A guide to the best cafes to work in Istanbul and study with your laptop and notebooks – must-visit coffee shops for freelancers, students and digital nomads!
I have been a freelancer for a few years now, but this is the first time in my life that I am actually a full-time blogger, relying on myself for income.
And where did I choose to start this adventure?
In Istanbul, Turkey, where there are plenty – plenty – of amazing instagrammable places and beautiful neighborhoods to visit.
But I’m here for work, so in a sense, until I leave for another country, Istanbul is home.
Which means I am also always looking for places to work and study, in the hopes it will help someone else.
So today, we’re going to be talking about the best cafes to work in Istanbul.
Digital nomad cafes, laptop friendly coffee shops to work from in several areas I’ve so far worked at.
Whether you’re looking for cafes to work in Kadıköy, Nişantası, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu or Balat, I have gathered some of my favorite places to work with my laptop.
The places I’ll mention here today are completely laptop friendly; with good WiFi and power outlets!
The Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul & Study (Laptop Friendly)
To be honest, before arriving in Istanbul from London, I wasn’t sure how digital nomad-friendly the city really was.
Of course, I had been checking out Google Maps for some coffee shops to work in Balat, since I’m currently staying in Fatih, really close.
But while there are many cafes to work in London, Paris, and Manhattan, places we really know to be laptop friendly, I wasn’t too knowledgeable about Istanbul.
I knew there are lots of incredibly instagrammable cafes in Istanbul, including a Central Perk cafe, and a Friends Cafe (the latter is much more of a Friends-themed cafe, with the white dog, the purple background and everything!).
But boy.
All my fears evaporated as soon as I really touched base in Kadıköy and Nişantası – two areas in which you will find plenty of amazing coffee shops to study and do work.
Even for hours, without ever being disturbed.
In this guide, I will give you some tips about how to really make the most out of Istanbul’s coffee shops, and be able to work in cool laptop friendly cafes in Kadıköy, Moda, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Cihangir and more!
The Best Cafes to Work in Kadıköy & Moda Istanbul
Since Kadıköy is one of the most bustling and hipster areas of Istanbul, it seems normal there would be lots of laptop friendly coffee shops there.
Not only Kadıköy, but also another part in the surroundings; Moda, where there are also really cool instagrammable and pink cafes!
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Mankind Coffee Kadıköy
First up, in Caddebostan, you have Mankind Coffee.
The really cool thing about Mankind Coffee, which you’ll also figure out when looking for more amazing cafes to work in Istanbul, is how late it is open.
It’s something pretty common here.
While in London, coffee shops tend to open super early and close early too (there are still some good cafes open late in London to study!), it’s the contrary here.
Coffee shops tend to open around 8 am/8.30 am, but close around 11 pm, 12 am or up to 2 am.
In the case of this Caddebostan coffee shop, you can work there most days of the week between 8 am and 1 am.
Of course, Kadıköy being a bustling neighborhood, Mankind Coffee does tend to get louder in the afternoon/evening.
So make sure you take this into account before visiting.
In any case, it’s one of the places that offer the best coffee in Istanbul, and the fact that it’s laptop friendly should be enough to attract the digital nomad in you!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Paris
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Doctrine Coffee Moda
Doctrine Coffee Moda is located in the Kadıköy area too, and it’s another one of your good options if you’re looking for the best places to study in Istanbul.
This one has different opening hours; from 10.30 am to midnight almost every day of the week.
Perfect if you tend to wake up late and/or don’t want to be stuck in traffic…
Especially since the transportation in Istanbul is another type of funny!
Doctrine Coffee is more precisely located in Caferağa, a neighborhood in which you’ll find lots of amazing coffee shops to have a drink and a bite.
However, that’s not all – in Caferağa, there are many, many little restaurants which could easily be dubbed the best restaurants in Kadıköy.
At Doctrine Coffee, you have plenty of seating space with free WiFi, and power outlets.
Couple this with a great atmosphere, and you indeed have here one of the best cafes to work in Istanbul around Kadıköy!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Barcelona
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Espressolab Kadıköy
If you’re new in Istanbul, you’ll soon see lots of branches of two coffee shops: Kahve Dunyasi and Espressolab.
Both could be great if you’re looking for easygoing laptop friendly cafes in Istanbul, but I do prefer Espressolab.
I’ll actually mention another one further down this guide, but the first one is also located in Kadıköy.
The opening hours will suit those among us who tend to wake up early, as you’re able to work there from 7 am to 12.30 am.
On Fridays and Saturdays, Espressolab Kadıköy closes even later.
Still, since Turkish locals and tourists love hanging out in coffee shops at weekends, avoid visiting if you’re trying to be productive with work.
The rest of the time, it just so happens to be one of the best places to study in Istanbul; quiet, cool atmosphere, and really laptop friendly.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Milan
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Wanderlust Kadıköy
In Rasimpaşa, also in Kadıköy, you have the perfect of what to recognize when you’re looking for good laptop friendly cafes to work in Istanbul.
And that precise thing is…
A second floor.
A lot of coffee shops in Istanbul have a second floor, and while at street level, you’ll also find digital nomads working, most sit on the second floor.
There are usually lots of power outlets and free WiFi in that kind of cafe, and since people feel comfortable there, you can definitely stay for a good few hours.
In the case of Wanderlust, the opening times are also great; from 9 am to 1 am almost every day of the week.
As usual, whether you’re going to work in cafes in Rome or Istanbul, come as early as possible.
In that kind of two-floor coffee shop, you will have space to work, but it’s just so you can have the quiet around you at the same time.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Lisbon
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Tasarim Bookshop Cafe
Same example as Wanderlust, with Tasarim Bookshop & Cafe, you also have an upper level in which you can work and study without being disturbed.
This one is located in Caferağa, like many of the super cute cafes to work in Kadıköy, but it is definitely quieter.
You’ll also see when you get here that many of the study cafes in Istanbul actually have a very pretty aesthetic.
It’s like the whole of the Pinterest world has been copied and pasted into the coffee shops, with rustic backgrounds, bookshelves, books, plants…
And cats, of course.
Istanbul wouldn’t be Istanbul without the roaming cats!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Brooklyn NYC
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Mars Espresso & Cafe Kadıköy
Another good laptop friendly cafe is Mars Espresso & Cafe, also in Caferağa, Kadıköy.
What’s really interesting about this one isn’t only the fact that it has WiFi and power outlets – which automatically make it one of the best places to study in Istanbul in my book.
No, what will really attract your attention at Mars Espresso & Cafe is the decor.
Really random, almost vintage, definitely authentic, it’s a really nice coffee shop to work in Kadıköy if you’re in the area.
It’s open from 9 am to 11.30 pm every day of the week, too, so if you’re looking for cool study coffee shops also open early at weekends, it’s a great spot.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Rome
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Espas Kitap Kafe Kadıköy
A few days ago, I was walking around the Moda and Kadıköy neighborhoods and I felt like writing a little bit.
I had just paid a visit to yet another coffee shop, to be honest, the Friends Kadıköy cafe (the only Friends-themed cafe I’ve been to so far, and a super exciting experience!).
So what do we do in that kind of situation?
We look for yet another new laptop friendly cafe in Kadıköy, one we’ve never worked at before.
At least, that’s my vibe.
And I came across Espas Kitap Kafe, a bookshop cafe absolutely perfect whether you want to chill after a long walk or work.
I arrived in the afternoon and many people were already working there, but it was pretty easy to find a spot to sit at, near power outlets too!
Espas Kitap Kafe has a very interesting setup.
At the front of the coffee shop, you already have some cute seats (pictured above) as well as some seats in the sunlight and a terrace.
In the back of the cafe, you’re closer to the bookshop area.
And downstairs, you have toilets as well as a private garden type of terrace from which you can work and smoke if you wish to.
Overall, a very quiet cafe to work in Istanbul, with great opening hours too – from 10 am to 10 pm most days of the week.
Read: The Best Free Quiet Study Spaces in London
The Best Cafes to Work in Nişantaşı & Beşiktaş Istanbul
Next up, we have my absolute favorite areas in Istanbul, Nişantası and Beşiktaş!
Those two areas also offer some really cute cafes to work, and aren’t too far from Taksim Square, one of the famous landmarks in Istanbul (although ‘not too far’ is relative).
I absolutely love Nişantası because it’s clearly one of the best places to go shopping in Istanbul.
As for Beşiktaş, it’s great for cool coffee shops, small restaurants, the view on the Bosphorus, and some of the most brilliant street art in Istanbul!
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Haha Kafe Nişantası
Located in Şişli, a few minutes away on foot from Nişantası, Haha Kafe is one of the first cafes to work in Istanbul I visited.
And boy, did I fall in love with that cafe!
I have to admit that it does offer everything a digital nomad would be looking for in a laptop friendly cafe, but it’s something else that caught my attention…
The cherry cheesecake that Haha Kafe offers – incredible.
I’m always looking for the best cheesecake in London, in Paris, in Rome, in Istanbul, and this is a real New York-style cheesecake you have here.
With the classic cherry vibe that you can only find in Istanbul in my opinion.
Aside from free WiFi and power outlets, Haha Kafe has also proven to be one of the best places to study in Istanbul if you’re looking for quiet study spots.
It’s open from 7.30 am to 9 pm every day of the week, and you’ll see, from the vibe to the delicious coffee drinks, you’ll absolutely love it!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Midtown Manhattan
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: MOC Nişantası
A few days ago, I discovered MOC Nişantası – I had already seen a few of those Ministry of Coffee cafes in Istanbul, but this one?
Huge.
Absolutely huge.
Incredibly beautiful, and definitely one of the most instagrammable cafes in Istanbul.
Free WiFi, power outlets, a second floor, clean toilets, and even a kitchen if you want to have lunch during the day…
What more could we wish for?
MOC Nişantası has quickly become one of my absolute favorite laptop friendly cafes to work in Istanbul, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too.
The simple fact that you have bookshelves, books, plants, and the coffee machine humming all day long will help you feel more focused; perfect if you need some extra study motivation!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: What The Coffee Beşiktaş
If there’s one thing I can recommend when going to Istanbul, it’s to wear sneakers – I would not wear heels in this city!
Ever!
Especially if you’re coming from Beşiktaş to Nişantası (by the way, don’t, it’s way too steep of a climb, really!).
On the other hand, why not come from Nişantası to Beşiktaş if you want to have a bit of a walk before going to work? That could work.
In Beşiktaş, you have What The Coffee, another really cool place to study in Istanbul in that really hipster area.
There are power outlets here and there as well as free WiFi, but since you’re in a hipster area, very frequented by young Turkish people, I’d recommend coming during the week.
Avoid the weekend at all costs if you don’t want to feel out of place, and take a seat at the back of the coffee shop to study.
The last time I was there, I also ordered a beautiful mocktail with strawberry inside, and the cakes at What The Coffee are also really tasty.
Perfect spot if you’re looking for good cafes to work in Beşiktaş!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Have Some Coffee Nişantası
Have Some Coffee in Nişantası is really close to Haha Kafe, and even bigger – this is honestly the biggest coffee shop in Istanbul I’ve been to so far.
And I cannot stop raving about this one.
When you visit, you’ll understand very much why this is my absolute favorite laptop friendly cafe in Nişantası.
Power outlets absolutely everywhere, two huge floors, a terrace and a large balcony, good free WiFi, amazing coffee…
And the interior is oh so instagrammable: in some parts of Have Some Coffee, you almost feel like you’re inside a beautiful church in Rome.
Really!
Little bonus?
There are usually two cats roaming around the coffee shop, so if the presence of cats helps you focus, you’ll love Have Some Coffee even more!
Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Espressolab Bomonti
A few days ago, I was roaming around Nişantası and wanted to find a different laptop friendly cafe than my usual Haha Kafe and Have Some Coffee.
I hadn’t tried many branches of Espressolab in Istanbul, and I set my heart on the coffee shop in Bomonti.
Bomonti, Şişli and Nişantası are all very close to each other, and you’ll find everything there from the best pink cafes in Istanbul to amazing clothing shops.
There’s just everything there.
I really enjoyed my time at Espressolab Bomonti as it is clearly one of the biggest cafes to work in Istanbul, for one.
Very quiet, with a huge terrace and a very spacious coffee shop area in the back as well.
Espressolab Bomonti might be on the pricier side compared to some other cafes in Nişantası, but the area is incredibly beautiful, and indeed, you can get work done there.
In fact, there were many people already working in the coffee shop when I arrived.
As for the opening hours, they’re some of the best too: from 7 am to 1 am every day of the week.
Read: The Best Bakeries in Paris
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Let’s Winkk Nişantası
Let’s Winkk is one of the latest cafes to work in Istanbul I’ve discovered, and it is on the smaller side.
However, I have never been given to meet such friendly staff – the owner, in particular, is a gentle and sweet woman who welcomes you as if you were her child.
There are power outlets on the terrace as well as inside, and free WiFi at Let’s Winkk, which clearly give it a good start in terms of laptop friendly study spots.
The opening times are really good too; from 8 am to 10 pm during weekdays (shorter hours at weekends).
Also, Let’s Winkk is located about 2 minutes walk from Haha Kafe, so if you find one or the other to be too crowded, know you have another option closeby.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona
Other Places to Study in Istanbul
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Mare Mosso Balat
Another one of the coolest laptop friendly cafes in Istanbul is located in the heart of Balat, a few minutes’ walk from where I currently live.
The Balat neighborhood is one of the most colorful places in Istanbul, and one you absolutely have to visit!
When it comes to Mare Mosso, it does tend to give off this Italian coffee shop vibe, but don’t be fooled.
Aside from the Italian moka (coffee machines) outside the coffee shop, there’s nothing really Italian about Mare Mosso.
However, what I can say is that the whole coffee shop is absolutely beautiful.
Rustic, almost vintage atmosphere there, and the staff is welcoming and friendly.
At street level, as usual, you have local coffee drinkers, and on the top floor, you have some tables with power outlets to do work on your laptop.
Since it’s so close to where I live at the moment, Mare Mosso is to me one of the best cafes to work in Istanbul, and the atmosphere really helps.
In terms of opening hours, you can go work there from 9 am to 11.45 pm, but when the weather is more inviting, try and go early as it can fill up for lunch and snacks.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Miami
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Espressolab Cihangir
I mentioned Espressolab Kadıköy earlier, but if you’re looking for good places to study in Beyoğlu, you have another Espressolab in Cihangir.
The opening times are absolutely incredible here: from 6.30 am to 2 am every single day of the week!
This branch of the Espressolab coffee shop chain is actually even brighter, with lots of natural light – perfect if you’re looking for inspiring places to write in Istanbul, for instance!
Free WiFi, plenty of power outlets, amazing opening times, a great location…
You can hardly fault this one.
Again, you can see with Espressolab Cihangir the same kind of pattern: two floors, and whether you’re sitting inside or on the terrace, you’re bound to feel motivated to work!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Boston
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Mura Coffee & Bar Şişli
Between Şişli and Nişantası, you also have Mura Coffee for the perfect work sesh.
The decor there is fun, really inspiring and very much in line with the vibe lots of coffee shops in Istanbul offer.
Open from 9 am to 10 pm every day of the week except on Sundays, Mura Coffee also has two floors, and the upstairs level is incredibly laptop friendly.
Anyone looking for the best cafes to work in Istanbul around Şişli should definitely take a look at this one.
Pretty spacious, with power outlets and free WiFi, and some of the best cakes in Istanbul, it’s a must have on your work spot list.
I would again recommend you come as early as possible – and avoid weekends – if you’re looking for quiet places to study in Istanbul.
However, if you manage to work while people are catching up with friends (I know that’s my favorite way to work), then you’ll love Mura Coffee any time of the day/week!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Dallas
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: SALT Galata
SALT Galata in Beyoğlu is not a coffee shop per se; it’s much more than this.
Located in a former bank, it is a mix of library, coffee shop and art gallery and it’s just a few minutes’ walk away from the famous Galata Tower.
When you go there, you’ll find a few power outlets here and there, as well as free WiFi, but beyond that, you’ll probably also see tourists taking pictures of the inside of the building.
If I’m being honest, the interior of SALT Galata is indeed one of the most instagrammable places in Istanbul, so why not do the same before getting to work?
The opening times are shorter than the usual study cafes in Kadıköy and Nişantası, since SALT Galata is open from 11 am to 7 pm most days of the week.
Quieter than coffee shops too, though – so if you’re looking for quiet places to study in Istanbul, that’s a good option!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work on the Upper East Side
Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul: Federal Galata Beyoğlu
Not too far from SALT Galata and the Galata Tower, you have another really good laptop friendly cafe: Federal Galata.
Lots of seats everywhere, more power plugs than you could imagine, great WiFi and good drinks…
That’s the perfect digital nomad cafe in one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Istanbul!
Federal Galata is open from 8 am to 11 pm every day of the week, so if you’re looking to be productive with your books, laptop and notebooks, that’s a great spot.
However, just so you know, the surroundings of the Galata Tower tend to be quite busy.
That’s why I would suggest coming early, or maybe right after the rush of breakfast so you can really be productive.
In any case, you have so many seats available at Federal Galata that you’re bound to find a good, quiet spot to work by yourself.
Perfect for those looking for cafes to work in Beyoğlu, since it’s one of the most central areas of the city!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Lower Manhattan
The Best Cafes to Work in Istanbul & Study (Laptop Friendly)
There you have them, all the best cafes to work in Istanbul with your laptop, with free WiFi and power outlets to charge your devices!
I’ve listed some of my favorite coffee shops to study and do some work, but if I’m being honest…
That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
For real.
There are laptop friendly cafes in Istanbul everywhere you look, seemingly, but I wanted to share those I know personally from experience as much as possible.
In any case, hopefully, you’ll find here some of your own favorite places to study in Istanbul, in which you can be super productive when you don’t want to work from home!