Best Solo Travel Destinations for Digital Nomads: My Top Picks from Years on the Road
Hi, I’m Sophia Lee – a travel blogger, content creator, and full-time digital nomad. After years of exploring the globe solo, hopping from co-working cafes in Europe to beach huts in Southeast Asia, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a destination truly nomad-friendly. I’ve been asked what makes it onto my list of the Best Solo Travel Destinations for Digital Nomads?
It’s not just fast Wi-Fi and cheap rent (though those help!). It’s also about safety, community, culture, adventure, and how seamlessly you can live and work in a place that constantly inspires you.
In this post, I’m sharing my personal guide to the best solo travel destinations for digital nomads. These are places where you can work efficiently, connect with like-minded travelers, and still have unforgettable solo adventures.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why I Love It: Chiang Mai was one of the first places I visited when I started working remotely, and it continues to top the list for many nomads. It’s incredibly affordable, has a well-established expat community, and the city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and temples.
Highlights:
- Tons of co-working spaces like Punspace and Yellow
- Excellent street food for $1-2 a meal
- Laid-back, spiritual vibe with over 300 temples
- Affordable apartments ($200-$400/month)
Solo Tip: If you’re nervous about traveling alone, Chiang Mai is perfect for easing in. It’s safe, walkable, and you’ll meet dozens of solo travelers in co-working spots and cafes.
Lisbon, Portugal
Why I Love It: Lisbon has this incredible mix of old-world charm and modern innovation. Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and yellow trams blend effortlessly with fast Wi-Fi, startup culture, and digital nomad meetups.
Highlights:
- Mild weather year-round
- Welcoming nomad hubs like Outsite and Second Home
- Access to beaches, surfing, and weekend getaways
- Rich culture and history
Solo Tip: Join local Facebook groups and Meetup events like “Digital Nomads Lisbon”. I made long-term friends here simply by showing up to a sunset coworking picnic in Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Read another article I’ve previously written about Portugal as well as more about the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Medellín, Colombia
Why I Love It: Medellín has come a long way from its past. Today, it’s a vibrant, innovative city with stunning mountain views and a growing community of entrepreneurs and creatives. Read more about this amazing place in a blog written by my friend Noah Digital Nomad in Colombia: A Personal Guide by Noah Smith
Highlights:
- Spring-like climate all year
- Affordable cost of living ($800/month comfortable)
- Vibrant art, music, and coffee culture
- Metro system and cable cars to explore the hills
Solo Tip: Don’t be afraid to take Spanish lessons – even basic Spanish will help you connect more deeply. Enrolling in a language exchange group helped me feel less isolated.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Why I Love It: Tbilisi is one of those up-and-coming spots that more nomads are discovering. Georgia offers a 1-year digital nomad visa (no income requirement!) and the hospitality is unbeatable.
Highlights:
- Incredibly low cost of living
- Wine culture, traditional food, and scenic mountain escapes
- Good Wi-Fi and co-working spots like Fabrika
- Friendly locals and emerging expat communities
Solo Tip: I stayed at a co-living space called LOKAL Tbilisi, and the weekly potlucks and skill shares made solo life feel rich and connected.
Bali, Indonesia (Especially Ubud & Canggu)
Why I Love It: You can’t talk about solo digital nomad spots without mentioning Bali. It’s a rite of passage in many ways. From yoga in Ubud to surf-friendly coworking spaces in Canggu, Bali delivers on lifestyle.
Highlights:
- Co-working spaces like Dojo and BWork
- Smoothie bowls, beach clubs, volcano hikes
- Deep spiritual and wellness scene
- Community vibes wherever you go
Solo Tip: Canggu can get overwhelming with crowds – if you’re craving calm and introspection, try Ubud or even smaller towns like Sidemen.
Budapest, Hungary
Why I Love It: Budapest surprised me with its balance of affordability and quality of life. The city is stunning, the thermal baths are magical, and the nightlife is something else entirely. If you’re a fan of Central/Eastern European architecture, this city is beautiful. I recently saw the below video and enjoyed seeing all the beautiful familiar spots in Budapest
Highlights:
- Tons of cafes with great Wi-Fi
- Beautiful architecture and river views
- Low living costs compared to Western Europe
- Strong community of freelancers and nomads
Beyond its stunning architecture and thermal spas, Budapest offers a surprisingly vibrant digital nomad lifestyle. The cost of living is much lower than in Western European cities, yet you get the same – if not better – quality in terms of infrastructure, public transport, and lifestyle. Monthly coworking memberships run around €100, and even upscale cafés are welcoming to remote workers with ample plugs and strong coffee.
One of my favorite routines was starting my mornings with a thermal bath at Széchenyi or Gellért, followed by working from a café like Madal or Flow. Budapest’s creative energy is infectious – from ruin bars turned galleries to community art spaces in the Jewish Quarter, there’s always something inspiring happening.
If you’re into fitness or wellness, Margaret Island is perfect for runs or outdoor yoga, and the city’s bike-friendly streets make it easy to explore solo. English is widely spoken, especially among younger locals, which makes it easier to settle in. Do you think Budapest would feature on your list of the Best Solo Travel Destinations for Digital Nomads?
Solo Tip: Rent an Airbnb in District VII or VIII to be close to everything without spending too much. Don’t miss the Nomad Tuesday events or coworking at KAPTAR.
Mexico City, Mexico
Why I Love It: Mexico City has become a hotspot for remote workers, and for good reason. It’s rich in culture, food, and color. The sheer size of the city can feel intimidating, but each neighborhood has its own personality.
Highlights:
- Endless street food and cultural events
- Reliable Wi-Fi in cafes and co-working spaces
- Colorful neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma
- Friendly locals and digital nomad meetups
Solo Tip: Stick to neighborhoods with strong expat communities when you’re starting out. Use WhatsApp groups and coworking events to ease into solo social life.
Cape Town, South Africa
Why I Love It: Cape Town blends urban buzz with outdoor adventure in a way few places do. You can be on a client call in the morning, then summit Table Mountain by afternoon. The majority of the year has good weather, winters are not that cold, just a bit wet. Oh and of course, it can get windy!
Highlights:
- Ocean and mountain scenery
- Diverse, friendly locals
- Great food, wine, and nature
- Strong entrepreneurial and creative energy
Solo Tip: Safety can be an issue in some parts, so be smart about your base. I stayed in Sea Point and Gardens and always used Bolt to get around after dark.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Why I Love It: Also known as Saigon, this city is buzzing with energy, scooters, and opportunity. It’s chaotic in the best way, and I found it a surprisingly easy place to settle into.
Highlights:
- Delicious Vietnamese food and coffee culture
- Coworking spaces like The Hive and CirCO
- High-quality apartments at budget prices
- Nightlife and cultural richness
Solo Tip: The expat and nomad scene here is huge. Join a coworking space or expat group on day one – it made all the difference for me. Read more about getting a Vietnam in Best Countries for Digital Nomads
Canary Islands, Spain
Why I Love It: This is one of the most underrated spots for digital nomads in Europe. With year-round sunshine and a relaxed pace of life, the Canaries are ideal for solo remote workers.
Highlights:
- Gorgeous beaches and hiking trails
- Growing digital nomad infrastructure (especially in Las Palmas)
- Affordable cost of living compared to mainland Spain
- Diverse landscapes across islands
Solo Tip: Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the most nomad-friendly. Co-livings like Repeople and Nine Coliving are fantastic for making connections.
Final Thoughts: Going Solo, But Never Alone
One of the most beautiful things about being a solo digital nomad is realizing you’re rarely truly alone. Every co-working table, hostel kitchen, and tour group is a chance to connect. The world is full of solo travelers chasing similar dreams.
As someone who’s been at it for years, I can say this lifestyle is incredibly rewarding if you choose destinations that align with your work needs and personal goals. Let me know what you consider as the best Solo Travel Destinations for Digital Nomads.
If you’re still researching where to go next, check out my in-depth guide on the best countries for digital nomads.
Wherever your journey takes you, remember this: the best destination is the one that makes you feel free, focused, and fulfilled.
Safe travels,