Choosing a Coworking Space in a European City for a Work Stint

Pick the coworking space before you pick the apartment. A good desk, a stable connection and sensible opening hours matter more to your output than the view from the city centre. This guide covers what freelancers and remote teams should check when they plan a few weeks of work in a European city such as Lisbon, Barcelona, Prague, Tallinn, Budapest, Amsterdam or Berlin.

Why start with the workspace instead of the city?

Cities like these all have a visible remote-work scene, with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes. That makes the city a weaker filter than it looks. Two spaces in the same neighbourhood can differ a lot in noise, desk quality and how easy it is to get a quiet call room. Choosing the space first, then living within a short walk or transit ride of it, keeps your working days predictable.

What should you check before booking a desk?

Go through this list for every shortlisted space. Ask the operator directly, because listings are often out of date.

• Internet: ask for the connection type and whether there is a backup line. Run a test during your trial visit, not just at a quiet hour.
• Desk and chair: is the chair adjustable, and is the screen at a height you can set yourself?
• Call rooms: how many are there, and do you book them or take them first come first served?
• Opening hours: some spaces close early or on weekends, which matters if you work with clients in other time zones.
• Contract terms: day pass, monthly flex desk or fixed desk, and the notice period for each.

How do you test the internet properly?

Visit at a busy time, such as mid-morning on a weekday. Run a speed test such as Speedtest by Ookla and note download, upload and latency. Then join a real video call for ten minutes. A connection that tests well but drops calls is not good enough. If the space fails, our guide to reliable internet for remote workers covers a backup plan.

Will the desk setup hurt your back?

It can. A shared desk is often set up for the average user, not for you. The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health describes ergonomics as fitting the job to the worker, and that is the right test here: you should be able to adjust the chair, the screen and the keyboard position. If you cannot, ask for a different desk or bring a small laptop stand and a separate keyboard. Our portable home office kit lists what is worth carrying.

How do time zones change your choice of space?

If your clients or team are in another region, your working hours may start late or run into the evening. Check that the space allows access at those hours and that call rooms are available then. Our post on managing client meetings across time zones helps you plan the schedule before you book.

Which kind of city suits which kind of worker?

Use the city as a tiebreaker once the workspace checks pass. The descriptions below are general impressions, not rankings.

Prices, availability and quality change from year to year, so check current rates on each space's own site rather than relying on any list.

Can a team use a coworking space for a short project?

Yes, and it is a common reason to book one. Many spaces rent meeting rooms or event areas by the hour or day, which suits a kickoff or a workshop. See how teams use them in our piece on hosting workshops in coworking spaces. Ask about room capacity, screens and catering rules before you commit.

What is a sensible way to run a trial?

Book a day pass at your top two choices in the first week, and work a normal day in each. Notice how often you are interrupted, whether you can take a call without leaving, and how you feel at the end of the day. Then take the monthly option at the winner. If it falls short, a day pass costs you far less than a failed month.