This video ranks 10 European cities where a slow-traveling couple in their 50s and their dog, Dory, lived for a full month over the past year. Their ranking is based on real-life experience as temporary locals, not tourists, considering factors like:
Cost of living and accommodation
Walkability and public transportation
Internet speed
Grocery shopping
Dog-friendliness
Local friendliness and atmosphere
Potential for future return visits.
The ranked cities are:
Vienna, Austria
Newcastle, UK
Liverpool, UK
Tirana, Albania
Reims, France
Vicenza, Italy
York, UK
Durres, Albania
Bari, Italy
Budva, Montenegro
They emphasize the joy of uncovering each city's unique personality and embracing the contrast between different places.
Ranking of the 10 European cities for month-long stays
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The video introduces a slow-traveling couple in their 50s, accompanied by their 10-year-old dog, Dory, who have spent over a year exploring Europe by staying one full month in each city. This approach allows them to experience daily life beyond typical tourist highlights.
The ranking of the 10 cities is based on the couple's personal, real-life experiences, focusing on how each city functioned for everyday living rather than just popular attractions. Key criteria included:
Cost of living: Accommodation, groceries, and other daily expenses.
Walkability and public transportation: Ease of getting around the city.
Internet speed: Important for digital nomads.
Grocery shopping: Accessibility and quality of local markets.
Overall comfort for a month-long stay: Including how dog-friendly the city was.
Potential for return: Whether they would personally choose to return as slow travelers.
Weather: Calm and mild winter with a mix of sunny and rainy days.
Accommodation: $1,250 for 29 days (approx. $43/day) for a central Airbnb near the coastline; even cheaper options available.
Cost of living: Cheapest month by far, with very affordable and high-quality fruits, vegetables, bread, and groceries. Services like haircuts, gym memberships, dental care, and vet visits were also very affordable.
Local interaction: Many locals speak English or find ways to help; everyone was friendly and welcoming.
Dog-friendliness: Many stray dogs were observed, which was a sad aspect.
Weather: Crisp and chilly mornings/nights, but pleasant midday sun for walking.
Accommodation: $1,975 for the month (approx. $71/day).
Strategic location: A perfect hub for northeast Italy, allowing easy train day trips to Venice (45 min), Padua (20 min), and Verona (40 min). They loved Verona so much they returned.
Atmosphere: Relaxed and welcoming vibe, with enjoyable downtown walks and large city parks.
The top four cities were incredibly difficult to rank, as each held a special charm and they would gladly return to all of them. The preference often depends on the mood—whether one seeks a simple life, a warm community, or an elegant atmosphere.
Weather: Crisp, chilly mornings and nights with cool, clear mid-days and minimal rain. Colder towards the end of the stay.
Accommodation: Apartment hotel for $2,100, plus a $300 pet fee for Dory (approx. $86/day total).
Location and transportation: Perfectly located 10 minutes from the city center with a metro station right outside; monthly transportation passes cost $60 each.
Attractions: The most touristy city on their list; so beautiful, elegant, and fascinating that they explored almost every day, which impacted their work.
Cost of an apartment hotel in Vienna, Austria with a $300 pet fee
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Concluding Thoughts on the European Journey [19:26]
The couple reflects on their incredible year of discovery, surprised by how diverse the cities were and yet how at home they felt in each. They realized that the "magic" of travel isn't always in expected places but in the unique personality and feel of a city when one lives there. Dory also "learned to bark in many languages."
