7 Quirky Cafes in Berlin for Creatives

Written by Lizzie

Lizzie is a professional business and marketing writer who quit her job back in 2014 to move to Spain and become a freelancer. She's now back in the UK and writing for a roster of clients she absolutely loves as well as running Wanderful World, a site that helps new freelancers set the foundations for a lucrative and long-term career.

August 4, 2015

quirky cafes in Berlin

There’s usually two main reasons for drinking coffee in Berlin. You’ve either been out all night enjoying the non-stop party scene and you need a little something to kick start your day, or you’re looking for a space to set up camp and crack on with some work.

During my time strolling the streets of Berlin I saw hundreds of awesome cafes, from cosy traditional affairs with low-ceilings and low-lights to huge glass-fronted drinking holes with plenty of people watching opportunities. Whilst I didn’t get to enjoy as many of the city’s cafes as I would have liked, I’ve done a little research since in order to bring you guys some of the best cafes in Berlin for refuelling and getting some work done.

I’ve covered some of the major caffeine spots in Europe on the blog before, but I’m honing things down this time. Let’s get specific! I know a lot of you are interested in Berlin as a freelancing destination as well as looking forward to visiting it for its arty scene, so I’m hoping this cool list of cafes will add a little oomph to your trip.

St Oberholz

Best cafes in Berlin

Rosenthaler Str. 72A, 10119 Berlin

This isn’t just your average café. Oh no. St Oberholz is one of the best co-working spaces in Berlin, and it just so happens that it serves fantastic coffee, too. As well as offering a great space with good WiFi, it also holds regular creative events for freelancers and coffee lovers alike. Not only can you grab a good cup of Joe but you can also meet like-minded creatives who hang out here all day.

Five Elephant

Best cafes in Berlin

Reichenberger Str. 101, 10999 Berlin

Coffee from all over the world and a heavy emphasis on travel? What’s not to like about Five Elephant?! Perhaps the best thing about this bright and airy offering is its selection of homemade pastries and baked goods – I mean, it’s totally okay to gorge on cheesecake all day, right?

It’s the perfect space to get your inspiration on, too, with high walls plastered in world maps and a spacious interior filled with all the best kinds of people. Coffee connoisseurs will not be disappointed either, as Five Elephant sources its beans from every corner of the globe, which you can sample at their regular Friday tasting sessions.

Zeit Fuer Brot

Best cafes in Berlin

Alte Schönhauser Str. 4, 10119 Berlin

Whilst we’re still on the subject of delicious cakes, let’s talk about Zeit Fuer Brot. Brace yourself for pastry heaven in this stylish little café that’s overflowing with glossy cinnamon buns (apparently some of the best in Berlin), homemade deli sandwiches, and a whole host of mouth-watering treats. If you’re looking for more than the food though, Zeit Fuer Brot keeps on giving. With its cosy atmosphere, rustic décor, and its seemingly endless variety of coffee, it’s the perfect place to hole up and get on with some work.

Café CK

Best cafes in Berlin

Marienburger Str. 49, 10405 Berlin, Germany

On the hunt for good WiFi? Who isn’t?! Café CK is a popular hangout for online professionals who fancy a lazy afternoon. It’s comfy outside area is perfect for soaking up any glimpse of sun, whilst its huge selection of coffee will keep your brain on track all day. The stylish interior makes for some great surroundings, too, and there are regularly contemporary art exhibitions plastered all over the walls.

Distrikt Coffee

Best cafes in Berlin

Bergstraße 68, 10115 Berlin

For a hearty dose of vintage flair, pull up a chair in Distrikt Coffee which boasts high ceilings, old-fashioned archways and a rustic décor. As well as serving up a fine selection of coffee from all over the world, Distrikt often holds courses (mainly of the coffee variety), and it’s menu is difficult to beat on the Berlin café scene. From the cosy arms of the arched interior to the extensive menu and the potential for all-day people watching (a.k.a. real life inspiration), Distrikt seemingly has it all.

Bonanza

Best cafes in Berlin

Oderberger Str. 35, 10435 Berlin

Bonanza is a writer’s dream. Whitewashed walls instil a serene sort of calm, and the minimalist, rustic design oozes your typical writer-y swagger. Its spacious interior means there’s plenty of places to set up shop, and the hodgepodge design keeps things interesting when you hit a creative block. What’s more, Bonanza is well and truly dedicated to serving up the best coffee in Berlin. Working together with its customers, it sources beans from all over the world to ensure its creative clientele are refuelled in the right way.

Westberlin

Best cafes in Berlin

Friedrichstrasse 215,10969 Berlin

If you’re hankering to be at the centre of it all but still need to get your head down and finish that piece/design/whatever, head to westberlin, a modern café that’s parked right on the popular stretch of Friedrichstrasse. Its stylish interior is the perfect backdrop for creative endeavours and, as it’s located in the heart of Berlin, there’ll be plenty of interesting sights to keep you busy throughout the afternoon.

Have you been to any of these? What best cafes in Berlin would you add to this list?!

4 Comments

  1. Camille

    Ha, I’m about to go to Berlin again and I just printed out this post to take with me! Last time I also came across a bookshop-cafe with wifi and homemade bagels in Friedrichshain – loved it!
    Camille recently posted…Sigulda, Europe’s Undiscovered Adventure PlaygroundMy Profile

    • Lizzie

      That sounds amazing! Bookshop-cafes are my favourite 😀 Hope you have a great time Camille!

  2. Catherine

    NICE! I have not been drawn to the digital nomad lifestyle so far in my freelance journey, but this post is making me itch to take my laptop to Berlin… 😀

    • Lizzie

      I LOVE Berlin! It’s literally made for people who want the digital nomad lifestyle 🙂

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