Techie Living: The Best Cities for Digital Nomads in 2024

The trend of remote work has exploded since the COVID-19 pandemic. More and more companies are using digital technologies to allow employees to work from home or anywhere in the world. Being a digital nomad involves traveling to different cities — some of which are better for the lifestyle than others. Here are a few of the best cities for digital nomads in 2024.

What are Digital Nomads?

Digital nomads are people who make full use of the advantages remote work offers. Namely, the ability to take your work wherever you want. While initially a necessity to continue operations during the pandemic, lifting travel restrictions has given rise to a new kind of lifestyle — digital nomads. Studies show that 22% of the workforce will become remote by 2025. 

It’s easy to see why — remote work offers so many benefits to employees that it has become a competitive advantage for companies looking to hire more talent. Many next-generation workers state that the ability to work remotely is a deciding factor. 

During the pandemic, the heavy spacing restrictions imposed by governments meant that the ability to remote work could make or break a company. Now that those restrictions have been lifted in almost every country, the digital nomad lifestyle takes full advantage of this newfound flexibility. 

Digital nomads travel around the world, taking their work with them wherever they go. Rather than staying cooped up at home, they go from one hotel to the next, visiting all sorts of places. 

Of course, this kind of lifestyle comes with its challenges. Juggling work and travel can be a hassle, especially if you plan to travel outside of the country. Being constantly on the move can be exhausting, but the freedom to see and experience different parts of the world makes it worth it. 

The digital nomad lifestyle has become so prevalent that many cities worldwide have businesses catering exclusively to this nomadic lifestyle. If you’re considering trying out this lifestyle, you must plan your travel around the best cities for digital nomads.

Melbourne, Australia

If you’re planning to visit Australia as a digital nomad, there’s no better place to stay than Melbourne. The second largest city in the country — what sets Melbourne apart from other cities is its rich cultural scene. 

Melbourne has a unique history that makes it attractive to locals and visitors alike. From excellent theater performances and live shows to a vast selection of art galleries, nomads can find their own ways to experience what the city has to offer. 

Of course, technology and internet access are essential to the digital nomad lifestyle. Nomads can work in their choice of luxury hotels or outdoor internet cafes and restaurants. Melbourne is known as the “best student city” in Australia and it shows. Whether you’re a lover of culture or someone who appreciates technology, there’s something for every nomad.

Ko Pha-Ngan, Thailand

If you’re looking to travel to Asia, digital nomads have to visit Ko Pha-Ngan in Thailand. From party city nightlife to serene beaches and coastal towns, Ko Pha-Ngan has something for every traveler. 

The beach scene is definitely the highlight of the city. You’ll find golden sands and lapping waves no matter what direction you go in. Regular tourist spots are plentiful and there are even secret, rarely visited beaches for those looking for an adventure. Hidden areas like Bottle Beach are just as amazing to find as they are to stay in. 

But if you want a more lively atmosphere, Haad Rin is the perfect place for you. Also known as the Full Moon party beach, Haad Rin is the place to be if you’re looking for a good time with a lot of people. Music, drinks, and a wild atmosphere — it’s all here. 

But the best part of Haad Rin is that it stays clean and safe. Armies of clean-up crews and security are working non-stop to keep the beach as pristine as possible.

Madeira, Portugal

Portugal has always been famous for its perfect climate, outdoor activities and unique culture. If this is one of your destinations, Madeira is considered one of the best cities for digital nomads. Combining modern technology with the country’s rich outdoor lifestyle and history, this city is the perfect place for nomads to set up shop for a while.

Living off the coast means there’s an abundance of sand, sun and people. Nomads have their choice of sights, sounds and cuisine once the workday ends. Of course, there’s also Madeira’s famous beaches to experience. 

But what makes Madeira stand out from other cities in Portugal is the digital community. This palace is a hotspot for nomads worldwide, so you’re sure to find many like-minded individuals touring the streets. You might even make some new friends!

The city has become so well-known for being a digital nomad hub that the Regional Government of Madeira approved a project called “Digital Nomads Madeira Islands.” These facilities are Digital Nomad Villages and offer services explicitly catered to accommodate digital nomads. 

These include all of the latest digital technologies and amenities a digital nomad could ask for — making Madeira a must-visit for any digital nomad. Many even stay for extended periods because the city has everything a nomad could ever want — the ability to remote work among a fun community in a sunny paradise.

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Gran Canaria is often known by its English name, Grand Canary Island. As the name suggests, it is the largest and most central of the Canary Islands. Like Madeira, Gran Canaria is a beautiful island paradise where the temperature is always a balmy 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also rich with culture and activities, both indoor and outdoor. 

Because Gran Canaria is the most central region of the Canary Islands, nomads staying here can experience almost everything the islands offer in one place. Beaches, mountain ranges, lush forests — you can find it all. 

Gran Canaria has so many features that it also serves as one of the biggest hubs for the digital nomad community. This is due to the special visa that approves nomads working on the island for one year. That gives you plenty of time to experience anything and everything you want.

Live that Techie Life in the Best Cities for Digital Nomads

From dense urban cities to beach paradises, the opportunities for digital nomads are endless as long as you can meet the challenges. Being able to visit the best cities for digital nomads is an experience that you’ll always remember.