10 best cities for remote working and that digital nomad lifestyle

Being a digital nomad has many perks, especially for people like me, who love exploring new sights and sampling as much good food as possible. But there’s also the challenge of choosing the city you’d want to work and live in.

If you want to try working outside an office and start adventuring, I recommend picking a city with reliable internet, delectable cuisine, and unique places to explore.

To make your search easier, here I share my pick of the best cities for remote work and adventure.

1. Bali, Indonesia

Best for: Wellness

There’s a reason Bali is called the “Island of the Gods.”

Located in Southeast Asia, between the Pacific and Indian oceans, “Pulao Dewata” offers a rich cultural heritage, memorable food, and thrilling travel gems.

Despite its size, the island is also a hotspot for digital nomads. So, you’re sure to find a diverse community of remote workers thriving with the locals while you’re here.

Every cafe, hotel, and restaurant in Bali has power outlets and an internet connection, so you’ll never hesitate to tow your laptop while exploring the area.

If Bali is a bit too crowded for you, check out my guide to the best Bali alternatives. 

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Best for: Vibrant culture

A lively city with a Mediterranean climate, Lisbon in Portugal is the best place for those who prefer working like a medieval noble.

I love walking along its winding cobbled streets, navigating castles and ruins from the Roman occupation.

The hilly coastal capital city has fast internet speeds, so you can reliably work here without worrying about connection.

A lively cultural scene, unique food, and stunning architecture are just a few of the things that await you in Lisbon.

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Best for: Laid-back lifestyle

Located in the northern region of Thailand, Chiang Mai or “New City” is the country’s hub for scenic natural views and ancient traditions.

The city is over seven centuries old, with Buddhist temples dating back to the 13th century, such as the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Working here is a dream come true for many. The weather is perennially great, the living cost is astonishingly affordable, and there’s no shortage of things to do and gorgeous places to visit in your downtime.

4. Medellín, Colombia

Best for: Innovation

Vibrant, scenic, and charming. Those are three words that best encapsulate Medellín City in Colombia.

Brimming with chic neighbourhoods, stunning flower farms, and fascinating museums, it’s a great place to kickstart a digital nomad lifestyle.

Known as the “city of eternal spring,” Medellín’s warm days and cool nights make for a fantastic remote working haven.

Anyone would be remiss not to experience Medellín’s rich coffee culture! Not to mention the low cost of living and lively nightlife.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Best for: Amazing food

Home to the iconic Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Barcelona is a must-visit for those who appreciate art and historical structures.

It’s no surprise that freelancers crowd here, with the city boasting one of the fastest internet connections across Europe.

With a history dating back to the Romans in the 1st century, the City of Counts is a central hub for Europe’s greatest architectural feats.

Getting around the city is easy with its pleasant warm weather and superb public transportation.

There are plenty of coworking spaces as well – and for a break, head to one of Barcelona’s beaches.

But the pest part of working in Barcelona in my opinion? The myriad of incredible tapas restaurants and rooftop bars.

6. Tallinn, Estonia

Best for: Tech innovation

Tallinn is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. 

But it’s more than just an old Soviet city filled with olden church spires, winding cobbled streets, and red-roofed towers. It’s a superb spot to work remotely, too.

High-speed Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere. And while it’s a small city, there’s no shortage of fantastic cafes, trendy restaurants, and convenient coworking establishments to supercharge productivity.

You can work as a freelancer in Tallinn for one year with a Digital Nomad Visa.

7. Tbilisi, Georgia

Best for: Affordability

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, was previously known as Tiflis until 1936 when the Soviet government demanded it to be changed.

Located on the banks of Kura, the city is certainly at the top of every digital nomad’s list.

Modern and futuristic, Tbilisi flaunts a dazzling local culture, amazing Georgian cuisine, and plenty of exciting outdoor activities.

While not the fastest, the internet connection I experienced in the city was decent and reliable. Be sure to visit one of Tbilisi’s bathhouses in your downtime!

8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Best for: Street food lovers

Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh, is a hidden gem for digital nomads looking for a perfect city to settle and explore.

There’s a massive cafe culture around here, with many affordable shops and co-work hideouts anyone can comfortably get productive in.

Like many Asian cities, Saigon residents are friendly and inviting. By day, the city is vibrant with busy people and streets.

At night, it transforms into a lively pool of restaurants and bars.

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

Best for: Nature lovers and adventure

Young yet teeming with history, Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city is a growing metropolis for freelance and remote workers.

I once visited Reykjavik before embarking on an adventure around the Golden Circle, but I was positively surprised by the city’s digital infrastructure.

Setting the city’s gorgeous landscapes aside, Reykjavik has an abundance of well-equipped coworking spaces on top of its high connectivity rate.

There’s a wealth of destination treasures to discover here too, so adventurers will be in their element!

Don’t miss Iceland’s popular glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and of course the Blue Lagoon.

10. Cape Town, South Africa

Best for: Epic scenery

Forests, beaches, mountains, oceans, and nature reserves – Cape Town is the dream city for anyone searching to rest their heads with mother nature.

Internet access is easy to find with free Wi-Fi zones all over the metropolis.

Stumbling across wonderful co-working spaces, shops, and cafes and meeting fellow nomads is easy.

But to those like me, who prefer working quietly, Cape Town has several libraries you can visit too.

Do you have any favourite cities for remote working? Let me know in the comments below!

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