Jan 03, 2025

Hospitality hotdesk report: The best cities for remote workers and digital nomads

In today’s increasingly connected world, the digital nomad lifestyle has never been more appealing. The rise in remote working has transformed how and where people work, fueling a post-pandemic shift from accepting the traditional office day. Employees are instead pushing for a more flexible, “work-from-anywhere” culture. Many now choose to work from cafes, coworking spaces, and even beaches, enhancing their lifestyle while avoiding lengthy commutes.

Some hospitality venues have responded to this demand by offering coworking options during low-traffic hours, maximising their space and providing flexible environments for remote workers. This strategic adaptation also helps balance the needs of their primary customer base with the influx of remote workers. Additionally, making these spaces as efficient as possible by equipping them with reliable technology, such as dual wifi and 4G-enabled card machines, ensures quick and convenient transactions. So whether your customers are seated outside or in, they can enjoy a seamless experience.

Remote worker index (UK)

The UK offers a range of cities that are highly appealing to both digital nomads and UK resident remote workers looking for a workcation. Each month in the UK there are an average of 90,500 Google searches made for “remote jobs”, as the increased work-life balance proves to be a priority to Brits. 

To understand which areas of the UK are great options for residents to remote work, we analysed 76 UK locations looking to score each location out of a possible 100 based on four metrics:

  • Internet speeds according (Fair Internet Report)
  • Level of Internet Freedom (Freedom House)
  • Security (physical security, The Legatum Prosperity Index)
  • Quality of Life (QoL) from the World Health Organisation

The best cities for remote workers in the UK

Rank City Country Internet speed Level of internet freedom Security Quality of life INDEX SCORE
/100
1 Dunfermline Scotland 58.17 79 21 226.77 35.6
2 Chester England 66.86 79 21 214.39 35.2
3 Aberdeen Scotland 58.17 79 21 208.59 34.8
4 Newcastle-upon-Tyne England 68.06 79 21 199.8 34.5
5 York England 67.68 79 21 198.98 34.5
6 Dundee Scotland 58.17 79 21 200.23 34.4
7 Perth Scotland 58.17 79 21 200.23 34.4
8 Milton Keynes England 65.67 79 21 198.31 34.4
9 Belfast Northern Ireland 71.34 79 21 187.84 34.2
10 Lisburn Northern Ireland 71.34 79 21 187.84 34.2

Dunfermline, Scotland is the best UK city for remote work

Dunfermline, Scotland, stands out as the top UK city despite having the highest cost of living among the top 10. It also boasts the highest quality of life score at 226.77. The city offers internet speeds of 58.17 Mbps, with an internet freedom rating of 79. 


Chester, England is the best city in England for remote work 

Chester, England is the best city in England and the second-best in the UK for remote and digital nomad work, with internet speeds of 66.86 Mbps - which is faster than the top scorer Dunfermline. The quality of life in Chester is an impressive 214.39 and although the cost of living remains on the higher side, this city is a suitable location to consider.


Northern Ireland’s Belfast and Lisburn are the best UK cities to work from remotely for the lowest cost of living

Belfast and Lisburn, two cities in Northern Ireland, boast the lowest cost of living among the top UK cities for remote and digital nomad work. A lower cost of living means you can stretch your earnings further, allowing you to enjoy greater financial flexibility and freedom in your work-from-anywhere lifestyle, making these Northern Ireland cities great options for remote workers.

For digital nomads visiting the UK, the six-month Digital Nomad Visa costs £109.94. This, in addition to impressive Quality of Life scores, reliable internet speeds, and above-average security, also make the UK a great overall location for digital nomads. 

Digital Nomad Index (Global)

Beyond the UK, the freedom of remote work has encouraged digital nomads to explore locations worldwide. As more businesses embrace remote work, understanding which cities cater best to digital nomads offers valuable insights for companies aiming to support their remote workforce. This shift presents a unique opportunity for businesses to adapt, whether by offering flexible work arrangements or enabling digital nomads to operate seamlessly from anywhere.

To identify ideal destinations for digital nomads, we analysed 237 cities globally, focusing on key regions like Europe, the UK, Canada, and the US. For those who prefer a blend of work and beachside living, we also evaluated coastal cities. Each location was scored based on its performance in a range of metrics to create an index score out of a potential 100, including:

  • Digital nomad visa offerings
  • Visa length according to local Government guidelines
  • Internet speeds according to the Fair Internet Report
  • Quality of Life (QoL) according to Numbeo
  • Livability according to Area Vibes
  • Country level of Internet Freedom according to Freedom House
  • Digital Nomad Visa cost and other visa cost
  • Cost of living according to Numbeo
  •  (Physical) Security according to The Legatum Prosperity Index

The top 10 best European cities for digital nomads

Rank City Country Digital nomad visa Visa length Internet speed Quality of Life Country level of internet freedom Digital nomad visa and other visa cost Sim card cost Security INDEX SCORE /100
1 Genoa Italy Yes 12 248.49 154.78 75 £94.93 £20.25 27 61.5
2 Bari Italy Yes 12 86 159.20 75 £94.93 20.3 27.0 61.1
3 Valencia Spain Yes 12 151 198.10 75 £701.34 £20.25 24 60.4
4 Catania Italy Yes 12 108.5 141.82 75 £94.93 £20.25 27 60.2
5 Florence Italy Yes 12 100 155.6 75 £94.93 £20.25 27 60.2
6 Palermo Italy Yes 12 90 142.97 75 £94.93 £20.25 27 60
7 Las Palmas Spain Yes 12 185 188.06 75 £701.34 £20.25 24 60
8 Rome Italy Yes 12 113 140.52 75 £94.93 £20.25 27 59.7
9 Sevilla Spain Yes 12 185 182.82 75 £701.34 £20.25 24 59.7
10 Turin Italy Yes 12 103 141.97 75 £94.93 £20.25 27 59.7

Florence, Italy is one of the best cities in Europe for digital nomads 

With a visa that lasts 12 months, Florence gives digital nomads ample time to immerse themselves in its history and art, all while working remotely. Internet speeds of around 100 Mbps ensure smooth online work, complemented by a good quality of life (QoL score of 155.6). The cost of a digital nomad visa is relatively low at £94.93, and pre-paid SIM cards are affordable, starting at £20.25. Security in Florence is also rated well, making it a great destination for safety.


Head to La Palmas, Spain if you are looking for a good city for digital nomads 

For digital nomads looking for a coastal city to work from, Las Palmas in Spain ranks 7th. The city’s internet speed reaches 185 Mbps, providing a fast connection for remote work. Along with its laid-back beach lifestyle, Las Palmas offers a digital nomad visa valid for 12 months, plenty of time to enjoy both work and leisure. The cost of living is moderate, with the digital nomad visa priced at £701.34 and SIM cards available for an average of £20.25. Spain’s internet freedom helps provide a stable connection, while the security rating of 24 adds to the city's appeal as a safe and sunny destination for remote professionals.

The top 10 worst European cities for digital nomads

Rank City Country Digital nomad visa Visa length Internet speed Quality of Life Country level of internet freedom Digital nomad visa cost and other visa cost Security Sim card cost INDEX SCORE
/100
1 Doncaster England No 6 67.68 111.35 79 £109.94 21 £30.00 28.6
2 Paris France No 3 167.00 132.36 76 £73.65 38 £34.78 28.6
3 London England No 6 72.64 139.51 79 £109.94 21 £30.00 29.0
4 Westminster England No 6 72.64 139.51 79 £109.94 21 £30.00 29.0
5 Marseille France No 3 191.62 139.14 76 £73.65 38 £34.78 30.1
6 Nice France No 3 174.00 153.86 76 £73.65 38 £34.78 30.9
7 Manchester England No 6 66.86 155.3 79 £109.94 21 £30.00 31.2
8 Salford England No 6 66.86 155.3 79 £109.94 21 £30.00 31.2
9 Lyon France No 3 245.00 156.91 76 £73.65 38 £34.78 31.4
10 Bradford England No 6 67.68 156.27 79 £109.94 21 £30.00 31.7

Paris, France ranks second as the worst city in Europe for digital nomads

Paris may be a popular tourist destination, but it ranks poorly as a digital nomad hotspot, according to the index. The city lacks a specific digital nomad visa, complicating long-term stays, and its comparatively high cost of living makes it challenging for remote workers to stretch their budgets. While internet speeds are decent at 167 Mbps, this benefit is overshadowed by a low quality of life score and higher SIM card costs, averaging around £34.78. Although the overall level of internet freedom in France is moderate, the financial strain associated with living and working in Paris makes it one of the least desirable cities for digital nomads.


London, England is the third worst city for digital nomads

While London is the capital city of England, full of work opportunities, it's a tough environment for digital nomads. The city’s internet speed lags at 72.64 Mbps, and with no dedicated digital nomad visa, freelancers face challenges in securing a visa for long-term stays. London’s cost of living is one of the highest in Europe. With visa-related costs at £109.94 and an additional £30 for a SIM card, expenses could add up quickly. With a high cost of living and slower internet speeds, London could prove expensive for a remote working lifestyle.


Nice, France ranks sixth place 

Although Nice is a beautiful location, the city does not offer a digital nomad visa. While internet speeds are relatively fast at 174 Mbps, the cost of living and visa-related expenses, such as the £73.65 visa cost and £34.78 sim card, are larger than other cities on the list. Security in France is also rated moderate, and Nice's overall quality of life ranks lower than other coastal cities in Europe, making it a less favourable destination for those seeking an affordable, and secure digital nomad lifestyle.

The top 20 global cities for digital nomads

Digital nomadism continues to rise in popularity across the globe, with over 35 million people reportedly a part of this flexible workforce. We analysed cities across the globe to discover the very best - and worst - locations for digital nomads. Whether you are drawn to the energy of bustling cities or tranquil beaches, our findings offer year round options tailored to your lifestyle preference. The common thread is that each destination offers a refreshing alternative to the routine of a traditional office desk!

Rank City Country Digital nomad visa Visa length Internet Speed Quality of life Country level of internet freedom Digital nomad visa cost and other visa cost Cost of living Security INDEX SCORE
/100
1 Genoa Italy Yes 12 248.49 154.78 75 £94.93 £774.00 27 61.5
2 Bari Italy Yes 12 86.00 159.2 75 £94.93 £638.40 27 61.1
3 Valencia Spain Yes 12 151.00 198.1 75 £701.34 £567.28 24 60.4
4 Quebec Canada Yes 6 35.2 96* 88 £0.00 £1077.39 18 60.3
5 Catania Italy Yes 12 108.50 141.82 75 £94.93 £623.01 27 60.2
6 Florence Italy Yes 12 100.00 155.6 75 £94.93 £762.62 27 60.2
7 Palermo Italy Yes 12 90.00 142.97 75 £94.93 £641.10 27 60.0
8 Las Palmas Spain Yes 12 185.00 188.06 75 £701.34 £582.83 24 60.0
9 Rome Italy Yes 12 113.00 140.52 75 £94.93 £692.82 27 59.7
10 Sevilla Spain Yes 12 185.00 182.82 75 £701.34 £572.44 24 59.7
11 Turin Italy Yes 12 103.00 141.97 75 £94.93 £704.03 27 59.7
12 Ottawa Canada Yes 6 29.2 95* 88 £0.00 £1167.95 18 59.5
13 Zaragoza Spain Yes 12 138.00 187.54 75 £701.34 £582.58 24 59.5
14 Madrid Spain Yes 12 214.00 182.75 75 £701.34 £652.96 24 59.5
15 Bilbao Spain Yes 12 181.63 183.65 75 £701.34 £630.29 24 59.3
16 Montreal Canada Yes 6 35.2 89* 88 £0.00 £1065.77 18 59.3
17 Bologna Italy Yes 12 119.00 143.52 75 £94.93 £808.62 27 59.3
18 Murcia Spain Yes 12 147.39 182.74 75 £701.34 £582.83 24 59.2
19 Oshawa Canada Yes 6 29.2 90* 88 £0.00 £1108.83 18 59.1
20 Hamilton Canada Yes 6 29.2 88* 88 £0.00 £1071.81 18 59.1

*Denotes that Livability was used in place of QOL here.


Genoa, Italy is the best city in the world for Digital Nomads

Italian cities prove to be standout locations for digital nomads, accounting for over half (6) of the top ten. Genoa, the capital of Italy's Liguria region, stands out as the top destination for digital nomads. A historically significant port city with a rich maritime heritage, Genoa is often referred to as "La Superba" (The Proud) due to its impressive landmarks and mediaeval old town. 

The city offers Italy’s new digital nomad visa, which allows digital nomads to submit applications for this visa, whereas before only freelancers, remote full-time employees, and self-employed individuals were able to live and work in Italy long-term. Priced at £94.93 and valid for 12 months. Genoa also has the fastest internet speed on the list at 248.49 Mbps, a solid security score of 27, and a quality of life rating of 154.78 - all while maintaining an average cost of living at £774.00 per month.


Valencia, Spain, takes the third place on the list 

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, ranks third overall and is the top Spanish city on the list. Located on the southeastern coast along the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and futuristic architecture, an ideal balance between work and lifestyle for digital nomads. 

Spain's digital nomad visa, valid for 12 months, makes Valencia one of the most attractive options for remote workers. Valencia's internet speed of 151 Mbps is slower than that of the leading city, Genoa, but it surpasses the second-ranked city, Bari, Italy, which offers a speed of just 86 Mbps.


Quebec, Canada is the fourth-best city for digital nomads

Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec in Canada, secures the fourth spot on the list, making it the top-ranking Canadian city for digital nomads. Known for its charming European-style architecture and rich history, Quebec offers a unique experience for remote workers. Although its internet speed is the lowest among the top four at 35.2 Mbps, Quebec excels in other areas, including a high level of internet freedom and a low cost of living at £701.34 per month. The country’s digital nomad visa is free and valid for six months, making Quebec a budget-friendly option for nomads looking to immerse themselves in a culturally vibrant city with excellent quality of life and security scores.

The top 3 countries with the cheapest digital nomad visas


Rank Country Digital nomad visa Visa length (months) Digital nomad visa cost
1 Canada Yes 6 £0.00
2 Italy Yes 12 £94.93
3 Spain Yes 12 £701.34

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work in a foreign country while employed by a company based elsewhere. In response to the growing trend of remote work, several countries, such as Canada, Italy and Spain, have introduced tailored visa options to attract digital nomads, enabling them to embrace a location-independent lifestyle while contributing to local economies. 


Canada has the best digital nomad visa

Canada ranks at the top for offering the most affordable digital nomad visa, which stands out because it's completely free.  Digital nomads only need to qualify for visitor status, have a valid passport, and work remotely for a foreign employer or as self-employed individuals. This allows them to stay in Canada for up to six months while continuing their remote work without needing to meet additional documentation, income, or eligibility requirements. The Canadian government website outlines that processing times are just 0-2 months. While no proof of funds is required, nomads might need to show proof of onward travel before their six-month stay expires, making it a hassle-free option for remote workers looking to explore Canada.


Italy ranks second for its low-cost visa

Italy launched its digital nomad visa on April 4, 2024, offering a one-year stay for non-EU citizens who are self-employed, remote workers, or professionals using telecommunications technology. Applicants must earn at least €28,000 (£23,330) annually and pay a £94.93 fee. The visa can be extended for another year, and while there’s no minimum stay requirement, processing takes 30 to 90 days.

The best beaches for digital nomads to work

With the rise in "flexible-work from-anywhere", the dream of working from the beach has never been more appealing and attainable, so much so that last year, a study found that six million of us planned to work abroad over summer. With its calming atmosphere, the beach is the perfect environment to balance out the demands of a high pressure job.

Rank Beach Country Visa length Internet speed Google review rating of beach Number of restaurants/cafe 
(Within a 15-minute walk of the beach)
Level of internet freedom Digital nomad visa cost Security Cost of living Sim card cost INDEX SCORE
/100 
1 Anthony Quinn Bay Greece 24 92.5 4.5 4 78 £60.19 34 £678.60 £20.25 65.8
2 Voutoumi Beach Greece 24 53.85 4.9 2 78 £60.19 34 £609.08 £20.25 64.5
3 Fteri Beach Greece 24 53.85 4.8 0 78 £60.19 34 £609.08 £20.25 64.0
4 Batu Ferringhi Beach Malaysia 12 82.83 4.3 99 61 £163.50 73 £371.75 £6.36 62.3
5 Nea Chora Beach Greece 24 17.6 4.3 9 78 £60.19 34 £678.60 £20.25 60.8
6 Balluta Bay Beach Malta 12 99.94 4.1 51 64.3 £251.54 17 £680.90 £20.25 58.4
7 Gardner Bay Ecuador 24 26.56 4.7 0 64 £337.50 88 £363.75 £11.25 58.3
8 Finikoudes Beach Cyprus 12 53.18 4.5 63 64.3 £117.38 43 £712.21 £18.75 57.7
9 Praia da Marinha Portugal 12 106.53 4.7 1 82 £144.45 29 £561.02 £20.25 57.3
10 Santa Teresa Beach Costa Rica 12 84.49 4.7 16 85 £75.00 48 £650.57 £19.04 57.0
11 Praia do Camilo Beach Portugal 12 100 4.6 5 82 £144.45 29 £559.70 £20.25 56.9
12 Calo des Moro Spain 12 151 4.6 0 75 £660.95 24 £487.50 £20.25 56.4
13 Playa Punta Uva Costa Rica 12 84.49 4.8 7 85 £75.00 48 £650.57 £19.04 56.4
14 San Juan Playa Spain 12 122.94 4.7 14 75 £660.95 24 £541.08 £20.25 56.1
15 Sharen Beach Japan 6 124.7 4.7 12 77 £15.86 5 £680.85 £12.94 55.6
16 Velipoja Beach Albania 12 15.53 4.5 49 64.3 £0.00 57 £531.31 £20.25 54.7
17 Kasjuni Beach Croatia 12 70.3 4.4 2 76 £46.65 33 £618.86 £20.25 54.1
18 Borik sandy Beach Croatia 12 70.3 3.8 15 76 £46.65 33 £600.24 £20.25 53.7
19 Grotto Beach South Africa 12 100 4.6 2 73 £75.23 136 £471.38 £19.50 53.2
20 Cala Mariolu Italy 12 45 4.8 0 75 £93.09 27 £687.10 £20.25 53.0

Anthony Quinn Bay is the best beach to work from

Anthony Quinn Bay, Greece, tops the list with a reliable internet speed of 92.5 Mbps and a solid internet freedom level of 78. This makes it a fantastic spot for remote work with dependable connectivity. While it has limited food and drink options nearby with just four restaurants and cafes, the beach’s natural beauty is widely appreciated, reflected in its high Google rating of 4.5 stars. A generous visa length of 24 months also makes it an excellent choice for long-term stays. The moderate cost of living at £678.60 balances well with a security level of 34, providing both affordability and peace of mind.


Batu Ferringhi Beach is a restaurant hotspot

Batu Ferringhi Beach is a vibrant beach destination in Malaysia known for its affordable living and strong internet speed of 82.83 Mbps. With a Google review score of 4.3 and over 99 restaurants and cafes within a 15-minute walk of the beach, this beach provides plenty of options for working spots. The 12-month visa length is another perk, allowing for an extended stay in a location rich in culture. At a cost of living of £371.75, it is an appealing choice for digital nomads looking for both work and leisure.

How businesses can embrace digital nomads

With the expected rise of digital nomads, adapting your business to accommodate this trend can be highly beneficial. Here are some strategies to entice digital nomad workers, along with tips on how to make their visit to your business a positive experience.

1. Transform venue space

Trial converting part of your venue into a hot desk area during quieter hours. This could be as simple as rearranging tables to create a quieter corner for workers and investing in faster wifi. This not only optimises your space for different types of customers but also provides remote workers with a comfortable place to work. This tactic can be especially effective during low trade hours of the day, keeping your chairs full for lengthy periods.  The longer they stay, the more likely they are to enjoy your amenities, products and services, ultimately supporting your sales, and helping boost your cafe, bar or restaurant's cash flow.

2. Tailored offerings in off-peak seasons

In off-peak seasons, such as winter when some summer destinations experience fewer visitors, businesses can adapt by creating tailored offerings for digital nomads. This might include flexible workspace options, special rates for longer stays, and essential amenities like high-speed internet and if possible, meeting rooms or spaces where private calls can be taken. Additionally, businesses could consider offering memberships or loyalty programs specifically designed for remote workers, providing benefits such as discounted rates, priority seating, or exclusive access to networking events.

3. Collaborate with local businesses

Collaborate with local businesses in a different sector to your own to diversify your offerings for digital nomad visitors. For example, a coffee shop could partner with fitness studios to create package deals offering remote workers, who frequent the cafe, discount access to fitness classes or gym facilities. Conversely, gym-goers might be offered discounts on drinks or food if they use hot desks at the cafe if they show their gym membership card.

4. Host community-building events

Using your venue to host workshops, seminars, or networking events, which can even be tailored to digital nomads, can create a sense of community and familiarity with your establishment. By providing opportunities for remote workers to connect and collaborate, you position your space as a hub for creativity and connection, as well as providing the opportunity for new digital nomads to discover your venue.

How Dojo payments can help

Whether your customer is a regular, or a remote worker looking for a cosy spot, providing a positive experience is key in any business. With Dojo, your customers can pay with ease, settling the bill in seconds. Our reliable card machines are built to accept card payments whenever and wherever, so your business keeps going. And with next-day transfers, you’ll see the money in your account fast, keeping your cash in your control. 

Methodology

The study identified the best cities across the EU, Canada, the UK and the US for digital nomads. It also found the top coastal cities and beaches along these cities for digital nomads.

This was calculated using a combination of statistics on each city including; internet speed, cost of living, level of internet freedom, and Quality of Life. Government websites were used to gather information about digital nomad visas including cost and length. The Quality of Life metric was used across all cities bar those in the US and Canada, where Livability was used as a proxy. Finally, for the beaches, the distance of cafes and restaurants within a 15-minute walk from the beach was also reviewed.