Are you a remote worker or a full-time digital nomad? If you like to travel and live the same lifestyle as those you see on social media, these 10 best cities for digital nomads will make it easy.
Discover where these amazing destinations are and the factors to consider when choosing your next temporary base for telework.
Related read: Tips for Traveling and Working Remotely
Here’s an overview:
Factors to Consider When Picking a Location to Work Remotely
When selecting your next remote work hub, consider these four things to ensure the place supports a laptop lifestyle:
- Cost of living: You’re fortunate if you get paid well, and the cost of accommodation, food and transportation is the last of your concerns. If you’re on a budget, estimate how much you’ll be spending for the whole trip to your next destination so you can stretch your savings.
- Internet connection: Reliable internet access is non-negotiable. Some locations lack the network infrastructure to support high-speed connectivity. To avoid any work disruption, check the internet services before booking the accommodation.
- Coworking spaces: Many budget accommodations don’t have a dedicated quiet area where you can work. If you need to be productive, check for quality coworking spaces near the hotel.
- Visa: If you want to stay for a few months in one location, ensure the country has an option for a long-term or digital nomad visa. This way, you won’t extend your stay illegally.
Looking for luggage? Here are our top picks for sustainable luggage for digital nomads.
10 Best Cities for Digital Nomads
So, where should you head for your next work spot? Here’s the list of the 10 best cities for nomadic lifestyles.
1. Lisbon
Europe boasts thousands of splendid cities, but Lisbon—Portugal’s capital—offers more than just the basics to support a lifestyle that’s always on the move. From friendly people to an affordable cost of living, fast internet, a mild climate and delicious food, the city is a haven for teleworkers looking to experience the West’s way of living on a budget.
Explore the local markets, try delicious seafood and do some work in your downtime while relaxing on the beach. People here have a relaxed lifestyle, making it an ideal destination if you work on a laptop.
If you’re earning €3,040 euros from 2023 onwards — or about $3,300, which is at least four times the national wage — you can get a renewable digital nomad visa. This permit allows you to work within the country and is renewable for up to five years.
Check out these boutique hotels in Lisbon when looking for accommodation.
Related read: Top Tips for Remote Working in Europe
2. Toronto
This city is recognized as one of the safest in North America, especially for women travelers. Crime rates related to discrimination, burglary, attacks, and robbery are low. Its population is highly diverse, and the overall atmosphere is inclusive. Outside of your hotel, you will have plenty of opportunities to socialize and meet other citizens of the world.
Another great advantage of Toronto is its reliable public transportation system. Going around is convenient, increasing your sense of security while roaming. You’ll also have no problem with the internet here.
Canada’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to six months at a time. The best thing is it has no salary threshold, so your chances of getting approved are high.
While there, check out these fun things to do in Toronto.
3. Nassau
A getaway to The Bahamas is on every globetrotter’s bucket list. With majestic views in front of you, you’ll wish you’d stay there forever. The capital — Nassau — offers a plethora of exciting activities to do if you want to immerse in the local culture.
If sightseeing is your thing, you can stroll through downtown and join a walking tour. You’ll surely find a great cafe with a fast network if you need to fiddle with your keyboard to get some work done.
When you want time off-screen, taking a trip to Rose Island to explore the untouched wilderness is the best city escape you can make. The country has the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay digital nomad program, which allows you to live in this stunning paradise for up to a year and experience the vacation of your dreams.
4. Tokyo
Japan is a beautiful country that entices many. In 2022 alone, Tokyo saw a 369% increase in remote workers. It has plenty of exciting things in store for those who find themselves in this part of the world.
Recently, the country launched a visa program that is valid for up to six months for remote workers. In addition to the basic requirements, you’ll also have to provide documents proving an annual income of at least ¥10 million or about $64,000. If approved, you can explore every nook and cranny of Tokyo and visit other gorgeous cities.
Here’s our guide to how much it costs to live in Tokyo for an idea of what you’ll need. Plus, check out our guide to navigating internet access in Japan.
5. Flagstaff
Visit Flagstaff if you want to tick off a travel bucket list within the U.S. You’ll find the majestic Grand Canyon here — a must-see for every world explorer. Its stunning, natural beauty entices both locals and foreigners.
Your everyday to-dos will be filled with fun activities that satisfy your wanderlust. You can take the South Rim — an accessible trail to the 6,000-foot-deep natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, which will take your breath away. When time for work calls, cafes like Firecreek Coffee Company and Campus Coffee Bean are famous among remote workers for their cozy and relaxing vibe.
If you need a quieter place, the Flagstaff Public Library is your best bet. Coworking spaces are also available if you wish to work in an office-like environment. You’ll have plenty of options for telework in this diverse city.
6. Bangkok
This vibrant city is a fantastic location for people who like to combine work with adventures. The Khaosan Road — a street in Bangkok — is famous as a backpacker’s hub. What makes it traveler-friendly is the affordable accommodations, perfect for long-term wanderers. Not only that, but the street vendors will also take you on a gastronomic food expedition, from world-class local cuisines to exotic grubs like deep-fried scorpions and spiders.
Internet services are reliable. Whether you work in your hotel or at nearby coffee shops, the fast network will help you become productive.
The country has a Destination Thailand Visa, targeting remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads. It offers a multiple-entry visa valid for five years and usable for up to 180 days. If you want a destination offering a unique Asian experience and many options for remote work, consider Bangkok.
Related read: Unusual Things to do in Bangkok
7. Barcelona
While living in Madrid sounds phenomenal, Barcelona offers a unique experience wanderers shouldn’t miss. It’s a coastal area, so you’ll love the long summer vibe if you’re a beach fan.
The city also has a lot to offer when it comes to entertainment. Stroll at the La Rambla or visit the infamous La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Batllo. It has abundant cafes and restaurants you can spot in little alleys, where you can stop by and sip your favorite latte while doing some client work. Expect many tourists roaming in the area.
If you want to make friends while traveling, this city is perfect for connecting with other remote workers. The country offers a digital nomad visa for up to three years for foreigners who can provide proof of financial means to pay for their stay.
Check out our complete guide to Barcelona.
8. Taipei
Taipei is a modern city that has become an ideal destination for digital nomads. Cafes have reliable internet connections, allowing you to complete your tasks wherever you are.
If there’s one challenge for you here, it’s the slightly expensive accommodations. It can be tricky to score a cheap place. In most cases, you’ll have to find a roommate to share lodging expenses if you’re on a budget and want to sustain a long-term stay financially.
With its organized public transportation, hopping between tourist attractions is easy. You can explore plenty of beautiful spots during your free time – like these day hikes around Taipei.
Taiwan doesn’t have a digital nomad visa, but it offers an even better alternative with its Taiwan Employment Gold Card. It’s a combination of resident, work, and visa permits for skilled professionals, valid for up to three years. After it expires, you can apply for permanent residence if you want to relocate permanently.
9. Florence
Florence, Italy, is another hub for remote workers and a top holiday destination. The country offers a one-year digital nomad visa for those who want to experience living like an Italian.
The charming city of Florence is a paradise for passionate art enthusiasts. The high-class museums feature exquisite masterpieces. It’s a perfect temporary headquarters for remote workers who love the arts to the core and want to immerse themselves in local creative culture.
Visit the Gallery of the Academy in the morning to see the original David sculpture. In the afternoon, relax at a nearby cafe and indulge in Italian espresso and pasta while hopping on a client call.
The Italian embassy opened applications for digital nomad visas April 4, 2024. The permit is valid for one year and is renewable as long as the initial requirements are met.
If you’re on a budget, we’ve got a few great recommendations for budget hotels in Florence.
10. Auckland
Exploring New Zealand is an absolute dream for many. Make the city of Auckland your next stop in your travel itinerary, and you’ll be in for plenty of exquisite, wonderful surprises.
This capital city is multicultural and diverse. The chance of meeting people from your home country is high, so you’re less likely to get homesick while staying here. You’ll love the city if you’re a film buff — explore around Hobbiton and see all of the Hobbit Holes.
If you’re not into movies, no worries. The city has all types of entertainment for every traveler.
New Zealand doesn’t offer a visa for remote workers, but you can stay for up to six or nine months with a Visitor visa. It’s more than enough time to tour around the city — and country — while working from your laptop.
Check out these places to visit in Auckland.
Explore These 10 Best Cities for Remote Workers
The laptop lifestyle sure has its own benefits. You can travel the world and experience local cultures while still earning enough to finance your getaways.
Are you planning your next remote work destination? Consider these 10 cities with longer visa options. Immerse yourself and live like a local in these stunning locations.
