Best places for DIGITAL NOMADS in STOCKHOLM

Finding free WIFI in Stockholm is certainly not a hard task. This is the Capital of Scandinavia, for Christ’s sake! So finding a good place to work from in Sweden’s main city is not about the connectivity. It’s more about sitting down in a pleasant and inspiring spot. Also, it’s good to get out of the house or hotel room, to be able to disconnect work from private life. It’s even about getting to know local freelancers and entrepreneurs – and ultimately, that’s what co-working spaces are for.

I experienced Stockholm as a digital nomad during July and August. During the summer months, the city is not as active as throughout the rest of the year. People around here seem to take holiday time very seriously! A sunny day is enough to see the number of people who would normally show up at a given co-working space suddenly decline. It makes sense! There is plenty of time to be productive during the long, cold winter that invites you to stay indoors.

If you are a remote worker looking for good spots to get work done in Stockholm, these suggestions are for you!

 

These are the best places for Digital Nomads in Stockholm:

 

Co-working Spaces in Stockholm

A quick Google search will show you that there is a large number of co-working spaces in Sweden’s capital city. In fact, Stockholm is often referred to as “the start-up capital of Europe”. Apparently, Stockholm comes second right after Silicon Valley regarding the number of people involved in the tech business. I guess that explains the number of sports and luxury cars roaming around the city. And, of course, it also justifies the existence of plenty of co-working offices and incubators in Stockholm.

There are indeed many co-working spaces in Stockholm, and some are even industry specific. I have read about spaces entirely dedicated to musicians or healthcare professionals. But most of the other spaces for all kinds of professionals, aren’t always open to digital nomads passing by, instead requiring a minimum commitment of one or more months.

These are the best co-working spaces in Stockholm, that offer daily passes with no strings attached:

 

Impact Hub

Just like the other Impact Hub joints across the world, this space is mainly dedicated to social entrepreneurs. Still, the team did mention that everyone is welcome, independently of the nature of their work. Even though most people are local professionals, Impact Hub Stockholm does get a fair share of digital nomad visitors.

Impact Hub offices in Stockholm are very central and easy to get to. The open space houses a variety of seating possibilities. The options range from high desks where people work standing up or with high rise adjustable chairs (some with arm rests, some without) to lower tables with couches and even loungers for those who like to stretch their legs while working. Personally, I find lower desks with adjustable office chairs a more comfortable option than the higher tables.

There are also several phone booths for extra privacy during calls. And if you’d rather work in a quieter environment, there is a silent area separate from the main open space. There’s also a small outdoor balcony, where you could soak up some sun on those days Stockholm allows you to do so, or simply take a break for a cup of coffee or a smoke.

The lighting is adequate, with ceiling lights being reinforced by individual flex lights on each desk. Access to plug points is no issue at all, as there are plenty near each seat.

The atmosphere is relaxed. There is a little background music and you can feel there are good vibes among residents. The kitchen is part of the open space, with a small divider in between. The rate includes fresh fruit, tea and coffee, made in the most professional coffee station I have come across in a co-working space. The bathroom facilities are also appropriate and clean, and include a shower.

The internet is speedy. The atmosphere is good. And you may try the space for one day without having to pay the fee, as long as you get in touch via their website in advance. I’d say: go and judge for yourself!

Where: Riddargatan 17D, 3tr, Stockholm
Timings: Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5 PM
Prices: 150 SEK / day (aprox. USD 18)
Goodies: Free coffee, tea and fruit.
More info: stockholm.impacthub.net

 

The Castle

The team who runs The Castle in Stockholm seems to have a thing for quirky spaces. Before they took over this multi-floor space in historical Gamla Stan, they used to run a co-working space inside an old Church.

Being in Gamla Stan, in front of the Royal Palace, means that you get to see the Royal forces marching right outside the window while you work. But the high-end atmosphere isn’t just limited to the outside world. The Castle’s building has stunning architecture and has been decorated in a functional yet cheerful looking way.

The Castle currently hosts around 240 people, working in different industries. Among small companies and freelancers, digital nomads are also welcome to join. Day visits aren’t the most encouraged, but weekly ones are. Even though this is not made clear on their website, you can simply drop an email mentioning you’d like to visit and work from The Castle for a little while. The team is welcoming and eager to have new people in the house, so there are always new opportunities to meet people and exchange experiences.

The seating at The Castle is great. The lower desks are equipped with individual lights, several plug points and an adjustable chair (no arm rest, though) that will ensure everyone gets to sit as they prefer. Other than the working desks, there are different spaces with couches, a royal looking meeting room and a space with musical instruments for people to chill out and jam.

The natural light is plentiful (keep in mind I visited during the Summer, of course) and it’s reinforced with chandeliers that even Marie Antoinette would be delighted with!

If you want to meet people while you’re working at The Castle Stockholm, head to the kitchen and sit down at one of the communal tables with your meal. This space is colorful, and ideal to meet your royal coworkers in an informal setting.

Where: Slottsbacken 8, Stockholm
Timings: Open 24/7, upon request.
Prices: €35 (aprox. 40 USD) per day; €120 (aprox. 135 USD) per week.
Goodies: Free coffee and tea. Access to gym in the building for extra fee (available for longer stays).
More info: thecastle.nu

 

Co-working Cafes in Stockholm

Stockholm has a few hybrids that could be classified as a mix between co-working spaces and cafes. While they are not exactly co-working spaces in the sense that you don’t pay an admission to the space, they are also not regular coffee shops. These are laptop friendly cafes, set up with freelancers and digital nomads in mind. Think: different types of seating, easy access to plug points, etc. You are welcome to sit down, order a cup of coffee or a bite to eat like in any other regular cafe but, instead of just lounging around, also get some work done.

These co-working cafes may also be good spots to get to know local people and other remote workers, avoiding the fees of a regular co-working space pass.

 

Café & Co

I found Café & Co to be one of the best options for those who’d like to work in an informal atmosphere while in Stockholm. And this is because this space includes both paid and non paid options. And, unlike other co-working spaces, it’s also open on Saturdays!

Café & Co is divided between a small co-working space, and a regular looking cafe, which is dedicated to digital nomads and those who work with their laptops. So what exactly is the difference between the cafe and the paid co-working space? They both share the same internet connection, but the ergonomic chairs in the co-working space are a more appropriate and healthy option for those looking to sit here for the whole day. Furthermore, if you pay for the day, you won’t feel like you can’t sit around for hours and hours without having to order something from the cafe.

That being said, the cafe is actually pretty comfortable and, because it’s dedicated to those who work online, it has very good access to plug points. The amount of people sitting down with their laptops show that this is no good ‘ol cafe. It’s a place to come and sit around other people like you. And, of course, mingling is encouraged!

There’s a special treatment on the walls, that prevents noise from carrying. This way, the space feels buzzing and happening, without being overly loud or distracting. And for those with access to the actual co-working area, there is an open booth that cancels the outside noise way more than its looks give it credit for.

Café & Co has a very interesting price structure. Apart from offering half day and full day passes, they also have an option for full day pass that includes both breakfast and lunch. In that case, breakfast consist of fresh juice, a sandwich and coffee. And, for lunch, you may order any of the specials on the board, which normally include wraps, hot sandwiches and salads. Considering that co-working spaces in Stockholm are far from cheap, this seems to be a pretty good value option.

I enjoyed Café & Co and the area where it’s at – not touristic at all, with a real Stockholm feel to it. For those who’d rather stick to a more central location, you’d be happy to know that the team is working on a new space in a more central location… coming up soon!

Where: Hornsgatan 47, Stockholm
Timings: Monday to Friday, 8AM to 6PM. Saturday from 11AM to 5 PM.
Prices: 100 SEK (aprox. 12 USD) for half day. 200 SEK for full day. 300 SEK for full day, including breakfast and lunch. Co-working space includes free tea and coffee. If you sit at the cafe, coffee starts at 25 SEK (aprox. 3USD).
More info: cafeco.se
 

Start-Up Cafe by SUP46

I think Start-up Cafe by SUP46 is a mighty fine space to work from in Stockholm! In fact, it was one of my favorites! And why is that? First of all, because it is free to access. And, secondly, because that doesn’t mean you do not get to enjoy a great space with speedy internet and cool networking possibilities.

SUP46 is a co-working space and incubator for resident companies. Only members can access it. But, right by the entrance, sits Start-up Cafe, the coffee joint for those who work at SUP46 and other freelancers and remote workers who care for a professional kind of space to get their tasks done.

Start-up Cafe is a rather standard looking cafe, but instead of being open to the regular public, it is inside an office building in central Stockholm. The seating options range from regular cafe tables with chairs, to couches by  lower tables. The lighting is good, but there is no individual lighting option on each table.

As you can see on the speed test below, the internet speed is one of Start-up Cafe’s highlights. And so is the possibility of working in a space that feels professional, yet relaxed. Once again, for free.

Where: Regeringsgatan 65, 3f, Stockholm
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8.30AM to 5PM.
Prices: Free access. Coffee starts at 15 SEK (aprox. 1.7 USD)
More info: sup46.com/startup-cafe-sup46

 

I didn’t get to experience Cooffice while I was in Stockholm since they were closed for summer vacations. Offering a mix of co-working space and cafe, it seems to be another option worth checking out for those looking for a space in Sodermalm.

 

Cafes with Free WIFI in Stockholm

Once again, finding a cafe with decent WIFI around Stockholm is not a hard task. The cafes listed here stand out as good spots for digital nomads not only because they offer good free WIFI, but also because they are comfortable and practical from a working point of view. They offer decent seating options, good lighting, easy access to plug points and they are big enough so that you can sit around without feeling pressured to keep on ordering or give your seat to some other customer.

In the northern part of the city you’ll mostly come across chain cafes such as Espresso House, Wayne’s Coffee or Coffeehouse by George. It’s in the southern island of Sodermalm that you’ll be able to get your kicks when it comes to one off, specialty coffee shops.

Overall, these are the most laptop friendly cafes in Stockholm:

 

Espresso House

If you ever feel like having a cup of coffee in Stockholm, and you don’t want to look around too much, chances are you’ll end up at an Espresso House. They are everywhere! Just like Starbucks occupies all the prime corner spots in San Francisco, Espresso House is present in any given street of Stockholm, where a living soul might pass by.

The multiple stores, the free WIFI and the fact that Espresso House has plug points by every single seat by the walls, makes it a preferred cafe for those working online. And because you order at the counter and the spaces tend to be rather large, you can literally order something once and sit around for hours.

Each Espresso House store has something different. They all have a mix of seats including lower chairs, stools, couches and benches. Some of them are quieter, and some can get pretty loud. The lighting isn’t usually too bright, though. The internet speeds vary not only according to the location, but also depending on who’s sharing the network with you in a given moment.

Working from Espresso House is for those days when you just want to sit down and quickly get something done, without having to put too much thought into it.

Where: Many locations across Stockholm. Check website for the nearest option.
Prices: Coffee starts at 23 SEK (aprox. 2.75 USD)
Timings: According to location.
More info: espressohouse.com

 

Wayne’s Coffee

Apart from Espresso House, Wayne’s Coffee is the other most popular local coffee chain in Stockholm. They are both rather Starbucks like – but with better, much stronger coffee! I would say that the main difference between Espresso House and Wayne’s Coffee is the availability of plug points, which is something Espresso House wins at. Other than that, I like the espresso based drinks at Wayne’s more. And I do think that Wayne’s wins overall when it comes to goodies to munch on, particularly because they offer a rather large selection of organic cakes and pastries (look for the “eko fika”).

Either way, as mentioned above, these are coffee shops for when you do not want to think too much about the venue. There’s always good coffee and fairly decent internet. It’s all up to you from then onward!

Where: Many locations across Stockholm. Check website for the nearest option.
Prices: Coffee starts at 25 SEK (aprox. 3 USD)
Timings: According to location.
More info: waynescoffee.com
 

Il Caffe Soder

Il Caffe has a few stores around Stockholm, and the one in Sodermalm seems to be particularly popular with professionals working online. Their space is quite large and it’s divided into different rooms, some bigger some smaller, where people (read: hipsters) sit down with a cup of coffee and something to eat, and work.

For such a busy cafe, the internet at Il Caffe in Soder seems to be pretty reliable! The lighting is also good and there are several plug points you can sit nearby to, to make sure you do not run out of battery. The decoration in lighter tones is very Scandinavian so, while you are sitting here, you will surely feel like you are working in Stockholm.

Over all, Il Caffe Soder is a good option to work from, as long as you thrive in busy environments.

Where: Södermannagatan 23, Stockholm
Prices: Coffee starts at 18 SEK (aprox. 2.10 USD)
Timings: Monday to Friday, 8AM to 8PM. Saturday and Sunday, 9AM to 7PM
More info: ilcaffe.se

Cafe Pascal

At last, a non chain cafe in Stockholm makes it to this list! Just 3 minutes walking from Odenplan, Cafe Pascal is a happy medium sized cafe, that is actually a great option for those seeking something with a little more personality in the area.

While the seating arrangement may not be ideal to keep good posture all day long, it’s a nice spot to work from for some hours. The lighting is good and there are quite a few plug points around. There are individual tables and communal tables if you happen to come by with some friends and some seats outside too, for those [rare] Stockholm days when the weather invites you to go al fresco.

The internet connectivity is good and it’s a happening place, yet not too busy to the point of being distracting.

Where: Norrtullsgatan 4, Stockholm
Prices: Coffee starts at 20 SEK (aprox. 2.4 USD)
Timings: Monday to Thursday, 7AM to 7PM. Friday from 7AM to 6PM. Saturday and Sunday, from 9AM to 6PM.
More info: cafepascal.se

 

There are a couple of cafes in Stockholm that seem to be quite popular with folks working online, but that I didn’t find adequate for a couple of reasons. The first one would be Drop Coffee in Sodermalm. This is a very famous spot as it’s won several awards for their coffee quality. But the internet is not consistent  – the 2nd time I visited, I had several frustrated attempts to join the network. The seating at Drop Coffee is neither comfortable nor healthy, particularly by the windows, where the tables are rather low to sit at for several hours in a row. The other establishment is String Cafe. This place has its charm, I won’t deny it. But it gets too busy to those who need to concentrate on work. And the seats are also not the best to ensure good posture while working. The internet at Sting Cafe is pretty good, though: 32Mb/s download and 10Mb/s upload.

 

Other Free Places for
Digital Nomads in Stockholm

Apart from paid co-working spaces and cafes with free WIFI, there are other places where you could comfortably spend several hours in Stockholm, in order to get some work done.

Here are some suggestions:
 

Hoffice

If you find regular office settings boring and uninspiring, yet enjoy working with other people around you, check out Hoffice’s events. Members of the Hoffice community are welcome to start events which they normally share with the other members via Facebook. The creator of the event chooses the place, which is most commonly someone’s home: home + office = hoffice! The community can RSVP and join to spend the day working together.

But more than a place to work, Hoffice is a method. You won’t be stuck to your laptop all day long during Hoffice days. The idea is to work for periods of 45 minutes and, afterwards, take breaks with different activities. The goal s to create a stimulating environment and, ultimately, if you are happy during working hours, chances are your work will reflect that too.

More info: facebook.com/groups/240395772788705

 

Anti-office/Guerilla Office: Pop Up!

The concept of Anti-office / Guerrilla Office Stockholm is somehow similar to Hoffice. Even though it involves no specific method that divides the time between work and play, it  invites people who do not enjoy the atmosphere of regular working spaces to get together and do it a little differently. If nothing else, you don’t get to work in the same place every day. And, chances are, the faces around you change a lot too. It’s not just for freelancers and remote workers. Those who normally work in a regular office are welcome to join in too when they need a change of scene.

Working venues vary all the time, most regularly including places such as cafes and hotels.

If you are new around Stockholm and would like to meet people while still at work, a day of Anti-office may be in order for you!

More info: facebook.com/groups/antiofficesthlm

 

Public Libraries

There are several governmental biblioteket around Stockholm. Popular ones include Stadsbiblioteket (the City Library) and Kungliga Biblioteket (the Royal Library). While most of them offer pleasant seating areas and internet connectivity, you do need to be a member to at least use the WIFI. Theoretically, you need to be a resident of Sweden to request a library card. But, if you ask nicely, you can get a temporary card giving your Airbnb address, for example, and explaining that you only need it until a certain date.

This option is probably not worth it unless you are staying in Stockholm for at least a month or, who knows, have a particular library fetish.

Where: several locations around Stockholm
Timings: see specific library at the link below
More info: biblioteket.stockholm.se

 

There are so many good places to work from in Stockholm which happen to be free that, unless you want to feel like you belong or you are looking forward to connect to very specific people, I don’t see a reason why you should be paying to access a working space. Start-Up Cafe by SUP46 and Café & Co are great spots which I’d totally recommend in Stockholm.

 

If you’ve experienced other working places in Stockholm,

leave a comment below with your tips!