Best Places to be a Digital Nomad in 2025
As digital nomads, the world truly is our oyster. When you have the whole world to choose from, it’s not always easy finding that perfect spot that’ll check all the boxes. The best places to be a digital nomad inspire creativity, offer a supportive community, and are home to some seriously epic adventures. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned traveler or an aspiring digital nomad, 2025 is going to be the year of living the dream!
So, where should you go? I’ve got you covered with five of the best digital nomad hotspots you can’t miss: Koh Phangan, Lisbon, Mexico City, Medellín, and Cape Town. Each spot has its own unique vibe, and I’m breaking it down by community, workspace options, and of course, the fun stuff!
Here’s your guide to the best places to be a digital nomad in 2025.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Koh Phangan is the BEST place in the world for digital nomads! It may be famous for its legendary Full Moon parties, but this little island has really transformed into a hidden gem for digital nomads. It’s the best of both worlds! You can spend your morning grinding and your afternoons snorkeling or doing beachside yoga. You truly get the laid-back island vibes without having to sacrifice having a strong community of like-minded people.
Digital Nomad Community
This island paradise has a real sense of community. All of the digital nomads in Koh Phangan are welcoming and always up to meet up at a cafe and work for a few hours or go on an impromptu adventure. You can consistently find meetups and networking events full of digital nomads living in Koh Phangan. In fact, Tiki Beach has a weekly Digital Nomad Meetup and Island Passes specifically for digital nomads, including access to work spaces, events and activities, and an introduction into the community. They call this a “sticky island” for a reason- because everyone here is truly living the dream.
Work Spaces
For a small island, Koh Phangan’s workspace scene is strong. You’ve got coworking locations like Tiki Beach, Sunset Hill and La Casa, which offer reliable Wi-Fi, good coffee, and a space to focus with ocean views. And for those days when you’re feeling a bit more laid-back, many of the island’s cafés are perfect for spending a few hours with your laptop while enjoying a smoothie bowl. My favorite coffee shops in Koh Phangan are Sticky Island Cafe and Bubbas.
Fun in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is full of fun and adventure. There is truly always something to do on the island. There are more beaches in Koh Phangan than I can count, but my favorite is Malibu Beach. You can head into the jungle for incredible hikes and to search for waterfalls. There is a huge emphasis on wellness in Koh Phangan and Muay Thai, yoga, and meditation are very popular within the digital nomad community here. Living on a tropical island in paradise, you can’t miss the sunset! I love watching it at Zen Beach and Amstardam Bar. After sunset is when the island really comes alive. There’s always a party happening in Koh Phangan!
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become legendary for digital nomads over the last few years, and for good reason! You’ll find the perfect mix of history, amazing weather, and a community of other digital nomads.
Digital Nomad Community
Lisbon’s digital nomad community is constantly growing. With tech startups, entrepreneurs, and freelancers- there are tons of remote workers ready to meet new people and form real connections. There are constantly nomad meetups and networking events all over the city. There is a super active digital nomad community in Lisbon where meeting new people comes naturally. You could also choose to stay in one of the many colivings in Lisbon, where you’ll get to live and work in a community of digital nomads.
Work Spaces
When it comes to workspaces in Lisbon, the city’s got something for every vibe. If you’re looking for something sleek and sophisticated, Second Home is a great option. An artsier option is Village Underground– an amazing spot set in colorful shipping containers! There are tons of coworking spaces and cafes in Lisbon catering to digital nomads.
Fun in Lisbon
There is so much to explore in Lisbon. After grinding out your work for the day, you can wander around the narrow streets of Alfama and enjoy the sunset from one of the MANY miradouras (viewpoints) around the city. Around Lisbon, there are loads of fun restaurants, bars, and meetups. You can also escape the city on your days off to travel in Portugal and explore the castles of Sintra or the beaches in Cascais.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is buzzing with energy and creativity, making it an exciting choice for digital nomads. CDMX has a constantly emerging expat scene with the perfect blend of work and play.
Digital Nomad Community
The digital nomad community in Mexico City has truly exploded over the last few years, especially in neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. You’ll find meetups, networking events, and cultural exchanges happening constantly. The community is friendly and diverse and the locals and expats mix seamlessly.
Work Spaces
While Mexico City has a lot of fun, when it’s time to get serious, you’ll have no problem finding a place to focus in the city. If you are looking for a proper coworking venue in CDMX, WeWork and Selina are popular choices. For a more casual cafe vibe, I love Blend Station in Condesa! Coworkings and cafes in Mexico City are also amazing places to meet other digital nomads in the city.
Fun in Mexico City
The energy in the city is contagious and there is always something to do in Mexico City. Foodies will love the endless options- from cheap taco stands to boujee Michelin-starred restaurants. There’s art everywhere, from the murals in Coyoacán to world-class museums like Museo Frida Kahlo and Museo Soumaya. And don’t forget to take a weekend trip to the pyramids of Teotihuacán—it’s a must! Even just going out for a walk around the city will lead you to some incredible cultural adventures.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín has become the hub for digital nomads in South America. With the year round amazing weather, welcoming community, and affordable cost of living, it’s hard not to fall in love with the city. Medellín gives you the freedom to work hard and enjoy life to the fullest.
Digital Nomad Community
Medellín’s digital nomad community is strong, with a great mix of locals and expats. The city’s transformation over the past decade has attracted remote workers from all over, and you’ll find coworking spaces and meetups happening regularly. Whether you’re networking over coffee or joining a group hike in the mountains, it’s easy to meet people and feel part of the city’s energy.
Work Spaces
Medellín offers plenty of great spots to get work done. Selina and La Casa Redonda are popular co-working spaces in Medellín with all the amenities you need. For something more relaxed, cafés in Medellín like Pergamino and Hija Mia are perfect for grabbing a coffee and working in a laid-back atmosphere. Plus, with Colombia’s ideal climate, outdoor work sessions are always an option!
Fun in Medellín
Medellín has SO much to offer. You can take the cable car up to Parque Arví for a day of hiking, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, try paragliding over the city’s stunning landscape. The nightlife here is also incredible—grab a drink in El Poblado or dance the night away in one of the many salsa clubs. You can’t miss out on playing a game of Tejo, the national sport of Colombia which involves throwing a metal disk at targets of gun powder, during your time here. You can also truly immerse yourself in Colombian culture by attending a football game, the energy is insane!
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. This city has a vibe that’s hard to pin down—it’s got that laid-back beach town feel mixed with the buzz of a big city. Whether you’re grinding away on your latest project or itching for your next outdoor escape, Cape Town is the place to be. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you. If you haven’t been, 2025 might just be the year to change that.
Digital Nomad Community
The digital nomad community in Cape Town is growing fast, and for good reason. You’ll find people from all walks of life here, and it’s super easy to connect. Whether you’re hitting up a coworking space or joining a meetup at a local coffee spot, the vibe is always friendly and open. It’s the kind of place where strangers quickly become friends.
Work Spaces
When it comes to workspaces, Cape Town’s got options. Workshop17 is a go-to if you’re looking for something professional. The Bureaux is another spot, and the views of the ocean are incredible. But if you’re like me and love working from a café, Truth Coffee and Origin Coffee Roasting are the best. Good coffee, cool atmosphere, and fast Wi-Fi—what more could you need?
Fun in Cape Town
Now, let’s talk about what you can do when you’re not working because Cape Town is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Feel like a hike? Table Mountain’s right there. Want to catch some waves? Muizenberg’s got you covered. And if relaxing on a beach is more your speed, you’ve got plenty to choose from. Don’t even get me started on the weekend trips—Stellenbosch is just a short drive away, and the wine is as good as the scenery. And the food? Cape Town’s food scene is next level.
Being a digital nomad is all about finding places that fuel both your work and your soul. Koh Phangan, Lisbon, Mexico City, Medellín, and Cape Town each bring something unique to the table—whether it’s a tight-knit community, amazing workspaces, or endless fun activities just waiting to be explored.
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for remote workers, and these destinations are at the top of the list for a reason. Wherever you choose to land, you’ll find the perfect mix of productivity and adventure, making it a year to remember.
Ready to book that one-way ticket? Your next great adventure awaits
