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
Love working from cafés — but not the noise or Wi‑Fi drops?
Try a coworking space instead: same vibe, better focus. Book a desk in Essen whenever you need it — no subscriptions, no pressure.
☕ Explore Flexible Workspaces in Essen
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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