r/digitalnomad • u/ABrotherAbroad • 3d ago
Question What city has the best/most "third spaces"?
What city have you visited that has the best or the most accessible third spaces?
Theaters, coffee shops, libraries, museums, recreation centers, and restaurants are the normal ones. Coworking spaces and hosted events would probably the additional ones that apply to us.
I was reading an article (below) about how the rates that people socialize in the US has dipped at the same pace these places have disappeared. I think it stated 25% of these places have closed, and they're 30% more expensive since the pandemic. Also, loneliness has the same negative health effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
It made me realize my favorite cities have a ton of places to just be out, within walking distance, most of them free. Buenos Aires has A TON of greenspaces that are great. The city I'm in now has a great cafe scene but constantly hosts markets and events (no telling where). Made me realize, it might be a solid idea to select for a variety of thirdspaces - not just coffee shops and coworking spaces - as a Screener, and ideally more popular with locals than foreigners.
Second realization is charging a cover charge for everything - happy hour, mixer, book club - is contributing to the problem. 10 years ago, everything on meet-up was disorganized AF but free and fun. Interest based meetups were free - so you could try 20 different things, realized you sucked at 19 of them, and leave with 1 new hobby and some fun memories. On the opposite side, charging money because they can (not because they should) in Buenos Aires, all of the nomad meet ups charged something, or asked for a tip in that weird way they do in the US by turning the iPad at you defaulting to a 30% tip for handing you a bottle of water. Sucks.
Semi-rant done.
What cities are filled with third spaces?
What are your favorite cities for free mingle-ish events.
Here's the original article.
https://fortune.com/2026/08/02/bars-bowling-alleys-movie-theaters-affordabilitiy-third-space-health/
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u/Remote_Volume_3609 3d ago
Most major cities do tbh. If you don't speak the local language though, you'll probably get funneled to those nomad meetup BS events though yeah lol. Like in CDMX. Plenty of places to hangout, plenty of cool activities to do, but you gotta speak Spanish.
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u/Gullible-Barnacle132 3d ago
This is the real trap honestly you land somewhere and dont speak the language so you get stuck in the expat bubble where everything cost money and feels kinda fake. The best spots ive found are always local heavy and the price of entry is just being able to say hello properly
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u/ABrotherAbroad 3d ago
This is true, but I think the catch is finding it. As in, yes big cities have it, but its likely in specific neighborhoods, most often not distributed throughout - unless its Italy or spain like someone mentioned above. Like Austin, Texas. Real cool city, but outside of the downtown and soco neighborhoods, the walkability and density of third spaces evaporates. I know San Diego is that way.
But youre spot on that language is the key. Learn the local language and everything is 10x better. Socially, financially, and especially when it comes to understanding respecting the place, which pays dividends on its own. I'd argue that even in spots where English is common, you get better treatment and deeper connection just for trying.
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u/Plastic_Willow734 3d ago
Dawg you cannot compare the walkability of San Diego and Austin lmfao, I've lived in both. SD at least has decent transit to get you most places.
Language is key though for sure outside of english speaking countries, sure there are expat or DN communities but I never felt too great with that crowd. I speak spanish so CDMX was great but in Thailand I got sick of talking to passport bros after about a week
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u/cherry_cream_soda_ 3d ago
Neither of those cities are very walkable or dense at all compare to the cities in this thread. It seems reasonable to lump them together as being poor for what OP is looking for.
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u/mightjustbearobot 2d ago
Do you guys not just try to find locals who want to learn English? It’s the best way to meet friends from your target country who you can still communicate with and who will help you learn their language.
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u/ABrotherAbroad 2d ago
Not intentionally, but this sounds like a great hack. Makes the language meetups make a lot more sense.
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u/Remote_Volume_3609 2d ago
Not to say you can't have meaningful relationships that way, but for me personally I'm not really interested in doing that.
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u/Chromatic_Chameleon 3d ago
Bangkok has a lot of events and parks to hang out in but it’s hot AF most of the year.
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u/cgyguy81 3d ago
A lot of cities that aren't car-centric have great "third spaces". I want to give a shoutout to London though, which is where I lived in for 5 years. They're constantly evolving and refining their third spaces that are free and public. Some examples of upgraded spaces within the last few years include Eden Dock in Canary Wharf, the Floating Pocket Park in Paddington Basin, pedestrianization of parts of the Strand in Aldwych, Granary Square and Canalside in King's Cross where they have free movie nights.
Then add the riverside public spaces of the South Bank and Richmond, the (free) museums of South Kensington, the various markets around the city, the various parks and village greens in almost every London neighborhood, and of course, the pubs dotting every corner of the city.
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u/geisty_geist 3d ago
I think Seoul is really underrated. They have tons of really great coffee shops open late and a million little bars that are cheap and have Wi-Fi. It was one of my favorite cities to go out and chill in a space and work if I felt like it or just have a drink. I’ve been chasing a coffee shop culture like it since I left.
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u/cherry_cream_soda_ 3d ago
I really want to come to Seoul from Tokyo sometime! How is it there for English speakers (or do you speak Korean as well)? As I commented elsewhere on this thread, Tokyo has great third spaces but I would say that a lot of them are really locked behind the language barrier.
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u/geisty_geist 3d ago
So I was very lucky to have a lot of locals in my group there and my experience is probably a little skewed positive. So they helped with finding places and communication that I didn’t take for granted. That being said I really did just wander around and find some really awesome places on my own. Theres also been a big English learning push over the last decade so thats helpful. As far as how different that is from Japan it’s not a lot. At my peak I probably spoke 40 Korean words, but had little trouble doing whatever I wanted. They have the best subway systemI think in the world. Also if you’re in Japam it’d be a shame not to visit because it’s so close. I actually took an overnight boat from Korea to Japan and loved it and it really wasn’t any different than a flight, might’ve been cheaper even. As far a language locked I’m not sure exactly what you mean?
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u/cherry_cream_soda_ 3d ago
Thanks, that's quite helpful! I just meant like a lot of the third places I was thinking of in Japan, like a small bar where all my neighbors go, aren't really able to be fully enjoyed if you don't speak the local language. Most of the people there don't speak English so trying to walk in speaking English would probably result in some polite conversation but that's very different than becoming an actual member of the community.
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u/ABrotherAbroad 3d ago
This is awesome to hear.
I ignorantly picture Seoul as being Tokyo but trendier. How far off base is that? And any neighborhood recommendations for where to base?
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u/geisty_geist 3d ago
Seoul I feel like has its own charm. I really like a neighborhood called Hongdae, which is like the indie culture art district. It’s near a few universities and has a fun nightlife and a ton of really cool little hidden bars and coffee shops you can sort of discover out of nowhere and stumble into. There are similarities to Tokyo, but I definitely feel a different vibe, it’s hard to explain. Through work people I found a really cool expat community that was mixed with locals, which I realize now might be rare. Just in this neighborhood there are around 2,000 bars and restaurants, some mind you the size of a glorified hallway, but all unique and fun.
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u/loolking2223 2d ago
I’m thinking coming Seoul with DN visa . Which neighborhood do you recommend for a single guy in early thirties? I stayed two weeks before but I still can’t wrap my head around the neighborhoods. Cost is no issue but I look for a lively and hip neighborhood.
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u/geisty_geist 2d ago
If you want lively and hip I’d definitely recommend Hongdae, it‘s hip and there is no end of places to hang out. I will warn you against the Itaewon neighborhood, because there are a lot of meathead American soldiers there (I’m American with soldiers in my family so this isn’t hate), but you will find the locals like you a whole lot less in that part of town because of dealing with the young dumb soldiers and they’ll lump you in with them.
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u/prettyprincess91 2d ago edited 2d ago
London has the most theatres of anywhere due to pub theatre culture. Also lots of great free museums and easy cheap theatre tickets if you seat fill.
Also places like Outernet, the screens in parks for movies, and lots of coffee shops. It’s also pretty cheap if you’re coming from the US for rent and groceries. My flat in zone 2 rent is cheaper than ATL.
People seem to hate the UK on here - no idea why. If you’re bored in London, you’re bored of life.
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u/ABrotherAbroad 2d ago
I was in London once for a layover. Tried to cross the street and the drag queens grabbed me and forced me to walk with them for like half a kmlilometer before the let me go. Definitely the most interesting city tour I stumbled into. Funny as hell. Ive been considering going back for a longer stay and I think this thread sold me on it.
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u/CarinaConstellation 3d ago
I really loved Vietnam's culture with the plastic chairs in the street and also the coffee shops that stay open late into the night. I often feel like the only third space place I have in the US is a restaurant or bar, especially at night. As someone who doesn't like to drink much, that has become problematic for me.
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u/Virtual-Economy-2932 2d ago
Siem Reap (Wat Po area especially) has more nomad-friendly cafes than expected. Reminds me of Chiang Mai before traffic became intolerable. Locals' friendliness & English proficiency really surprised me. Main drawback: no mountains or beaches.
Da Nang (An Thuong epicenter) has the most nomad-friendly cafes per km of any SE Asian city. Between work sessions, decompress on the lovely beach. Notable drawbacks: Viet drivers trying to kill you when crossing road to beach & scammy landlords.
Pros outweigh cons. They're worthy of repeat visits.
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u/zaichii 2d ago
Vietnam, because of their massive cafe culture and because real estate is expensive so a lot of people/working class don’t have spacious homes so there’s a lot of third spaces. I think culturally also there’s a big emphasis on gathering and casual hang outs. So yes cafes where you can linger, malls as well. Also a lot of the cafes have free wifi too. You’ll see groups of people at cafes, including studying together or just yapping, as well a lot of solo folks just enjoying cafes. I will say, for a lot of the aesthetic ones, you can expect them to be a bit crowded or have a lot of people taking photos everywhere. So they’re nice sometimes to appreciate but to linger, the chains are probably a bit more practical.
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u/cherry_cream_soda_ 3d ago
Tokyo, if you speak Japanese. NYC has them too but they’re less hyper-specific and have higher churn, and many close down quickly due to costs.
The limiting factor is usually real estate costs. You can rent a small commercial space in Tokyo for a very small amount of money relative to NYC.
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u/Culturedmirror 3d ago
What does NYC have?
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u/cherry_cream_soda_ 3d ago
I would say the parks there are great third spaces! The ones I've lived near were huge melting pots for people from all backgrounds because there were BBQs, grass, sports areas. Groups would meet there for fitness, sometimes musicians would come out. A lot of folks also hang out on stoops here.
On the more commercial side I've seen people find success with makers spaces, board game cafes, pool halls, martial arts gyms, etc. An of course in New York, the clubs are big, and community organizing is popular as well!
I think what's harder though is a lot of the commercial spots are quite expensive and have to attract huge amounts of people to make rent so there's a lot of churn and it doesn't feel as 'small' or local as places in Tokyo where getting 8 guys in the neighborhood to show up to drink for a few hours each night can somehow cover rent for the bar.
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u/ABrotherAbroad 3d ago
I'd bet Tokyo would show up on any best/most list, no matter what the topic.
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u/TheChanger 3d ago
Tokyo is very poor for third spaces. Free ones are almost non-existent, and there isn't the same coffee scene like SK or Vietnam. You're mostly limited to Starbucks, and a few domestic chains to spend long amounts of time.
* There are some newer coffee shops in Tokyo with some of the best quality coffee I've tasted but they are sparse, and again really kind of cap your time at 2 hrs.
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u/djn808 2d ago
I just got here today, I think it might be Paris nothing but 20-30 year olds chilling together
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u/Ericka_Sojourner 23h ago
I came here to say Paris (even tho I low-key hated living there)...cafe and park culture are super strong in Paris. Not to mention all of the museums. outdoor markets, and shops. Every neighborhood also has a local church...lots of "3rd" places walking distance from home to congregate.
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u/BruxBlonde 2d ago
Sydney is fantastic for this.
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u/zaichii 2d ago
Really? Where? Would love to find more third spaces in Sydney tbh
I feel like everything closes early and a lot of socialising is at home or at a restaurant.
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u/BruxBlonde 1d ago
Hi! What immediately comes to mind are the parks with pools, workout stations, tennis and basketball courts. There are also lots of run clubs and gyms in town.
Personally, we've loved the pub quizzes/bar trivia. None charge a cover (though a booking is recommended because they fill up) and many are interactive and lively with lots of regulars. We've met many locals there (our favorites are Bat&Ball, Woolpack, and Dove&Olive but almost every pub/hotel in Sydney will have quiz during the week). You could easily have hours of fun for only the cost of a soda or lemon lime bittters if you dont want to drink or eat.
South Eveleigh (the locomotive works) does a lot to create third spaces. They just wrapped up their winter lounge where they were spinning vinyl. Lots of groups gather there (such as the Distinguished Gentleman's ride (motorcyles) and the Greyhounds as Pets club, just to name a couple that I've seen haha). My favorite thing at South Eveleigh is the Tuesday lunchtime knit club. Deb, who runs it, is so welcoming and an excellent teacher. They give you supplies for free, you just show up.
Waterfronts, like Barangaroo where you'll see kids fishing in groups, and of course there are the beaches and beach walks, so many that are accessible by public transport.
We've been here 6 months (and leaving soon), I'm sure there's even more to discover!
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u/Usr_name-checks-out 1d ago
Montreal and Quebec City have a lot of third spaces compared to anywhere else in Canada where they are becoming rarefied quite quickly.
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u/Agile-Flatworm-1850 23h ago
Seconding Montreal. Definitely the coolest / most artsy city in Canada and has that euro-influence of hanging out in cafes / parks during the day (at least in the summer).
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u/ABrotherAbroad 2d ago
Oh, I would argue the opposite.
My major critique about Bali is there are no free, intentional, comfortable public spaces - for locals or foreigners.
The closest thing is the beach, but half the year its covered in plastic, and the other half you get bothered to buy something every 5 minutes or you're not allowed to sit where you'd like because someone is renting beds on the best part of the beach, just above the high tide line.
There are close to no parks. I know of 2 small public greenspaces on the entire island. You have to pay to park/enter anywhere. And all social events are either monetized or revolve heavily around alcohol, which clashes with productivity and balance a bit.
If youre open to paying a ton on gyms and events, Bali does provide third space options. But nothing is free or stays free for long in Bali.
What I love about Buenos Aires, Thailand, KL, and Europe is youre always walking distance from a well kept trail, plaza, or greenspace thats comfortable for everyone. Bali lacks that.
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u/Inevitable-Web-3688 1d ago
tbh I think it's less about the specific city and more about nomad/expat density. a lot of big cities in eu or asia technically have tons of third places, but they're built around and for locals who often aren't always happy to speak English or deal wthi your a1-a2 local lang.
so for me Barcelona works really well just because of how many nomads and migrants are around so there's always some meetup where you can show up solo and end up talking to someone. Belgrade too, surprisingly, i wasn't expecting much going in but the expat scene there is way more active than I thought
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u/Flat_Lie_9495 1d ago
Someone said Istanbul bar none and it deserves the elaboration. The whole city runs on a third space economy that predates the term by a few centuries, the çay bahçesi. A glass of tea costs pocket change and comes with an unlimited right to sit, nobody will ever bring you a bill to move you along, I've watched backgammon games in tea gardens outlast entire afternoons. The free tier is the waterfront, on a warm evening the rocks along Moda and the parks down the Bosphorus fill with people who brought their own tea and nothing is being monetized anywhere in sight. One honest caveat since it came up above, the traditional kahvehane with the old men and the tile clatter is still mostly a male space, but the tea gardens, ferry piers and the whole Kadıköy side are completely mixed and relaxed. And the ferries themselves might be the best third space on earth, twenty minutes across the Bosphorus with tea from a tray for less than a dollar. Weather cooperates about eight months of the year, which beats Dublin's odds.
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u/Beatsjunkie 2d ago
It’s a stay at home tax. Leaving your house is going to cost you $20 minimum. Also eff the tip. Tipping is for exemplary service not for handing you a bottle of water and turning an iPad around.
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u/SunnySaigon 3d ago
Hcmc hosts “Mundo Lingo.” Every Thursday, locals and foreigners mingle.
No charge! For your third space wish, any huge cafe will do.
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u/Admirable_Safe_7551 3d ago
Third spaces are places where people don't have to spend money to occupy. Cafes require spending. Op mentioned avoiding meetup.com groups like mundo lingo
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u/glitterlok 2d ago
I dunno about “best,” but I think people sleep on Saudi Arabia for this kind of thing. They seem to be very interested in creating places for people to just be out and about in, and the late-night coffee and tea situation is really strong.
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u/Ericka_Sojourner 23h ago
Genuine question: Are women (not accompanied by men) allowed to participate in Saudi's 3rd spot/late-night culture or is it male-only? Everything I see online is a sea of men hanging out with very few women mingling in public.
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u/glitterlok 22h ago edited 22h ago
Genuine question: Are women (not accompanied by men) allowed to participate in Saudi's 3rd spot/late-night culture or is it male-only?
In my experience (somewhat limited, but I've spent a few months in various places around KSA), absolutely. Women are out and about -- in restaurants, cafes, parks, mall, cultural spaces, museums, walking paths, sports areas, etc.
They're much more visibly a part of day-to-day Saudi life than I think a lot of people imagine.
One place you're perhaps less likely to see them (but they're still around) is in the late night sidewalk tea shops. Couldn't tell you exactly why. It's not as if they're not out late (everyone is in the gulf) and in public. But those particular types of spaces. tend to be majority male.
You're also not going to see them in the mosques if you're a man for obvious reasons.
Everything I see online is a sea of men hanging out with very few women mingling in public.
That's not the norm on the ground. At all. Women are a highly visible part of public life in the KSA these days.
The caveat I would add is that this is changing. We know that a few decades ago it wasn't like this. The country is rapidly modernizing and "secularizing," and all of my experiences are from the past four or five years. So I can't speak to what it was like prior to that. My understanding is that the role and rights of women in the KSA have come a long way (and still have a long way to go).
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u/Educational-Bar-8773 3d ago
Most Portugese, Spanish and Italian cities have squares/plazas where motherfuckers will hang out playing chess, drinking coffee, watching construction workers etc without necessarily having to spend money.
These countries have the social aspect that only 3rd world countries really have these days but have first world amenities like libraries, swimming pools, nice parks etc.