Best digital nomad destinations in 2025

What are the best digital nomad destinations in 2025? Choosing the right destination is one of the most exciting and sometimes overwhelming parts of the digital nomad lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting out or are a experienced traveler looking for your next base, the world is full of incredible places to visit, but not all are ideal for remote work.

To help you choose your next “home away from home”, here is our list of best digital nomad destinations in 2025 (that we tested ourselves!)

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is one of the original digital nomad hotspots, welcoming remote workers long before the term even became popular. It’s a vibrant blend of expats, nomads, tourists, and locals, but it never loses its identity as a quintessentially Thai city. From the bustling night markets to serene temples and lively streets, Chiang Mai invites you to join its rhythm rather than catering exclusively to foreigners.

As a well-established destination, Chiang Mai has everything a digital nomad could want. The city is packed with coworking spaces, events, and clubs for every interest imaginable—whether it’s art, sports, business, writing, or just making friends. Beyond the social scene, Chiang Mai is a traveler’s dream. Just a short scooter ride away, you’ll find temples, hiking trails, jungles, and incredible cultural experiences like cooking classes and craft workshops. It’s an ideal destination for both new and experienced nomads, offering a unique balance of community, culture, and adventure.

If you are curious, here is blog post about our experience in Chiang Mai.

Pros

Strong Community: Endless opportunities to meet like-minded people and join events.
Rich Thai Culture: A city with authentic Thai charm, from temples to night markets.
Great Travel Base: Easy access to nature, hiking, and cultural experiences just outside the city.

Cons

Popular and Crowded: Its fame means it can get busy during peak seasons.
Urban Environment: Less serene than smaller destinations; city life is part of the experience.
Burning Season: Between February and April air quality makes is basically impossible to visit.

Siargao, Philippines

Siargao, a small island in the Philippines, is the essence of a tropical paradise. Picture pristine beaches, mornings spent surfing or snorkeling, coconut trees swaying above, and cozy cafes overlooking the ocean. It’s a tropical dream without the massive resorts or overwhelming crowds. While Siargao started as a surfing hotspot, it has slowly gained popularity among nomads. Despite this, the island retains its laid-back, authentic vibe. Life here feels natural and welcoming, with locals embracing visitors as part of their community rather than being overrun by tourism.

On the practical side, Siargao has its quirks. Internet and power reliability can be an issue, but coworking spaces and many cafes now offer Starlink connections and backup generators, ensuring you can stay productive. It’s a bit pricier than other Southeast Asian destinations, but still far more affordable than many Western locations. For those seeking an unforgettable tropical island experience, Siargao is a must-visit. It’s on of the best digital nomad destinations in 2025 to start or continue your journey, offering serenity, beauty, and a vibrant sense of community.

If you want to know more, here is our blog post about 10 things to do in Siargao.

Pros

Ultimate Tropical Vibe: Stunning beaches, surfing, snorkeling, and a peaceful, authentic atmosphere.
Welcoming Community: Locals are friendly, and the island feels untouched by over-tourism.
Growing Infrastructure: Starlink-connected coworking spaces and cafes make working remotely possible.

Cons

Internet and Power Issues: Connectivity can be spotty, though workarounds are available.
Slightly Higher Costs: More expensive than some Southeast Asian spots, but still affordable overall.
Remote Location: Reaching the island might require extra effort and planning.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a stunning, historic city and one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in Europe. Its blend of rich culture, iconic architecture, and Mediterranean charm makes it a dream location for remote workers. Barcelona is home to the largest digital nomad community in Europe, offering countless coworking spaces, meetups, and cultural events to keep you busy and connected. Additionally, its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other parts of Europe, with easy access to flights, trains, and buses.

However, there are challenges to consider. Barcelona’s high cost of living can be hard on your wallet, and finding a good apartment can be a frustrating process, especially for short-term stays. While the city is vibrant and diverse, not speaking Spanish—or Catalan—can sometimes make it harder to connect with locals or navigate certain situations. Also there is a certain safety aspect to consider. Over the last couple years the crime rates increased and especially in the more touristy areas, like the Gothic quarter and La Rambla you should be very careful walking at night, I did here multiple stories of people getting robbed. Despite these drawbacks, Barcelona’s combination of community, culture, and connectivity makes it a top-tier destination for digital nomads who can manage the costs.

Pros

Rich Culture and History: A beautiful city with iconic landmarks and a vibrant cultural scene.
Thriving Nomad Community: Europe’s largest digital nomad hub with plenty of coworking spaces and events.
Travel-Friendly Location: A great base for exploring Europe with excellent transport connections.

Cons

High Cost of Living: One of the more expensive digital nomad destinations.
Housing Challenges: Finding quality, affordable apartments can be difficult.
Safety: Robbery has increased in the last couple years and you should extra careful in touristy areas

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has long been synonymous with the digital nomad lifestyle, and it still remains one of the best digital nomad destinations in 2025. Its greatest strength is also its biggest downside—popularity. Bali hosts a thriving digital nomad community, countless coworking spaces, meetups, and activities, making it incredibly easy to settle into the lifestyle. However, this popularity has led to overcrowding in certain areas, like Canggu, where traffic and crowds can be overwhelming.

For beginners, Bali is an ideal starting point. The island offers a seamless entry into nomad life with convenient flights, accommodation options, and ready-made communities. It might lack the authenticity compared to other destinations like Chiang Mai or Siargao, but its accessibility makes it perfect for those starting out.

For more experienced nomads, Bali still has plenty to offer beyond its crowded hotspots. Areas like Uluwatu, Ubud, Amed, and the quieter north coast provide a more serene and authentic experience. Nearby Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands add even more opportunities for exploration. Despite its challenges, Bali’s natural beauty, incredible accessibility, and wide array of experiences make it a must-visit for nomads at any stage of their journey.

Pros

Ease of Entry: Perfect infrastructure for beginner nomads with plenty of flights, accommodation, and communities.
Vibrant Community: A thriving digital nomad scene with events, coworking spaces, and activities.
Natural Beauty: Stunning landscapes, beaches, and cultural sites to explore.

Cons

Overcrowded Hotspots: Popular areas like Canggu can feel saturated with traffic and tourists.
Less Authentic: The nomad influx means some areas cater more to foreigners than to local culture.
Tourist-Heavy Vibes: Can feel more like a tourist destination than a peaceful getaway.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has become a favorite among digital nomads in recent years, especially during December and January when summer kicks off. This South African city attracts nomads escaping the cold northern winters, offering not just warm weather but also incredible experiences. The stunning landscapes, like Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, are perfect for hiking, and it’s not uncommon for people to start their day with a morning hike before starting to work. Cape Town also offers fantastic surfing and diving opportunities, even tough it’s important to add that the water is FREEZING.

A unique thing about Cape Town is its loyal community. Many nomads come back year after year, so friendships made here often last beyond a single visit. The city is packed with cafes, bars, coworking spaces, and social clubs, making it easy to connect with people who share your interests — whether that’s surfing, music, fitness, or anything else. However, safety is an important consideration. There are areas that you probably want to avoid and some guidelines to follow that will keep you safe, like taking an Uber instead of walking at night. While Cape Town is the least safe destination on this list, most visitors quickly learn how to navigate the city safely and have a great experience. If you’re drawn to breathtaking nature and a welcoming community, Cape Town is an unforgettable destination.

Pros

Stunning Nature: Amazing hiking spots like Lion’s Head and Table Mountain right next to the city.
Thriving Community: A loyal, returning crowd makes it easy to build lasting friendships.
Variety of Activities: Surfing, hiking, diving, social clubs, and more for every interest.

Cons

Safety Concerns: Requires extra caution and awareness compared to other destinations.
Cold Water: Surfing and diving are amazing, but the water is freezing.
Very low walkability: You will need to rent a car or use uber to navigate around the city.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, a charming town in southern Vietnam, offers a laid-back alternative to the busier digital nomad hubs. It’s a vibrant place, but without the overwhelming crowds, except maybe in the strict city center. The heart of the digital nomad scene is Hub Hoi An, a coworking space located right in the middle of a rice fields. While cowork is a bit pricey, the sense of community and the peaceful atmosphere make it worth it.

Beyond work, Hoi An has plenty to offer, from pickleball and local crafts to a great selection of bars and restaurants. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone starting their nomad journey or for anybody looking for a more quiet, unique destination to recharge. Hoi An might be a bit off the beaten path, but that exactly what makes it such a charming destination.

Pros

Relaxed Atmosphere: A peaceful, laid-back atmosphere for work and downtime.
Beautiful Coworking Space: Hub Hoi An offers great views and an amazing community.
Cost of living: While coworking space is quite pricy, food and accommodation are easy on the wallet.
Welcoming community: Hoi An offers a small but very inviting and active community of digital nomads and expats

Cons

High coworking Costs: Coworking space is a bit pricey.
Limited activities: Fun activities, but not as diverse as in other destinations.
Tourist season: In the high season Hoi An can become quite swamped by tourists.