The life of a digital nomad often balances the freedom of travel with the need for reliable workspaces. While co-working hubs and short-term rentals have their place, there is something special about working from a café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the soft hum of background chatter, and the sense of being part of a local community make cafés an inviting option for remote work.
For digital nomads, not just any café will do. The right spot must blend comfort, good internet, and an atmosphere that sparks focus and creativity. Around the world, certain cafés have become favorites among travelers carrying their work. Here are three cozy cafés worth adding to your list the next time you pack your laptop and set off for a new city:
1. Café Tortoni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Café Tortoni is more than a coffee shop,it’s a piece of Argentine history. Founded in 1858, it has hosted artists, writers, and musicians for over a century. The old-world charm, with its stained-glass windows, marble tables, and art-covered walls, offers an inspiring environment for anyone seeking to combine productivity with cultural immersion.
For digital nomads, the café’s spacious interior provides plenty of seating where one can comfortably work without feeling rushed. While the Wi-Fi isn’t the fastest in the world, the atmosphere more than compensates. The café’s pastries and coffee, paired with the opportunity to soak in Buenos Aires’ rich artistic legacy, make this a perfect choice for those who appreciate history and creativity alongside their workday.
2. The Workshop Coffee, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Located in a converted colonial-era building, The Workshop Coffee is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular cafés for remote workers. Its high ceilings, long communal tables, and industrial-chic design create an airy environment where productivity comes naturally. The café is known for its excellent single-origin coffee, making it a favorite for those who take their caffeine as seriously as their deadlines.
Beyond its design, The Workshop Coffee delivers the essentials digital nomads need: reliable Wi-Fi, ample power outlets, and a welcoming staff who don’t mind if you stay for hours. The space attracts a mix of locals and international freelancers, which makes it a great spot for networking or exchanging ideas. If you enjoy working in a place where good coffee meets creative energy, this café is a standout.
3. Toki, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam may be known for its canals and cycling culture, but it also boasts some of Europe’s coziest cafés for nomads. Toki, located in the city’s Jordaan neighborhood, blends minimalistic Scandinavian design with Dutch hospitality. With clean lines, soft lighting, and a calm atmosphere, it’s the kind of café where hours seem to slip by effortlessly.
Toki is particularly popular among freelancers who value a balance of work and relaxation. The café serves artisanal coffee and healthy snacks, offering the fuel needed for long working sessions. Its combination of thoughtful design and a tranquil vibe makes it a refreshing alternative to louder, busier spaces. For nomads who need focus but also crave a touch of calm, Toki feels like the perfect retreat.
Finding Your Global Work Nook
Every digital nomad develops a personal rhythm, but cafés often become the backdrop to some of the most memorable workdays abroad. Spaces like Café Tortoni, The Workshop Coffee, and Toki prove that it’s possible to stay productive while feeling inspired by your surroundings.
Choosing the right café isn’t just about Wi-Fi or coffee, it’s about atmosphere, community, and the sense of belonging to a city, even if only for a short while. Whether in Buenos Aires, Ho Chi Minh City, or Amsterdam, the perfect café can transform a workday into a cultural experience.