but they excel at something arguably more important: livability.
15 Walkable European Cities Expats Are Choosing in 2026
1. Valencia, Spain
Valencia continues to attract expats seeking Mediterranean living without Barcelona’s intense housing pressure and tourist density.
The city combines a highly walkable historic center with extensive bike infrastructure, a strong food scene, beaches, and excellent rail connections to Madrid and other Spanish cities.
Why expats like it:
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Strong public transportation
- Excellent food culture
- More affordable than Barcelona
- Easy access to the rest of Spain
2. Strasbourg, France
Located near the German border, Strasbourg offers one of Europe’s most impressive combinations of walkability, cycling infrastructure, and rail connectivity.
Its compact center allows many residents to complete daily errands without a car, while high-speed rail connections provide access to Paris and beyond.
Why expats like it:
- Exceptional public transit
- International atmosphere
- Strong rail connections
- Walkable historic center
3. Bologna, Italy
Often overlooked in favor of Rome, Florence, or Milan, Bologna delivers many of Italy’s best qualities in a more manageable package.
The city is famous for its food, university culture, and strategic rail location connecting northern and central Italy.
Why expats like it:
- One of Italy’s best food scenes
- Excellent train connections
- Strong local culture
- Highly walkable center
4. Braga, Portugal
As housing costs continue rising in Lisbon and Porto, Braga has become increasingly attractive to expats.
This historic northern Portuguese city combines affordability with a growing international community and reliable rail access.
Why expats like it:
- Lower housing costs
- Relaxed pace of life
- Walkable center
- Strong café culture
5. Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Frequently cited as one of Germany’s most livable cities, Freiburg offers a compact urban core, outstanding cycling infrastructure, and access to both France and Switzerland.
Why expats like it:
- Sustainability-focused city planning
- Excellent transit
- Strong quality of life
- Access to nature
6. Turin, Italy
Turin remains one of Italy’s most underrated urban centers.
While Milan often dominates international attention, Turin offers elegant architecture, strong transit, excellent food, and lower housing costs.
Why expats like it:
- Better value than Milan
- Strong rail network
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Rich cultural life
7. York, England
For expats seeking a smaller British city experience, York offers a highly walkable center, historic charm, and direct rail access to London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
Why expats like it:
- Compact city center
- Strong rail links
- Historic atmosphere
- Manageable size
8. Montpellier, France
Montpellier combines Mediterranean weather with a youthful energy driven by its large student population.
The city continues to attract remote workers and younger expats looking for a lower-cost alternative to Paris.
9. Coimbra, Portugal
Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Coimbra blends history, affordability, and walkability.
The city sits directly on Portugal’s primary rail corridor connecting Lisbon and Porto.
10. Zaragoza, Spain
Strategically positioned between Madrid and Barcelona, Zaragoza benefits from high-speed rail access to both.
Despite its size, it remains far less tourist-oriented than Spain’s larger destinations.
11. Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg’s compact historic center, university culture, and excellent public transportation make it a strong contender for expats seeking a walkable German city.
12. Trieste, Italy
Located on the Adriatic Sea near the Slovenian border, Trieste offers a distinctive blend of Italian and Central European influences.
Its café culture, waterfront setting, and relatively affordable housing continue attracting international residents.
13. Bath, England
Known for its Georgian architecture and pedestrian-friendly center, Bath provides an appealing alternative to London for those seeking a slower pace without sacrificing connectivity.
14. Nantes, France
Nantes consistently performs well in quality-of-life discussions thanks to its transit system, cultural offerings, and relatively affordable housing compared to Paris.
15. Aveiro, Portugal
Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro offers canals, walkable neighborhoods, and lower living costs than Portugal’s larger cities.
For expats seeking a quieter lifestyle, it remains one of the country’s most compelling options.
Why We Didn’t Include Some Famous Expat Cities
Several popular destinations were intentionally left off this list.
London
An incredible global city, but affordability remains a major challenge for many expats.
Paris
World-class culture and transit, but higher housing costs make it difficult for many long-term residents.
Lisbon
Still highly desirable, but rapidly rising rents and increased competition for housing have changed the value proposition.
Barcelona
Walkable and vibrant, but tourism pressures continue impacting local housing availability.
Berlin
A fascinating city, but many secondary German cities offer easier day-to-day living and shorter commutes.
Venice
Extraordinary to visit, but tourism significantly shapes everyday life.
The Bigger Trend: Secondary Cities Are Winning
One of the most important shifts in European relocation trends is the growing popularity of secondary cities.
Places like Freiburg, Braga, Coimbra, Trieste, and Strasbourg may never attract the same international attention as London or Barcelona.
Yet they often offer something many expats eventually prioritize:
- A comfortable apartment.
- A manageable commute.
- A neighborhood café where you’re recognized.
- A train station that connects you to the rest of Europe.
- And a lifestyle that doesn’t require fighting crowds every day.
For many people relocating abroad in 2026, that’s becoming far more valuable than living in Europe’s most famous city.
