TL;DR
Neighbourhood guide for expats moving to Berlin, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Paris, and Rome. Where to live based on budget, lifestyle, and international community presence.
Choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as choosing the right apartment. The difference between living in a well-connected, expat-friendly area and an isolated residential suburb can define your entire experience abroad. This guide covers the top neighbourhoods for international tenants in six of Europe's most popular expat cities, with practical details on rent, transport, and community.
Berlin, Germany
Prenzlauer Berg
Popular with young families and international professionals. Well-maintained 19th-century Altbau (old building) apartments with high ceilings. Strong English-speaking community, international schools, and organic markets. Rent: EUR 12-16/m2 for unrenovated Altbau, EUR 16-22/m2 for renovated. Transport: U2 and tram connections to Mitte in 10-15 minutes. Drawback: competitive market with few vacancies.
Kreuzberg
Berlin's most diverse neighbourhood with a large international community. Vibrant nightlife, markets (Markthalle Neun, Turkish Market), and a strong creative scene. Mix of Altbau and social housing. Rent: EUR 11-15/m2 (still below Berlin average for the quality of life). Transport: U1, U8, multiple bus lines. Drawback: noisy on weekend nights, especially around Kottbusser Tor.
Friedrichshain
Budget-friendly option with a young, international population. Karl-Marx-Allee offers spacious Plattenbau (prefab concrete) apartments at below-market rents. The area around Boxhagener Platz has more character with independent shops and cafes. Rent: EUR 10-14/m2. Transport: S-Bahn ring, tram. Drawback: quality varies significantly between streets.
Barcelona, Spain
Eixample
The grid-plan district designed by Cerda offers wide streets, Modernista architecture, and central access to everything. The Eixample Esquerra (left) side is quieter and more residential; Eixample Dreta (right) is closer to Passeig de Gracia and more commercial. Large international population, especially around the University of Barcelona. Rent: EUR 14-20/m2. Transport: excellent metro coverage (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5). Drawback: noise from street-level bars, especially on weekends.
Gracia
Village-like atmosphere within the city. Plazas filled with terraces, independent boutiques, and a strong local community. Popular with creative professionals and young families. Less touristy than the Old City. Rent: EUR 13-18/m2. Transport: L3 metro, FGC commuter rail. Drawback: narrow streets mean limited parking; some buildings lack lifts.
Poble Sec
Emerging neighbourhood between Montjuic and the Parallel avenue. Increasingly popular with international tenants for its combination of central location, local character, and relatively affordable rents. Excellent food scene along Carrer de Blai. Rent: EUR 12-16/m2. Transport: L2, L3 metro. Drawback: some streets feel worn down; gentrification is changing the character.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
De Pijp
Amsterdam's most popular expat neighbourhood. The Albert Cuyp Market, international restaurants, and Sarphatipark create a lively atmosphere. High concentration of English-speaking residents. Rent: EUR 20-28/m2 (free sector). Transport: metro 52, tram lines 3, 4, 12, 24. Drawback: extremely competitive market; expect to apply for 10+ apartments before securing one.
Amsterdam Oost
More spacious and slightly more affordable than the canal belt or De Pijp. Areas around Oosterpark and Dapperbuurt offer diverse communities and good local amenities. The Indische Buurt has seen significant investment. Rent: EUR 18-24/m2. Transport: tram lines, close to Muiderpoort station. Drawback: quality varies; check specific streets carefully.
Lisbon, Portugal
Arroios
Lisbon's most multicultural neighbourhood and increasingly the default for international tenants priced out of the centre. Excellent local restaurants, Alameda gardens, and strong transport links. Rent: EUR 12-16/m2. Transport: metro (Arroios, Alameda), multiple bus lines. Good value for the central location.
Estrela and Campo de Ourique
Quiet, residential neighbourhoods popular with families and professionals. Tree-lined streets, Jardim da Estrela, and the Mercado de Campo de Ourique. Strong sense of community. Rent: EUR 14-18/m2. Transport: tram 28, bus lines. Drawback: hillier terrain; fewer nightlife options.
Paris, France
11th Arrondissement
Central, lively, and more affordable than the western arrondissements. Oberkampf and Bastille areas have a strong international scene. Mix of young professionals and families. Rent: EUR 28-35/m2. Transport: metro lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11. Very well connected.
18th Arrondissement (beyond Montmartre)
Beyond the tourist zone around Sacre-Coeur, areas like Jules Joffrin and Lamarck-Caulaincourt offer genuine Parisian neighbourhood life at lower rents. Growing international community. Rent: EUR 24-30/m2. Transport: metro lines 4, 12, 13. Drawback: some areas near Barbes require careful street-level assessment.
Rome, Italy
Trastevere
Cobblestone streets, trattorias, and a strong international community make Trastevere the classic expat choice. Beautiful but touristy during the day; residential at night. Rent: EUR 16-22/m2. Transport: tram 8 to Largo Argentina, bus lines. Drawback: tourist crowds, especially in summer.
Pigneto
Rome's emerging creative neighbourhood. Pedestrianised main street with independent bars, restaurants, and vintage shops. Young, diverse population. Rent: EUR 12-16/m2. Transport: tram lines, walking distance to Termini. Good value compared to central Rome.
Find Your Neighbourhood
Browse agencies by city and connect with local experts who know the neighbourhood-level market.