The best cities in the world for digital nomads
As a digital nomad, we all know the balance between finding the perfect place to live and work is a fine one. It’s a lifestyle that can often feel like it’s made up of equal parts adventure and panic!
Now sure, I’m not quite ready to give up working from a hammock to the sound of the ocean waves, but finding the perfect destination involves a bit more research than whether fresh coconuts are available around the clock!
From organising visas to making sure you don’t get stranded in a WIFI black hole, there’s a lot more to think about than most people back home imagine.
It’s not all sitting with a laptop on a beach, but I mean, that is a big part of it isn’t it let’s be honest!
So to take the stress out of finding your next spot to work in, I’ve put together this list of the 9 best destinations for digital nomads.
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is a classic location for both backpackers and digital nomads, and Chiang Mai is right up there. In fact, I’ve added it at number one because I’ve loved Chiang Mai from the first day I arrived as a fresh-faced backpacker in 2016 and continue to love it to this day as a road-worn digital nomad!
Chiang Mai is one of the best digital nomad cities due to the high availability of fast internet, good quality accommodation and cheap cost of living. It offers a unique blend of modern amenities with a rich cultural heritage, great food and a thriving digital nomad community.
Chiang Mai itself has a high number of places to visit, including some of the most beautiful temples in the country. On top of that the surrounding area is notable for its picturesque countryside and beautiful mountains, including the hippy town of Pai. It’s one of the best places in Thailand for digital nomads for sure.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $1,000–$1,500 (35,000–53,000 THB / £780–£1,200).
- Internet Availability: Fast, reliable WiFi, abundant coworking spaces.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: 30-day visa-free entry for many nationalities, extendable by 30 days. / Digital Nomad Visa: SMART Visa.
- Things to Do: Jungle trekking, exploring temples, riding up to Pai, eating street food.
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Chiang Mai: Alt PingRiver
Situated within the Wat Ket district in Chiang Mai, this accomodation was created with digital nomads in mind. It has several dedicated working areas, including professional recording spaces plus a massive kitchen.
- All rooms are private and ensuite
- Wellness packages and yoga classes
- Bicycle rental
- Full-day security
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of the best digital nomad cities in Europe if you’re looking for sunny days, a relaxed atmosphere, well-developed amenities and an endless supply of pastel de nata! Situated within a short distance of the beach, Lisbon offers a vibrant lifestyle and an affordable cost of living for a Western European capital city.
Whilst it’s not quite the off-the-beaten-track location it used to be, it does mean that it has a lively digital nomad community and it is one of the best places to work remotely in the world as a result. What you’ll find here being a well-developed western city is high-quality internet, plenty of people speaking English and a good number of co-working spaces.
Lisbon offers a great quality of life with good vibes and a mild climate as well as being well-connected to the rest of the continent and beyond. Plus, there are heaps of cool things to do in Lisbon.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $1,200–$2,000 (1,110–1,850 EUR / £940–£1,570).
- Internet Availability: Excellent high-speed broadband, and strong digital nomad infrastructure.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: Schengen visa (90 days in 180 for non-EU nationals). / New Digital Nomad Visa (D7) for remote workers earning ~€2,800/month.
- Things to Do: Hanging in Fado bars, chilling at the various viewpoints, nipping to the beach.
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Lisbon: Selina Secret Garden Lisbon
Selina Secret Garden is exactly that, situated right in the centre of Old Town it offers a relaxing yet social environment from which to work and play. It’s perfect for those staying in a hostel for the first time. Choose whichever type of accommodation suits your budget too from dorms to apartments and enjoy working in many of the dedicated spaces including the roof terrace.
- Swimming pool
- Fully equipped communal kitchens
- Table Tennis
- Dorms, apartments, studios and private double rooms.
3. Bali, Indonesia
It wouldn’t be a complete list of the best places to travel and work without including Bali. Ok, we all know about Bali and in all honestly, I think it’s probably one of those places that you either love or hate. For many people, myself included, it’s the dream destination for digital nomads and one of the ultimate places to go backpacking.
Whilst it isn’t the cheapest destination in Southeast Asia any more, Bali is still very affordable by Western standards. But with that comes many (often controversial) developments that mean as a digital nomad in Bali you’ll get good quality internet, co-working spaces and of course enough CrossFit gyms that you could visit a different one for every day of your visa!
I always tell people there is a Bali for everyone and it’s just about selecting the right area. If you’re an ageing bogan from Townsville, then sure, you might be in the small demographic who still enjoys Kuta, but for everyone else, there’s Ubud, Canguu, Sideman, Amed, Uluwatu just to name a few. From beaches to temples, rice terraces and acai bowls, Bali has it all which is why it’s one of the best destinations for digital nomads. It’s also still very possible to see the authentic side of Bali too.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $800–$1,500 (12.5–23.5 million IDR / £625–£1,200).
- Internet Availability: Varies by area; reliable in hubs like Ubud and Canggu, plenty of co-working spaces.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: Extendable 30-day visa on arrival entry or 60-day visa in advance for many nationalities. / Digital Nomad Visa: KITAS Business Visas.
- Things to Do: Surfing, hitting a fancy gym, chasing waterfalls, embracing local culture at the temples, and meeting fellow nomads.
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Bali: Tribal Co-Working Hostel
This sociable hostel which is close, but not actually in Canguu is one of the best co-working accommodations I’ve ever stayed in. It has dorms with custom-made beds, plus a few private rooms. Plus the onsite restaurant is affordable and serves amazing local and international food.
- Swimming pool
- Onsite bar and restaurant
- Plenty of ergonomic workstations
- Massive lockers and curtains on beds
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
One of the best digital nomad destinations in the region, Tbilisi is quickly gaining an international reputation as the perfect base for working online. Firstly, Georgia offers incredible value for money with things like rent and food being significantly cheaper than many other regions.
Alongside the reliable infrastructure, the country also offers one of the best long-term visas for digital nomads meaning the scene here is buzzing with plenty of cafes and co-working spaces. Tbilisi also offers mild weather year-round and the locals are known for not only being friendly and welcoming, but they also tend to speak good English.
But the real draw of Tbilisi is its unique vibe and culture. With its grungy mix of Eastern European and Central Asian influences, there’s nowhere else quite like it. Just outside of the city, it’s also easy to take weekend hiking trips to the dramatic Caucasus Mountains.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $800–$1,200 (2,100–3,200 GEL / £625–£940).
- Internet Availability: Reliable and fast internet; growing digital nomad appeal.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: 1-year visa-free entry for many nationalities. / “Remotely From Georgia” program for remote workers earning at least $2,000/month.
- Things to Do: Take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, wander the maze of cobblestone streets, and drink a ton of Georgian wine!
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Tbilisi: Fabrika Hostel & Suites
Housed in a former soviet sewing factory in the old historic part of Tbilisi, this place is both unique and mega cool. It has heaps of co-working spaces, private rooms, dorms and a restaurant. There is even a courtyard where various events and workshops are held regularly.
- Great locations
- Dorms to apartment rooms available
- Artistic studios, workshops and concept stores
- Shared kitchen and private kitchenette in some rooms
Our Favourite Backpacks
Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview
5. Medellín, Colombia
One of the best cities for digital nomads in South America, Medellín offers a totally different vibe than anywhere else on this list. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” it boasts a year-round temperate climate making it a comfortable location to work from.
Having recently become one of the main digital nomad hubs in the region, the community is thriving with plenty of meet-ups and social events. It’s also a popular spot for those wanting to combine travel, work and learning Spanish with heaps of affordable language schools and friendly locals to practice with.
The city’s rich cultural heritage combined with its proximity to nature also make it one of the best places to live for digital nomads. For those wanting to combine working hard with partying even harder Medellín is the perfect spot to indulge in good quality food and nightlife.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $900–$1,500 (3.6–6 million COP / £700–£1,200).
- Internet Availability: Reliable WiFi in most urban areas, with many coworking spaces.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: 90-day visa-free entry, extendable up to 180 days annually. Colombia Check MIG needed / Digital Nomad Visa: New Digital Nomad Visa for stays up to 2 years, requiring proof of ~$684/month income.
- Things to Do: Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví, Explore Comuna 13 and Visit the Botero Plaza.
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Medellin: Los Patios Hostel
The epic co-working hostel offers the ideal place to work and socialise. With several terraces, a restaurant and working spaces, plus a gym and a swimming pool, it’s got it all! The beds in the dorm rooms even had curtains on them for added privacy, a touch I always appreciate.
- Swimming pool
- Gym and yoga classes
- Bicycle rental
- Onsite Restaurant
6. Da Nang, Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries to work remotely and the coastal town of Da Nang is my favourite out of the many cities to choose from. Here you can live a great lifestyle on a small budget. This beachside city also offers all the benefits of a modern Vietnamese city without the overwhelming congestion of places like Hanoi or HCMC.
Whilst the scene for digital nomads might not be as big as digital nomad hotspots like Bali, it offers a more chilled-out vibe and plenty of co-working spaces. It’s conveniently located in the middle of the country a short ride away from the charming town of Hoi An and is well connected to the rest of the region.
For those wanting to combine working with an outdoor lifestyle, they can take advantage of the tropical year-round climate as well as nearby beaches and mountains. Plus, who doesn’t want to indulge in Vietnamese cuisine after a day sitting on the laptop?
Vietnam as a whole is one of the digital nomad countries in the world and if Da Nang doesn’t take your fancy then Hanoi and Saigon also have thriving communities.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $800–$1,300 (18–30 million VND / £625–£1,000).
- Internet Availability: Fast and affordable, widely available in cafes and coworking spots.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: E-visa for 90 days or visa-free for 15–30 days depending on nationality. / Digital Nomad Visa: No official visa but many organise “business” visas to stay long term.
- Things to Do: Take a trip to Hoi An, explore the mountains on your scooter, and relax by the beach.
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Da Nang: Light House Hostel
This beachside hostel is the perfect chilled-out co-working spot in Da Nang. The location is perfect for relaxing by the coast as well as eating and drinking. Each room also has a balcony overlooking the ocean, what better place to work from?
- All rooms have their own bathroom and kitchenette
- Massive lockers
- Each room has a sea-view balcony
- Curtains on beds
7. Tallinn, Estonia
A rising star for digital nomads, Tallinn is one of the best places to work remotely for a month or so, most commonly over the summer. For those not wanting tropical humidity or blistering heat, it offers much milder temperatures than other places on this list. If you enjoy a good cosy winter too, it’s a wonderful city for a snowy Christmas.
Tallinn offers an enchanting combination of old-world fairytale charm whilst being one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world. Estonia’s e-residency program is a pioneering project which combined with its easy visa makes it one of the top countries for digital nomads.
Tallinn is also one of the safest cities in Europe whilst being affordable by continental standards. Estonians are highly proficient in English, meaning it’s easy to get involved with local events. The city is one of the best digital nomad destinations for those wanting to be sociable without feeling overwhelmed by endless parties and wild nightlife. Plus there are heaps of fun things to do in Tallinn.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $1,200–$1,800 (1,120–1,680 EUR / £940–£1,400).
- Internet Availability: Exceptional high-speed internet, known for tech-savvy infrastructure.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: Schengen visa (90 days in 180). / Digital Nomad Visa: Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to 12 months if earning €3,500/month.
- Things to Do: Wander the old town, take the ferry to Helsinki, and chill out by the coast.
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Tallinn: Fat Margaret’s Hostel
Situated right in the heart of Old Town Fat Margaret’s is the perfect place to relax after a day working. Chill out in the sauna and pool or make friends over a game of table tennis in one of the many social spaces.
- Indoor swimming pool & Sauna
- Table tennis
- Just over 1/2 a mile from the beach
- Shared kitchen
8. Athens, Greece
Image: The Roaming Renegades
Athens is one of the best European cities for digital nomads for those looking for a mix of grunge, culture, weather and food. Oh, and just because it’s a city doesn’t mean you can get that Greek Island mood either. The city has plenty of insta-worthy beaches just a short train, bus or ferry ride from the centre.
Offering reliable high-speed internet, affordable cost of living and easy access to your weights worth of feta cheese, it’s one of the best digital nomad locations. For those looking for a lively and varied scene, it offers everything from world-class museums to grimy punk bars whilst still having that laid-back med vibe.
Plus, it’s got that year-round sunshine Southern Europe is famous for so you’ll be able to get your laptop out and work from a trendy rooftop cafe even in the winter. It’s even one of the more affordable places in Europe to travel and work from.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $1,000–$1,500 (940–1,410 EUR / £780–£1,200).
- Internet Availability: Reliable urban internet, though rural areas can be slower.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: Schengen visa (90 days in 180). / Digital Nomad Visa: Available for remote workers with monthly earnings of €3,500+.
- Things to Do: Hit up all the historical sights, sip coffee overlooking the acropolis, and take a ferry to one of the many islands.
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Athens: Athens Hub Hostel
Athens Hub Hostel has to be one of the best hostels I’ve worked from in a long time. The outdoor terrace area was the perfect spot to meet other digital nomads and work on my laptop. The hostel has a really light and fun vibe with plenty of spaces to chill too.
- Curtains on beds
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Shared kitchen
- Private rooms and dorms
9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
If you’re looking for undiscovered and off-the-beaten-track digital nomad destinations, then I’ve got a corker for you! Sure, heaps of people head for Bansko and a few get stuck in Sofia, but the cool kids know Plovdiv is where it’s at! This cool, hipster and happening city strikes all the right cords without being overrun with kale-munching ice bath enthusiasts!
It might claim to be Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, but once you look beyond the Roman ruins in the centre of town you’ll find a youthful, fun and colourful city. Bulgaria also has some of the fastest wifi in Europe and with the small but growing digital nomad community you’ll find it easy to connect with fellow remote workers.
Once you venture beyond the charming cobblestoned streets of the city you’ll find it easy to head out for a hike in the Rhodope Mountains on your days off. Then once you’re back, be sure to indulge in the amazing local food scene. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Plovdiv.
- Average Cost of Living: Monthly budget of $700–$1,200 (1,270–2,180 BGN / £550–£940).
- Internet Availability: Stable and fast, with good coverage across the city.
- Visa Information: Tourist Visa: Schengen visa (90 days in 180). / Digital Nomad Visa: No official program; long-term residence permits may apply for business owners or freelancers.
- Things to Do: Take part in an event in the creative district of Kapana, wander the Roman amphitheatre, and eat too much banitsa and shopska salad.
The Best Co-Working Accommodation In Plovdiv: Hakuna Matata Guest Hous
It means no worries for a reason! If you’re looking for a super chilled-out place to work and socialise in Plovdiv, then look no further. Rooftop terraces and common spaces provide all the room you need, plus a kitchen for your meals
- Shared kitchen
- Rooftop terrace
- Pets allowed
- Access to off-site tennis court
The Secret Ingredients of a Great Remote Working Destination
When considering which one of these digital nomad cities is best for you, there are a few things to bear in mind. It takes a certain set of criteria to make it to the list of best digital nomad destinations –
- Good Digital Nomad Visa options
- Affordable and easy access to long-term accommodation
- Fast and reliable internet
- Lots of activities and things to do in your downtime for a good quality of life
- Thriving digital nomad community with co-working spaces and events
- A safe and secure place to work with expensive equipment
- A climate that suits your personality
- Well connected with transport both locally and internationally
- Tome zone suitability when working in international teams.
Other Essentials for Travelling as a Digital Nomad
Once you’ve picked out the right place for you, there are a few other essentials a digital nomad needs, let’s take a closer look.
Digital Nomad Visas
Whether you’re going down the “legit” digital nomad visa route or you’re going rogue and chancing it with a tourist visa, you’re likely to at least need to organise yourself something if you plan on staying a while!
Travel Medical Insurance
Good travel insurance is a must for all travellers, but us digital nomads have more complex needs than someone on a two-week family holiday. We need insurance that is flexible and offers greater long-term protection, that is where Safetywing comes in.
Managing Money
It’s likely as a digital nomad you’ll be getting paid in a variety of different currencies and you’ll need to withdraw and pay in a whole heap more. Sure, you’ll want to stay in one of the cheapest countries you can, but you still don’t want to waste money.
Things can get messy and expensive quickly, so we recommend getting yourself a Wise account to avoid fees and keep money in a variety of different flavours!
Transfer Your Money Abroad Or Grab An International Card
Wise (The Artist Formerly Known as TransferWise)
In the early days of travel we would get a stack of money out and carry it with us… It wasn’t the best way to avoid a disaster really, but getting constantly stung by ATM fees wasn’t much better,
Now we have Wise and, phew, things have CHANGED!! With our Wise account we can keep money in multiple currencies as well as withdrawing cash and paying by card without paying transaction fees. Plus, if you work online like we do, then it’s a fantastic platform for payments.
Affordable Accommodation
Whilst we might think we’ve moved on from our days slumming it as backpackers, but the life of most digital nomads isn’t much different if truth be told. We just stay in one spot a little bit longer!
Getting good quality, affordable accommodation is essential and so staying somewhere with the right amenities. The best digital nomad destinations are those where organising your digs is easy and straightforward. we always use Booking to find the perfect place.
The Best Tech Gear For Digital Nomads
Check out some of the most useful items we always pack for working on the road.
Our Favourite Gear For Digital Nomads
Macbook Pro
First and foremost all digital nomads need a good laptop, it’s our literally our lifeline. So we invested in top of the range Macbook Pros.
Laptop Stand
Working from a laptop can be notoriously bad for your back, so do yourself a favour and get a laptop stand.
Keyboard
Of course, when you put your laptop up on that stand you’ll need a keyboard!
Ergonomic mouse
Complete the set up with an ergonomic mouse designed to protect your wrist.
iPhone
We also always have our trusty iphones which are great for organising our trip, photography, maps, entertainment and of course, working!
Headphones
Get yourself some noise-cancelling headphones they’re ideal for working in noisy environments as well as night buses, flights and dorm rooms.
Sony RX100 VII
being a digital nomad is all about travel and living in different amazing locations, so make sure you capture it all.
USB Universal Adapter
Grab an all-in-one travel adapter with USB slots so whatever country you’re in you know you can charge your gear.
Portable Battery Pack
Keep your phone, camera and other gear charged on the road with a portable battery pack.
External Hard Drive
Working on the road means keeping our work and information safe can be a challenge. So always have a back up with this rugged SSD.
Did You Find YOUR Best Destination, Digital Nomad?
Alright then kids, hopefully on this list of remote working destinations, you’ve picked out the perfect spot for you.
But hey, even if you haven’t, remember as a digital nomad you don’t need to pick just one! The best bit about being a remote worker is that you could easily spend your summer in Greece before bobbing over to Southeast Asia for the winter.
So, what do you reckon are the best digital nomad destinations in the world?
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