Top Workaways in Some of the Most Charming Cities in the World

There are two types of travelers—those who crave the quiet beauty of a more rural landscape, and those who love the bustling skylines of the world’s biggest cities. 

Which one are you? Think you know for sure? Read on to see if these Workaways in some of the top cities might tempt you to explore further!

solo traveller taking pictures in town streets

Marrakesh

Are you looking for a place with mouth-watering food, European, Arabic, and African influences, vistas of the desert, and mountains nearby? Beautiful textures, palaces, and souks await in this stunning confluence of culture.

For a restorative, retreat-like experience, this Workaway host offers stays at a local yoga center where slow and steady is the main goal of this growing eco-village.

Karim is undoubtedly the best host in the world! His passion and conviction are palpable, radiating warmth and positivity to everyone around him. I had the privilege of spending a transformative month there in August 2022, an experience that profoundly reshaped my perspective on life.

Sunshine
solo female traveller roaming around streets of marrakesh

Rio de Janeiro

Peer into the future at Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow, practice your samba, take in the breathtaking views of the ocean from Sugar Loaf Mountain, or enjoy one of its many festivals and spicy nightlife. There are many reasons to add Rio de Janeiro to your travel bucket list!

This creative cultural center is community-oriented and looking for help with a mosaic art project. It can accommodate a group of up to six friends and longer stays if you’re traveling as a group!

This was my first workaway experience. The place that Bob built is so incredible, I will never forget it. The view of the city, day and night, is pure magic. I will continue to recommend this place to everyone who goes to Rio.

Sarah
solo female traveller hiking rio de janeiro

Tokyo

With a bustling downtown rivaling Times Square and an enchanting skyline highlighting the beautiful Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji in the distance, come for the famous Japanese-style gardens, the sushi, and the shopping!

Start in Tokyo then embark on an adventure around the world on this chartered cruise ship with the purpose of promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development. A local non-profit, they are looking for Spanish and English teachers and volunteers to participate in an educational journey for passengers and Workawayers alike! 

Being a GET teacher here is a wonderful experience. You get to work with a fantastic, experienced team, teach friendly and motivated Japanese people, live on a luxurious cruise ship with great food and go around the world exploring different places and cultures. The whole trip, atmosphere on board and relationships that were forged in such a short time were amazing.

Edith
couple travelling japan, tokyo city

Cape Town

While surrounded by natural delights–beaches with toddling penguins, wine country, Table Mountain National Park and more, this city is also known for its rich cultural history, nightlife, and plethora of museums

Calling all social butterflies hoping to meet new friends from around the world! This hostel’s numerous activities, warm hospitality, and commitment to adventure might be perfect for Workawayers who can help with photography, videography, or social media management. 

I had such a beautiful time here painting a mural and helping with social media/marketing. I was truly blown away by how warm and dedicated the staff is and their commitment to building community at the hostel. I felt so supported as a volunteer, and this support was evidenced by the success of the volunteer program there. I miss y'all dearly and hope to return soon!

Haidee
solo female travelling south africa desert along the beach coast

Brisbane

Turn your life sunny-side up in this city known for its warm weather, live music scene, lush landscape, and nearby islands with ancient shipwrecks, not to mention a koala sanctuary

Friends or couples traveling together, this multi-cultural family is hosting up to two Workawayers at a time for help with gardening and daily chores in the beautiful Samford Valley just outside Brisbane city limits.

Frank and Isabelle really take you in and make you one of the family. It was a great cultural exchange and they really helped us navigating our first couple of weeks in Australia. They live in such a beautiful area, very fair with the work and we felt so well hosted as guests. They took us beach driving on the weekend and showed us lots of great walks. Couldn't recommend enough!

Soline and Matthew
workawayers having a jam session

Mexico City

Visit Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, eat your fill of authentic street tacos, climb the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, or float down the canals of Xochimilco. One of the largest and oldest cities in the world, D.F. (as the locals call it) won’t disappoint!

Interested in staying with a multi-talented couple and trying your hand at baking, or learning how to do some light construction work? Make yourself at home with a pastry chef from Austria and an electrician from Mexico while helping out with various tasks. 

Johanna and Tomas are exactly the kind of people you want to meet. Fun, energetic, full of ideas. They made me feel so very welcome and immediately at ease. Tomas made me an electrician, and Johanna let me get involved in some of her wonderful baking. I’m so greatful to have met them!!

Philippa
mexico landmark pyramids

Lisbon

Ride Tram 28, Lisbon’s famous retro streetcar while passing old fortresses and castles, all while snacking on a deliciously sweet pastel de nata, Portugal’s best-known dessert. Don’t forget the modern art, food halls, and views from one of its many hilltops!

Enjoy the beautiful outdoors while helping a welcoming, well-traveled family with landscaping and horticulture projects just a bus ride away from Lisbon. This Workaway can accommodate camper vans, perfect for someone on a European road trip!

Gosh this stay was divine. I was only there for 2 weeks but would have stayed longer in a heartbeat! The land is so beautiful, the town is super cute and honestly lots of cute things to do there. The family is so precious and incredibly welcoming. The work was engaging and so fun, definitely a good fit for strong folks! I will be going back. I miss them already.

Rebekah
travellers posing in front of belem tower, portugal

Buenos Aires

Learn how to tango, attend a lively soccer (or fútbol) match, try the asada, or simply slow down and meander through one of its many colorful neighborhoods. Buenos Aires promises to delight all of your senses!

To explore from the heart of the city, this historic hostel owned by two former Workawayers offers a great setting to work in hospitality and learn the ropes! From socializing with guests to volunteering on projects like painting, cleaning, or helping out in the cafeteria, you’re sure to enjoy your time in Buenos Aires!

Being a tourist is one thing but getting local insights while sharing quality time with natives is another! This is why they say after your first Workaway you will never travel the same way again.. We hope you’ll add one of these top Workaway projects in some of our most favorite cities in the world to your list!

solo traveller posing in front of colourful streets buenos aires
global citizenvolunteer abroad

About Mariah

Mariah Friend is a former Workawayer who quit her job to travel the world for fourteen months, embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Mariah stayed with hosts in France and Ghana, gaining valuable ... show more...

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