HomeGuidesStoriesPlacesContact
Laptop bag and coffee on a table in a Berlin café

Finding Creative Cafés While Traveling

A guide to discovering work-friendly cafés that fuel your creativity

Without a good place to work, it's hard to stay consistent, especially when you're traveling long-term. Finding the right café becomes both a challenge and a reward when you hit the sweet spot between research, intuition, and luck.

Working on my laptop at Hidden Gem Cafe in Hanoi, Vietnam
Working on my laptop at Hidden Gem Cafe in Hanoi, Vietnam

Everyone works differently. Some need quiet corners with their backs to the wall, some need expansive spaces or lots of background activity. The key is learning what environment supports your creativity and how to spot it quickly.

☕️ Research first

Before heading out, I always spend a few minutes scouting on Google Maps.

Screenshot of Google Maps search for laptop cafes in Berlin, Germany
Screenshot of Google Maps search for laptop cafes in Berlin, Germany

Suggested search terms:

📸 What to look for in the photos

Focus on customer-submitted photos (not the polished ones from owners). These reveal what it actually feels like to be there.

Ask yourself:

  • Vibe: Does it feel inspiring or chaotic?
  • Seating: Are there enough tables with space for a laptop?
  • Power: Can you see power outlets or extension cords?
  • Crowd: Is it packed or quiet, and are people working, eating, or chatting?
  • Food & Drink: Do the food and drink options look appealing to you?
  • Lighting: Is there more natural or artificial lighting, better for mornings or evenings?
Silverware, banana bread, and cappuccino on a wooden table in Cat Ba, Vietnam
Silverware, banana bread, and cappuccino on a wooden table in Cat Ba, Vietnam

💬 What to look for in reviews

Scroll through the most recent reviews and scan for keywords like:

  • "WiFi" or "internet speed"
  • "power outlets" or "charging"
  • "quiet" or "loud" or "music" or "noise"
  • "laptop" or "computer" or "work"

Using Google Maps, you can search the reviews directly:

Screenshot of Google Maps reviews for laptop cafes in Hanoi, Vietnam
Screenshot of Google Maps reviews for laptop cafes in Hanoi, Vietnam

Be mindful of when the review was written. "Great WiFi" in 2015 might not mean much in 2025.

Also, check the owner's responses to reviews - they reveal subtle clues to how they treat customers.

⚠️ Warning: expectations vs. reality

Closed sign at Coconut Monkey cafe on Koh Tao, Thailand
Closed sign at Coconut Monkey cafe on Koh Tao, Thailand

Even with the best prep, the real situation is often different. The café might be:

  • Closed or no longer in business (ask me how many times I've walked a long distance to find shuttered doors)
  • Too loud (blender next to your head)
  • Experiencing WiFi issues
  • Missing outlets or fully occupied
  • Full of people camping for hours

If that happens, take it as part of the adventure. Have a backup café in mind, or an alternate project in mind that's more conducive to the environment you discover.

✅ Café checklist

Here are the main things to check once you arrive. Think of it as a quick scan before you unpack your laptop.

Core needs

  • WiFi
  • Power
  • Seating
  • Noise level
  • Restroom

Creativity boosters

  • Natural light
  • Atmosphere
  • Friendly staff
  • Food & drink
  • Safety

Nice-to-haves

  • Outdoor seating or window view
  • Air conditioning and fans
  • Other laptop users
  • Good lighting at night
  • Nearby park or viewpoint