Are you a digital nomad or an expat looking for a new place to call home? With so many people able to work remotely these days, the world is your oyster! Whether you're looking for a change of scenery or just want to explore a new culture, there are many great cities around the world that are perfect for digital nomads and expats who can work from anywhere.
1. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
It’s easy to see why Lisbon is an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads and expats. The food is great, the weather is mild, and coworking spaces are on the rise. The digital community is really tight in this city, so you won’t have issues finding like minded people to have beers over a Zoom call (now), and Sangria on a sunny terrace in the future. Combine this with the possibility of going to nearby beaches and amazing sights during the weekends, Lisbon sounds like it has it all. Portugal also offers a temporary stay visa that can host you for less than 1 year.
2. Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺
Budapest is attracting digital nomads all over the world because it has the vibes and views of a Western city, minus the expenses. You’ll meet plenty of international people here, the nightlife scene is great (check out the ruin bars!), and during the summer you can even go to one of those famous Sparties! If you’re not up for tough winters, you should probably settle in Budapest during spring and summer months.
3. Valletta, Malta 🇲🇹
Expats were always attracted to Malta due to its friendly taxation system. And Malta adapted! It now has plenty of coworking spaces to accommodate new guests and the community is becoming really international. Plus, it’s a short flight away from plenty of other capitals or sunny cities you may want to visit, which makes Valletta one of the best cities for digital nomads.
4. Da Nang, Vietnam 🇻🇳
Vietnam has been in the news for its amazing response to the pandemic, and it’s probably going to open up quicker than other destinations. Da Nang is a perfect place if you’re looking for a really low cost of life, while always being surrounded by the water and beautiful beaches to relax. It also has amazing food options (Western too).
5. Krakow, Poland 🇵🇱
Another favorite for its low cost of living, buzzing start-up scene and overall great atmosphere is Krakow! Digital nomads have plenty of opportunities to spend their on hours in coworking spaces and meeting like minded individuals, and plenty of affordable bars and restaurants to spend their fun evenings in! Don’t forget to enjoy the colorful streets and the historic sites that are all around this beautiful city.
6. Mexico City, Mexico 🇲🇽
Mexico’s expat scene has been constantly growing, with Mexico City leading that growth trend. The wifi is reliable, the city is extremely lively and welcoming, and the food will make sure to have you come back for seconds. Mexico City is an affordable place where your salary can go a long way and the visa process for digital nomads is a pretty straight forward process that you can easily follow. Of course, you’ll never be bored during your weekends or evenings here.
Mexico deserves a separate line just to say...tacos.
7. Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷
This is a gem for many digital nomads looking for a lively, international city that offers great food and a low to medium cost of living. If you happen to have a Western salary, you’ll be able to truly enjoy this city and all it has to offer. Wifi connection is good and there are spots for you to work from basically everywhere. Oh, did we mention the amazing coffee that will keep you going? Turkey also has special visas for freelancers, which is surely a plus and puts Istanbul on the list of best cities for digital nomads.
8. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩
If you ever thought about being a digital nomad, then Bali probably popped into your head at least once, for good reasons: the weather, the views, the food, the hype. There are cafes all over the city where nomads get together to work, and the cost of living in Canggu is relatively low. Moreover, it’s a great base for exploring the rest of the island, as you’ll probably want to do on your weekends.
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭
If you’re looking for an affordable place with lovely locals that make you feel like home, this may just be it. Chiang Mai’s popularity is increasing amongst nomads, so the community is also becoming more international and you’ll easily find your tribe here. Goes without saying that this is a foodie’s paradise, and travelling across this beautiful country is easy to do from here. Yes, the internet is great too!
10. Barbados 🇧🇧
Let’s end with the island that made the headlines last year after announcing their famous Work From Home visa. This lets you make Barbados your new home for 12 months, and you can reapply after if you want to. The island is sunny, safe and has reliable internet connection for your work hours. With such an opportunity, digital nomads will surely float to this destination so it’ll be easy to connect with them and share experiences. Needless to say, your time off will be nothing but amazing on this paradise island that you could call home for a while.
Here you go: 10 best cities for digital nomads! 🗺️
So, there you have it - our top picks for digital nomad-friendly cities around the world! Whether you're a freelancer, remote worker, or expat, these cities offer a wealth of opportunities for work and play. From the stunning beaches of Bali to the bustling streets of Tokyo, there's something for everyone. So why not pack your bags and set off on a new adventure? Who knows, you might just find your new home away from home! Happy travels!
