The 10 best cities for ‘workcations’ in 2023, revealed: digital nomads love these remote-work-friendly destinations, from Milan to Paris, Jakarta and Beijing – but where does Hong Kong rank?

Sep 3 , 2023

If you’re going to be remote working anyway, why not do it from a fabulous new city? Photo: Shutterstock

Covid-19 lockdowns may be over, but remote and hybrid working environments are here to stay. While there are obvious benefits to going into an office, including having the opportunity to socialise with colleagues, there are also plenty of reasons to love the “WFH” method too – like getting to do your emails from anywhere in the world.

Introducing the “workcation”, a term that refers to a mix of work and vacation, where you can meet your deadlines while soaking up backdrops like the Eiffel Tower, Amsterdam canals, or the Statue of Liberty.

Remote working emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic – and hasn’t really gone away. Photo: Shutterstock

So where’s the best place to go? IWG, the world’s largest flexible workspace operator, just released its “workcation” city rankings, comparing 26 leading cities on nine key criteria including climate, culture, transport, food and drink, happiness, broadband speed and the availability of flexible workspaces. Barcelona, Toronto and Beijing scored top marks, while Hong Kong came in 22nd place.

Here are the top 10 cities for workcations, according to IWG.

1. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has been ranked the best place for a workcation in 2023. Photo: Shutterstock

Sunny, vibrant and steeped in history, IWG ranked Barcelona the best workcation city in the world in 2023. While this Spanish region has long been a popular spot for tourists, recent years have shown that it’s also a hit among digital nomads, as it’s relatively cheap compared to other European cities, and has the perfect mix of good food, fascinating culture – and beaches to boot.

2. Toronto, Canada

Toronto in Canada has more than 8,000 restaurants and plenty of parks to relax in after work. Photo: Unsplash

Toronto comes in at No 2 on IWG’s list for its high scores in accommodation, happiness, and its wealth of flexible workspaces. Canada’s largest city boasts plenty to see and do, from urban life to nature parks, and with over 8,000 restaurants, it’s always a bucket-list staple for adventurous workcation foodies.

3. Beijing, China

Cheap transport, incredible cultural sights and dozens of affordable hotels make Beijing an overlooked spot for a workcation. Photo: Unsplash

According to the IWG report, Beijing scored an impressive 57.5 out of 90, putting it high on the list at No 3. With its top-scoring categories including culture, accommodation and transport costs, China’s capital city seamlessly blends ancient and modern architecture and has scores of workcation-friendly spots to set up camp. However, while Beijing’s broadband may be lightning fast, beware the Great Firewall, which renders accessing sites like Google and Instagram impossible without a VPN.

4. Milan, Italy

Milan is way ahead of the workcation trend, with plenty of hotels offering free Wi-fi – and great views. Photo: Unsplash

Milan may be the undisputed fashion capital of Italy, but it’s also a great place for remote employees to work and play. The cosmopolitan city offers an abundance of workcation hotels, and its thriving food scene makes it the perfect place to treat yourself once the work day is done.

5. New York, US

New York icons – the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Photo: Shutterstock

The Big Apple is a hot contender on IWG’s list, ranking in fifth place this year for its workcation-friendly vibe. With countless coffee shops, bars, restaurants and social spaces to choose from, many remote workers flock here to soak up that go-getter energy in the city that never sleeps.

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – who wouldn’t want to wind down here after a long day at work? Photo: Shutterstock

This seaside city is positioned as the sixth most workcation-friendly spot in the world, according to IWG. Known for its gorgeous beaches and incredible hiking trails, the Brazilian hotspot is a favourite among creative remote workers, who are spoiled for choice with an abundance of charming neighbourhoods to choose from.

7. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Cute, cultured, and perfect for a workcation: Amsterdam comes in at No. 7 on IWG’s list. Photo: Shutterstock

Known for being a thriving hub among creatives, students and digital nomads, Amsterdam is a lively city that checks all the boxes for a fun-filled yet productive workcation. Remote workers have no shortage of options when it comes to finding a spot to camp out at for the day, from cool cafes and co-working spaces to some outdoor time at Vondelpark park.

8. Paris, France

Tourists and Parisians sit in the Champ de Mars garden in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Photo: AFP

Another fashion capital to make it onto IWG’s list is Paris, aka the City of Lights. While this French destination is regarded as one of the most romantic cities in the world, it’s also very appealing to those looking to live out their Emily in Paris fantasies. With plenty of cafes and coworking spaces to choose from, you can bring your laptop pretty much anywhere and get things done – if you can stop taking photos, that is.

9. Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta’s business district surrounds Jalan Sudirman, one of the city’s main avenues. Photo: Shutterstock

The second Asian city to score highly on IWG’s list is Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. It promises to have everything you need for a workcation, with plenty of cheap and cheerful hotel deals, great nightlife for winding down on weekends, and the chance to explore the region’s historic and diverse mix of cultures – that has everything from Javanese and Malay to Chinese, Arab, Indian and European influences.

10. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal, has been growing in popularity among millennials and remote workers for a few years now. Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

Blessed with good weather and rich in heritage, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a coastal city loved by remote workers, putting it at No 10 on IWG’s list in 2023. This charming and picturesque destination is brimming with digital nomads on the go for a reason – oh, and its proximity to plenty of gorgeous vineyards helps too.

Travel Destinations

A ‘workcation’ blends work and vacation – meaning those whose jobs don’t require them to be in the office can tick off a few of those bucket list destinations while they work
IWG unveiled its list of the best cities in the world for a ‘workcation’, comparing 26 leading regions based on 9 criteria including climate, culture – and broadband speed