Ready to explore new cultures? Want to try foreign delicacies and feel free whilst working anywhere in the world? Here’s our pick of the best cities for digital nomads worldwide this summer.
Imagine working on a beach in Barcelona or Thailand or looking to learn more about ancient ruins found in Malta that are older than the Pyramids. Looking for typical hipster cafes? Then Berlin and Marrakech would be the ideal. Perhaps your ideal working space is an Irish pub whilst enjoying some traditional music. You can make any of this happen – here’s how.
Take the leap: Live in the best cities for digital nomads
Perhaps a few years ago, digital nomadism would’ve been dubbed unusual. Nowadays, opportunities increased because this concept allows more people to move away from their standard office work environment. And work remotely while seeing what the world has to offer.
More and more take the leap into becoming nomadic, and living in the best cities for digital nomads. You’ll find that anyone can make this lifestyle work irrespective of age, personality, budget, and profession. All you need’s passion, work discipline and a spirit for adventure.
Top cities for digital nomads this summer
No matter if you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, greener pastures, or a new far-off location. This guide features European, Asian and African cities to help you decide where to take your office this summer.
Barcelona, Spain
Interested in a place where it’s sunny all year round? Then Barcelona should be way up there on your list of best cities for digital nomads. The lifestyle is relatively cheap and there’s always something happening. Moreover, it’s established itself as the third best European city for co-working spaces and startup opportunities for freelancers.
Even though it’s a metropolitan city, it maintains a close connection to nature. Just to prove us right, pay a visit to the Collserola hills, or perhaps one of the sandy beaches such as Ocata, both nearby Barcelona.
Events for your calendar:
- July 5-7: Rock Fest
- June 17 – Aug 12: Greek Festival
- August (3rd Week): Festa Mejor de Gracia (Artfest)
Malta Cities
South of Sicily lies the tiny island of Malta, made up of two more sister islands, Gozo and Comino. Despite it being so small, it’s got loads to offer. From the multitude of temples and medieval settlements, to the Mediterranean cuisine, beaches, bars and nightlife. What more can you ask for?
You can be working from one of the coffee shops in the old capital city, Mdina. Or in a hipster cafe’ in the livelier parts like St. Julian’s. Or just soaking up the ever-present sun on one of the island’s stunning beaches. Either way, you’re pretty much sorted!
Events for your calendar:
- May 31 – June 3: Earth Garden
- June 29 – July 15: Malta International arts festival
- July & August – Various wine festivals over the islands
- July 17: The Malta Jazz Festival 2018
Galway, Ireland
Taking on Ireland to find the best cities for digital nomads is a pretty good bet. If you want to experience a mixture of the old and the new, why not start your experience off in Galway?
Located in west Ireland, Galway City promises an unforgettable experience to all those who visit or reside. There’s something for everyone. It’s well-connected because you can work from libraries, coffee shops, squares, and even supermarkets. If you’re musically-inclined, you can even try your hand at busking on Shop Street. See picture above.
Events for your calendar:
- July 30 – Aug 5: Galway Races
- Sep 28 – 30: Galway International Oyster Festival
Dublin, Ireland
There’s a good reason why Ireland has featured twice on our list of best cities for digital nomads. Dublin City’s constantly buzzing with activity and so is a haven for remote workers and freelancers too. Because it provides a unique experience to all those who venture there.
The people are incredibly welcoming. The Celtic tradition is still very much alive, and music and history are practically everywhere you look. Dublin isn’t short of any Wi-Fi spots. Some are even made available on beaches outside the city. You might find yourself wanting to live in Ireland forever after you experience Dublin!
Events for your calendar:
- June 17: Colour Dash Dublin
- Sep 1 – 3: Electric Picnic
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, with a wealth of art, culture, and history to discover. It’s one of the most inclusive cities around the world, renowned for embracing diversity. You can rent your own office working space for as little as €150 a month!
And there’s even a fantastic public transport network for a reasonable price. We also recommend anyone on a longer visit to get a monthly pass. Some of the most ideal parts for digital nomads to live in include culturally-diverse Kreuzberg, hip and arty Neukölln and trendy Prenzlauer Berg.
Events for your calendar:
- June 9 – Sep 9: Berlin Biennale
- July 3 – 7: Berlin Fashion Week
Phuket, Thailand
If you’re looking for Instagram-perfect surroundings while typing away at your keyboard, there’s no better place than Phuket. You’d be in for an impressive coastline. One that features long stretches of sandy beaches, strung together by amazing rock formations, the wildest rainforest, and colonial remains.
Phuket boasts the most developed infrastructure and high-speed internet of all the surrounding Thai islands. One visit simply isn’t enough to one of the world’s best citeies for digital nomads. And it’s fair to say, compared to Europe, the cost of living in Phuket is by far cheaper.
Events for your calendar:
- June 9 – 10: Laguna Phuket Marathon
- July 18 – 22: Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek
Marrakech, Morrocco
Marrakech is a treasure for digital nomads. Internet connection in coffee shops and small hotels is surprisingly good. Even though these places tend to be crowded. However, you’ll be in a better place with your smartphone. Because 3G data is quite cheap and efficient here.
Even more, co-working spaces are budding thanks to government aid given to young entrepreneurs. Therefore, Marrakech offers a similar lifestyle to western societies. With hipster cafes, fine dining, and the added bonus of amazing beaches, kitesurfing, and surfing.
Events for your calendar:
- 14 – 16 September: Oasis Festival
- 16 – 25 September: Le Boulevard Festival
Work Hard Anywhere (WHA!) App
So you’ve decided where you want to settle down. But you’re worrying about finding the right place to do some work. Look no further. The Work Hard Anywhere (WHA!) App is all about bringing together all digital nomads living in any location around the world. In order to find the perfect working spots in the best cities for digital nomads.
How does WHA work? Anyone can add a location to the app. So other creatives will rate the chosen spot according to the Wi-Fi speed, noisiness, parking and accessibility to outlets. Then, the community uses the Power Up function to ensure the info about each location is up to date.
At the moment, the app is only available to iOS users. However, developers hope to roll out an Android version too.
The digital nomadic lifestyle is all about learning, growth and the choice to do so while still working. This is a value we hold dear to us with many colleagues and customers being nomadic or working remote. Web professionals looking to optimize time during the summer.
Here’s what we thought about the nomadic 5 hour work day that Surf Office employ. Because freedom is being able to book flights anytime, anywhere without worrying about how much holiday leave you have left. So start exploring the best cities for digital nomads before we’re well into summer.