There’s no doubt about it, the past year has been another of exceptional growth in the trend of digital nomads.
The latest estimates reckon there are more than 20 million digital nomads roaming the globe, which is a huge increase on the figures from the last pre-pandemic year of 2019.
So, where are all these nomads hanging out? Well, like in anything, that changes from month to month and year to year.
Different places have their time in the sun as popular hubs, but right now, as 2023 comes to a close, these six cities have emerged as the ones that digital nomads love to visit the most according to the latest data from Nomad List.
Let’s take a look at what makes these six cities so appealing:
Medellín, Colombia
Quite simply, the place to be for digital nomads and solo travelers this year is the Colombian city of Medellin.
Widely regarded as one of the best places to go in Latin America, Medellin is known for its year-round, pleasant spring-like weather and its trendy neighborhoods full of cool cafés, independent stores, and enticing bars.
With fast and reliable internet, affordable prices for accommodation, great air quality, and lots to do for both introverts and extroverts, it’s perhaps no surprise it’s the hot nomad hub right now.
You can get to Medellin easily thanks to a wide choice of flights (roughly 5-hour flight time from New York), and once you arrive, domestic transport is cheap and readily available.
Perhaps the only downside of Medellin is that Colombia is not always the safest country in the world to travel to – make sure you practice sensible precautions, and you should be fine.
Portimão, Portugal
Since Portugal first introduced its digital nomad visa, it has received more than 2,500 applications, according to the latest figures from the government there.
While Lisbon and Porto may be the obvious choices, the harbor town of Portimão in the beautiful Algarve region of the country is the real favorite among digital nomads.
With average temperatures of 55F in the winter and 75F in the summer, this sunny city boasts beautiful tree-line promenades, pretty shopping streets, and a historic old town.
Just a few miles to the south, you’ll find stunning beaches and dramatic rock formations on this idyllic stretch of coastline.
Madrid, Spain
Recently named one of the fastest-growing destinations for American travelers, the Spanish capital of Madrid is also hugely popular with digital nomads.
While it’s not the cheapest of places to base yourself as a nomad, Spain’s digital nomad visa dictates that you must earn around $2,700 per month, so if you meet that you should be able to afford living in Madrid.
Madrid is best known for its quaint tapas, bars, picturesque parks like El Retiro, and excellent nightlife.
It’s a very safe city with excellent infrastructure, however it’s not one for those who enjoy year-round warmth as it can get down to the low 40s in winter.
Budapest, Hungary
Home to one of the world’s top tourist attractions of 2023, Budapest is a fascinating cultural experience for any digital nomad who cares to spend any time there.
The city has undergone a transformation in the last decade and now benefits from modern apartments and other accommodations as well as super-fast internet and safe streets.
It’s also one of the more affordable major European cities in which to live – you can get by on around $2,000 a month or less.
Chicago, Illinois
It might seem strange to have a U.S. destination as one of the top international cities that digital nomads love most, but Chicago is a fun place to be, as a recent study revealed.
It’s not the cheapest city to live in, but it makes up for that with an amazing social scene, fantastic community, and plenty of off path things to do.
If you want to sample the digital nomad lifestyle but on home turf, then you could do much worse than Chicago.
Rome, Italy
A hugely popular destination for American travelers at any time of year, Rome is beginning to attract a growing community of digital nomads.
Another city that is not necessarily the cheapest but has good scores when it comes to safety, infrastructure, and socializing.
If you get bored of the iconic historic sights of the Eternal City, then check out hip neighborhoods such as Trastevere, where you’ll find unique dining experiences and independent businesses.
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