Is working on the move becoming the new normal? The number of people who are trading in their office desks for seat on a place is on the rise. These ‘digital nomads’, as they’re often referred to, have the freedom to work anywhere in the world. It’s not surprising that we are witnessing such a huge shift into the world of remote working. The COVID-19 pandemic has pretty much forced us to adapt to working from home rather than in the office.

Given this global shift to remote working, post-lockdown might be the perfect time to break free from the shackles of the 9 to 5 life. The digital nomad lifestyle could be an exciting possibility for those who have caught the travel bug and enjoy this alternative style of working. There are many obvious draws to this remote lifestyle, one being the ability to live in and experience so many different cities around the globe. Here are the top 10 best cities to live and work remotely as a digital nomad.

What is a Digital Nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who is location independent and who uses technology to perform their job.

Increasing numbers of people are becoming less content with their standard 9 to 5 work model. In this modern digital age, old, outdated work norms are rapidly vanishing, and opportunities to work out of the office are rising.

However, while the nomadic lifestyle might sound idealistic, this location-independent work style can be incredibly hard work. The coffee shop set up or beach selfie might make your friends jealous, but they don’t always offer an accurate portrayal of the often impractical aspects of the digital nomad life. This is why the decision of where to venture as a nomadic worker is of great importance.

What Makes the Perfect Destination for Digital Nomads?

There is no specific answer to the question of what makes the best digital nomad destination. People who work in all kinds of diverse roles can become digital nomads nowadays. While Youtubers, Instagrammers and bloggers are the typical nomadic jobs that first come to mind, there are now a whole range of professions that can be worked anywhere in the world. More recently, authors, online teachers, virtual assistants, voice coaches, vloggers, translators and many many more have taken on the digital nomad working style.

The perfect choice of destination for remote working will largely depend on your job role. An influencer on Instagram taking pictures in a boring and dreary town would struggle for material, while an online teacher broadcasting from a cocktail bar on a sandy beach could be considered unprofessional.

However, although there isn’t a set factor that makes a certain place ideal for remote working, there are 3 broad features which you should consider when choosing your digital nomad destination.

1. Cost: When deciding where to start your digital nomad adventure, you should definitely take into account the cost of living.
2. Internet: A must-have for a digital nomad is WiFi. If you don’t have a strong internet connection then you are seriously going to struggle.
3. Leisure: The digital nomad way of life can be lonely. Spending long chunks of your day alone, with only your laptop to keep you company can take its toll. Therefore, it is important that you have plenty of exciting things to do and see when you’re not working. Whether it’s a crazy night life, outdoor adventures or a vibrant culture.

Top 10 Cities for Digital Nomads

Best Historic City for Digital Nomads:
Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has recently grown in popularity among digital nomads thanks to its superior transport, vibrant culture and in convenient international links. Given its beautiful architecture and rich culture, Prague is my choice of historical city for digital nomads.

Transport:

Prague is well-known for its excellent transport system. With trams, buses and metro trains across the entire city, you won’t struggle to get around. And, with a single ticket for public transport in Prague costing less than £1, it won’t put you out of pocket. It is usually recommended that you use public transport over taxis given that traffic can be dreadful, particularly in the city centre. But, if you do want to take a taxi to a more faraway location, then a five-mile journey will cost you around £8.

Despite the Prague public transport system being so good, if you stay in a central location you should be able to walk wherever you need to go anyway. If you’re considering venturing further afield while living your nomadic life, then Prague’s international and air links to the rest of Europe are also great.

Weather:

Prague is one of those cities that never reaches extreme temperatures. If you’re not keen on the heat but hate the cold too, then Prague might be the perfect digital nomad destination of choice for you. Summers can get a bit sweaty with the river making the city a little humid, while winters can feel slightly chilly and grey but it doesn’t tend to get unbearably hot or freezing cold.

Living:

Prague is well-equipped with plenty of accommodation options. Choose from cost-saving hostels, luxurious hotels and trendy Airbnb apartments. However, given the rising popularity of Prague for both digital nomads and as a holiday destination has caused the cost of living to also rise somewhat.

The average cost of an Airbnb apartment for one month will cost you around £1200, but you can get them for less if you avoid peak tourist season. Given that Prague is also a popular vacation destination, hotel rooms can be even pricier, costing on average £1800 per month. But you can find budget rooms in hostels for a much more attractive price, often under £700, if you don’t mind roughing it a bit and sharing with other nomads.

Internet:

Along both banks of the city river, you will easily find plenty of suitable co-working spaces with excellent WiFi. Whether you’re looking for a trendy coffee bar to write a blog post, a communal hub for working hard or a refreshing green space to clear your mind, you will be spoilt for choice in Prague.

Leisure:

The historic city of Prague is rife with vibrant culture. With something for everyone, nomads tend to rank Prague high for entertainment and nightlife. From free classical concerts in ancient churches and low-cost walking tours to regular club nights and big-name concerts – Prague has it all.

Prague’s food scene is also one to be envious of. The city’s abundance of restaurants, cafes and bistros make it incredibly easy to eat well. Prices are very reasonable as long as you manage to swerve the over-priced tourist-trap eateries. If you know where to look, you can get a whole meal for around £4.50, a local beer for around £1.20 and a morning coffee for just £1.60.

The Safest City for Digital Nomads:
Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is my top recommendation for safest city for digital nomads. If you’re looking for a laid-back location where you can feel completely relaxed, then Taipei is the ideal city for you.

Transport:

Taipei has an excellent MRT network of subway trains which can get you all around the city in a matter of minutes. And, with a single subway ticket costing less than 50p anywhere in the city, you can travel around without breaking the bank. Otherwise, you can hire a bike for under £1 per hour, allowing you to cover the whole city in your own time and get some fun exercise on the way.

Weather:

If you don’t work well in the heat then Taipei might not be the best destination for you. In the middle of summer it can get quite hot, but other than the peak months of May to September, you can enjoy milder days even in the middle of winter.

Living:

When it comes to living accommodation in Taipei, the options are endless but not necessarily cheap. The average price of an Airbnb apartment is around £1300 for a month which is a little pricier than most other cities on this list. However, Taipei also has a lot of hostels which offer dormitory-style accommodation for around just £400 for a whole month. As for where in the city you choose to stay, the Ximen area is highly recommended for enjoying the fast-paced city life of Taipei.

Internet:

There is already a thriving community of digital nomads in Taipei who work out of spacious co-working hubs and friendly cafes. There is excellent WiFi connectivity across the entire city and internet speeds are impressive.

Leisure:

You won’t have to spend much time looking for delicious Chinese and local Taiwanese specialities in Taipei. There are options on every single corner, but Taipei’s late-night markets are the place to go for exquisite low-cost street food. Here, you can enjoy a full meal for just over £2. However, if you like a refreshing pint of beer or are a coffee-lover then expect to be paying a bit more than other places at around £3.

With regards to entertainment, Taipei has a thriving nightlife, with plenty of late-night eateries and booming nightclubs. Alternatively, if a scenic hike or bike ride is more up your street, then you don’t have to travel too far to enjoy some beautiful hiking and biking trails across stunning nature spots.

The Friendliest City for Digital Nomads:
Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is my choice of friendliest city for digital nomads. Vancouver certainly deserves its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by soaring snow-capped mountains, hugged by the sea and dotted with stunning green parks. But, it’s not just looks that set Vancouver apart as a great city for digital nomads, the people make it too.

Transport:

Vancouver’s public transport system is both efficient and convenient. The Translink system includes buses, the Seabus ferry and the SkyTrain, all of which are eco-friendly, reliable and low-cost. Vancouver’s public transport runs regularly from 5am to around 1am every day so you always have a way to get around the city.

Weather:

Vancouver’s summers are relatively short, fairly comfortable and partly cloudy, while the winters are long, super cold, often wet and mostly cloudy. Therefore, this is probably a better destination for those who prefer chilly weather and don’t want to overheat.

Living:

Unfortunately, Vancouver is rather pricey to live in. Considered one of the most expensive cities in Canada, together with Toronto, you should be prepared to spend a little more than other places. However, this modern, multicultural city and the high standard of life that it offers might just be worth the higher price tag for some.

For hotel accommodation in Vancouver you are looking at spending around £3210 per month which is rather pricey. However, if you are looking to live on a budget then the average price for hostel-style accommodation is around £1620 per month which is much more realistic.

Internet:

Canada is a country that prematurely follows innovation and has a reputation for setting trends. Thus, it is unsurprising that Vancouver’s city-wide internet connection is incredibly strong and incredibly fast.

There are also plenty of co-working spaces in Vancouver for you to get your head down and work hard. Choose from community hubs, chic cafes and bars and head-clearing green spaces.

Leisure:

Vancouver is a modern, multicultural city, situated amongst mountains, sea and skyscrapers. So, there is plenty of leisure activities to keep you busy. You will always have something to do and the endless possibilities of Vancouver are suitable for every taste and preference.

Offering a huge range of art, museums and gastronomy, you can easily experience some chilled leisure time in this calm, cosmopolitan city. Yet, being surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains, you are just a few miles drive from ski resorts where you can try your hand at all kinds of thrilling winter sports or go hiking in the summer months.

Vancouver’s nightlife is fairly quiet compared to some other cities given the very strict licensing and health and safety laws. There are regulations against standing in bars and capacity limitations that greatly hinder the social life of the city. Most parties are held in private homes and drinking on the beach or at BBQs with friends are most common.

Best Start Up City for Digital Nomads:
Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is one of the newer digital nomad hotspots and is my top choice of city for entrepreneurs and startups. Medellin’s growing population of digital nomads have largely been lured by the low cost of living, good weather and solid infrastructure ideal for remote working.

Transport:

Despite Medellin being a relatively large city, it is surprisingly easy to get around on foot and, for longer distances, there is an efficient Metro network. Nevertheless, taxi prices are extremely low so it is often just easier and less time consuming to get an Uber, costing less than £8 to cross the entire city in a taxi.

Weather:

One of the main attractions of Medellin for digital nomads is the weather. Often referred to as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, it is renowned for its warm and pleasant temperatures all year round. The only significant variation in the climate is the amount of rain, with more showers occurring from April to May and September to November.

Living:

The low cost of living in Medellin is another significant draw to the city. Most nomads choose to opt for rooms in shared apartments or rented apartments. You can find some excellent Airbnb apartments for around just £600 per month or, if sharing isn’t for you, then you can find a private Airbnb room for under £300 per month. There are also plenty of low-cost hotels, making it fairly easy to find a reasonable private room for a month below £500.

Internet:

Medellin has superb internet availability across the entire city, with average speeds reaching 22mbps and plenty of free WiFi coverage. Colombia has even been rolling out 4G coverage for many years, with decent access in urban areas.

There are a whole host of co-working spaces to choose from, many of which will be occupied by fellow entrepreneurs and startups and offer monthly passes. Otherwise, you will easily be able to find a great selection of remote worker-friendly cafes.

Leisure:

Perhaps the most pricey commodity in Medellin is food. Good grub in Medellin can be fairly expensive and although you can get cheaper meals at around £2.30, they are not usually the healthiest or most appetising options. If you’re a foodie and are planning to live and work in Medellin for a prolonged period of time, then it might be a good idea to rent accommodation with cooking facilities.

Nightlife in Medellin is plentiful, with loads of clubs and bars to choose from, but ensure you don’t end up spending too much on a night out. During the day, hikers and nature-lovers will have no trouble finding plenty of things to do in and around the city. You could ride the cable car to Parque Arvi, a forested reserve just outside the city limits with ruins and wildlife. Or, you could climb the Piedre El Panol for stunning views over deep blue artificial lakes.

Best Asian City for Digital Nomads:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is my top Asian city for digital nomads. Rolling on a wave of tech development, it is not surprising that Ho Chi Minh City is becoming an increasingly popular destination for remote working. Skyscrapers are shooting up all over the place and tech startups can be found around every corner.

Transport:

The public transport system is vast and incredibly well-developed in Ho Chi Minh City. There are over 100 different bus lines and bus routes which span the entire city as well as many districts and locations far from the city centre. The public bus is also incredibly cheap, with a single ticket costing just 5000VND. Alternatively, Uber and Grab offer cheap options to local taxis. If you’re brave enough and really want to immerse yourself in local life you could even jump on a motorcycle taxi.

Weather:

Ho Chi Minh City’s climate is not for the faint-hearted and might be its main downside for digital nomads. December to March is southern Vietnam’s dry season which is super hot and can be unbearable for those who don’t cope well in the heat. Meanwhile, May to September brings the rainy season which largely consists of high humidity and begins with a brutal blast of heat.

Living:

Most remote workers are based very centrally in Districts 1 and 3. Rented apartments are the most popular accommodation choice among nomads but central locations can be a bit expensive. Therefore, many workers prefer cheaper rooms in shared houses.

Digital nomads can also choose from plenty of Airbnb apartment options. There is a huge supply of Airbnb accommodation in Ho Chi Minh and prices tend to be very competitive. You can expect to pay around £280 per month for a one-bedroom apartment but if you know where to look you could stumble across somewhere for around £180.

Internet:

A high-speed internet connection is super easy to find in Ho Chi Minh City thanks to recent heavy investment from Singapore. Although free city-wide WiFi has yet to materialise, you can easily find low-cost SIMs for 4G mobile coverage.

Ho Chi Minh City has an excellent offering of both co-working spaces and comfy cafes. Thanks to the rapidly growing community of remote workers in the city, co-working spaces have popped up in almost every district and these can be great places to meet other digital nomads. When it comes to remote worker-friendly cafes, you will be spoilt for choice. The Maker Concept is one of the most popular digital nomad working spots, offering a selection of coffee, tea, fresh smoothies and tasty snacks.

Leisure:

Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its relaxed, yet vibrant feel. With countless cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants, you can enjoy the local way of life to the fullest. Vietnam is also known for its outstanding cuisine and delicious street food which is incredibly cost-friendly.

When in Ho Chi Minh you will never be bored. It is the perfect city for those who like to immerse themselves in the culture fully. You could take a Delta tour and see the green, rice-paddy covered wetlands of the Mekong Delta. Or, why not take a weekend break on the beach at Phu Quoc?

The Best Cultural City for Digital Nomads:
Buenos Aires, Argentina

My top pick for the best cultural city for digital nomads is Buenos Aires. Being one of Latin America’s most popular digital nomad destinations, Buenos Aires is ideal for anyone who wants to combine work and culture. As Argentina’s largest city, Buenos Aires vibrates with activity from day to night.

Transport:

As a large capital city, Buenos Aires isn’t the most walkable. However, there is an excellent public transport system that makes up for this. During rush hour, the Metro is by far the best way to get around. A single one-way ticket costs just pennies, and a monthly Metro pass will only set you back around £9. Taxis can be a little pricier, costing around £11 to get from Palermo to the outskirts of the city, so it is worth investing in public transport.

Weather:

Buenos Aires has a short, hot summer from December to February, with regular spikes of heat and a risk of thunderstorms. Meanwhile, the winter season, from June to August, feels much like a European spring – fairly cold and a bit wet.

Living:

Given the large size of Buenos Aires, there are plenty of Airbnb listings, hotels and hostels to choose from. The main consideration in Buenos Aires is neighbourhood. You will want to choose your neighbourhood carefully; it is safest to stick to areas like Recoleta and Palermo, where Airbnb apartments cost on average £700. A private hotel room in the same neighbourhoods are going to be a fair bit more expensive, easily costing over £1400. However, if you are planning on staying in the city long term, then you will find cheaper private one-bedroom rentals in the city centre for around £280.

Internet:

Quick download speeds and fast internet are easy to find in Buenos Aires, along with plenty of co-working space. Most cafes have free WiFi and the government provides free public connections in most parks, plazas and public spaces. Mobile 4G connections are also pretty easy to find, but download speeds can be a little slower than expected.

Leisure:

Buenos Aires is a vibrant, buzzing city all day and all night so you will never be stuck of things to do. Immerse yourself in the Latin culture by learning to Tango; visit a local milonga for the real deal. Or, if the constant hum of the city gets a little too much, you can always jump on a train to Tigre and rent a motorbike or kayak to roam around the interconnected canals and waterways or browse the waterfront craft market.

With regards to the food scene, Buenos Aires is known for its fantastic meat! However, if your not a true carnivore, then you can find plenty of other top restaurants. Good food isn’t particularly cheap in Buenos Aires given that it is one of Latin America’s more upmarket digital nomad destinations. Yet, you can still get low-cost meals for around £5.

Best Island Paradise for Digital Nomads:
Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta is my top-rated island paradise for digital nomads. An up and coming nomadic destination, Koh Lanta is less overrun by tourists compared to other locations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, it is the perfect city if you’re looking for a totally laid-back vibe.

Transport:

There is no public transport in Koh Lanta. The two main options for getting around the island are scooter or tuk tuk. While the lack of public transport could be seen as a con for digital nomads in Koh Lanta, it could easily be turned into a pro. Motorbike rental is incredibly cheap at just 2500 Bath for two weeks which gives you the freedom to explore everything the island has to offer. Alternatively, for shorter and more precise trips, you could go by tuk tuk. While there are no fixed prices when it comes to tuk tuk rides, you can easily haggle your way to a very reasonable price.

Weather:

Koh Lanta experience just two seasons; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. While it can get fairly hot during the warm season, there is always a gentle breeze on the beach to cool you down. Between November and April the climate also gets a little cooler and you can see constant blue skies during the day and clear skies at night.

Living:

There are hotels and guest houses for every price range across the entire island, as well as plenty of Airbnb listings. Most Airbnb apartments are located in Lanta Old Town, a beautiful little village. However, if you want to be close to co-working spaces and fellow digital nomads, then the best place to be is Long Beach.

Internet:

The internet speed can be a little unpredictable, varying depending on where you stay. At the most popular co-working hub, KoHub, download speed is fairly high at 1000mbs and the community is thriving. While there are no typical cafes that digital nomads tend to work from in Koh Lanta, most places do offer free WiFi so there are plenty of options.

Leisure:

Overall, there isn’t loads to do on the island so it can get a bit boring if you’re someone who constantly needs to be doing something. Therefore, Koh Lanta should be reserved for digital nomads who are also beach enthusiasts. If you’re a sucker for beautiful scenery then this might be the place of choice for you. With stunning beaches and ever-lasting sea views, your eyes will be in for a treat.

Best Sunny Destination for Digital Nomads:
Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife is my top recommendation for sunny destination for digital nomads. A fabulous, sunny emerging digital nomad hotspot, with its cheap cost of living, eternal spring-like weather and diverse scenery.

Transport:

Getting around Tenerife is simple, as the island is very well connected with modern roads and excellent public transport. There is a very reliable and frequent bus service which is extremely affordable, with rides costing no more than £3. To pay for a ticket, you will need a Ten+ bus pass which you can get from many outlets around the island. The card itself costs 2 euros (£1.70) which you then load with credit in 5 euro increments from 5 to 100 euros. For a week of frequent travel, you would probably need to load around 20 euros of credit.

It is important to note that while Tenerife’s bus service is affordable and frequent, bus rides can take longer than by car. As a result, it is common for long-term stayers to choose to buy or rent a car instead of relying on public transport. Renting a car is simple with most places offering discounted monthly rates. Petrol is also highly affordable and parking tends to be free.

Weather:

Tenerife has often been stated as having the best weather in Europe. With its eternal spring, the weather never drops into single digits, making it comfortable all year round. This constant good weather means that the island can offer a huge variety of different landscapes, including rainforest, beach and everything in between.

Living:

Digital nomads tend to be drawn to the south of the island where they can really make the most of the year-round sunshine and convenient amenities. However, if you would prefer to experience the more traditional side of Tenerife, then the North of the island is probably your best bet.

Finding an apartment as a long-term stayer in Tenerife can be a bit tricky. This is because of the sheer number of holiday-only rentals available on the island. Therefore, finding a permanent home requires a little more effort than in other nomad countries. Once arriving in Tenerife, it is recommended that you enquire into some co-living spaces, where prices tend to be lower and the homes are filled with fellow digital nomads. This is often a better bet than hostels which can often consist of party-going teens or have unreliable WiFi.

Internet:

You won’t have any trouble finding cafes and restaurants to work in along both the coastline and the streets of Tenerife. Most places offer free WiFi and designated areas to work, as long as you purchase something from their venue. Co-working spaces are also springing up all over the island, making it easier to work with like-minded others and form a digital nomad community. Alternatively, if you think you would work better on a sandy beach, then you can utilise the free public WiFi in central areas or your own mobile data and personal WiFi hotspot.

Leisure:

The Spanish culture remains prevalent in the island’s smaller villages. Here, you can really immerse yourself in the Spanish culture, with plenty of traditional activities to do and things to see. The Carnival is considered the second biggest, just after Rio de Janerio, lasting almost two weeks, with bright colours, day and night parties and endless cultural traditions.

You will also have plenty of opportunities to try out the local Spanish cuisine, with dishes like Tapas, Paella and Sangria to name a few. There are also many different nightlife options available to suit any preference, from live music and cabaret shows to clubbing or karaoke bars. Drinks tend to be very reasonably priced, from 1 euro for a pint of local beer and up to £7 for a specialised cocktail, along with some great 2 for 1 cocktail deals and free shots.

The Best All-Year-Round City for Digital Nomads:
Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is my obvious choice for an all-year-round city for digital nomads. The city has become a digital nomad hotspot thanks to its draws of modern infrastructure, wonderful climate and relatively low cost of living.

Transport:

The Portuguese capital stands out for its walkability, and yet it also has a top public transportation network. Nevertheless, public transport fares can be a tad more expensive than other cities on this list, with a monthly pass costing over £30 and a single fare costing around £1.50.

Weather:

During the summer months, Lisbon is warm and sunny without being humid. However, this is peak season for tourists, which means streets are packed. Meanwhile, winters are fairly chilly and wet, but temperatures don’t dip much below 45 degrees. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-August) are prime for digital nomads with excellent weather and quieter streets.

Living:

Lisbon has more than enough options when it comes to accommodation, but prices have risen rather sharply recently. An Airbnb apartment for a full month will set you back around £860, while a hotel room will cost about £1500 per month. Hostels are quite a bit cheaper with an average price of £430 for the month.

Alternatively, many digital nomads opt for co-living accommodations which are often conveniently attached to many of the city’s co-working spaces. Many often find that it is then easier to find a room through people you meet in these work spaces or through digital nomad meetups.

Internet:

WiFi is everywhere in Lisbon, with excellent download speeds of 25mbps or more. Mobile 4G coverage is also widespread across the capital so you shouldn’t have any trouble staying connected.

As you would expect from a digital nomad hotspot, there are plenty of co-working spaces that offer great working conditions. Monthly passes to these co-working spaces cost around £86. The city also boasts a range of friendly cafes where you can get a great cup of coffee.

Leisure:

Lisbon has an exceptionally vibrant nightlife and plenty of things to do during the day. With beautiful beaches close to hand, sailing and swimming, cultural attractions and historic buildings, there is something for everyone. You could spend all night at a street party in Cais do Sodre or Bairro Alto or escape the bustle of the city to surf or sunbathe at Costa de Caparica, Nazare or Peniche.

Lisbon also boasts delicious, Mediterranean cooking at fairly reasonable prices. While there are the obvious tourist trap restaurants, you can get an excellent and inexpensive meal for around £7.

The Best Foodie City for Digital Nomads
Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is my go-to foodie city for digital nomads. It is well-known that Tokyo is a Mecca for technology as well as having a thriving and eccentric culture. The capital city of Japan has many top factors that digital nomads are looking for, but they won’t be beaten on their cuisine.

Transport:

Tokyo features an extremely modern infrastructure and that doesn’t exclude the public transport system. The city has a very efficient and reliable Metro service. This Metro system is extremely safe to use, with some ‘female only’ carriages which can be used for extra safety when travelling during busy hours or late in the evening. The subway is reasonably priced, with your typical fare costing between 100 and 400 yen. However, long-distance journeys out of the city will certainly add up to be quite costly. It is also important to be aware that the Metro system closes between the hours of midnight and 5 am; you don’t want to make the mistake of missing the last ride home.

If you prefer to explore the city in your own time then Tokyo offers the perfect location to cycle, with long stretches of smooth, flat roads. You will find push bikes to hire around every corner or you can ask the staff at your accommodation as they are sure to have some available to rent.

Tokyo’s taxis are another excellent way to quickly get around the city, especially outside of rush hour when there isn’t too much traffic. This is probably your best bet if you’re somewhere that isn’t close to a train or subway station. However, don’t expect them to be cheap.

Weather:

Tokyo’s climate is temperate, which means it has fairly mild, sunny winters and hot, humid and rainy summers. Like the rest of Japan, the capital is affected by the monsoon season, causing summers to be particularly hot and humid.

Living:

When I say Tokyo is big, I mean it’s BIG! Tokyo is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world with an insane population amounting to over 9 million people. Therefore, finding the perfect place to stay is no small feat and accommodation is sure to be your greatest expense as a digital nomad in Tokyo. If you’re looking for a 500sqft one-bedroom apartment, then you are probably going to be disappointed. The cheapest and most convenient go-to option for those who are staying long-term is a share house. While basic, these can be great for meeting locals and fellow nomads.

Another convenient accommodation option in Tokyo is a capsule hotel. These unique hotels consist of many small bed-sized rooms known as capsules. It may sound strange, but the capsules feel incredibly safe and surprisingly comfortable, each having their own safety deposit boxes, aircon, WiFi, storage space, lighting, shelves and desks to work from. If you prefer a little more privacy than would be provided by a shared house, then a pod is definitely the best choice. The price of a capsule per night ranges from around £15-£25 but can reach up to £30-£40 for some more premium options.

Internet:

The biggest struggle of being a digital nomad in Tokyo could be finding the ideal space to work. You are likely to come across a range of struggles, including overcrowding, expensive coffee and close-knit seating. And, another important thing to note is that the Japanese find making phone calls in public rude. So, if you constantly have your phone pasted to the side of your head, this isn’t the location for you.

However, what Tokyo lacks in suitable work spaces, it largely makes up for with its incredibly fast WiFi speeds. Yet, for such a tech-obsessed city, cafes with WiFi still aren’t as ubiquitous as you might suspect. Your best bet for getting online in Tokyo is ordering a mobile router or data sim card online before you arrive in the city.

Leisure:

Tokyo is another city that has something for everyone to offer. While the city’s streets can feel like a high-speed chase through an amusement park, calmer attractions range from temples, museums, gardens and origami classes. For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of this hugely populated city, you should visit Golden Gai, a clutch of narrow streets lined with hundreds of dive bars, or take a trip to the Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection. Alternatively, for those who are more drawn to calmer environments, you can stroll through the 144 acres of Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, or visit Senso-ji temple and get a feel of the Japanese culture.

The nightlife in Tokyo is like nothing I’ve ever known. As the sun begins to set in the city, the neon lights flicker on, and Tokyo’s alter-ego kicks in. Tokyo is abundant with city-view bars and restaurants on the top floors of many skyscrapers so you can take in the view while you eat and drink. However, these tend to be the more up-market places and can be extremely pricey. For a more budget night on the town, you can explore the lanes and alleys of downtown areas like Shinbashi, Shinjuku, Ebisu and Akabane to find small restaurants and bars more popular with locals.

Finally, I did’t choose Tokyo as the best foodie city for digital nomads for no reason. With a staggering 160,000 restaurants, it is no surprise that Tokyo is considered one of the world’s capitals of dining. The best thing about Tokyo for food-lovers is that fact that it is easy to eat and drink well on any budget. Choose from fresh sushi, warming ramen or soba noodles and delicious katsu curry. You can’t miss out on the ultimate Japanese comfort food that is okonomiyaki, a thick pancake with a batter base and your choice of filling. You really will be spoilt for choice.