Top 14 Cities for Digital Nomads

Lifestyle

Top 14 Cities for Digital Nomads

September 29 / 2021

Do you want to be a digital nomad but you don’t know what destination to choose? Keep reading and we explain what reasons make a city ideal for this type of worker.

Can you imagine working from the countries you’ve always dreamt of? It’s what digital nomads do. 

The pandemic and the shift to mainstream remote work has made professionals want to travel the world while working, either for their companies or self-employed. Of course, certain cities have become fashionable among digital nomads to stay for an extended period.

If you want to adopt this nomadic lifestyle but don’t know where to start your adventure, Cloudworks can tell you about these places and what makes them unique. Let’s look at the best sites for this kind of worker and find out why they are the most popular destinations. Keep reading!

What makes a destination perfect for digital nomads?

Digital nomads can work independently anywhere in the world and even live in different destinations while working. 

Becoming a remote worker has turned increasingly popular over the years since it allows you to travel while you work. According to an MBO study, in the United States, this kind of professionals has grown by 49% from 2019 to 2020 due to the pandemic.

It is essential to be aware of some aspects of a destination to meet the demands of a digital nomad. If you are interested in adopting this lifestyle and enriching your professional experience, make sure that these countries have, among other things, the following characteristics. 

Internet access

Choose a destination that has facilities that provide you with a good internet connection. By doing so, you will reduce stress, meet deadlines, and you will be just as productive as in your old office, if not more. 

It is cost-effective

Consider your operating expenses and your leisure expenses, and allow for possible unexpected costs. Keep your salary in mind when deciding between destinations and live within your means.

It is inspiring

Everyone has different creative triggers. That is why it is essential to be aware of them to know that you are in the right place and at the right time.

If a genuinely inspiring environment surrounds you, it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable moment both professionally and personally. You are likely to find these stimuli on a beach in Thailand or a bar in Berlin. The options are endless.

What are the best cities for digital nomads?

Whatever your profession is, the choice of a location is very crucial, as an online teacher broadcasting from a cocktail bar on an exotic beach would be considered improper. 

Below we list some destinations for digital nomads that meet the characteristics mentioned above, so that you can decide on the one that best suits your style and needs.

Barcelona, Spain

Catalonia offers cultural, gastronomic and landscape variety in each of its provinces, so you will always find something new to surprise you if you decide to visit it. In Barcelona specifically, you will find all the benefits that a digital nomad constantly seeks.

Professionals who come to this city can enjoy the most comfortable work experience while soaking up the Mediterranean climate and architectural modernism.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is another of the most influential cities in Spain and receives more and more tourists each year. It has an excellent infrastructure and technology that serve as an incentive for digital nomads to work there.

In the capital city you can enjoy all its charming spots and walks along Gran Vía or through the El Retiro Gardens and a diverse and open environment with those who come to visit the city.

Bangkok, Thailand

It’s one of the cheapest places for digital nomads, accommodation is easy to find, and Thai people generally welcome foreigners. As a professional, you can choose between the exciting urban life of Bangkok or the laid-back island life of places like Koh Samui or Phuket.

Tourist visas are very popular among digital nomads, granting a stay of up to 6 months and the possibility of renewal.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Also in Thailand, in the largest city in the north of the country. Located 700km north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

It is also one of the cheapest places in Asia on this list, from accommodation to street food to bike rentals and co-working spaces

Bali, Indonesia

After the digital nomad boom around 2012, Bali became the place to be for the most business-oriented travellers, as the Indonesian city ticks all the boxes.

There are co-working spaces everywhere. The costs of living in Bali vary depending on your lifestyle. Beach parties and nightlife have high everyday costs. However, if you spend wisely and make occasional leisure plans, you will have a lot of fun without worrying about your pocket.

Budapest, Hungary

What Europe lacks in exoticism, it more than makes up for in cultural, historical and functional terms. Budapest is an excellent example of this. There are plenty of cafes with excellent Wi-Fi and a good selection of affordable co-working spaces. In addition, it is a very safe city.

Berlin, Germany

The country offers an excellent work-life balance. It also has a stable economy, large social systems, and a high standard of healthcare. Berlin has a great infrastructure that makes it very attractive for digital nomads, thus offering a great destination to live and work.

London, England

Its corporate culture makes it very attractive to entrepreneurs and professionals from around the world. If you want a change of scenery to live in a more dynamic place where your project or career has new opportunities, this English city may be the perfect option. 

San Francisco, California, United States

If your field of work is technology-related, being a digital nomad in a city like San Francisco can be very rewarding. It is the fintech capital for excellence. Despite the high cost of living, the networking opportunities make it worth living in this charming city.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the lesser-known destinations in Southeast Asia, but it is an expat paradise. Not only does it boast delicious cuisine, low crime levels, and a stellar work-life balance, but the welcoming locals will be delighted to share their country with anyone who decides to live there.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei stands out for being the perfect mix between the West and the East. In this city, you will find many established technology companies co-working spaces where many of them converge. The country has a low cost of living, and English is widely spoken, so communicating with the locals will not be a problem. 

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has embraced nomadic culture with open arms, and there are many options for work such as luxurious offices, bohemian cafes, serviced offices, and co-working spaces. “Creative artistic centres” have also emerged, whose objective is to push your creativity to the limit. 

Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand is anything but boring. You can surf in the Pacific, skydive in the Southern Alps, try rafting, caving, etc. The country has a laid-back lifestyle, with workers having plenty of free time, giving them great well-being and peace of mind.

Digital nomads love the many opportunities for entrepreneurs and the easy access to banking, healthcare and education.

Tallinn, Estonia

It is one of the best destinations for digital nomads because it has free Wi-Fi in vast areas, including forests, beaches, and a good number of co-working spaces. It also stands out for offering the first visa, which allows digital nomads to access public services such as healthcare that will make you feel like a local. 

As you can see, the possibilities of starting your adventure as a digital nomad are endless and adapt to any need. While within Europe, there are multiple destinations to try out this lifestyle, as we have already seen, Spain is another place where digital nomads from all over the world flock to experience the culture and variety of its cities.

If you choose Barcelona or Madrid as your new destination, it is vital to have a space to develop your ideas and create synergies with other professionals. We have flexible monthly, weekly or daily plans with no minimum stay. In addition, there are different communal areas and terraces where you can work, meet or take a short break.

At Cloudworks, we offer everything you need to make your experience in Spain unbeatable. Contact us, and we will provide you with a flexible plan according to your requirements. We look forward to seeing you!

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