Porto, Portugal
Contributed by Rodrigo, Out of Your Comfort Zone
Out of all the cities I’ve spent time in as a digital nomad, Porto in Portugal is one of my top picks! Not only does Porto happen to be one of my favorite cities in the whole world…as Portugal’s second-biggest city, but it also has everything you need for life as a digital nomad while still being quite a bit cheaper and more laidback than Lisbon. A 1-bedroom apartment rental will set you back 500-700 euros (or cheaper if you look farther from the center or have roommates), and you’ll find reliable Wi-Fi just about anywhere in the city. Beyond that, the city is full of charming and affordable co-working spaces, vibrant views, friendly and talkative locals, surfable beaches, and delicious inexpensive coffee that promise you many productive work sessions 🙂
Rent your own portable wifi when you travel to Portugal »
The population of Porto is around 1.3 million, however the urban area of Porto that spans 150 square miles actually clocks in at an impressive 2.4 million.
If you do make the move to Portugal, make sure you allow some time in your schedule to explore beyond the beautiful city center. Just outside the city center, I highly recommend the lovely coastal walk that begins Felguiras Lighthouse, takes you along the beaches, and ends at the Fort of Saint Francis Xavier. For destinations a bit farther away, Braga (home to the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen – Bom Jesus de Braga), Guimarães (known as the “birthplace” of Portugal), and Coimbra (a famous Harry Potter-esque university town) make for a wonderful day or weekend trips.
Madrid, Spain
Contributed by Indrani, I Share These
Traveling to a new city can cause a bit of anxiety but Madrid, the capital of Spain, can put anyone at ease. It is friendly to foreigners and scores high on safety. For remote workers and ex-pats, Madrid is very affordable especially if you are looking to stretch your dollar. There has been a spurt of startups in Madrid in recent times. Freelancers and digital nomads looking for areas in the city to work can easily find a good place, a café, with a reliable wifi connection and sip on coffee at the same time. I find the cafes are great places to work and also socialize with other travelers. Most cafes are cozy, with ample table space, good wifi, and delicious bites to go with coffee.
Rent your own portable wifi when you travel to Spain »
Madrid has more cloudless days than virtually any other city in Europe.
Renting a space is one of the major expenditures, but I found that choosing to stay away from the city center is a better option to save on dollars for rent. The city is well-connected by its public transportation system so getting around isn’t a problem. I could easily plan a walking tour of Madrid city any time, choose to experience the nightlife, and get back because of the easy connectivity.
