Digital nomads are individuals who have embraced remote work and travel as a way of life. They have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, as long as they can access a stable internet connection. The lifestyle is increasingly attractive to individuals who want to have more control over their work-life balance, and more flexibility and independence in their daily routines.
As the trend towards remote work continues to grow, more and more cities are catering to digital nomads, offering services like coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and digital nomad-friendly accommodation. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places around the world for digital nomads to live, work and play.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich history and culture, boasting incredible architecture, art, food and wine. It’s also home to some of the world’s most beautiful cities, perfect destinations for digital nomads. Here are some of the best places to work remotely in Europe:
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is rapidly becoming known as one of Europe’s coolest digital nomad spots. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, it has a year-round temperate climate, and an abundance of coworking spaces, coffee shops, and bars.
There are plenty of opportunities for authentic Portuguese food, and you won’t want to miss the famous Pastel de Nata, a delicious custard tart that you’ll find at every bakery in town. Lisbon has a vibrant expat community, making it easy to meet like-minded people and make new friends. The cost of living is affordable, which makes a long stay both realistic and sustainable.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city that is bursting with life, full of culture, cafes, and coworking spaces. This beautiful city has an incredible mix of old and new architecture, and a unique character which reflects its history and Catalonian culture.
You will find all the facilities you need to work remotely, whether you’re looking for cafés to work in, shared office spaces or coworking spaces. A great feature of Barcelona is the availability of people and companies who are willing to help digital nomads. This often includes events and resources that help create a social network where you can meet new people, learn new skills, and have fun.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city with stunning architecture, spas, and low cost of living, and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. It provides a mix of beauty and affordability, which is perfect for working remotely.
The city has plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and bars, making it easy to find a place to work, learn and socialize. The cost of living is reasonable, making it ideal for digital nomads who want to live in Europe without breaking the bank. There is a large expat community in Budapest, which is both welcoming and supportive.
Asia
Asia is a vast continent with incredible natural beauty and some of the world’s most populous cities. It’s also home to a rapidly growing digital nomad scene. Here are some of the best places for digital nomads to work remotely in Asia:
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a culturally rich city in northern Thailand, which is fast becoming one of Asia’s top digital nomad destinations. The city offers a low cost of living, an affordable lifestyle, and excellent expat facilities.
There are plenty of coworking spaces, coffee shops, and restaurants to spend your days working, learning and socializing in. There are also various events and groups where digital nomads can share experiences and take part in community activities.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is an island in Indonesia that attracts millions of tourists every year, lured by its natural beauty and rich culture. The island is also becoming known for its vibrant digital nomad community, thanks to its low cost of living and a plethora of coworking spaces.
Bali is a paradise destination with incredible beaches, jungles, and yoga studios, so you can also relax on your days off. However, the infrastructure for digital nomads is developing rapidly, and there are now plenty of coworking spaces in Bali aimed specifically at digital nomads.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, offers lure and appeal to digital nomads considering a destination in Southeast Asia. It offers an energized street life, delish food, affordable living, ample nightlife, and co-working spaces.
Bangkok’s expansive metropolitan areas offer huge potential and opportunities for those working in the digital space. From the mid-city districts like Sukhumvit, to leafy suburbs such as Thonglor and Ekkamai, Bangkok has a vast array of housing options.
Central and South America
Central and South America are home to diverse cultures, stunning scenery, and incredible biodiversity. Here are some of the best places for digital nomads to work remotely in Central and South America:
Medellin, Colombia
Medellin is a vibrant city in Colombia, with warm weather, friendly locals, and affordable living costs. It is becoming a digital nomad hotspot, with a modern tech culture and excellent facilities for remote workers.
There are plenty of coworking spaces, coffee shops, and events happening around the city for digital nomads to attend. Medellin is also one of the most welcoming, safe and friendly cities in Latin America, featuring a diverse mix of cultures and excellent cuisine.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco is a small city in the mountains of Peru, at the gateway to Machu Picchu. The city is known for its Incan heritage, stunning natural beauty, and delicious food.
The city has a small but growing digital nomad community, with coworking spaces, cafes, and events to help digital nomads connect and network. Because of its altitude, the weather in Cusco can be cooler, but the sun is still strong, so you will want to pack sunscreen!
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis that is the capital of Mexico. This vibrant city is a melting pot of cultures, with incredible architecture, museums, restaurants, and parks, making it a very attractive option for digital nomads who love being in an urban environment.
Mexico City has a vibrant digital nomad scene, with coworking spaces, workshops, and communities to help remote workers connect and network. The city also has an affordable cost of living, while still offering all amenities that digital nomads would require.
Conclusion
Digital nomads are a growing trend among individuals seeking a lifestyle that provides both freedom and flexibility. With the increase in remote work, many cities around the world have become increasingly attractive to digital nomads, offering coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and other facilities to make their lifestyle easier and more enjoyable.
Europe, Asia, Central and South America all offer unique destinations for digital nomads seeking adventure, cultural experiences, new skills and learning experiences. Through these idyllic locations, digital nomads can find the perfect mix of work and pleasure, while improving their outlook and overall quality of life. With the right preparation and research, digital nomads are sure to find the perfect spot for their next remote work adventure.