Singapore is a beautiful cosmopolitan city that has a plethora of fantastic cafes perfect for working. Singapore being the financial hub of Southeast Asia is home to millions of workers. In the age of remote work and hybrid work, finding your go to neighborhood cafe is key for those boring work from home days. I’ve lived in Singapore for some time now and the cafe scene has definitely improved over the years.
In the age of digital nomads, it’s unlikely digital nomads will spend much time in Singapore. In the end, why would you spend your time in crazy expensive Singapore where you’ll pay $5000 SGD a month for an apartment when you can live in a beautiful place like Bali for half the price for all of your expenses. Nevertheless, if you are a digital nomad and planning to just spend a few days in Singapore to check things out, this guide will still be of us. Make sure to also read my Singapore travel itinerary posts.
In this post, I will tell you my favorite cafes to work from in Singapore. The list is not that big since my criteria for cafe working are high and the options in Singapore are not all ideal. While they serve a great coffee, there simply isn’t enough space in Singapore for you to do your work in peace. Rent in Singapore is insanely expensive after all! Singapore is not like Bali where the most beautiful cafes in the world reign. Not many places can compare to Bali in the world but you’ll find more than your fair share of options in this post.
Note that this list will be forever changing as I discover new places that satisfy my criteria. Singapore is a big city after all with neighborhoods that I’ve still never been to. Also, there are always new places opening up in cool areas so I’ll be adding those as I find them!
My criteria for a good cafe to work from
Like I’ve already mentioned, there aren’t many cafes in Singapore given the size of the cafes and the crazy rent prices. As well, this list isn’t for best cafes in general per se as it is geared towards which cafes are best to do work in. Of course, some of these things overlap and you’ll have cafes that are not only great for just being a cafe but also great for working in.
I don’t take cost into consideration because most of the cafes in Singapore charge the same prices. Expect to pay about $4-6 SGD for an Americano and $5-$7 SGD for a cappuccino. Brunch/breakfast items will cost between $15 and $25 SGD depending on the restaurant and item.
Note that there are lots of cafes in Singapore and you’ll find other sites with huge lists of cafes great for working. However, with my criteria below that you might also gravitate towards, this list is noticeably smaller because not every cafe makes for a good place to work!
Size and openness
While everything is large and inviting in Bali, it’s simply not the case in Singapore! For the purpose of this post, I will focus on cafes that are larger in size. The larger it is, the more likely it is that you can find a space to work from without feeling like you are taking business away from other customers.
In addition, I like a cafe space that is larger and open. I just work better in large open spaces; think high ceilings and bright light. As Singapore is super hot and Singaporeans are obsessed with AC, working indoor is better so you don’t die from the heat. As well, outdoor spaces are generally smaller and won’t have plugs.
Sadly, as you can expect, Singapore cafes tend to be on the smaller end as rents cost a fortune. Most cafes in Singapore are narrow and almost claustrophobic at times so this list won’t be as big as I’d hope.
Wifi Speeds
For digital nomads, this is an obvious must. Many of the old school cafes in Frankfurt don’t even have wifi as that’s not really a thing. However, the cafes on this list will all have wifi that is publicly available. Super fast WIFI speeds aren’t imperative for my setup since I’m mostly blogging or executing options trades. Singapore is home to some of the fastest connection speeds I’ve seen. The slowest possible option is 500 mbps with 1gbps being average.
Since mobile data is so cheap and so fast, I think wifi in Singapore cafes is not that important since you’ll always have the option to hotspot your own device.
Crowdedness
The perfect place to work means there are people that visit the cafe because you don’t want a ghost town but also a place that isn’t too hot. If it is too busy, you can’t really concentrate on your work and it will be a nightmare if you actually need to take Zoom calls. This picks up on my previous point about size and openess of the cafe because it is nice to just have your own little space.
Most of the cafes on this list don’t get too crowded so this isn’t an issue. In peak summer months, you can expect many of the cafes to fill up more than winters as that is when people like to go out.
Availability of power plugs
If you’re working, it’s likely you’ll need a power source. If you have a terrible laptop like mine which runs out of battery in 1h, you’ll need to charge up. Most cafes look like they would be perfect work spaces until you sit down, have a coffee, and realize you have no power plugs to keep you going.
The cafes on this list all have easy access to wall plugs. They won’t be as abundant in some cafes as others, but you’ll be able to find one nonetheless.
Social Space Tanjong Pagar
Without a doubt, Social Space in Tanjong Pagar is my favorite cafe to work from in the CBD. As I live in the CBD, this is my go to spot since it’s close and convenient from where I live. If you don’t live in the CBD area, then coming here might be a bit out of the way.
Social Space in Tanjong Pagar is every bit a neighborhood cafe. With its beautiful Bali style rattan themed open space, it’s warm and inviting the moment you enter. In addition to being a cafe that serves food, they also double as a home goods store selling various arts and crafts which gives the decor a homely touch. The coffee and tea are fantastic here but the standout is the laid back vibes of the space. It never really gets that busy and while the indoor space is on the smaller side, there is always space for me to sit. If the indoor space is somehow packed, there is an abundance of tables outside in the shade.
This is probably my favorite cafe to work from because I know it’s always going to have plugs, space, and a welcoming environment available for me to get work done. My only gripe with social space is they close at 5pm. Sometimes you just need that last hour until 6pm to close things out!
Neighborhood: Tanjong Pagar / CBD
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Low
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 333 Kreta Ayer Rd, #01-14, Singapore 080333
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
Monks Brew Club
If you’re in the east coast and Joo Chiat areas, look no further than Monk’s Brew Club. This newish cafe is centrally located near Joo Chiat Road and doubles as a cafe with a co-working space. The bottom floor is home to plenty of tables, bar seating, and couches with plenty of plugs to boot. The open floor plan definitely makes it feel like a “welcome” place to get a coffee and do a bit of work.
I tried some of the food as well which I was impressed with. Prices are reasonable for Singapore with coffees costing between $5-6 SGD.
Overall, I saw plenty of people on their laptops sitting there comfortably without feeling like they’re taking up any space. Monk’s Brew Club is definitely a welcome addition to the Joo Chiat / Katong area.
Neighborhood: East Coast – Joo Chiat/Katong
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Low
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 57 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428773
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
Hapi Cafe CBD
Hapi Cafe in the CBD is one of my go to cafes. It’s location in the CBD means it’s central to my apartment in Tanjong Pagar and also close to a plethora of food options.
Hapi Cafe is a cafe that serves western coffee and local Singaporean style coffee (think of Kopi A, B, and C). The cafe has a minimalistic interior with plenty of tables, comfortable chairs, and even wall plugs. They have an outdoor area as well if you don’t want the AC that faces the street.
Given that the cafe is spacious and large, it is never too crowded so you always have a seat available without feeling like you’re intruding too much. It also helps that this cafe is in the city center where most customers are office workers looking to takeaway their morning brew.
Neighborhood: CBD
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Medium
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 138 Cecil St, #01-02 Cecil Court, Singapore 069538
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 9:00am – 4:00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
| Tuesday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
| Thursday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
| Friday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
Homeground Coffee Roasters
Homeground is a beautiful and spacious cafe in the heart of Duxton Hill in the CBD. This cafe has a beautiful spacious Nordic style interior with plenty of tables and couches to lounge on. The coffee is brewed on site with an extensive list of amazing offerings at a very reasonable Singapore price.
Homeground doubles as a restaurant with an extensive food menu so I would avoid the cafe during the peak lunch hours unless you’re planning to eat. I would specifically avoid working here from noon until 2pm. If you do decide to come here, make sure all your electronics are properly charged as there are no wall ports anywhere. I think they specifically removed the wall plugs to discourage people from working in their cafe. The noise level here is quite loud however so if you need to take calls, this wouldn’t be suitable for you anyhow.
Neighborhood: CBD
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Loud
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 15 Teo Hong Rd, Singapore 088328
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
| Sunday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
| Monday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
| Friday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
Plain Vanilla Tiong Bahru
Plain Vanilla is a great cafe with great food that operates in multiple locations within Singapore. I’ve only been to their locations in the CBD, Tiong Bahru, and Joo Chiat but I prefer the one in Tiong Bahru the most. The location is still close to the CBD so I bike there easily but it’s not as crowded as the location in Telok Ayer (CBD).
Plain Vanilla reminds me of a Bali style cafe with beautiful rattan and a Scandinavian style interior. The space is not that big but there are always enough seats in the outdoor covered section of the cafe which enjoys a nice breeze. The coffee and food at Plain Vanilla always hits the spot with prices in line with the other cafes in Singapore. Plain Vanilla also has a lot of baked goods which look amazing but don’t go well with the gym life in Singapore.
Finally, I love the hours of Plain Vanilla. It opens super early at 7:30am for the early birds and closes at 7pm which is great for those that need an extra few hours in the afternoon to get their work done.
Neighborhood: Tiong Bahru
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Medium
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 1D Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Monday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
The Book Cafe
The Book Cafe is a charming and cozy cafe nestled along Martin Road. As the name suggests, this cafe offers more than just a place to enjoy food and beverages; it boasts an extensive collection of books that patrons can browse while sipping on their drinks. It’s a unique and inviting space that combines the pleasures of reading with the comfort of a cafe setting.
The cafe’s ambiance is warm, relaxed, and inviting, making it an excellent spot for those seeking a peaceful place to work or study. The interior is designed with wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and comfortable seating arrangements, creating a homely atmosphere that encourages patrons to settle in and stay for a while. The shelves lined with books add a touch of intellectual charm, making it a popular choice for book lovers and students alike.
There’s ample seating at the book cafe and generally the staff are pretty accommodating to people with laptops. Grab a coffee, take in the sights around you, and get your work done!
Neighborhood: River Valley / Robertson Quay
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Medium
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 20 Martin Rd, #01-02 Seng Kee Building, Singapore 239070
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Monday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
Botany Robertson Quay
For those living in the River Valley / Robertson Quay area, this is definitely your best option for a cafe to work. While Botany is very much a restaurant that specializes in high quality brunch style food, they just happen to have a beautifulopen space (indoor and outdoor) that’s also perfect for doing work.
The interior of Botany is spacious and beautiful decorated with tropical vibes. Hanging plants are the theme of this place as you can see walls and chandeliers affixed with plenty of them. As this is a restsaurant, you can grab coffee during the day and even switch it up to a glass of wine later in the day. There is a small lunch rush so be mindful of others space while you’re working here. This place also turns into a more social drinking environment during the nights so make sure to get your work done by 5pm.
Neighborhood: River Valley / Robertson Quay
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Medium
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 86 Robertson Quay, #01-03 Next to M Social Hotel, Singapore 238245
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 8:30 am–10pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–10 pm |
| Monday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–10 pm |
Kōhī Roastery & Coffee Bar UIC
Kohi Roastery is a newer cafe in the heart of CBD. It’s located in one of the many towers housing various firms for people doing more traditional work. I love this cafe for its large open air space with huge ceilings and large glass windows. It feels spacious and inviting with plenty of tables to sit at. It shares the lobby with the building itself but there’s never a huge crowd sitting down as most people grab the coffee to go.
There isn’t much of a vibe at this cafe but I love the open space and the relative quiet of the cafe. Given that it is in a more corporate environment, no one will disturb you and your laptop at all. Coffee is also fantastic as they started from humble origins with a window counter in Joo Chiat.
Neighborhood: CBD
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Low
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 5 Shenton Way, #01-01, Singapore 068808
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6pm |
Oriole Coffee and Bar
Huggs Collective
Huggs cafe is another beautiful CBD cafe located right across from the Guoco tower. It’s central location is perfect for those that live in and around the CBD looking for a place to grab a coffee and work. Huggs has numerous locations around the city but their CBD outpost next to the Guoco tower is the most central for me.
Huggs actually doubles as a co-working space with private booths that you can pay to rent. There is also communal tables inside and outside that you can use to get work done. The coffee here is great and their food looked tasty as well. I would avoid coming here around lunch because it attracts a solid amount of business lunch goers. There aren’t many plugs in this location unfortunately so that is the one downside.
Neighborhood: CBD
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Louder
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 30 Maxwell Rd, #01-03, Singapore 069114
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
Carrotsticks @ Stanley
Carrotsticks is a mainstay in Singapore with numerous locations serving Aussie style brunch. The location in the CBD on the corner of Stanley and Telok Ayer is one of my favorites. The cafe offers a spacious interior that is open air which is hard to find in Singapore. There are a plethora of tables so you’ll always find your spot without feeling like you’re intruding.
Carrotsticks is definitely a cafe and restaurant combo. As it is in the CBD, it sees a lunchtime rush which might make the seating tight. The better option might be to come here in the mornings when they open at 8 and finish up around lunch time. As you are in the CBD, there are a plethora of lunch options nearby if you aren’t in the mood for upscale brunch food.
Neighborhood: Tanjong Pagar / CBD
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Low
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 5 Stanley St, #01-01, Singapore 068724
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
Grids and Circles Coffee bar
Grids and Circles is one of the mainstay work cafes in Singapore. It’s on every list and it’s not hard to see why. The cafe is in an old school shophouse like building with 3 floors of cafe goodness. The bottom floor is the cafe itself where you’ll order your coffee before venturing to the floors above which is equipped with tables and benches. There’s usually plenty of space at this cafe with plugs everywhere for you to get work done.
I thought the cafe was a bit compact as it is in a shophouse and the tables remind me too much of a library than a cafe. Nevertheless, the decor is done beautifully and there are laptops everywhere for a reason.
For The People Cafe
For The People is one of the most beautiful cafes in Singapore. The space reminds me of an ikea showroom meets coworking space. As soon as you enter, you know that this place is the spot for you to unwind and get some work done. There are plenty of communal tables, corner tables, and bar style seating depending on what you’re looking for.
There are 60 seats at this cafe and I’ve rarely seen it completely full so you never feel like you’re intruding on others. The cafe itself is fantastic with top notch coffee and insanely delicious food. The cajun chicken burger is to die for and I can highly recommend the waffles.
You can tell this is a coworking style spot just from the way things are organized. Plugs accompany every little space and laptops are in full display everywhere. As you’d expect, this doesn’t come free and you’re expected to spend at least $20 if you’re staying for more than 2 hours. If you’re planning to stay here the whole day, I would grab your coffee and your lunch which will easily eclipse the $20 mark!
Neighborhood: Orchard
Coffee Rating: Great
Noise Level: Medium
Wifi Speeds: Super Fast
Location: 181 Orchard Rd, #04-22 Orchard Central Singapore 238896
Hours of Operation:
| Saturday | 11 am–10pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–10pm |
| Monday | 11 am–10pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–10pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–10pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–10pm |
| Friday | 11 am–10pm |
