Tired of working from that desk in the corner of your bedroom? Cause, same. If you’ve been craving a change of scenery, then you’ve come to the the right place. I spent the past few weeks of 2024 researching different spots around the world to (hopefully) bring you a comprehensive list of the top 10 places to work from as a digital nomad in 2024. I wanted the list to feature variety - from breathtaking beaches to vibrant cities. But what each of these destinations have in common is that they offer the perfect mix of work and play for the modern worker.
1. Bali - Island Paradise 🌴
You might be rolling your eyes at this one as recently, Bali’s popularity has skyrocketed. So, why is Bali on the list? Well, aside from the obvious Instagram-worthy sunsets and lush landscapes, Bali is also a tremendously accessible place for digital nomads. In recent years, Bali has erupted with excellent coworking spaces and breathtaking beachfront offices. It’s also got a very laid back, super-friendly vibe, so it's really not hard to fall in love. There’s also the cost of living element, let’s just say living and working from Bali won't burn a hole in your pocket. And if we haven’t already sold you, the local cuisine is truly a treat for your taste buds.
2. Lisbon - Where History Meets Hustle 🏰
This place, well, I may be a little biased. I spent 3 months living 20 minutes outside of Lisbon and let’s just say, I WILL be back. Lisbon's charm lies in its cobbled streets, historic architecture, and buzzing entrepreneurial spirit… okay, and maybe the pasteis de nata… This European gem of a city offers digital nomads a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The city has an awesome art scene and nightlife, and also cozy cafes that are perfect for remote work. A big selling feature for me was the mild climate. Yeah, sure, winters can be rainy since it’s a coastal city, but truly, it really is a year-round delight. Pro tip: ask for your pastel de nata heated up with a sprinkle of cinnamon on it… you can thank me later.
3. Barcelona - Sun, Sea, and Silicon Beaches 🏖️
Barcelona, oh man, what a vibe. With its laid-back beach culture, rich history, and a thriving digital nomad community, Barcelona really has it all. If you’re into Spanish culture, well this city boasts fantastic coworking spaces, delicious tapas, and a vibrant nightlife… because, work-life balance, right? Oh yeah, and Gaudi's architecture is just a bonus – your Instagram will definitely be popping off.
4. Chiang Mai - The Northern Thai Gem 🌿
Okay maybe Europe isn’t the vibe and you’re looking for an affordable yet exotic destination. Check out Chiang Mai. For starters, this Thai city offers a very low cost of living. It’s also got some seriously delicious street food, and a fast-growing, not to mention welcoming, community of digital nomads. Nestled amidst mountains, Chiang Mai provides a tranquil escape for focused work sessions and epic weekend adventures.
5. Cape Town - Did Someone Say… Wildlife 🦁
Thought I’d toss in a bit of a wildcard here, but seriously, why settle for a boring office view when you can have Table Mountain? Cape Town's natural beauty, in my humble opinion, is a digital nomad's dream backdrop. The city has been known for its state-of-the-art coworking spaces, friendly locals, and thriving art scene. Plus, when you're not working, you have the option to explore the stunning surrounding beaches or embark on a safari adventure – I mean, come ON.
6. Medellin - Eternal Spring 🌺
I couldn’t say enough good things about this city, so instead, I’ll keep this one quite brief. Medellin's perpetual springtime climate is just the beginning. This Colombian city will blow you away. The infrastructure is uber modern… like, way more modern than most places. And better yet, it’s actually known to be a hotspot for the transient, young, digital nomad demographic. This city has undergone quite a transformation, and it’s truly remarkable. Add this one to your list, you will definitely not be disappointed.
7. Tulum - Bohemian Bliss on the Beach 🌊
Maybe Mexico is on your bucket list, in which case, visit Tulum. Tulum's white sandy beaches and bohemian atmosphere make it a digital nomad's paradise. In recent years, Tulum has transformed, and rebranded in a sort of way, to market itself specifically to digital nomads. With plenty of coworking spaces and a laid-back lifestyle, you can walk around barefoot for a green juice and a taco, then pop into a local cafe for a short work sesh. If and when you need a break (because life here sounds hard, doesn’t it?) explore the nearby ancient Mayan ruins or snorkel in crystal-clear cenotes – because why not?
8. Budapest - The Pearl of the Danube 🏰
Budapest's blend of history, culture, and affordability makes for a winning combo. If you’re unfamiliar with Budapest, then for starters I recommend Googling it and looking at the images… jaw dropping. The city also has these incredible thermal baths that are the perfect place to relax after a day of work. Budapest also offers a unique, diverse, fun, lively, bodacious, and vibrant nightlife. There is something for everyone’s tastes! Budapest is severely underrated, and it’s just dying to be explored.
9. Berlin - Where Creativity Knows No Bounds 🎨
Okay, this one goes out to all the artsy fartsy, hipster digital nomads that want a vibrant, diverse, bustling metropolis, well, listen up, because Berlin is the place to be. This city, without a doubg has an intensely deep history, but in recent years, it’s flourished into a wild and wonderful place that embraces anyone and everyone for their differences. In addition to that, it too has an abundance of coworking spaces fit to work remotely from. And when you decide to log off for the day, you can step outside your office into one of Berlin’s eclectic neighborhoods, art galleries, or even venture into the techno music scene. They say Manhattan is the city that never sleeps, I’d argue Berlin doesn’t either.
10. La Fortuna - Work with a Volcanic View 🌋
Costa Rica is a no-brainer spot to visit if you’re a digital nomad. If you fancy a unique work environment, La Fortuna in Costa Rica is calling your name. Let’s picture this together: you wake up and log into your computer. You’ve got an 8am meeting with senior leadership at the company you’re working for. It’s time for you to present your sales over the last quarter. You don’t have a care in the world, because off into the distance you catch a glimpse of the Arenal Volcano in the background… life could be worse. The town of La Fortuna is surrounded by lush rainforests, hot springs, and adventure activities, making this a wonderful spot for anyone who wants to relax, work, and explore.
So, hopefully this gives you some things to think about as you plan your adventures for the upcoming year. So, pack your bags, grab your laptop, and get ready for a year of adventure, productivity, and endless possibilities. These top 10 destinations for digital nomads in 2024 have everything you need to make your remote work experience unforgettable. Happy nomading! 🌍✈️
