13 Best Places For Digital Nomads to Work Online in 2023
This year is shaping up to be a great year for Digital Nomads, with more opportunities to earn money online than ever before and with more people across the world taking the plunge to live the life that they want to lead.
Digital Nomads, being nomadic and all, are constantly roaming the planet and searching out the best spots to both work and live from, and each year there’s a new city or island that captures the imagination of travelers and becomes a hotspot for online workers.
We put together this list of the best Digital Nomad hot spots to look out for. These are places that are already well-established with great communities or that are looking likely to explode over the next year.
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Best Places For Digital Nomads to Work Online
From Canggu and Chiang Mai to Budapest and Beirut, here are the best places for digital nomads to work online.
1. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
The Island of the Gods has long drawn in travelers and tourists, but Canggu, with its collection of beachside bars, coworking spaces, chic cafes, and affordable villas and accommodations has really taken the nomad world by storm.
Work by day, enjoy the beach lifestyle, and watch the glorious sunsets over the ocean while mingling with bloggers, YouTubers, and freelancers from around the world.
In your spare time, head off around Bali, explore the untouched north, and the coastline, or head further afield to one of Indonesia’s thousands of other islands.
Why Move To Canggu As A Digital Nomad
Top 3 Things To Do In Canggu
2. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is the huge, sprawling capital of Mexico, and while in the past it was a city that had a reputation for violence and gang-related crimes, the average tourist will never encounter these problems during their stay.
Mexico City is today picking up a well-earned reputation amongst Digital Nomads for its vibrant cultural scene, it’s excellent food, great cafes, and easy transport links across the rest of Mexico.
There are so many great options for places to live and work in Mexico, so even if CDMX is not your style, you’re bound to find a great remote working spot to call your home.
Why Move To Mexico City As A Digital Nomad
Top 3 Things To Do In Mexico City
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most beloved Digital Nomad haunts. While many travelers will stay away from the western side of the continent, as they generally look for lower prices, Lisbon is still an incredibly affordable city, with cheap rent and food and drink.
There’s an established community of bloggers, writers, and online entrepreneurs based here, particularly in the winter when the rest of Europe is just that little bit too cold.
Lisbon also regularly ranks as one of the most liveable cities in Europe!
With its growing community of digital nomads and its abundance of affordable amenities, Lisbon is a great choice for anyone looking for a new place to live and work remotely.
Our Digital Nomad Guide to Portugal
Top 3 Things To Do In Lisbon
4. Budapest, Hungary
Although the popularity of Budapest over the last few years has seen soaring rental prices, the Hungarian capital has remained a favorite destination for long-term travelers to settle down, at least for a while.
Budapest has a bit of everything, with excellent nightlife, world-famous thermal baths, and an incredible array of historic sights to explore.
Throw in the great transport, low-cost flights across Europe, and cheap commodities – rent aside – and you’ve got the perfect European destination for Digital Nomads.
In addition to its picturesque setting on the Danube River, Budapest offers a wide range of coworking spaces, relatively fast internet speeds, and a cost of living that is significantly lower than that of other European cities.
English is also widely spoken, which makes it easy to get by without learning Hungarian.
So whether you’re a freelance writer, graphic designer, or YouTuber, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to work and connect with other like-minded individuals in Budapest.
Why Budapest Is Perfect For Remote Work
Top 3 Things To Do In Budapest
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is Southeast Asia’s most popular Digital Nomad haunt, and for years it’s been the primary destination for online workers in the region, with a huge, supportive community of entrepreneurs and bloggers looking to connect and help each other out.
It’s a well-established location, but there’s everything you might need in Thailand’s northern city, from excellent apartments and great food, to fast wifi and good nightlife.
This beautiful city offers a great quality of life at a fraction of the cost of living in Western countries. In addition, there are plenty of co-working spaces and cafes that make it easy to find a place to work, as well as a local digital nomad community.
If you need a break from your digital screen, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from hiking and biking in the nearby hills to exploring the city’s many temples and markets.
Whether you’re looking for a place to set up base for a long-term project or just want to escape the cold winters of Europe or North America, Chiang Mai is an ideal destination for digital nomads.
Top 3 Things To Do In Chiang Mai
6. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, and as far as the Digital Nomad scene goes in Asia, this is a relatively untapped destination, but one that is certainly gaining pace.
Taipei is a modern, yet cultural feast, where Chinese tradition combines with world-class efficiency to create a unique destination.
Digital Nomads will appreciate the super fast wifi and the opportunities for cultural exchanges that are unlike anywhere else in Asia.
Getting around Taipei is also incredibly convenient – it’s easy to get around without a car, and you’ll find everything you need within walking distance or a short train ride away.
All in all, Taipei ticks all the boxes for digital nomads looking for an affordable, convenient, and fun place to base themselves.
Top 3 Things To Do In Taipei
7. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is the Georgian capital that much of the travel industry has fallen in love with recently.
From the shadow of Soviet oppression and post-independence trauma, Georgia has grown into a world-class destination that’s renowned for being home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world.
The city has a rapidly growing community of digital nomads, and the cost of living is very reasonable. Internet speeds are fast and reliable, and there are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to work from.
In terms of entertainment and nightlife, Tbilisi has something for everyone.
There are countless bars and clubs to explore, and the city’s restaurant scene is absolutely world-class. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to focus on work or a vibrant city to socialize in, Tbilisi is definitely worth considering
Top 3 Things To Do In Tbilisi
8. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek is a city that only a few digital nomads have traveled to.
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is rarely on the radar of tourists, but slowly but surely the Central Asian nation is earning a deserved reputation for itself as a hiker’s paradise.
With beautiful mountains on the doorstep, more nomads than ever are finding themselves being based in Bishkek, with its fast wifi, surprising quantity and quality of cafes and bars, and the proximity to the epic outdoor scenery of Kyrgyzstan, it’s going to be a hotspot in years to come.
Top 3 Things To Do In Bishkek
9. Medellin, Colombia
Rising from the shadows, and embracing even, the legacies of Pablo Escobar, Medellin has fast become an established Digital Nomad location, and perhaps the most popular long-term base in South America.
With a colorful cultural vibe and great food – not to mention the mad nightlife – Medellin is a great choice for those looking to live the laid-back Colombian lifestyle while enjoying the opportunity to travel through South America.
The cost of living here is relatively low, particularly when compared to major cities like New York or London. This makes it a great option for those working remotely who want to stretch their budget a little further.
Medellin is also renowned for its excellent year-round weather, which is perfect for digital nomads who want to enjoy some outdoor time while they work.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Medellin is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads from all over the world.
Colombia also regularly ranks as one of the best countries in the world to work online.
Our Medellin Digital Nomad Guide
Top 3 Things To Do In Medellin
10. Beirut, Lebanon
If you are looking for an adventurous, off-the-beaten-track location to set up camp as a Digital Nomad, then look no further than Beirut, Lebanon’s vibrant, multicultural capital city.
This is a city that’s full of history, that’s home to many different religions and languages and that’s colorful and energetic.
There are some great cafes and restaurants and some excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in a unique and under-visited part of the world.
Top 3 Things To Do In Beirut
11. Bucharest, Romania
Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to live with good weather and fast internet or a culturally rich city with plenty of co-working spaces – Bucharest ticks all the boxes!
Bucharest, Romania is quickly becoming one of the most popular places for digital nomads to live and work remotely.
For digital nomads, having a fast and reliable internet connection is non-negotiable. And Bucharest definitely delivers in this department! The average internet speed in Bucharest is over 100 Mbps – so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to get your work done without any frustrating interruptions or connection issues.
If you’re looking for a place to meet like-minded individuals and make some new friends, then you’ll love Bucharest’s vibrant co-working scene. There are dozens of different co-working spaces scattered throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere and community of members.
Top 3 Things To Do In Bucharest
12. Prague, Czech Republic
If you’re a digital nomad looking for a new place to set up shop, you can’t go wrong with Prague. This beautiful Central European city has everything you could want: a low cost of living, fast internet, and plenty of things to do in your downtime.
Prague is an incredibly affordable city, especially when compared to Western European capitals like London or Paris. You can easily find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for under $500/month.
One of the most important requirements for any digital nomad is a fast and reliable internet connection. Prague definitely delivers on this front – the average internet speeds in the city are around 50 Mbps, which is more than enough to get work done without any frustration.
And, if you do run into any problems, there are plenty of cafes and coworking spaces around town that offer free wifi.
One thing that Czechs take very seriously is their beer – and it shows. Pilsner beer originated in Plzen (just an hour’s drive from Prague), and Czechs pride themselves on brewing some of the best beer in the world.
And the best part? It’s incredibly cheap – you can easily find beers for under $2 at most pubs and bars around town.
So if you’re looking for an affordable, European city with excellent Wi-Fi and plenty to do in your free time, Prague is the perfect place for you.
Why Digital Nomads Are Moving to Prague
Top 3 Things To Do In Prague
13. Cape Town, South Africa
Enchanted by its natural beauty, endless coastline, and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why Cape Town has become a mecca for digital nomads from all over the world.
For many digital nomads, working from home can get pretty lonely. That’s why coworking spaces have become increasingly popular among remote workers. With over 100 coworking spaces located throughout Cape Town, you’ll never have trouble finding a place to set up shop and meet some fellow nomads!
One of the biggest concerns for digital nomads is finding a place to live that doesn’t break the bank. Compared to other popular cities for remote workers like Dublin and London, the cost of living in Cape Town is much more reasonable.
You can easily find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for under $1,000 per month. And with the weaker South African Rand, your dollar will go even further!
Can’t get enough of those stunning beachfront sunsets? There are plenty of affordable Airbnbs available along the coast where you can enjoy views of Table Mountain while working from home.
With a coastline on three sides of the peninsula that sticks down into the Atlantic like a thumb, there’s no way to live in Cape Town and not spend time at the beach (or miss seeing one while driving around).
But these aren’t just any beaches – they’re some of the most beautiful in the world.
Top 3 Things To Do In Cape Town
Best Places For Digital Nomads to Work Remotely
That’s it for our list of the best places for digital nomads to work remotely.
We hope you found this information helpful and that it gave you some ideas on where to go next as you continue your journey as a digital nomad.
Just as a quick recap, here is our full list of the best places to work remotely as a digital nomad:
- 1. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
- 2. Mexico City, Mexico
- 3. Lisbon, Portugal
- 4. Budapest, Hungary
- 5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
- 6. Taipei, Taiwan
- 7. Tbilisi, Georgia
- 8. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- 9. Medellin, Colombia
- 10. Beirut, Lebanon
- 11. Bucharest, Romania
- 12. Prague, Czech Republic
- 13. Cape Town, South Africa
Do you have any favorite spots that we missed? Let us know in the comments below – we would love to hear from you!
READ MORE: What is the Most Liveable City in Europe?
To be honest, I would hesitate to live in an expat bubble, so Prague, Tblisi, Central Asia, Chiang Mai, Bali are going to lead to stir crazy social lives if you don’t speak the local lingo. Since I am fluent in French and good in Spanish, Lisbon and Bucharest are possible long-term residences. Cape Town is VERY far away, expensive to get to, and has been in a drought for years.
You haven’t looked at smaller cities. For example, in France, which has excellent infrastructure everywhere, a plethora of World Heritage Sites, excellent cuisines, two oceans, four mountain ranges, culturally-smart development in cities, you can almost land anywhere. The only issue is you would have to speak French if you want a good social life. I lived in France for 20 years and, besides wintry weather in the northern industrial towns, almost every city and town would be excellent places. Outside of Paris, housing is 80% less costly on average. Bordeaux is gorgeous, only 2 hours by the LGV train from Paris, has great beaches, wine. Aix-en-Provence, Toulouse, Montpelier, Nantes, Angers… are all very attractive, historic towns. What is more affordable in France are: luxury and gourmet products (real champagne at under 15 euros, healthcare (considered overall the best in the world for everyone), urban transport…
You’ve also excluded Spain. Smaller historic towns like Salamanca, the “Oxford” of Castillian Spanish is a World Heritage Site to the west of Madrid, Valladolid, Soria, Avila, Burgos…
Italy is a mixed bag due to the chronic unreliability of government. In the aging, depopulating south (the Mezzogiorno), you can buy fixer uppers for a lark. Just be aware public services are spotty and wildcat strikes can occur. In summer, the historic scorching hot and most Italian homes do not have a/c’s.
I would avoid northern Europe in the winter, but a place like Amsterdam or Copenhagen would have most locals who speak English often very welcoming in the warmer months.