Ranked: the best global cities for a workcation

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With the rise of hybrid working, more and more people are opting for a 'workcation' where they combine work with leisure. You can opt to stay in one place for a few months, or even a year or more depending on the visas available. Alternatively, you can take an approach where you skip from country to country. It’s certainly an appealing idea and The International Workplace Group has compiled a list of the top 30 cities for wannabe digital nomads based on criteria including climate, transport, general living costs and broadband speed.

Read on to discover the best places to head off to with your laptop…

30th: Dublin, Ireland

Dublin offers an enticing blend of heritage and hedonism for those looking to combine work and play for an extended period. There are amazing museums and in Trinity College, alma mater of the likes of Swift, Beckett and Wilde, you’ll find one of the world’s most beautiful university campuses. The college’s library is home to the Book of Kells, possibly the world’s most famous illuminated manuscript. And then of course there are Dublin’s famous pubs which provided liquid refreshment to many of the city’s literary legends. Trying a proper pint of Guinness is a must. Residents of countries that require a visa can stay for up to 90 days.

29th: Podgorica, Montenegro

Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is more low-key than other European capitals. Its excellent galleries, parks and vibrant cafe culture though still make it an appealing spot for those seeking a long-term break away from the norm. Visitors can explore Stara Varos, the oldest part of town and home to the impressive Osmanagic Mosque, or take an intriguing tour around the Sipcanik Wine Cellar, housed in what was once a secret underground Yugoslav aircraft hangar.

28th: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and also its most diverse. Over half its population were born outside Canada and more than 180 different languages are spoken here. With lush green spaces, world-class museums and an eclectic multi-ethnic food scene it’s certainly a great place for an extended stay. Workcationers can explore the Distillery District, with its cool Victorian aesthetic, or hang out at the beaches surrounding Lake Ontario. You don’t even need a visa to work remotely from Canada and can visit for up to six months at a time.

27th: London, England, UK

One of the world’s most iconic cities, London is a fast-paced, multicultural metropolis – a global centre of culture and finance where there is always something happening. From its world-class museums, galleries and concert halls to its vast parks and incredibly diverse neighbourhoods, along with a limitless choice of great pubs, clubs and restaurants, this famous city truly does have something for everyone. Although it’s one of the most expensive cities to live in, there’s always a place for digital nomads to settle down to work here including cafes, libraries and dedicated co-working spaces.

26th: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

With its spectacular harbour, glorious beaches and world-famous Opera House, Sydney is one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The country’s most densely populated city, it is also the most expensive to buy property in. This hasn’t diminished its appeal for digital nomads though, who continue to flock to this diverse and captivating metropolis. And with great weather for most of the year, a vast choice of cultural and leisure activities as well as an abundance of first-rate co-working spaces (such as WeWork and Wotso), it’s not hard to see why.

25th: Athens, Greece

The birthplace of Western civilisation, Athens is Europe’s oldest capital history. From the Parthenon to the Temple of Zeus, this remarkable city is bursting with history. But it also has a distinctly modern edge, with a vibrant contemporary art scene, relaxed cafes, bustling flea markets and dynamic nightlife. With a large international community and affordable cost of living, the city is a magnet for remote workers, who can stay for up to one or two years with the Greek Digital Nomad Visa.

=23rd: Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is something of a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, with its narrow streets, fascinating museums and imposing churches (see the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral). Visitors can enjoy excellent traditional cuisine, try local wines and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. Sofia has become increasingly popular with digital nomads in recent years, partly due to Bulgaria’s low cost of living. What's more, its infrastructure has been steadily improving. There's now excellent wifi connectivity, in addition to more and more co-working spaces popping up around the city.

=23rd: Brussels, Belgium

For such a small country, Belgium has an incredibly rich history and culture. You can tap into it in Brussels. The home of Magritte and Herge is a thriving, multicultural metropolis which blends old and new in equal measure. One minute you're soaking up the stunning Grand Place (one of Europe’s most beautiful public squares), the next you're gazing upon the iconic Atomium. With a reasonable cost of living, world-famous chocolate and beer and great nightlife, Brussels is also a great base from which to explore the rest of Europe.

22nd: Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen is a lively metropolis with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, buzzing nightlife and a selection of world-class museums and galleries. One of the prettiest cities in northern Europe, it's renowned for its high standard of living and welcoming attitude. Remote workers will find a great selection of coffee shops and co-working spaces (such as Symbion or Regus) to choose from. The only downside is that, like most Scandinavian cities, the cost of living in Copenhagen is very high.

=19th: Austin, Texas, USA

Despite being the state capital of Texas, Austin retains a laid-back, small-town atmosphere with friendly locals and a buzzing music scene. Festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest have made it the 'Live Music Capital of the World', and its dynamic nightlife is legendary. Known as one of the safest and most tolerant cities in the US, it's a great place to spend a workcation. Laptop-friendly cafes like Epoch and co-working spaces such as Industrious Austin are handy spots for digital nomads.

=19th: Paris, France

One of the world’s most iconic and beautiful cities, Paris offers an unparalleled blend of history, arts, superb cuisine, and laid-back cafe culture which has to be experienced at least once. Its grand boulevards, world-class museums, and stunning parks make it a great place to explore at a leisurely pace during a workcation. Despite a relatively high cost of living, digital nomads still flock to Paris for its vibrant atmosphere and rich culture. An abundance of co-working spaces, cafes and libraries offer plenty of options for getting down to some serious work.

=19th: Hong Kong

With its unique blend of British and Chinese culture, Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis famed for its iconic skyline, vast natural parks, great cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Despite being one of the world's most densely populated places, the city’s unique atmosphere makes it an unforgettable experience and a great place for an extended workcation. The city’s modern infrastructure, good broadband connectivity, and wide range of co-working spaces, often with stunning views of the city, harbour and sea, make it an attractive choice for remote workers.

18th: Buenos Aires, Argentina

The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is one of the most important cultural centres in South America. Known as the home of tango, this beautiful city blends old-world charm with avant-garde modernism. It boasts a vibrant arts scene, lively cafe culture and unforgettable nightlife. Add to that a great climate, affordable living and a great selection of co-working spaces, and it becomes an increasingly tempting option for remote workers, who (thanks to Argentina’s Digital Nomad Visa) can stay in the country for up to 180 days.

=15th: Valletta, Malta

Both the smallest and southernmost capital city in Europe, Valletta has been described by UNESCO as 'one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world'. Founded in 1565, this stunning fortified city overlooking the Mediterranean is full of picturesque side streets, baroque churches, bustling markets, lively bars and superb restaurants. With its affordable cost of living, year-round good weather and an abundance of co-working spaces, the city has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads in recent years.

=15th: Manila, Philippines

The capital of the Philippines, Manila fuses Filipino, Spanish and American cultures into its own uniquely vibrant blend – a densely populated, high-energy city bursting with exciting galleries, hip bars and great music, where the cobblestoned streets, baroque churches and colonial villas of the Intramuros exist alongside the towering modernist skyscrapers of Makati, the major financial district. With plenty of options for remote workers, it's an ideal place to mix business and holiday time.

=15th: Berlin, Germany

One of the most exciting cities in Europe, Berlin effortlessly blends a vibrant cultural landscape with a laid-back cool all its own. Amongst the world’s best clubbing cities, Berlin’s nightlife is legendary. Its many museums, art galleries, sprawling parks and wooded areas though prove that it's not just a one-trick pony. Almost every district has a lively co-working space or cafe where remote workers can settle in, and the city also offers a freelance visa (known as a 'Freiberufler') which allows digital nomads to live and work there for up to three months.

=13th: Mumbai, India

Sometimes known as the 'City of Dreams', Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is the largest city in India and a major centre of finance, entertainment and culture. Famous as the home of Bollywood, it offers a rich blend of the old and new worlds, from colonial architecture, authentic bazaars and ancient temples to hyper-modern skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife. Remote workers have plenty of options, from co-working spaces such as 603 to the many cafes which offer a laptop-friendly environment along with great local cuisine.

=13th: Warsaw, Poland

Voted 'European Best Destination' in 2023, Warsaw has something for everyone. See the colourful buildings of its Old Town, wander its beautiful parks before making the most of the lively city beaches on the banks of the Vistula. This dynamic metropolis at the intersection between east and west Europe also offers unique architecture, superb cuisine and a vibrant club culture to rival those in Berlin and Amsterdam. With a relatively low cost of living and plenty of co-working spaces and cafes to choose from, it's a great place to spend an extended workcation.

=11th: Marrakech, Morocco

Offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, Marrakech has become increasingly popular with remote workers seeking a complete change of scene. From its colourful souks and the architectural splendours of the Medina, the city’s rich cultural heritage is worth exploring in depth during an extended workcation. And the options for digital nomads are expanding rapidly, with improved wifi coverage and new co-working spaces cropping up around the city (especially in the modern Gueliz district). What's more, many hotels and traditional riads offer cheap long-stay rates.

=11th: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Renowned for its history, culture, and the beautifully preserved canals and houses in its centre, Amsterdam is a great place to spend a workcation. A vibrant international city, it has exciting nightlife, everyone seems to speak English (and probably a few other languages too) and it's an ideal base for exploring the rest of northern Europe. There are plenty of hotels and co-working spaces catering to remote workers, such as Zoku or the Volkshotel, while laptop-friendly cafes such as Kanarie Club and MidWest offer great workspaces for freelancers.

10th: Milan, Italy

A cool urban centre with glorious historic architecture, Milan has something for everyone. Milan’s gothic cathedral, the largest in Italy, the Pinacoteca di Brera, an amazing collection of Italian painting through the centuries and hanging out along the navigli (artificial canals, pictured) with an aperitivo are all favoured activities. Brera with its literary cafes and Porto Venezia with its buzzing nightlife offer further attractions. Thanks to Italy’s new digital visa, valid for a year and renewable annually, non-EU citizens can work and play here to their heart's content, so long as they earn around £23,320 ($31,250).

=7th: Los Angeles, California, USA

LA is a dynamic, diverse city that thrives on creativity. Locals work hard and play hard so it’s no surprise that it’s a top destination for a workcation. Venice Beach, Runyon Canyon and the Arts Districts are all favourite places to explore and there are also a multitude of smaller enclaves including Thai Town, Little Ethiopia and Little Armenia where you’ll be able to sample a range of authentic local cuisines. When it’s time to get down to work you’ll find co-working spaces in virtually every district, many open 24/7.

=7th: Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta is one of the world’s greatest megalopolises. A dynamic and vibrant city, it's a place with a uniquely chaotic charm. Skyscrapers and shopping malls may dominate the city but look a little further and you’ll discover the more intimate charms of Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown or Kota Tua where the vestiges of Old Batavia – the colonial city built by the Dutch in the 18th century – are still on view. There’s a 60-day tourist visa which can be extended twice for those wanting a longer stay.

=7th: Singapore

The city-state of Singapore is known for its luxurious, futuristic attractions such as the sprawling Marina Bay Sands hotel, culture and entertainment complex and the spectacular Gardens by the Bay. But there are also plenty of gorgeous neighbourhoods outside the centre, such as the colourful Katong district, which can be explored during an extended visit. Visas aren’t required for stays of up to 90 days for most nationalities and young people aged 18-25 from certain countries can also benefit from a six-month work holiday programme. Longer stays for all ages require specific work visas related to your profession and income.

=5th: New York, USA

Of course, the City That Never Sleeps had to be in the top 10. With jaw-dropping architecture, world-beating museums and a dizzying array of multi-cultural eating and drinking options, a short stay is never enough. Over 200 languages are spoken in New York which means that remote workers from across the globe are going to feel at home here. As with all American cities on the list, lengthy workcations are probably not an option for non-US citizens due to the country’s strict immigration rules, but the Visa Waiver Programme does allow stays of up to 90 days for citizens and nationals of participating countries.

=5th: Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has become a hugely popular destination in recent years and it’s not hard to see why. With its UNESCO-listed monastery, lovely, soft hued buildings and iconic trams it’s a delightful place to explore. And then of course, there’s the amazing food – Lisbon is a seafood lovers’ paradise – and incredible nightlife. Fast internet speeds and friendly co-working spaces add to the appeal for remote workers. Non-EU residents looking for an extended stay can apply for a 12-month Digital Nomad Visa for which you’ll need to earn at least £2,732 ($3,670) a month.

4th: Beijing, China

Beijing’s third place position might come as a bit of a surprise and life as a digital nomad here is certainly not without its challenges. Visa requirements, language barriers and strict internet censorship may prove problematic for some. However, the city’s fascinating combination of history and modernity together with a diverse cultural scene still acts as a powerful draw. Those planning on an extended stay will be able to explore the ancient hutong alleyways and legendary Forbidden City and enjoy a food scene as diverse as its culture.

=2nd: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro comes in at joint second thanks to impressive scores on accommodation, food, transport costs, and affordable yet strong broadband speed. This colourful urban sprawl with its lush landscapes, golden beaches and samba-fuelled nightlife has long exerted a siren call to travellers. Now Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, allows remote workers to stay for a year (it's renewable for a further 12 months). And you’ll only need to earn a fairly modest £1,200 ($1,500) per month. Hybrid workers will benefit from a thriving digital nomad community, bolstered by local government investments to make the city more attractive for remote workers.

=2nd: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, the historic capital of Catalonia and Spain’s most visited city, ties with Rio de Janeiro. Set between the mountains and sea and blessed with unique architecture, an incredible food scene, thriving nightlife and cool urban beaches, it's not difficult to see why the city has become such a popular hub for remote workers. Spain’s remote work visa allows non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in the country for up to 12 months and it’s renewable for up to five years. You’ll need to have a minimum income of £1,999 ($2,680) per month, more if you’re planning to come with a partner or children.

1st: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest tops this year’s list, gaining high marks for transport and accommodation prices, broadband speeds, and availability of flexible workspaces. Split in half by the River Danube, the Hungarian capital is famed for its romantic architecture, charming streets and beautifully illuminated bridges. With multiple museums and galleries, incredible thermal spas, beautiful historic coffee houses and a world-famous nightlife it’s undoubtedly an appealing long stay option. Non-EU residents can apply for a one-year Digital Nomad Visa, extendable by a year, so long as they’re earning a minimum of  £2,499 ($3,350) a month.

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