The era of working outside the confines of a cubicle is at an all time high. In 2016, 43% of employed professionals report spending some time working remotely. Although rolling to your office in sweatpants and slippers, may be appealing, I personally would hate to miss out on the coffee culture that is often associated with the digital nomad style.
I recently traveled to Bucharest, Romania for a few months to help onboard a few team members at my gig working as a lady in tech. Although I spent most days working out of the office, I did have a fair amount of time in the morning and the weekend to search for the city’s best cup of joe.
Evaluating the Coffee Culture Working from Anywhere
I’m betting if you spent some time travelling europe, you wouldn’t commit the sin of spending you precious moments abroad sipping a latte from Starbucks. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan myself, but this town has a strong coffee culture that shouldn’t be missed! And with a steady increase of expats calling Eastern Europe home, more location independent folks will be seeking out that perfect spot to settle in for an afternoon of work.
Below I have listed my top five spots to crack open the laptop, smell the coffee, and take over the world one article at a time! Each location that made the list hit the following criteria.
- Rocket speed wifi that was easy and free to join (ok ok, it is impossible to find slow wifi in Romania)
- Plenty of comfortable seating with ample outlets to juice up that laptop
- Yummy sandwiches, salads, and snacks to feed your belly
- And of course, the strongest and smoothest espresso!
Beans & Dots
Located in the heart of downtown Bucharest, Beans & Dots is a quiet haven for those looking to work from anywhere! The cafe is on the second floor of the building, with plenty of long open tables to spread out at. I found the quiche and cappuccino to be an absolutely fabulous way to start my day.
Sheida
This cafe’s cozy atmosphere and plush couches make for a tempting napping spot, which is why you’ll need that jolt of caffeine to get to work! This cafe also offers a wide variety of teas and sweets to choose from.
Cafe Van Gogh
In decent weather (heat lamps and blankets in the fall) you can sit outside at night and enjoy the stars while you work. Located in Bucharest’s old town, soak in the coffee culture while pondering what it would be like to be the artist behind famous works like starry night!
Camera Din Fata
This cafe’s name directly translates to ‘the front room’ is a charming storefront and cafe in a bustling city. Step inside this cafe for a quiet and cozy atmosphere, perfect for crushing through your inbox. Camera Din Fata offers a wide variety of coffee from all over the globe, including different methods for preparing the beverage. Don’t miss out on the dessert menu, plenty of delicious cakes to choose from!
M60 Coffee
Last but certainly not the least, is a cafe located just a few doors down from Camera Din Fata. Looking to extend your workday into the evening? Look no further than Cafe M60, doors do not close until 1:00AM. This trendy establishment can be a bit noisy at times, nothing a pair of noise cancelling headphones can’t fix. Plenty of healthy meal options, and did I mention the coffee, it will keep you going all night!
Close call: Coffee Culture Runners Up
Due to lack of proper seating and internet access, the following cafes didn’t quite make the digital nomad cut, however the representation of Bucharest’s coffee culture can not go unnoticed.
Steam
Delicious coffee and a great place to meet a friend for a cup on a lazy Saturday
5 to Go
Otherwise known as the Dunkin Donuts of Romania, you can’t beat the price. Perfect for an afternoon pick me up!
Origo
Small cafe who prides themselves in the craftsmanship of coffee, but they have a strict laptops down policy.
Delicatese Florescu
Where will you soak in the coffee culture in Bucharest? What’s your favorite coffee shop to get work done where you live?
This is an awesome list! It’s like you are a local – had no idea there was such a cool coffee culture in Bucharest!
Very helpful article! In my opinion, Origo has the best coffee I’ve had in Romania. And Van Gogh has an amazing interior 🙂
Thank you Ivana, I really miss the great coffee culture in Romania!
I’ve been calling Bucharest home for the past 3 years and there are plenty of coffee shops to spend days reading or working. One of my favorites is Handsome Monk right across Cismigiu Park, nice decor, excellent cappuccino, and flat white. (Can’t say I’ve tried all). Good service and they serve Mexican Coffee (Me being Mexican obviously makes me a little biased LOL).
I will give these a try and will carry my faithfull laptop with me.
Love this! Thanks so much for the recc’s. I’ll pass it along to the writer – she’ll be back in Romania in a couple weeks!