In this modern day and age, getting work done outside an office is much easier compared to yesteryears.
With the advent of technology and the rise of flexible work hours, the world has undeniably become a digital nomad’s playground. From developing countries to their first world counterparts, co-working spaces and work-friendly cafes seem to be popping up everywhere you look. This makes digital nomads power through the 21st century grind wherever they please, so long as there’s a stable wifi connection and a steady supply of caffeine.
Working remotely kills two birds with one stone. It almost sounds too good to be true. Not only do you get to choose where to work (and get actual work done), you can tick off places on your travel bucket list, too. But in order to achieve a smooth and productive digital nomad work experience, preparation is incredibly paramount. This is where the hard work comes in and where this list comes to good use.
Before you book that flight ticket and pack your Cabin Zero bag, take your pick among the best cities a digital nomad should visit this September. We’ve rounded up the top three places to work in each, too!
1. Budapest, Hungary 
Average internet speed: 30 Mbps
Nomadic cost of living: USD 1278 per month (HUF 332,950 per month)
The most populous city in Hungary, Budapest is known for its rich history, charming architecture and happening nightlife. With the city’s cafe-culture and safe walkability, digital nomads can easily find a work sanctuary among the neighborhood - after taking a dip in their famous baths and devouring paprika-spiced dishes, of course.
Best places to work in Budapest:
Loffice, 30 mbps
Address: Paulay Ede utca 55, Budapest, Hungary
Operating hours: 24 hours (Mon-Sun)
Boasting a lovely outdoor terrace where workers can take a breather, Loffice is a space where art and design meet functionality. A locale of the inspired and the inspiring, its industrial design promotes environmental awareness by making use of recycled furniture. Besides personal lockers, standing desks and printers, expect an accommodating staff and a warm, supportive coworking community. Since Loffice is dog and cat-friendly, don’t be surprised to meet some furry friends, too.
Kaptár, 30 mbps
Address: 1065 Révay köz 4., Budapest, Hungary
Operating hours: 8 AM - 8 PM (Mon-Fri)
Equipped with fast wifi and comfortable working areas, Kaptar is your go-to cozy work sanctuary in the heart of Budapest. Designed with tall glass windows that allow natural light to settle in, it’s a refreshing and well-lit space to get work done. When you run out of work fuel, feel free to use their self-service cafe and recharge yourself with delectable grub and caffeine hits.
Impact Hub Budapest, 30 mbps
Address: Ferenciek tere 2., Budapest, Hungary
Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM (Mon-Fri)
Part of a flourishing global network of 15,000+ members, Impact Hub Budapest hosts a community of entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals in its vicinity. Located in a stunning building at the city’s center, feel at home with their beanbags and ergonomic chairs that are just as welcoming as its warm and collaborative community. Curious about Impact Hub Budapest’s culture? Immerse in its environment by getting their one-day pass - for free!
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Average internet speed: 30 mbps
Nomadic cost of living: USD 777 per month (VND 17,657,050 per month)
A vibrant mix of tradition and modern industrialization, Ho Chi Minh city is flocked by both professionals and tourists alike. Known as the business district of Vietnam, its setting is a fascinating amalgamation of French architecture, sophisticated urban buildings, and intricately designed temples and pagodas. Navigate the colorful locality by foot, motorcycles or unique three-wheeled bicycles called cyclos.
Best places to work in Ho Chi Minh City:
Work Saigon, 5 mbps
Operating hours: 9 AM - 9 PM (Mon-Fri), 9 AM - 7 PM (Sat-Sun)
Address: 267/2 Điện Biên Phủ (Truong Dinh), Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh Việt Nam
Whether you’re a lone freelancer or a startup junkie, Work Saigon is the perfect place to accomplish tasks on your to-do list. Frequent visitors rave about the coworking space’s power outlets (they’re everywhere!), speedy internet, and diverse community. Besides various rooms for chatting, big meetings and presentations, what’s more is a swimming pool by their garden area where you can take a relaxing, afternoon dip in. Talk about work-life balance!
The Workshop Cafe, 10 mbps
Address: 27 Ngô Đức Kế, Q1 (Dong Khoi Str.), Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh Việt Nam
Operating hours: 8 AM - 8 PM (Mon-Sun)
In the heart of District 1 is a place that serves coffee with tender loving care. A must-visit for coffee aficionados, The Workshop Cafe is sought out for serving specialty coffee made from high-quality beans. With its charming ambiance, great coffee and delicious menu boasting vegan and gluten-free options, this place is a go-to for the digital nomad with fine taste. Taking a quick break from work is a treat, too - watch their friendly baristas roast you a perfect cup of joe or leisurely observe the scenic view of the street below.
Artfolio Coworking Cafe, 10 mbps
Address: 5A/2 Trần Phú, Hồ Chí Minh Việt Nam
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 10 PM (Mon-Fri), 10 AM - 7 PM (Sat), closed on Sundays
If distracting acoustic noise kills your productivity, this coworking cafe is the perfect spot for you. Whether your agenda is to finish a book, meet with a team, or simply wander about, Artfolio Coworking Cafe is well-equipped to give you the work-conducive environment you crave for. Its rustic, elegant and beautifully mixed interiors will inspire a creative mind, too. Not to mention Instagram-worthy!
3. Kiev, Ukraine
Average internet speed: 20 mbps
Nomadic cost of living: USD 1,102 per month (UAH 28,012 per month)
The bustling capital of Ukraine is home to a rich cultural life and a flourishing commercial industry. Kiev, a scenic city that’s one of the biggest in Europe, charms tourists and locals alike with its unique and nostalgic aura amidst industrialization. Known for its easy walkability, safe traffic conditions and friendliness towards foreigners, it’s a top pick for digital nomads who have a penchant for history, architecture and the arts.
Best places to work in Kiev:
Chasopys, 20 mbps
Address: 3 Lva Tolstogo St, Kiev, Ukraine
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM (Mon-Fri)
Need to work for a couple of hours? If you find yourself at the city’s center, Chasopys is the perfect place to go to. Pay on a per-hour basis and get your digital nomad work groove on with their high-speed internet, along with an unlimited supply of coffee, tea, sweets and snacks. The coworking space is well-equipped with flip charts, printers, scanners and separate rooms for meetings, too.
Projector, 34 mbps
Address: Vozdvyzhens'ka St, 34А, Kyiv, Ukraine
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 7 PM (Mon-Fri), 11 AM - 6 PM (Sat-Sun)
In the heart of Podil, one of Kiev’s oldest neighborhoods, lies a quiet coworking space designed with rustic brick walls and deep window sills. Around a two-minute walk from Kontraktova Metro Station, Projector is home to startups, designers, creatives and freelancers of all industries. While you’re talking a work break, visit their library and get your read on.
Coworking Platforma, 20 mbps
Address: 1a Belomorskaya street , Kiev, Ukraine
Opening Hours: 24 hours (Mon-Sun)
Located in Art Zavod Platforma, Coworking Platforma is a favorite among Kiev’s remote workers. Open 24/7 with beer, snacks and board games, it’s easy to see why. Mixing art and functionality, Coworking Platforma’s space is decorated with modern and eclectic designs that will keep a digital nomad’s work juices flowing. Don’t be shy to chat, collaborate and meet like-minded here, too.
4. Moscow, Russia
Average internet speed: 8 mbps
Nomadic cost of living: USD 1,731 per month (RUB 102,784 per month)
The center of Russian’s rich culture, Moscow is home to the Red Square, the Moscow Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathdral. But besides its historic buildings and brightly colored domes emerges a group of communally used work spaces for the modern day worker. In the midst of immersing in the city’s nightlife, art and architecture, find yourself working in these spaces fit for a digital nomad.
Best places to work in Moscow
Work Station, 18 mbps
Address: Lenin Prospect 30A, Moscow, Russia
Operating hours: 24 hours (Mon-Sun)
Offering daily, weekly and monthly passes, Work Station is a favorite among startups, creatives and techies who enjoy a hip and stimulating work space. With three branches located in the Leninsky prospect, Kurskaya and Dmitrovskaya, the coworking space provides unique experiences that cater to one’s taste. If you choose to visit their largest branch in Dimitrovskaya, you can even get some shut eye with the capsule hotel it’s incorporated with it.
Roster Coffee, 8 mbps
Address: 4th Tverskaya-Yamskaya st., 2/11C2, Moscow, Russia
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 11 PM (Mon-Fri), 9 AM - 11 PM (Sat-Sun)
Do you like working with a smooth cup of coffee and a delicious croissant by your side? Roster Coffee is the place to go. Known for its warm atmosphere, high-speed wifi and comfortable seats, it’s the perfect place to be productive. The cozy and unintimidating space is also ideal for reading a book, having a chat or to simply spend time alone in.
Cabinet Lounge, 8 mbps
Address: Novaya ploshchad', 6, Moscow, Russia
Operating hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm (Mon-Fri), 24/7 membership access
If you’re looking for a more upscale working environment for a longer stretch of time, Cabinet Lounge is your top choice. Despite being known as the best place for business meetings, its facilities provide an environment for both collective and individual workers. Cabinet Lounge has several meeting rooms for groups of six to twelve, conferencing equipment such as flipcharts and plasma screen televisions, and a private club to boot.
5. Tel Aviv, Israel
Average internet speed: 12mbps
Nomadic cost of living: USD 3,141 per month (ILS 11,381 per month)
Does walking the city’s stretch on a boardwalk by the beach sound inviting to you? What about an empowered society of female-friendly and gay-friendly individuals? If you find these compelling, you must visit the city of Tel Aviv. Located on Israel’s Mediterranean coastline, Tel Aviv is quickly becoming a digital nomad’s hotspot with its collaborative and highly progressive community.
Best places to work in Tel Aviv
Cowork Bay, 25 mps
Address: Kaufmann St 6, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Opening Hours: 24 hours (Mon-Sun)
With a stunning view of Tel Aviv’s seaside, Cowork Bay lives true to its name. Home to a diverse community of startups, entrepreneurs and freelancers, the coworking space is designed with private desks, shared desks and private offices just for everybody. Breeding a creative, collaborative and warm community of inspired individuals, Cowork Bay is the place to make your visions come to life.
Misanthrope, 30 mbps
Address: Frishman St 43, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Opening hours: 9 AM - 10:30 PM (Sat-Thu), 9 AM - 6 PM (Fri)
Known for its “no talking” concept, Misanthrope is for workers who crave silent workspaces. Considered as one of Tel Aviv’s most successful shared work spaces, it’s the perfect place to get work done with no distractions, may you be a student, a writer or a techie. Need to take a call? Visit its lovely outdoor patio where the wifi connection extends to. Get a membership and avail special discounts from their partner cafes and restaurants nearby.
WeWork Dubnov, 17 mbps
Address: Dubnov St 7, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Opening hours: 9 AM - 6 PM (Sun-Thurs), Varies
With international branches in New York, Berlin and London, WeWork is no stranger in creating beautiful coworking spaces with productive environments. Its Tel Aviv branch occupies four floors and has stunning panoramic views of the city. Well-equipped with lockers, printers and phone booths for calls, its professional yet relaxed environment is highly sought by digital nomads.
*The nomadic cost of living is based on staying short-term, sleeping in affordable accommodations and eating three meals outside everyday.
About the Author
Danna Peña is a freelance writer living in Manila and a former Content Producer at Rappler. When she’s not writing about lifestyle, travel and technical topics such as food safety, she dabbles in prose and poetry. Besides writing, she is deeply passionate about photography. View her travels at www.dannapena.com and Instagram. For more of her writing works, view her online portfolio.
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