Best Cafés to Work in Istanbul: Where to hang remotely in İstanbul
Finding balance between work and mental space can be tricky when you live in Istanbul. As a busy expat or freelancer, you’ve probably felt the challenge: constant movement, endless noise, and a fast rhythm that makes it hard to stay focused.
Yet, the city hides its quiet side — cafés where you can open your MacBook, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and feel grounded again.
These are places where productivity meets calm, carefully chosen from my own routine as an English speaking psychologist in Istanbul.
I should mention that most of these recommendations are on the European side, since that’s where I’ve been living and working for quite some time.
Later, I’ll also share a few suggestions from my friend Dersim, an artist and illustrator who has been living and working on the Asian side of Istanbul for years.
Best Cafés to Work in Istanbul: Where to hang remotely in İstanbul
Minoa – Beşiktaş
Hidden in a quiet corner of Akaretler, Minoa combines the spirit of a café, bookstore, and creative workspace. You’ll find English books, unique design objects, and high-quality coffee — a rare mix in the heart of Beşiktaş.
It’s perfect for expats looking for remote working cafés in Istanbul that feel both cultural and calm. There are also branches in Pera and Etiler, each offering the same balance of comfort and inspiration.
Yan Dükkan – Teşvikiye
Tucked away on a charming street in Teşvikiye, Yan Dükkan is small but full of life. It serves breakfast, desserts, and carefully brewed coffee. The atmosphere is calm yet subtly creative — you’ll feel the energy of people working, sketching, and thinking around you.
It’s one of those best cafés to work in Istanbul where productivity flows naturally, especially on quiet weekday mornings.
Cafe 21 – Cihangir
Warm, local, and unpretentious, Cafe 21 captures the essence of Cihangir’s creative neighborhood spirit. If you go before sunset, you can comfortably work on your laptop with a coffee or drink.
After dark, the vibe changes — music gets louder, the lights dim, and the place transforms into a lively bar.
It’s perfect if you’re an Istanbul psychologist or remote worker who enjoys blending focus with a bit of evening energy.
9 Kahve – Cihangir
In the heart of Cihangir, 9 Kahve is both my neighbor and my favorite. It’s a simple, friendly café where you’ll often see people working quietly on their laptops.
The coffee is consistently good, the staff are warm, and the atmosphere stays relaxed throughout the day.
If you visit before sunset, you’ll catch its calmest hours — ideal for writing, planning sessions, or simply taking a mindful break between clients.
From Dersim — Creative Corners on the Asian Side
My friend Dersim, an artist and illustrator who has been living and working on the Asian side of Istanbul for a long time, shared two of his favorite spots for focus and creativity.
Both are worth crossing the bridge for — especially if you’re seeking a slower, more grounded rhythm.
1. Moda İskelesi
Right by the sea, Moda İskelesi offers wide tables, natural light, and a sea breeze that clears your head. It’s ideal for sketching, reading, or unwinding after a long day. The view alone is therapy.
2. AltKat Kafe – Moda
Below street level, AltKat has a creative and intimate energy. Local artists often gather here to work or talk about projects.
It’s one of those rare remote working cafés that feels both personal and inspiring — a place to recharge without rushing.
Final Reflection
Whether you live on the European or Asian side, finding the right environment matters — especially when your work depends on focus, empathy, or creativity.
These spaces remind me that mental clarity often starts with physical comfort: light, sound, and the right kind of calm.
If you’re an expat seeking balance, or simply looking for a therapist who understands both sides of Istanbul life, I offer online sessions as an English speaking psychologist in Istanbul — helping professionals and creatives find stability in a city that never stops moving.