September in Milan: time to start again.

Freelancers, remote workers, students and creatives are all looking for spaces where they can work, study, grab a coffee and, ideally, network. Places where the boundaries between studio, office, lunch break and collaboration blur into one shared environment—pleasant, stimulating and affordable. Remote work is no longer an improvised solution: to avoid having a call coming in while you are in a library, or running out of hotspot data on a park bench, what’s needed is a reliable map of spaces.

It is not true that working from a café means getting distracted. Choosing a place that becomes part of one’s daily routine—both in the neighbourhood and in professional life—means looking beyond the obvious: not only the comfort of the workstation, sockets, Wi-Fi, accessibility and price, or the quality of food and coffee, but also the acoustics, visual distractions, background music, outdoor seating, areas for private calls, weekend and evening opening hours and, not least, the temperature and human ecosystem of regulars.

The future of work will remain hybrid. Cafés, coffee shops and venues have become more accommodating, realising that workers are an opportunity rather than a nuisance. Perhaps we are moving beyond Italy’s culture of the quick espresso at the counter and the caricature of the “time-waster” who sits for hours: instead, a new idea of permanence is taking shape. Places “to stay,” where work becomes part of everyday public and private life.

Milan has little tolerance for productivity deficit and a natural tendency to optimise time, focus and space. Structurally smart, with almost one agile worker out of six, the city has adapted to the needs of remote work, particularly buzzing on Fridays, Thursdays and Mondays. A Central European Milan, shaped by cultural cross-pollinations from across the continent, runs—sometimes struggles—to keep pace with its counterparts London, Berlin and Paris, already more structured in integrating the transformation of work, attracting a population of “passing” citizens as much as long-term Milanese.

Remote work is both a cultural and urban transformation: timetables and habits change, and with them the city’s rhythms, consumption patterns and transport flows. Hybrid work means spending less time commuting—by metro, train or car—valuing flexible schedules and the quality of time spent balancing private life and professional life.

In Milan, new urban oases are slowly taking shape: liveable areas frequented by hybrid workers who move according to a logic of proximity, looking for welcoming spaces and authentic connections within their neighbourhoods.

From historic cafés and long-standing bars with daily or monthly rates to new creative hubs, free-access venues with a drink, museums and bookshops, here is a map of Milan’s best spots and quiet refuges for hybrid work.

Rab Questo Non È Un Bar
Corso San Gottardo, 41

Run by a social cooperative, Rab is a cosy literary café in the San Gottardo–Meda district, a safe bet for peaceful hours of work or study, reading, crochet or board games, with the comforting feeling of being at home. Pro: free for remote workers. Con: the music can be a bit loud. Closed on Sundays.

Long Song Books & Café
Via Antonio Stoppani, 11

A bookshop-café in Porta Venezia, Long Song is a quiet, authentic corner, tucked away from the busy neighbourhood. Ideal for a late-afternoon work session with free Wi-Fi and sockets, surrounded by walls of books and a solid selection of pastries (including vegan) and craft beers, to be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area. Mind the limited opening hours.

Gogol & Company
Via Savona, 101

An established institution since 2010, this independent bookshop remains a reference point and social hub in Via Savona—not only for remote workers and students but also as a genuine cultural venue. With a literary café, coworking options, events and a carefully curated selection of small publishers, it invites prolonged stays. Warm interiors, wooden tables inside and out, free Wi-Fi and power sockets make it a classic stop.

Nodo Bar
Via Marco Aurelio, 8

Nodo is a cool, hybrid bar-à-manger popular with the music scene and Nolo locals. With its large windows and minimal interiors, it is the neighbourhood’s go-to for a laid-back work session, affordable prices and live events once the laptops are closed.

SISU.
Via Gaudenzio Ferrari, 1

A recent opening near Porta Genova, SISU is a Nordic-style venue, perfect for international-style brunches, with carefully designed interiors and plenty of natural light. Recommended for meetings, encounters or early risers in need of a quiet, inspiring spot. Expect crowds over the weekend.

Combo
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 83

A sure bet, Combo is a hostel chain whose Milan outpost sits in Baden-Powell Park, along the Naviglio Grande, in a former squat building redeveloped in 2015. Combo is a welcoming place with a beautiful courtyard shaded by trees, plenty of tables and sockets for laptops. It offers affordable daily or half-day packages, hourly Wi-Fi until 6 p.m., and several quiet workrooms and tables in an atmosphere designed for sharing and creative inspiration. Open until late, it also hosts events, talks and performances. Perfect for freelancers, students and professionals looking for more than an occasional desk.

BASE
Via Ambrogio Bergognone da Fossano, 34

BASE, the well-known cultural hub in the Tortona district, is another ideal spot for working afternoons. Its 12,000 square metres of industrial-design space include a bar, free coworking areas, artist residencies and exhibition halls. The environment is vibrant and flexible, a project house always buzzing with its loyal network of creatives and freelancers. Excellent for networking in the common spaces, and perfect to enjoy the evening in the large courtyard.

Natural Coworking at Ristoro Vegano
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 77

Natural light and large shared tables make this coworking with terrace overlooking Baden-Powell Park, just off the Naviglio Grande, an attractive spot inside a leafy courtyard. Membership prices are fair, reservations are required from Tuesday to Friday, and vegan snacks are available for lunch breaks.

Cafè Gorille
Via Gaetano de Castillia, 20

Set in a charming 19th-century casa di ringhiera just beneath the Bosco Verticale and facing the Biblioteca degli Alberi park, Cafè Gorille is an Italo-French bistro designed as a homely place to meet, work (at competitive prices), drink and eat. With exposed brick walls and plenty of wood, it is recommended for those seeking an informal desk in an elegant setting.

Ca'puccino
Piazza Armando Diaz, 5

For those needing a smart workstation between appointments in the very city centre, Ca’puccino is the perfect café for a productive pit stop. Spacious tables, well-organised interiors and discreet privacy even during peak hours make it a reliable choice. With a mixed clientele of students and professionals on the move, it is well-suited for focus sessions or quiet calls.

Folà
Via Luigi Varanini, 12

Folà is the neighbourhood café everyone in Nolo knows. Tiny in size but cosy, it is the perfect spot for a short stop—two emails, a coffee and a vegan pastry. The music is soft, the vibe is easy-going.

Ostello Bello
Via Medici 3
Via Roberto Lepetit 33

With two Milanese branches, in Ticinese and near Centrale, Ostello Bello is not just for backpackers but also a great place for informal work. Warm and lively interiors, furnished courtyards and an international atmosphere make it anything but a silent coworking space—and that’s the charm. Work here without pressure, surrounded by energy and people from all over the world.

O|NEST
Via Gerolamo Turroni 2

In the Piazzale Susa/Corso XXII Marzo area, O|NEST offers a quiet space with a lovely garden (and an interesting wine selection) and a relaxed, well-curated atmosphere. Reservation recommended.

Colibrì
Via Laghetto, 9/11

A well-known literary café in the centre, steps away from the Università Statale, Colibrì is beloved by students, freelancers and silent readers alike. There are no bookable desks or fees, but the warm environment, books everywhere, soft music and one of the area’s most beautiful courtyards make it an inviting place. Mind the aperitivo rush.

Lapsus Coffee Bookstore
Via Giuseppe Meda, 38

An independent bookshop and café in the Navigli area, Lapsus is the neighbourhood’s retreat, away from the buzz. It offers a calm, warm and inspiring environment, with a few outdoor tables for reading or working, and a good vegan and vegetarian selection for lunch breaks.

Pavé
Multiple locations

With several locations around Porta Venezia, Pavé—famous for its brioches and bread—has also become a reference point for smart working in Milan. Minimal yet welcoming interiors make it a good place to pause, get organised and stay connected for a few hours.

Upcycle Milano Bike Cafe (Avanzi Coworking space)
Via Andrea Maria Ampère, 59

A bike café and bistro in the Loreto neighbourhood, Upcycle is ideal for sports talk and productive afternoons in the large, bright spaces of Avanzi Coworking, right next door. Always busy, it is appreciated for its friendly community and creative atmosphere. Long shared tables encourage informal work sessions, with stable Wi-Fi, good coffee and unlimited water refills with a minimum drink. For longer stays, its Nordic-inspired kitchen is worth a try.

Lab Cafe
Via Luigi Scrosati, 9

In the heart of Giambellino-Lorenteggio, Lab Cafè is a relaxing spot to work over a cappuccino and cake, embodying the spirit of the neighbourhood. Cosily decorated with wood, plants and a small shaded outdoor space, it attracts students, freelancers and families alike. A free alternative coworking space that one easily grows attached to.

Egalitè
Via Melzo, 22

Though it may look a little sober and unassuming at first glance, Egalitè in Porta Venezia is a solid Parisian-style bakery café worth a stop. Spacious and welcoming, with plenty of tables and Wi-Fi, it is great for a morning laptop session—though it can get noisy later in the afternoon. Nothing pretentious, but it works.

Starbucks
Multiple locations

No introduction needed: the American giant remains a reliable option for those needing a quick Wi-Fi connection and a few hours of work. Among its various Milanese stores, the Cordusio location—set in the former post office, redesigned in a neoclassical-industrial style—is perfect for short work sessions in a highly functional part of town.

Fuorimano OTBP
Via Roberto Cozzi, 3

Housed in a former 1950s Pirelli warehouse and later an auto repair shop, Fuorimano OTBP is a Bicocca venue off the beaten track—and that is precisely what makes it interesting. The architectural concept preserves reclaimed furniture and a workshop-like mood, with plants both inside and in the courtyard, bookshelves and board games. The creative, laid-back atmosphere makes it worth the trip. Perfect for long work sessions, ideally a bit “off route.”

Farini
Corso di Porta Ticinese, 53

A bakery-café on busy Corso Ticinese, Farini is not a coworking space per se, but it earns a mention for its cleanliness, food offering and prime location. Shared tables and an informal atmosphere make it a good base for short stops, sending a couple of emails from the outdoor terrace with a view of the Colonne di San Lorenzo.

YellowSquare Milan
Via Serviliano Lattuada, 14

In Porta Romana, not far from Teatro Franco Parenti, YellowSquare is a stylish hostel with several 24/7 common areas designed for remote work—free of charge. Vibrant, international and well-frequented by travellers and freelancers, it offers a light and friendly environment for working breaks.

Triennale Milano – Restaurant and Garden
Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6

Inside the historic Palazzo dell’Arte, at the heart of Parco Sempione, Triennale’s restaurant and garden are wonderful spots for quiet focus, as well as for visiting exhibitions, the bookshop or evening events and performances. With free Wi-Fi and lockers for bags, Triennale is a go-to not only for those drawn to Italian design, architecture and contemporary art.

Officina Design Café - ADI Design Museum
P.za Compasso d'Oro, 1

Another excellent stop if you want to work surrounded by art, design and a curated bookshop, the Design Café at ADI Design Museum is for you. The museum, in the Sarpi district, is one of Europe’s largest dedicated to design, housed in a 1930s industrial building now converted into a cultural hub that preserves the prestigious Compasso d’Oro Historical Collection. The café’s tables welcome remote workers and readers every day.

Fondazione Prada - Sala Studio
L.go Isarco, 2

Tucked away and little known, the Reading Room at Fondazione Prada, on the first floor of the Biblioteca building past the entrance, is open to all without a ticket. Designed for reading and study, it offers sockets, Wi-Fi and zero distractions until 7 p.m. Ideal for long solo sessions, with the option of finishing with a coffee at Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson.

Feltrinelli - Study Room and Bar 
Viale Pasubio, 11

Fondazione Feltrinelli—by Herzog & de Meuron in Porta Volta—is a landmark for culture and research. On its top floor sits a precious public Reading Room with wide windows, desks with sockets and plenty of silent workstations, perfect for consulting books or working on a laptop for free. For a break, simply head down to RED Café on the ground floor. Remember to book, register online and check opening times.

Sormani Library
C.so di Porta Vittoria, 6

The city’s main public library, Sormani is housed in the elegant 18th-century Palazzo Della Porta, transformed into a library in 1956. Its historic interiors and reading rooms preserve Lombard Baroque austerity and wooden panelling, attracting students, freelancers and researchers alike. Sormani holds a rich collection of rare texts, out-of-print volumes and special archives, plus a curated magazine section and a dedicated vinyl listening station. The library also runs continuous cultural programming with exhibitions, talks and book presentations.

Simplon Park Library
Viale Miguel de Cervantes, 20121

Nestled in the quiet of Parco Sempione, this historic Milan library has been a favourite spot for generations of students and readers. Designed by Ico Parisi for the 10th Triennale in the 1950s and recently refurbished by Alterstudio, it is a bright open space open six days a week, perfect for freelancers or casual students. It also hosts events, presentations and cultural programmes.

The Seed Milan
Viale Monte Nero, 78

A newly opened coworking café in Cinque Giornate, The Seed Milano is the natural continuation of The Garden, a yoga and wellness centre. Already frequented by an informal, international community, the venue is airy, with shared wooden tables and a healthy menu of smoothies, matcha and light lunches in a relaxed, detox atmosphere. The bar and coworking area are located downstairs, with half-day or full-day packages, free refills of water and coffee, open daily until 6 p.m.

Flora et Labora
Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 20

Along the Naviglio Pavese, this small and charming café doubles as a botanical workshop. LGBTQ+ friendly and with a strong vegan offering, Flora et Labora combines artisanal craft with workshops and activities, while also setting aside its space for coworking. Affordable packages and a peaceful vibe make it a quiet retreat from the bustle of the neighborhood—perfect for longer sessions.

21 House of Stories - Hotel and Coworking
Via Ascanio Sforza, 7
Via Enrico Nöe, 24

With two locations, in Città Studi (3 stars) and along the Navigli (4 stars), this contemporary hotel concept offers well-designed spaces for travelers, but also highly practical ones for working (paid) and studying (free). The Navigli branch, overlooking the canal, stands out with its communal areas integrated into the bar, bistro, and outdoor courtyard. Strong Wi-Fi and a warm social energy make it a welcoming spot for remote work.

oTTo
Via Paolo Sarpi, 8

A well-known gem in the heart of Chinatown, oTTo is a staple in any list of “out of office” places in Milan. Quiet and relaxed during the week (less so on weekends), it’s ideal for focused creative flow or meeting new people. Packages are available for half-day or full-day sessions with lunch included. A place where you’ll want to linger.

Open by Joivy
Viale Monte Nero, 6

For those seeking a reliable and professional setting, Open, just steps from Porta Romana, is a solid choice. Its café space and functional tables work well for solo tasks, team meetings, or even conferences. The atmosphere is modern and well-curated, with good acoustics and an expansive upstairs terrace for lunch or aperitivo. From Monday to Friday, Open offers day, hourly, or monthly passes, plus video-call booths and a range of included services.

DOPO?
Via Carlo Boncompagni, 51/10

In Corvetto, DOPO? has long been a radical institution: part coworking among friends, part cultural and music venue, and part residency for artists, architects, and designers. Its approach challenges traditional notions of work, rethinking it as a collective and relational practice rather than a competitive, individualistic one. If you’re looking for a place for cultural projects or simply a desk with a difference, get in touch with the team.

Talent Garden Calabiana
Via Arcivescovo Calabiana, 6

Talent Garden is an international community that, in its own words, aims to “help people and businesses grow in the digital world through opportunities for learning and networking.” Its two Milanese campuses host a lively ecosystem of professionals, with flexible packages ranging from hot desks and meeting rooms to events, a café, and relaxation areas. A strong choice for startups, tech companies, and creative professionals seeking an international network.

YoRoom Coworking & Office
Via Pastrengo, 14

Located in the Isola/Garibaldi district, YoRoom spans 2,500 square meters with flexible and dedicated desks, private offices, meeting rooms, and a large event area. A strong community to join if you’re seeking a flexible and contemporary work environment.

Copernico Milano Centrale
Via Copernico, 38

A contemporary loft just outside Milan's Central Station, Copernico is a large hub designed to be an ecosystem for flexible and efficient work, with several solutions for quality smart working.