The life of a digital nomad comes with many perks, and the freedom to work wherever you like is certainly one of them! While this flexibility can open many doors for potential travel opportunities, it can also be tricky to figure out the places that offer the best benefits for digital nomads. 

In this article, we list the best digital nomad cities for you to work, play, and socialize in, so you can get the most out of your next adventure. Curious about visa availability? We also cover visa requirements and the best months to visit, so you can leave feeling prepared.

The best digital nomad cities in 2024

1. Seoul, South Korea

Visa requirements: From 2024, South Korea's digital nomad visa allows individuals to stay for up to 2 years.

Best months to visit: Summers in Seoul can come with a high level of heat and humidity, so the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months are recommended. 

As one of the up-and-coming destinations for digital nomads, Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is foreigner-friendly, modern, and our pick for the best digital nomad city in 2024. We’re biased, of course, but it’s just the greatest place to be! For night owls or those working across different time zones, Seoul’s convenience store culture and 24/7 culture means you’ll always find entertainment or a place to eat when needed. Plus, the excellent public transport and internet infrastructure are reliable, safe, and highly convenient. 

Whether you’re a solo digital nomad or traveling in a group, there’s always something to do in the city due to the diverse neighborhoods. Interested in the party scene? Hongdae and Itaewon are your best bet. Looking for pampering and beauty treatments? Don’t miss out on Myeongdong or Gangnam. From tourist attractions steeped in traditional culture to high-tech buildings, Seoul has something for everyone. 

2. Bangkok, Thailand  

Visa requirements: At the moment, there’s an LTR Visa for remote workers, but the requirements are relatively restrictive. Alternatively, you can enter on a 30-day tourist visa, with an extension available for a further 30-day period.

Best months to visit: Bangkok can get extremely hot during most of the year, so the “cool season” from November through to February is recommended.

If you can brave the intense humidity (temperatures can get as high as 38C during the warmer months), Bangkok is a bustling, chaotic, and extremely fun city for digital nomads. Boredom simply isn’t a thing there. Instead, you can spend your after-work hours at the insane indoor and outdoor shopping centers, or try out all the delicious street food on offer. 

And if you’re looking for good value for money, Bangkok is infamous for its affordable high-rise apartment complexes with world-class amenities. Think infinity pools, 24/7 security, gyms, co-working spaces, and convenience stores, all within the same building. There’s simply no need to work at internet cafés or at your local coffee shop with all the comforts that your accommodation can bring — but be sure to take some time out to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, like the infamous Khaosan road. 

3. Tokyo, Japan 

Visa requirements: As of 2024, Japan offers a specified digital nomad visa that allows individuals to stay for up to 6 months.

Best months to visit: The cherry blossom season (March and April) is a beautiful time to visit, but is also the most tourist-heavy. During autumn (September to November) is recommended, for temperate weather and vibrant fall foliage. 

Neon billboards, high-tech infrastructure, and an incredibly complex but first-rate public transport system. These are just a few things that come to mind if you’re considering Tokyo as your next digital nomad destination. For those who are already lovers of Japanese culture and cuisine, moving to Tokyo may seem like a no-brainer. However, Tokyo is one of the more expensive capital cities in Asia and the “nomad” culture isn’t as developed there as other cities like Seoul, Bangkok, or Chiang Mai, so it can take more time to form a community. 

But if you’re looking for a place that’s safe and with reliable internet, Tokyo is a great city to plan for your next workation — especially for solo travelers who prefer to eat, explore, and work by themselves. Plus, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo during the weekends, smaller cities like Osaka or Kyoto are just a Shinkansen (bullet train) ride away. 

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Visa requirements: At the moment, there’s an LTR Visa for remote workers, but the requirements are relatively restrictive. Alternatively, you can enter on a 30-day tourist visa, with an extension available for a further 30-day period.

Best months to visit: If extreme humidity isn’t your favorite, then winter (December through to February) is ideal. You’ll want to avoid the yearly “burning season” from February to May at all costs. 

Another popular city in Thailand for digital nomads is Chiang Mai. Located in the north of the country, Chiang Mai has a similar big city feel to Bangkok, but is situated in an area full of lakes, mountains, and beautiful nature. This makes it a convenient base for lovers of outdoor activities, like hiking, swimming, or road cycling. 

Since Chiang Mai is known to be one of the most popular hotspots for digital nomads, it’s no surprise that you’ll find a lot of co-working areas and laptop-friendly coffee spots around the city. Apart from the night market culture and yearly activities (like the famous Lantern Festival and Songkran), you can also spend days exploring areas around the city and taking in the breathtaking Thai landscape. 

5. Istanbul, Turkey 

Visa requirements: For citizens of certain countries, Turkey offers 90-day visa-free in a 180 day period. Turkey also introduced a digital nomad visa, allowing stay for anywhere from 6 months to a year. 

Best months to visit: The summer months (June through to September) can be scorching, with temperatures reaching up to 35C. Spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October) seasons are recommended.

If you’re looking for a city closer to EU time zones, Istanbul is a great option to consider. With over 15 million people living here, the city straddles both the East and West, as seen in its uniquely spectacular architecture and diverse cuisine — making Istanbul a melting pot of different cultures and civilizations throughout history. In comparison to other major EU cities, Istanbul has a relatively low cost of living due to the weak Turkish Lira (TL), with accommodation getting as low as $20 a night in the center. 

If you prefer to get work done outside of your room, then Istanbul’s coffee house culture is a big draw. You’ll be able to find numerous coffee places open late and with strong WIFI, so you can comfortably browse the internet and take work calls. 

6. Lisbon, Portugal

Visa requirements: As of 2022, Portugal has a digital nomad visa for those earning over a certain threshold. This visa is valid for up to a year and can be renewed for up to five years.

Best months to visit: The summer (May to September) offers the best weather, with longer days and warm nights.

With its colorful buildings, steep streets, and panoramic views, Lisbon is one of the most unique cities in continental Europe. Many cities famed for their digital nomad communities don’t have high levels of English proficiency, but Lisbon is not one of them. In fact, due to the presence of numerous tech companies, there is a large expat pool — meaning you’ll likely find other international nomads to befriend during your stay. 

Another big draw of this Portuguese capital is the balmy, temperate weather. You won’t see much rainfall or gray skies in the city during the summer months. Instead, expect to find yourself relaxing at the beach after work, or hiking the nearest trails that provide the best views over the city.

7. Ubud, Bali

Visa requirements: Depending on the type of visa you apply for, digital nomads can stay in Bali for 6 months and up to 5 years.

Best months to visit: The wet season can bring some rainfall, so if you want to avoid this (and excessive crowds), July to September is recommended. 

If you’re looking to have an Eat, Pray, Love, journey like Elizabeth Gilbert, look no further than Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia. Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is famous for its lush rainforests, rice fields, and beautiful shrines. If you’re a practicing Yogi, you’ll also be happy to know that the Yoga community is large and thriving here, giving you the ability to connect with like-minded folks from all over the world.

Unlike most of the other cities on this list, Ubud isn’t as fast-paced or modern. You won’t find reliable and fast public transport here, or 10-storey shopping malls. But if you want somewhere to relax, soak up the sunshine, and maybe even tap into your spiritual side, Ubud is a place worth considering.  

8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Visa requirements: The DE Rantau Nomad Pass launched in 2022 allows digital nomads access for 3-12 months.

Best months to visit: To avoid both of the rainy monsoon seasons, May to October is ideal.

As the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur has everything you would expect from one of the most vibrant cities in Southeast Asia — impressive skyscrapers, urban parks, and a melting pot of people from different cultures, resulting in incredibly diverse and mouth-watering cuisine. Accommodation is also a big draw, with modern condominiums equipped with fiber internet, indoor gyms, and infinity pools.

While the temperature and humidity can get unbearable in the warmer months, most coffee shops and co-working spaces come equipped with air-conditioning. This city is also known for its conservative culture, meaning you won’t find many LGBTQ+ friendly places or popular nightlife areas compared to other cities on this list. 

9. Budapest, Hungary 

Visa requirements: The Hungarian White Card (residency for digital nomads) allows individuals who work remotely to stay in Budapest for up to a year. 

Best months to visit: To avoid the hordes of tourists that flock to the city during summer, the spring and autumn months (May, June, September, and October) are recommended. 

If you prefer a more laid-back city and you’re looking for somewhere closer to the EU, then Budapest, the capital of Hungary offers the best of both worlds — a cosmopolitan city only a train ride from other main cities in the continent, with relaxed vibes. The stunning architecture, charming cobbled-stone streets, and mineral-rich thermal bathhouses, means you’ll also find plenty of photo-ready spots around. 

The cheap cost of living is a big pull, but since Hungary is primarily a cash country, many types of credit cards may not be accepted in stores or supermarkets. Regardless, the cost of accommodation, public transport, medical treatment, and food is reasonable enough for extended periods of time. 

10. Athens, Greece 

Visa requirements: Greece’s long-term D Type Visa is available for digital nomads and is valid for up to 2 years.

Best months to visit: Summers in Athens can be scorching and packed full of tourists from the surrounding European countries. Late spring (May) or autumn (September and October) is recommended.

For all the history buffs out there, Athens is a must-visit destination. Characterized by ancient landmarks like the famous Acropolis, beautiful market squares, and neoclassical villas, Athens is one of the best places for digital nomads in 2024. Along the backdrop of these buildings are vibrant neighborhoods full of parks, coffee shops, and restaurants that serve as makeshift coworking spaces.

The internet reliability in Greece isn’t known to be the strongest in Europe, so if your work requires a lot of regular meetings or client calls, this may not be the destination for you. But if you’re a lover of walkable cities or want the option to visit the other Greek Islands during your stay, Athens is a great option.  

Final thoughts

Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, a rich street food scene, or somewhere you can relax and unwind after work, our list of the best digital nomad cities around the world can offer you all of this, and more. 

Ultimately, each city provides unique culinary, climate, and lifestyle benefits — and the best thing about being a digital nomad is that you can visit more than one during your lifetime!

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