Connection via wi-fi, where would we be without it!? People always ask me how I connect overseas – do I have an overseas sim card? No. I always, always, always rely on free wi-fi. While it is great to sometimes switch off, if travelling in Europe as a solo traveller or just one who wishes to keep everyone including your dog updated on your adventures, then you’re gonna want to know where to locate wifi, pronto! Here are some of the most popular cities to visit in the UK and Europe, and where to get free wifi in each of them.
Free Wifi in Europe
THE UK
London – While it isn’t much, the cloud offers a free 15 minutes daily at many connection points throughout the city. Alternatively, head for a Starbucks or McDonalds for free connectivity.
Edinburgh – Edinburgh offers free wifi a huge range of free wifi in local cafes, see a list here.
Dublin – Dublin offers great free wifi at various points throughout the city including: St Patrick’s Park, Smithfield, Barnardo’s Square, Grafton St, Henry St, Merrion Square and Temple Bar Square.
WESTERN EUROPE
Paris – Free wifi almost everywhere in Paris is available through the “Paris Wifi” connection, allowing you up to two hours connection at a time.
Barcelona – Has a great range of free connection points throughout the city, making it the largest free wifi network in Spain and one of the largest in all of Europe. There are 443 locations to connect, which is free after you register. You will find the connection points mostly in museums, parks, markets, libraries and even the beach.
Amsterdam – There are TONNES of free wifi connection points in Amsterdam. See a full list here.
Rome – Need to roam in Rome? No worries! Roma-wireless is available throughout the city and gives travellers 2 hours of free wifi access per day. You must register once and can reconnect for free daily.
Florence – Its easy to stay connected throughout Florence by tapping into one of the city hotspots, if you’ve already forked out the 72 euros for a 72 hour Firenze Card. This card gets you into almost anywhere so is a great investment if you plan to see and do a lot whilst in Florence, plus stay connected for free (almost) throughout your stay!
Lisbon – Lisbon has some great local cafes offering free wifi, or of course there are the usual suspects (Starbucks). Check out the full list here.
Vienna – Is full of free connection points, though in German it is referred to as “WLAN”. There is a 1 hour limit per day, but if you disconnect and reconnect it starts again — so really it is unlimited!
Zurich – While Switzerland is incredibly expensive, the good news is free connection is almost always available! Nearly every cafe, bar or restaurant will offer free wifi connection – you’ll just have to ask for the password.
NORTHERN EUROPE
Helsinki – Helsinki airport offers free wifi, but so do many parts of the city. See a full map here for password free access to one of the many hotspots.
Copenhagen – Free wifi is available at the visitor’s centre and tivoli gardens. Alternatively, many cafes and hotels offer free wi-fi access, usually requiring a password (just ask).
If all else fails, head for a Starbucks or McDonalds for guaranteed connection. There will also always be many great local cafe’s offering free wi-fi for a nicer, local experience. A lot of train services also offer great free wi-fi connection.