Best Cafes to Work in Essen: A Curated List

Seeking the best coffee shops to work in Essen? Look no further. We’ve got the inside scoop on spots where the Wi-Fi is as strong as the coffee. From serene to buzzing atmospheres, each cafe on our list offers a different vibe to match your work style. Dive in to find your next go-to spot for a productive session accompanied by the city’s finest java.

Essen's Finest Coffee Shops for Focus

Ready to find your new favorite work spot in Essen? Here’s a sneak peek at the crème de la crème of work-friendly cafes in the city:

Best for Comfort and Coffee: Cafe Kötter

Best for Specialty Coffee: Miamamia Coffee Roasters

Best for a Calm Study Environment: Cafe Nord

Best for Spacious Work Areas: Extrablatt Essen

Best for Trendy Atmosphere: Goldbar

Cafe Kötter: The Comfort Zone

Cafe Kötter isn’t just a café; it’s a haven of comfort. Located in the bustling Rüttenscheider Str., this place is perfect for those who want a cozy yet productive environment. The delicious fresh pastries and homemade cakes are a bonus that adds to the charm of working here for those who are keen on trying sweet delights.

Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Comfortable seating
• Free Wi-Fi
• Plenty of power outlets

Pros:

• Quiet atmosphere
• Excellent homemade cakes and exquisite pies
• Attentive staff

Cons:

• Can get busy during peak hours

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 4/5
• Amenities: 4/5

Miamamia Coffee Roasters: The Specialty Coffee Hub

For those who won’t compromise on their coffee, Miamamia Coffee Roasters is the café for you. With their own-roasted beans and a minimalist, modern interior, this place is a haven for true coffee lovers. Their high quality ingredients ensure great coffee and breakfast, making it the perfect place for Sunday morning breakfast on a Monday morning.

Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Specialty coffee
• Modern and minimalistic decor
• Free Wi-Fi and power outlets

Pros:

• Excellent coffee
• Calm environment
• Knowledgeable staff

Cons:

• Limited seating during peak times

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 4/5
• Amenities: 4/5

Cafe Nord: The Calm Study Space

Cafe Nord is known for its serene and studious environment, making it a favorite among students and professionals. With a diverse menu and ample seating, it’s an ideal spot for a productive day. While this cafe is also a bar, it's the perfect place to end the work day with a Happy Hour. Fine drinks, friendly service and good music make it a great place to meet friends after a productive day.

Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Diverse menu
• Free Wi-Fi
• Numerous power outlets

Pros:

• Quiet and calm atmosphere
• Spacious seating
• Friendly service

Cons:

• Can be busy during student rush hours

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 4/5
• Amenities: 4/5

Extrablatt Essen: The Spacious Workspace

Extrablatt Essen offers a large, spacious setup perfect for long work sessions. Located at Kennedyplatz, it provides a casual and relaxed atmosphere, suitable for both individual work and group meetings. Here you can get a Sunday morning breakfast every day of the week. Fresh pastries, exquisite pies, hot chocolate, cakes, lunch options with high quality ingredients make Extrablatt a work all-inclusive workspace in Essen.

Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Extensive menu
• Free Wi-Fi
• Ample power outlets

Pros:

• Large tables
• Good for group work
• Casual environment

Cons:

• Can get noisy during peak hours

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 3/5
• Amenities: 4/5

Goldbar: The Trendy Spot

Goldbar stands out with its trendy and chic atmosphere. It’s not just about the great coffee but also the vibe, making it a popular spot for remote workers looking for a stylish environment.

Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Trendy decor
• Free Wi-Fi
• Several power outlets

Pros:

• Stylish ambiance
• High-quality coffee
• Comfortable setting

Cons:

• Can be noisy during peak times

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 4/5
• Amenities: 4/5

Crafting Your Café Criteria

When choosing the perfect café for work, consider factors such as:

• Reliable Wi-Fi connection
• Availability of power outlets
• Comfortable seating
• Good coffee
• Quiet or buzzing atmosphere depending on your preference

Whether you’re a freelancer, a digital nomad, or just someone who enjoys a change of scenery, finding the perfect café to work in can transform your productivity. Essen offers a myriad of options, from the comfort of Cafe Kötter to the specialty coffee hub of Miamamia Coffee Roasters. Next time you’re in the city, seek out these work-friendly havens and experience a whole new level of productivity.

Coworking Spaces in Essen: A Better Alternative

While cafes offer a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, coworking spaces in Essen can provide a more structured and resource-rich environment for work. Here’s why coworking spaces might be a better option for your professional needs:

Why Choose Coworking Spaces?

1. Professional Environment
   • Distraction-Free: Unlike cafes, coworking spaces are designed for work, ensuring a quiet and professional atmosphere free from the typical hustle and bustle of a café.
   • Networking Opportunities: Coworking spaces host a variety of professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, providing ample networking opportunities which can lead to collaborations and business growth.
2. Amenities and Resources
   • Reliable Internet: Coworking spaces offer high-speed, reliable internet, ensuring you stay connected without any interruptions.
   • Office Essentials: Access to office essentials such as printers, scanners, meeting rooms, and conference facilities, which are not typically available in cafés.
   • Ergonomic Furniture: Comfortable, ergonomic chairs and desks designed for prolonged use, enhancing productivity and reducing physical strain.
3. Flexibility and Security
   • 24/7 Access: Many coworking spaces offer 24/7 access, allowing you to work according to your own schedule.
   • Secure Environment: Enhanced security features like keycard access, CCTV surveillance, and secure storage for your belongings.
4. Community and Events
   • Workshops and Events: Regularly scheduled workshops, seminars, and networking events provide learning opportunities and foster a sense of community.
   • Support Services: Access to professional support services such as reception, mail handling, and administrative assistance.

Top Coworking Spaces in Essen

1. Rivvers Essen Lindenallee

Address: Lindenallee 29, 45127 Essen, Germany

Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Flexible office solutions
• Meeting rooms
• High-speed internet

Pros:

• Regular networking events
• Flexible membership options
• Central location

Cons:

• Limited parking space
• Can be busy during peak hours

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 4/5
• Amenities: 4/5

2. Design Offices Essen Ruhr Tower

Address: Friedrich‑Ebert‑Str. 18 (Am Thyssenhaus 1–3), 45127 Essen, Germany
Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Inspiring creative atmosphere in a landmark high‑rise
• Multiple floors (≈ 7 000 m²) of coworking, private offices, project rooms & meeting spaces
• Dedicated café spaces, community kitchen, bicycle storage & parking
• 24/7 access for members and flexible working hours‍

Pros:

• Iconic architecture: restored 1950s Thyssenhaus/Hochhaus with warm mahogany accents and abundant greenery for a welcoming, design-rich interior
• Rooftop lounge on the former executive floor (19th) with panoramic city views
• Strong event infrastructure: ≈1 500 m² of dedicated conference/event space across ten floors
• Central location near Essen Hauptbahnhof and city centre—easy access to transport, restaurants, shops and Essen Messe trade fair

Cons:

• The vibrant event schedule and open-plan design can result in higher noise levels
• Not the best fit for those needing totally silent, traditional office environments

Rating:

• Price: 3/5 — competitive for Essen, with flexible day-pass and monthly options but premium for private offices
• Atmosphere: 5/5 — bright, design-oriented, creative and collaborative
• Amenities: 4/5 — great meeting facilities, rooftop lounge and café, though may lack fully private quiet zones

3. collective.ruhr

Address: Rüttenscheider Straße 120, 45131 Essen, Germany

Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Creative, community‑driven atmosphere across ~600–800 m²
• Mix of Open Space (Flex & Fix Desks), private offices, meeting rooms, event/studio space
• Café‑style community kitchen, comfortable lounge areas
• 60 m² rooftop terrace for breaks, networking, BBQ gatherings
• 24/7 member access (weekday 9–18h general access; Fix Desk and higher include full 24/7)

Pros:

• Strong creative community with regular events like “Overtime Sessions” concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions
• Multi‑functional space suited to freelancers, startups, small teams
• Rooftop terrace adds a unique, relaxed area for informal work and socializing
• Central location on the Rü, with excellent public transport and local amenities

Cons:

• Open‑plan layout and event activity can lead to noise during gatherings
• Less suited for users needing fully sealed, traditional private-office environments

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 5/5
• Amenities: 4/5

4. workspace A81

Address: Alfredstraße 81, 45130 Essen, Germany

Price Range: €€

Specifications:

• Spacious premium coworking environment across ≈ 5 200 m²
• Flexible options: hot desks (day/month), fixed desks, private offices (1–8 people), and meeting rooms
• High‑speed Wi‑Fi, air‑conditioned working areas, ergonomic furnishings
• Community kitchen, lounge zones, private phone booths, printing/scanning
• 24/7 member access (day pass hours apply for non‑members)

Pros:

• Premium, feel-good ambiance with professional setup and design-focused furnishings
• Robust startup and freelancer community, with regular events and networking opportunities
• Central Rüttenscheid location close to public transport, shops, cafés, and restaurants
• Comprehensive amenities including hot/cold drinks, printer, A/C, and community support

Cons:

• Day-pass users have restricted access hours compared to full members
• Private offices are priced at the higher end (~€770/month), which may be steep for solo users

Rating:

• Price: 3/5 — competitive core pricing (€150/month hot desk) but higher-tier offices are premium
• Atmosphere: 5/5 — vibrant, modern, and community-rich environment
• Amenities: 4/5 — strong offerings across tech, comfort, and community; standard meeting‑room setup

‍

Summary

Coworking spaces in Essen provide a structured, resource-rich, and professional environment that can significantly enhance productivity and business opportunities compared to traditional cafés. With access to essential office amenities, a supportive community, and a distraction-free atmosphere, coworking spaces offer a compelling alternative for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking a dedicated workspace.

When considering where to work in Essen, weigh the benefits of a café’s relaxed ambiance against the structured environment and additional resources provided by coworking spaces to determine the best fit for your professional needs.