Munich’s Top 8 Cafes for Productive Work and Study
Whether you’re tired of your home office, need a change of scenery from the library, or just seeking a creative spark, Munich offers a variety of cafes perfect for remote work and study. The SZ editorial team has tested eight establishments where laptops are not only tolerated but welcomed, and where you can enjoy excellent coffee and snacks to fuel your productivity.
1. Café See-U (Maxvorstadt)
Address: Luisenstraße 41
Located directly opposite the Technical University, Café See-U explicitly encourages learning and working. It’s a haven for students and remote workers, offering a wide selection of matcha creations, including a coffee-matcha for an extra caffeine boost. Espresso is a steal at just one euro. The cafe boasts plenty of power outlets and reliable Wi-Fi. For focused work, head to the quieter back section, accessible via a small staircase. If you prefer a view, the higher tables by the window offer a cozy spot.
2. Café Buchwalsky (Maxvorstadt)
Address: Barer Straße 74
Café Buchwalsky provides a cozy atmosphere amidst the bustling Maxvorstadt. While a cappuccino costs four euros, students receive a 20% discount, making it an ideal spot for longer work sessions. They offer breakfast, a lunch menu, and excellent Wi-Fi. A cappuccino paired with banana bread costs eight euros, making it a great value for a productive work environment.
3. Café Soley (Dreimühlenviertel)
Address: Ehrengutstraße 9
Café Soley, located in the Dreimühlenviertel, is known for its brunch, coffee, and cakes. While it doesn’t offer guest Wi-Fi, its large sunny terrace is perfect for working during the week. The menu features creative and affordable dishes like “Loaded Banana Bread,” Kimchi-Cheese-Sandwich, and the Turkish egg dish Menemen, with no item exceeding twelve euros. It’s a great spot for those who can work offline and enjoy good food.
4. Bacibaci (Maxvorstadt)
Address: Georgenstraße 103
Bacibaci is a wonderfully unassuming day bar in Maxvorstadt, making it an ideal spot for relaxed work. It’s perfect for a quick snack, like delicious stuffins filled with truffle, spinach, and ricotta, or for meeting friends over coffee. While there’s no Wi-Fi, there are plenty of power outlets. The owner, Sinah Steinhart, recommends working here during the week when it’s less busy. It’s a great place to unwind and be productive.
5. Lost Weekend (Maxvorstadt)
Address: Schellingstraße 3A
Located practically next to Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Lost Weekend describes itself as a co-working space with an integrated bookstore. You’ll feel more out of place without a laptop here than with one. The bar offers vegan snacks like overnight oats and wraps, along with the Wi-Fi password. Surrounded by copy shops, it’s an ideal workspace for students needing to escape noisy roommates or the confines of the university library. Plus, you can stay for a well-deserved after-work beer.
6. A Little West (Westend)
Address: Westendstraße 87
A Little West, a sister cafe to Lost Weekend, is located in Westend and offers a uniquely cozy atmosphere. Its eclectic decor, with no two tables or carpets alike, creates a comforting chaos that makes many guests feel right at home with their computers. It provides Wi-Fi, matcha, and excellent vegan cakes. For a break, you can browse the books on the tall shelves. It’s perfect for those who thrive in a relaxed, unconventional setting.
7. Café Francesca (Schwabing)
Address: Franz-Joseph-Straße 30
Café Francesca in Schwabing is not just a great spot for breakfast; it also embodies a conscious concept. Everything is vegetarian, partly vegan, and health-conscious, yet without being pedantic. The cafe offers delicious food like sandwiches and waffles (gluten-free options available) in a super cozy atmosphere that invites both lingering and working. Owner Anna Baisch even allows working on weekends, asking guests to limit their work time to a maximum of two hours. Guest Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets are available.
Tips for Working in Munich Cafes:
- Check Wi-Fi availability: Not all cafes offer guest Wi-Fi, so plan accordingly if you need an internet connection.
- Look for power outlets: Many cafes provide ample power outlets, but it’s always good to scout for them upon arrival.
- Consider off-peak hours: Weekdays, especially mornings and late afternoons, are generally less crowded, offering a more conducive environment for work.
- Support the business: Remember to purchase drinks and snacks to support the cafes that provide you with a workspace.
- Be mindful of others: Keep your volume down and be respectful of other patrons.
These Munich cafes offer diverse environments to suit various work styles, ensuring you can find your perfect spot to be productive while enjoying the city’s vibrant cafe culture.
Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung
