The rise of remote work has allowed professionals to work from almost anywhere in the world. If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or a full-time employee with flexible work, picking the right spot matters. It can boost productivity, improve work-life balance, and enhance well-being.
This guide looks at the best cities for remote work and showcases the best digital nomad locations. These spots offer reliable internet, co-working spaces, and inspiring views. Whether you like busy cities or quiet beach towns, these travel spots fit various lifestyles and budgets.
What Makes a City Remote Work-Friendly?
Before diving into the best destinations, it’s essential to understand the key factors that make a city ideal for remote workers:
- Reliable Internet – Fast and stable internet is non-negotiable for seamless remote work.
- Cost of Living – Affordable housing, food, and transport are essential for long-term stays.
- Co-Working Spaces & Cafés – A good selection of workspaces helps maintain productivity.
- Quality of Life – Safety, healthcare, and general well-being contribute to a comfortable lifestyle.
- Visa Options for Remote Workers – Digital nomad visas and long-term stay options make travel easier.
- Community & Networking – A strong expat or digital nomad community helps people connect and work together.
- Climate & Environment – A pleasant climate and green spaces boost well-being and productivity.
Now, let’s explore some of the best destinations for remote work!
Top Cities for Remote Work Around the World
Lisbon, Portugal – A European Digital Nomad Hub
Why It’s Great: Lisbon is a top choice for digital nomads. It offers a vibrant culture, nice weather, and lower living costs than other Western European capitals.
Key Features:
- High-speed internet and numerous co-working spaces
- Affordable rent and cost of living
- Thriving remote work community
- Beautiful coastal scenery and historic neighbourhoods
- Excellent public transport and easy access to other European cities
Best Work-Friendly Spots:
- Second Home Lisbon – A stylish co-working space with a plant-filled interior
- Ler Devagar – A unique café-library for a quiet work environment
- Selina Secret Garden – A remote work-friendly accommodation with co-working facilities
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures without peak tourist crowds.
Bali, Indonesia – The Ultimate Work and Wellness Retreat
Why It’s Great: Bali is perfect for digital nomads. It offers a tropical vibe and a solid setup for remote work.
Key Features:
- Affordable cost of living, including rent and food
- A thriving digital nomad community in Ubud and Canggu
- Yoga retreats, wellness centres, and a laid-back lifestyle
- Plenty of co-working spaces with great amenities
- Stunning beaches and lush jungles for relaxation
Best Work-Friendly Spots:
- Dojo Bali – A famous co-working hub in Canggu with a strong nomad network
- Hubud – Ubud’s original co-working space with jungle views
- BWork Bali – A beachfront work-friendly café and workspace
Best Time to Visit: April to October offers dry weather and the best conditions for exploring the island.
Chiang Mai, Thailand – Asia’s Remote Work Capital
Why It’s Great: Chiang Mai is one of the most budget-friendly, work-friendly travel spots, with an excellent balance of work and leisure.
Key Features:
- Extremely affordable rent and living costs
- Fast internet and plenty of co-working spaces
- A welcoming and diverse expat community
- Excellent street food and cultural experiences
- Easy access to nature and outdoor activities
Best Work-Friendly Spots:
- Punspace Tha Phae Gate – A top-rated co-working space in the Old City
- Camp Creative and Meeting Place – A café and workspace inside Maya Mall
- Yellow Coworking – A modern work hub with networking events
Best Time to Visit: November to February for cool and dry weather.
Mexico City, Mexico – Latin America’s Remote Work Powerhouse
Why It’s Great: Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. It blends modern infrastructure with a rich cultural heritage. This combination makes it a top spot for digital nomads.
Key Features:
- Affordable living and a great food scene
- Excellent public transport and connectivity
- A growing remote work community
- Countless cultural attractions and vibrant nightlife
- Proximity to scenic getaways like Puebla and Tulum
Best Work-Friendly Spots:
- Selina Mexico City – A co-working and co-living space with events and networking opportunities
- Cafebrería El Péndulo – A quiet bookshop café perfect for work
- Impact Hub CDMX – A professional workspace with global networking opportunities
Best Time to Visit: March to May for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Medellín, Colombia – The City of Eternal Spring
Why It’s Great: Medellín has a mild climate, affordable, and strong infrastructure. This makes it one of South America’s best travel spots for work.
Key Features:
- Modern metro system and excellent public spaces
- Affordable housing and food
- Growing digital nomad scene and English-speaking community
- Scenic views with lush greenery and mountains
- Year-round spring-like weather
Best Work-Friendly Spots:
- Selina Medellín – A co-working and accommodation hub with excellent facilities
- La Casa Redonda – A creative space for remote workers and freelancers
- Café Pergamino – A popular café with reliable Wi-Fi
Best Time to Visit: December to March for the best weather.
Honourable Mentions: More Remote Work Havens
- Barcelona, Spain – Excellent infrastructure, great weather, and a vibrant international community.
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Fast-growing digital nomad scene with cheap cost of living.
- Tbilisi, Georgia – A hidden gem with a remote worker visa programme.
- Cape Town, South Africa – Breathtaking landscapes and strong co-working culture.
- Berlin, Germany – A hub for creatives with excellent public transport and networking opportunities.
Practical Tips for Working Remotely Abroad
Stay Organised with Time Zones
If you have international clients, try using time management apps. World Time Buddy helps you schedule meetings quickly.
Invest in a Good Internet Backup Plan
A local SIM card with mobile data or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot ensures you stay connected in case of outages.
Choose Work-Friendly Accommodation
Look for apartments or hotels with a dedicated workspace, strong Wi-Fi, and proximity to co-working spaces.
Stay Productive with the Right Tools
Use apps like Notion, Trello, and Slack to manage projects efficiently while on the move.
Respect Local Cultures and Regulations
Learn about visa rules, local customs, and culture before moving to a new city.
Finding Your Ideal Work-Friendly Destination
The best cities for remote work balance professional needs with personal happiness. You can find the best digital nomad spots worldwide, whether you like busy cities, beach getaways, or cultural hubs.
From Lisbon’s coastal charm to Chiang Mai’s affordability, each work-friendly travel spot has a unique appeal. The key is finding a destination that aligns with your work style, budget, and lifestyle preferences.
Which remote work destination would you love to explore next? Let us know in the comments!