© Photo by Nomad Taipei (Terry Xu)
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, more and more companies have begun to embrace remote working and location-independent freelancers. Many people made the decision to drop their 9 to 5 jobs and experience a nomadic lifestyle. The question then comes to where should one, digital nomads, remote workers and ex-pats, reside to embark on this new journey. Location independence makes anywhere in the world possible, while specific requirements mean not just anywhere will be a nice fit.
So, what makes a good city for digital nomads?
There are certain factors that make a city ideal for digital nomads and remote workers. Foremostly, it should offer work-life balance with plenty of adventures during your stay. Here are the main attributes that make a city an attractive option for digital nomads:
- Cost of living & accommodation
- Quality internet connection & infrastructure
- Fun and interesting things to do
- A wide selection of coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafes
With these attributes in mind, here are our picks for the best cities for digital nomads, remote workers and ex-pats.
1. Barcelona
With almost year-round sunshine, unrivaled networking potential, great transportation infrastructure and relatively low cost of living, it’s no wonder why the Catalan capital attracts millions of visitors and new residents every year. Barcelona is full of architectural marvels and fantastic travel opportunities. On top of all, the city is blessed with an exciting tech start-up movement, which explains why digital nomads consider Barcelona one of the best digital nomad cities to be based in.
2. Athens
Privileged climate, amazing cultural heritage and an energetic cosmopolitan vibe, Athens is the perfect place to call home for those seeking a dynamic and rewarding balance between work and personal life. Aside from being a distinctive cultural centre, the Greek capital is also the epicenter of budding businesses. Need to recover from a tough day of work? One can find affordable, gratifying plates literally anywhere in Athens, for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
3. Madrid
As one of the top cities for digital nomads, Madrid hits the right notes with hundreds of productivity-boosting coworking spaces and stylish working-friendly cafes. With a modern infrastructure, Madrid has preserved the appearance of many of its historic neighborhoods and ivory white streets. Looking for an appeal of the Spanish way of life, as well as a plethora of opportunities for English speakers? Madrid is ready for you.
4. Cascais
With a considerably lower cost of living compared to many other European cities, beautiful beaches and exciting watersports on the doorstep, and a wealth of iconic cultural landmarks to explore, Cascais is one of the most sought-after destinations for digital nomads and remote workers. The charming municipality has everything a location-independent worker looks for. With a wealth of internet-friendly cafes, affordable gastronomic delights, as well as natural and cultural attractions aplenty, Cascais is definitely an incredibly attractive option for newcomers.
5. Taipei
Ready to explore beyond the continent? The winner of Best Leisure Destination in Asia is waiting to welcome you with open arms. Famed for high-tech, working-friendly cafes and mouth-watering street foods, the capital of Taiwan is captivating to digital nomads in many ways. Not sure where to explore during weekends? Taiwan has scenic natural geography with a varied coastline, and is only second to India In the category of International Best Adventure Destination.
See more:
7 Best Cafes in Athens for Coffee Lovers of Any Kind
5 Curious facts you didn’t know about Madrid architecture
Barcelona Insider: 8 of the Best Places to Eat in Les Corts
Green Barcelona: 5 delicious healthy food places
Why Digital Nomads in Bucharest Think it’s the Perfect Place to Stay
Are you planning your next trip to Barcelona, Madrid, Athens, Cascais or Taiwan? Then count on Olala Homes as your top choice in accommodation!
