Digital Nomad Guide To London
This digital nomad guide is written by Jen Miller. Jen is an American writer and blogger currently living in London.
I’ve been lucky enough to live in London on and off for the past 9 years, and though I didn’t initially come here as a digital nomad, it’s a great place to live and work remotely.
I love that I can walk out my door and explore ancient history, meet up with nomad friends at the local pub, and jet off to Paris or Amsterdam for the weekend.
London might not be the first place you think of for the digital nomad lifestyle; it’s really expensive. But through my years of living here and elsewhere around the world, it’s my favourite place to be and I’m very lucky to call it home (for now)!
Is London Good For Digital Nomads?
Let’s get the downside out of the way first: London is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
The cost of living is hard to cope with sometimes. But with a little planning and creativity, it’s possible to make it work and live in one of the most vibrant, historic cities in the world.
The good news is that London has lots of amenities and opportunities for digital nomads. Cheap and fast internet and mobile data, plenty of coworking spaces, and an eclectic mix of cultures make it easy to find your place in the city.
London’s public transportation is world renowned, and gets you anywhere you need to be in a flash (and for only a few quid).
Plus, you can fly anywhere in Europe for crazy low prices, or hop a train across the Channel to visit France, Germany, or The Netherlands and beyond.
The city also offers a ton of unique experiences, from the epic nightlife to the amazing (free!) museums. With so much going on, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for culture, entertainment, unique experiences, or just a change of scenery—London and the UK have everything you’re looking for.
Does the UK Have A Digital Nomad Visa?
No. The best way for digital nomads to live and work in the UK is as a standard visitor, which allows you to stay for up to 6 months (as long as you don’t do paid or unpaid work for a UK company, along with other requirements).
There are plenty of ways to come to the UK and stay for longer, too, with different types of UK Visas.
Digital Nomad Scene In London
Because the UK doesn’t have a specific digital nomad VISA, the digital nomad scene is a bit smaller, but it’s tight-knit and supportive! You’ll easily make friends at pubs, coworking spaces, coffee shops, and networking events.
Check out groups like London Digital Nomad to get all the best tips and tricks and to meet people like you, or my favourite Facebook group London Lonely Girls which hosts welcoming meetups.
If you’re in tech, London is a great place for you as it has become a huge international technology hub. Meet up with those in your field at any of the London Tech Meetups.
London is such a big internationally connected city that workers are coming and going all the time, and it’s easy to make friends with other foreigners who are here for a short stay.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax In London?
If you come here as a standard visitor for up to 6 months, you don’t pay UK taxes. If you come here on any other type of VISA and become a UK resident, you may have to pay taxes to HMRC.
London Weather
London weather isn’t ideal in the winter when it rains on us and gets dark really early. But the rest of the year? London is temperate and mild. It doesn’t snow, and it doesn’t get super hot either.
Just keep in mind it’s an island and the weather can be unpredictable, so always keep a raincoat or “brolly” (umbrella) in your bag and you’ll be fine!
If you’re desperately in need of some sunshine after a British winter, hop a cheap flight to Spain or Greece for a long weekend.
Where Should I Live In London As A Digital Nomad?
London is enormous, and each neighbourhood has its own vibe and perks for nomads.
Here are some of my favourites from my years of wandering London with my laptop.
Shoreditch
This is where the young creatives hang out. Street art, artisanal espresso, eclectic vintage markets and lofty coworking spaces are just a few of the cool features.
Bermondsey
With stunning views of the River Thames, historic streets, and trendy restaurants and cafes, Bermondsey provides a fantastic work-life balance for digital nomads. It’s well-connected and has plenty of places to work and relax.
Soho
Soho is a central location with a mix of creative industries and media companies. It’s a lively area with plenty of cafes and restaurants, making it ideal for digital nomads who thrive in a bustling environment. It’s also the heart of London’s queer community and a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
Canary Wharf
If you prefer a more modern and business-oriented environment, Canary Wharf is a financial hub with excellent coworking spaces and a range of amenities. It’s like its own little island in the Thames, with everything you need right there.
Camden
If you’re into the alternative scene, Camden is for you. Camden has a super diverse atmosphere with a mix of markets, music venues, street art and historic pubs. It’s a creative hotspot and offers various coworking options for digital nomads.
Top Attractions For Digital Nomads In London
We all know the best part of the digital nomad lifestyle is that you get to make your own schedule! As a digital nomad in London, you’ll have plenty of exciting attractions and activities to explore during your free time (or your work time!).
Here’s a short list of the top attractions that are a must-see for anyone visiting London.
The British Museum
Immerse yourself in world history and culture at the British Museum. It’s a great place to find inspiration and work amidst fascinating artefacts and exhibits. Plus, it’s free, and you can grab a table in the light-filled atrium to get some work done.
Hyde Park
Enjoy the great outdoors and some fresh air at Hyde Park, one of London’s most famous parks. It’s an ideal spot for a walk, picnic, or working outdoors on a nice day. Sit at Collicci Cafe on the banks of the Serpentine for a lovely view while you work!
Tate Modern
For art enthusiasts and creatives, the Tate Modern is a must-visit. This free contemporary art gallery showcases innovative works from renowned artists worldwide and has some lovely tables overlooking a vast view of the city.
Borough Market
Indulge in delicious street food and international cuisine at Borough Market. It’s a foodie’s paradise and a great place to grab a quick bite while working on the go.
Southbank Centre
Experience London’s cultural scene at the Southbank Centre, which hosts a variety of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year. Meetups here are my favourite, with plenty of working spaces, benches to take in views of the Thames, and great coffee shops and restaurants.
Sky Garden
Working in London’s highest public garden? It’ll be your most beautiful workday ever. Tickets to enter Sky Garden are free but you have to book ahead, and you’ll be treated to incredible views and lush foliage.
West End Theatres
Treat yourself to a world-class theatre performance in London’s West End. It’s a fantastic way to relax and enjoy some entertainment after a productive workday.
Cost Of Living In London
Apartment Rental
Average rent in London is £500-£650 for a room in shared accommodation, £750-£975 for a studio, or £950-£1300 for a 1 bedroom flat. Some neighbourhoods are cheaper than others.
Utilities
Average utility prices for a solo renter in London is £120 per month for gas, electric, and water. Affordable internet options are available from £20 per month for high speed broadband.
Food
A single person will spend an average of £350 per month on food, but of course this will be more or less depending on how much you cook and dine out.
Transportation
If you need to use the tube or bus daily, expect to spend about £100 per month on transport. If you only need to use public transport occasionally, it can be a lot less.
Sim Card
European SIM cards are incredibly cheap compared to other places, and you can get unlimited data from about £12 per month.
Best Places To Stay & Work In London For Digital Nomads
Cafes & Free Workspaces
Waterstones
Waterstones is a UK chain of bookshops, and most of them have lovely cafes that are nice and quiet to get some work done. My favourite is the location in Hampstead, where you can also grab a donut at Bread Ahead when you need a sugar fix.
Grind
This is the top spot for coworking in London and during peak hours you may have trouble finding a table. But if you want to meet other digital nomads and drink the very best coffee, Grind is the place to be.
Ole & Steen
This Scandinavian bakery chain is one of my favourite places to work in London because it’s generally clean and quiet, with a friendly staff, amazing pastries, and very clean restrooms.
Watchhouse
This artisanal coffee shop chain has incredible locations all over London, but the Bermondsey branch is located in an 18th century graveyard. If you like a little history with your coffee and coworking, you can beat this spot. Plus, the staff is friendly and they have always been welcoming of me and my laptop!
The Rugged Bunch
This is not only my favourite place to work, it’s also my favourite place to grab coffee and a pasty with my kids on the weekend. The owners are kind and the pastries and cakes are out of this world.
The British Library
If you don’t need to take meetings and can work quietly, the incredible reading rooms at The British Library are like working in the middle of a Harry Potter movie.
Pubs
Most pubs open at 11am or 12 daily, and many workers choose to work from their “local”! Just make sure it has wifi. And no, you don’t have to order a pint. They’ve all got juices, soft drinks, and great food to keep you fueled.
Coworking Spaces
The Brew Eagle House Shoreditch
Dedicated desks and a kitchen full of snacks and drinks? All in the heart of Shoreditch? It’s a pretty great coworking deal.
Work.Life
This chain of co-working spaces allows you to explore a different neighbourhood each day with a bespoke membership.
Soho Works Shoreditch
The prestigious membership club Soho House has its own coworking space, and you don’t have to pay the crazy monthly membership fees to use it!
Uncommon
If you want your coworking space to do good for the planet, Uncommon is a chain of workspaces for you. With locations all over London, you can truly have a carbon-neutral workspace.
Coliving Spaces
Coliving is becoming more and more popular in London, with beautiful new spaces opening every month. Here are the best ones I’ve heard about from friends.
Folk Co-Living
Trending design, cool people, first class location in London? It’s all here at Folk Co-Living. This is one of the top places to live in London for young professionals looking to network and make friends.
Gravity Co-living
If a tech startup created an apartment building, this would be the result. Great community and amenities, plus a built-in network of like-minded professionals!
Lyvly
This is basically a professionally managed house share: roommates with none of the drama! Beautiful homes are available all across London.
Spare Room
Find more affordable co-living and flat shares with Spare Room, the best network to find roommates and shared housing in London.
Pros & Cons Of Living In London As A Digital Nomad
Pros Of Living In London:
Location
London is not only one of the most exciting cities in the world, it’s close to all of Europe and travelling is easy and cheap.
Diversity
You’ll meet people from all over the world and come away with lifelong friends!
Experiences
London is chock full of incredible history, art, museums, natural wonders, and some of the most exciting entertainment in the world. You’ll never run out of things to do.
Cons Of Living In London:
Cost of living
It’s not cheap, but you can do it for 6 months then move along, and have the experience of a lifetime.
A big city can be brutal
It can drag you down with all the hustle and bustle. It’s important to find ways to rest and relax.
The English can be reserved and hard to get to know
But once they let you in, you’re in for life. Plus, there are people from all over the world in London’s melting pot!
How To Save Money As A Digital Nomad in London
Take it from someone who budgets in London everyday: there are great ways to save money in this city. Here are my best tips.
- Rent will always be your biggest expense in London. If you don’t need to be close to Central London, staying a bit farther out will save you a ton of cash.
- Consider a travel card. For a flat monthly rate, you can tube and bus to your heart’s content.
- Take advantage of prepared foods at the grocery store. English grocery stores have a large and quality selection of prepared foods, from sandwich meals deals from £3 to delicious pastas, veggie bowls, salads, and dips. You can save a ton of money without having to cook!
- See all of the free attractions and museums London has to offer. You don’t need to pay anything to see incredible history and culture, and you can even work from some of them.
Is London Your Next Digital Nomad Destination?
There are so many reasons to live and work in London. But is London right for you?
Personally, I love a big city, but they’re not for everyone. The hustle culture, constant noise and packed crowds can be draining.
But if you’re up for the adventure of a lifetime and can budget well to maximise your travel within Europe, you should definitely consider London. It’s one of the most amazing cities in the world.
More Digital Nomad Guides:
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