10-Day Itinerary: European Holiday Guide for Digital Nomads
One of my favorite parts about being a digital nomad is that the world is my office. Typically I follow a seasonal pattern common with many other nomads, which includes chasing the sun almost year-round: European summer, Mexico, LATAM, or Southeast Asia in the winter, and visiting family in between. However, even though Europe is one of my favorite summer spots, there is plenty to do all over the continent year-round - especially during the holiday season. (Christmas Markets, anyone?!)
So why not treat yourself to a 10-day European getaway that combines festive cheer and the opportunity to connect with fellow nomads? Here is a sample itinerary that will take you through five incredible countries: Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, allowing you to experience unique holiday traditions while getting some work done. And yes - while I’ve been able to check a few of these spots off my list, the rest are totally on my bucket list.
Planning for Your Trip
Getting around Europe will be where you want to begin travel planning, once you have determined your destinations. Europe has an accessible and reliable train system that makes visiting different countries effortless. But if you want to save time and travel in luxury, jet hire is also an attractive option, providing you with more freedom, comfort, and convenience. Where commercial airlines are subject to cancellations and varying levels of service, private jets offer a reliable standard and schedule centered around your needs.
Once you land, you can take the train. Consider purchasing a Eurail Pass, which allows you to hop on and off trains across different countries without worrying about buying tickets each time. Since you're traveling during the holidays, it's smart to book your places to stay ahead of time. Prices can get pretty high during this season, so booking early can save you some cash. Otherwise, you can purchase train tickets individually.
When looking for accommodation, keep an eye out for co-living spaces or hotels that cater to digital nomads. These often have reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable yet conducive spots to work when you need to. As for packing, try to keep it light, but remember that northern Europe can get chilly in winter, so throw in some warm clothes.
With all that sorted, here is a sample 10-day trip for spending the holiday season in Europe.
Day 1–2: Stockholm, Sweden
Start your adventure in Sweden's beautiful capital, Stockholm. This city’s combination of modern design and historical charm makes it a perfect destination for digital nomads looking for creative inspiration.
Day 1:
After arriving in Stockholm, settle into your accommodation before stretching your legs with a walk through Gamla Stan, the old town. Here, you can soak in the festive atmosphere and visit a traditional Christmas market in Stortorget Square. It’s famous for
Day 2:
Day two begins with a cozy morning work session at a local café with Wi-Fi. On your afternoon break, visit the Vasa Museum to revel the incredibly well-preserved 17th-century ship. End your day by sampling Julbord, a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, at one of the many surrounding restaurants.
Day 3-4: Copenhagen, Denmark
Next, it's time to head to Copenhagen, Denmark. This city is famous for its great work-life balance and hygge (pronounced: hew-guh) culture — a Danish concept of coziness and comfortable conviviality.
Day 3:
Take an early train to Copenhagen and explore the colorful Nyhavn district, with its charming, picturesque harbor and vibrant buildings. In the evening, join a holiday-themed food tour to taste some delicious Danish Christmas specialties, from Christmas Duck to Risalamade (Danish rice pudding).
Day 4:
On your fourth day, start with a morning work session at a co-working space. Then, spend your afternoon at Tivoli Gardens, a magical amusement park decked out in festive decorations. Tivoli Gardens is one of the world's oldest operating amusement parks, dating back to 1843. Its beautifully landscaped gardens, thrilling rides, and charming architecture create a fairy-tale atmosphere that has inspired visitors for generations, including Walt Disney himself. Cap off your trip by attending a Christmas concert at one of Copenhagen's beautiful churches, such as the Gothic-style Vor Frue Kirke or the Baroque-style Trinitatis Church.
Day 5-6: Hamburg, Germany
Your next stop by train is Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city and a popular spot for digital nomads.
Day 5:
Once you arrive in Hamburg, take some time to wander through the Speicherstadt district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This area is known for its beautiful brick warehouses that were used to store, process, and distribute coffee, tea, and spices.
As evening falls, get into the holiday spirit by visiting the Hamburg DOM, one of Northern Germany's biggest Christmas markets. This funfair offers a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, games, and traditional German treats like bratwurst and glühwein.
Day 6:
On day six, start your morning by catching up on some work from your hotel or a nearby café. Hamburg, like many European cities, is highly walkable, so you’ll find it easier to balance productivity with leisure. In the afternoon, you can see the city from a new angle by taking a relaxing harbor tour. Then, end your day with dinner in the trendy Schanzenviertel neighborhood, a favorite among creatives and entrepreneurs for its eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and bars.
Day 7-8: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Next stop: Amsterdam, a city that perfectly blends history with a modern, tech-savvy atmosphere.
Day 7:
Take a train to Amsterdam and spend the afternoon strolling along the famous canals. In the evening, you can warm up with a festive canal cruise, complete with mulled wine and traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen and stroopwafels.
Day 8:
Start day eight with a productive morning at a co-working space. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in some culture at either the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum. Here, you can admire world-renowned art pieces and learn about the rich history of Dutch art. As night falls, take in the magical Amsterdam Light Festival, with art installations lighting up the city. The city's compact layout means you can easily move between workspaces, cultural spots, and scenic areas without relying on transportation.
Day 9-10: Brussels, Belgium
Wrap up your trip in Brussels, the heart of the European Union and a melting pot of cultures. Not only are major EU institutions headquartered here, but it has also become a magnet for immigrants from various parts of the world, including North Africa, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. These communities have enriched Brussels' neighborhoods with diverse traditions and cuisines, exemplified by the African-influenced Matongé district and the Turkish quarter in Schaerbeek.
Day 9:
After your train ride on day nine, head straight to the Grand Place, which is especially stunning during the holiday season. The beautiful Christmas lights and decorations that adorn the historic buildings create a magical atmosphere that is not to be missed. You can then round off your day with a Belgian beer-tasting tour — a must-do in Brussels.
Day 10:
On your final day, squeeze in one last work session at a local café, and in the afternoon, choose between visiting the unique Atomium structure or touring the European Parliament (if it's open). For your farewell dinner, treat yourself to Belgian classics like juicy moules-frites and, of course, some world-famous Belgian chocolate.
Balancing Work and Holiday Fun
This trip blends fun and work well. You'll get to enjoy local culture and holiday cheer while keeping up with your job. And you don't have to worry about falling behind, as each city has great spots where you can set up your laptop and get things done between exploring.