Cover image credit: Daria Mamont, Unsplash
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 by Aemilius Dost
As a digital nomad, it can always be hard to find your next destination. There are many places in the world to choose from. Is it time to go to South America? Or do you prefer to stay another year as a digital nomad in South East Asia? Maybe even places in Europe can be quite nice as your next digital nomad destination. We have made a list of 10 best digital nomad hotspots for you in 2024.
The 10 Best Digital Nomad Hotspots of 2024
Although there is a rising concern in most countries about digital nomads. There are still a lot of places where you might feel welcome as a digital nomad. In these cities, known as “digital nomad hubs” or “digital nomad hotspots”, you might make friends for life. The cities on the list have buzzing communities for networking and parties. These are the 10 best cities for digital nomads in 2024.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
One of the most well-known cities for digital nomads. In the first place comes Bangkok. The city has been attractive for digital nomads for multiple years now. It doesn’t seem like it is going to get less popular anytime soon. People come to this place because of the affordable living, the fast internet, and the beautiful nature nearby. Parks such as Sai Yok National Park, and Khao Yai national park are not too far away. If you are looking for your next digital nomad adventure, Bangkok should be high on your list.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is a relatively new one on the list of digital nomad hotspots. Although there is quite a lot of political turbulence in the country, it is still seen as one of the best digital nomad hotspots in 2024. The city is very affordable, and the internet is relatively fast compared to other cities on this list. However, prepare to take your winter coat to this city as it can get quite cold in the winter. Furthermore, it is also not one of the safest cities in the world. Make sure to do your research, so you live in the safer parts of the city.
3. Tokyo, Japan
One of the most expensive options, however, not less popular is Tokyo, Japan. This buzzing city is getting more popular with digital nomads around the world. The capital of Japan is known for its safety. However, when you travel and live in Japan, keep in mind that you might not be able to get into all establishments as a foreigner. A lot of establishments ask you to be accompanied by a native Japanese person. However, if you don’t have any issues with this, then Tokyo might be the place to be as a digital nomad.
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Just like Indonesia, The Philippines, and Thailand, Malaysia is also a popular place for digital nomads. Especially, the capital Kuala Lumpur is popular among people who have chosen to travel around the world. The city is also known to have extremely fast WiFi, something that is key for digital nomads making a decision. According to Nomadlist (a popular website for digital nomads), the WiFi in Kuala Lumpur is 99 MB per second on average. A great choice for digital nomads around the world!
5. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is another surprising entry on this list. The city in South Africa is a great destination for your next digital nomad adventure. Just watch out, as Cape Town is also one of the unsafest cities in the world. It comes in as number 10 on the list of the most dangerous cities in the world. Make sure to research the city before you go, as the crime in Cape Town is usually in gang-controlled areas. You can find parts of the city that are relatively safe for tourists and visitors.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
From one dangerous country to another. At number 6, we find Mexico City, Mexico. Compared to other cities in Mexico, Mexico City is relatively safe. This is one of the reasons why a lot of digital nomads flock to the megacity. Before you go to Mexico City, you should know this; Mexicans are not fond of digital nomads. Digital nomads have caused a lot of issues in Mexico. One of the main concerns is that digital nomads cause gentrification. However, as long as you are respectful, humble, and kind, Mexico City might still have a place for you.
7. Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand
The second place in Thailand that has made it to this list. Ko Pha Ngan is a beautiful island. This island is mostly known for its monthly full moon party, which is based on the lunar calendar. Ko Pha Ngan has beautiful beaches and nature, which might be one of the reasons that it attracts so many digital nomads. If you are a digital nomad who is looking for palm trees and white beaches, then this is the perfect destination for you.
8. Zagreb, Croatia
The first European destination on this list. Zagreb, the capital of Croatia is rising in its popularity among digital nomads. If you are looking to stay in a beautiful historic city for a longer term then Zagreb is the place for you. It’s known for its 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture. Safety is a big concern amongst digital nomads, and this is one of the safest cities on the list. Compared to other European destinations, Zagreb is also one of the cheaper cities in the European Union. However, this seems to be changing in the last couple of years, as it is getting more expensive.
9. Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is also rising in popularity amongst digital nomads. This beautiful city in the Philippines with a population of almost a million, is a new digital nomad hotspot. The costs in this city are relatively low, but the internet is not as good as other cities on this list. Don’t let that discourage you though, as it is for a reason that this is city growing in popularity. This city is where the Spaniards first settled, so you can see the influences more here than in any other city in the country.
10. Athens, Greece
Athens is the last city on the list and the only other city in Europe. The capital of Greece has long been a popular spot for digital nomads who want to stay in Europe. Compared to cities such as London, Berlin, and Amsterdam, the city is relatively cheap. And compared to many cities in other parts of the world, it is also a lot safer. Athens has a lot to offer, as you are not too far away from the beautiful beaches of Greece and in one of the most historic cities in the world. It is not strange that this city has made the list.
