11 Laptop-Friendly Cafes to Work From in Hong Kong

I wouldn’t call Hong Kong the most laptop-friendly or “digital nomad” friendly city that I’ve ever lived in – mainly due to coffee and food prices which can add up quickly over an extended stay. However, I would say that there is no shortage of options when it comes to posting up at a sound workspace, with strong coffee, and other like-minded individuals. 

I would preface that if you are truly looking for a dedicated workspace that is the most economical of all options (and usually comes with free coffee), I would recommend exploring one of Hong Kong’s many coworking spaces. I’ve found that these are typically the best bang-for-your-buck laptop-friendly cafes and coffee shops to truly buckle down with work. 

But, if you are looking for a reliable laptop-friendly cafe in Hong Kong to get out of the house, tackle some admin work, or mix up your routine, these are some of the best options to consider. Keep in mind that most of these work-friendly cafes and coffee shops have several locations across Hong Kong – I’ve just put my favorite location(s) for each.

Fineprint

This wouldn’t be a proper cafe list without Fineprint starting it off. At one point, I was legitimately spending so much time working out of the Fineprint on Peel Street that I felt like I worked there. It is hands down my favorite laptop-friendly cafe and hangout to start the week at. This hybrid cafe and bar is an amalgam of traditional Australian-style breakfast fare (including killer sourdoughs made in-house) and assorted wines from the Land Down Under and New Zealand. 

A strategically centered communal table provides more than enough space to settle down with your laptop for several hours. Mix that in with first-class (affordable) flat whites, my favorite avocado toast in Hong Kong, and a truly passionate staff who are both knowledgeable and friendly, and you’ve found your new regular cafe.

If you can snag one of the two window seats overlooking Peel Street, you are in for a treat. There’s something special about answering work emails while digging into a homemade pretzel, watching the Shady Acres crew trickle in from an uproarious weekend, and absorbing the energy of residents passing by on their way to work. This palpable energy and a glimpse into everyday life for both Westerners and locals that Fineprint offers can’t be beaten. 

You’ll see the Fineprint regulars (me included), sitting outside on the steps and drinking their morning coffees like clockwork. To quote the great soothsayer and rap hype man Big Body Bes (associated with Action Bronson), “Everywhere I eat is like my dining room table. It’s all about being with the people. I could always eat inside but you miss a lot. You be inside, sometimes you might just miss life.” Don’t miss life – take a break while at Fineprint and drink your coffee or down your avocado toast on the steps outside.

If the Peel Street location is jam-packed, consider heading over to their Sai Ying Pun branch which spills out into the street and has ample window seating to work from. 

Website, Address, & Details: https://fineprint.hk 

Location: 

• Central: 38 Peel St, Central
• Sai Ying Pun: 14 Second St, Sai Ying Pun

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re based in Hong Kong and are looking to work ChatGPT into your workflow, make sure to check out my comprehensive guide explaining how to access ChatGPT in Hong Kong.

Halfway Coffee

Halfway Coffee came into my life at a much-needed time when Blend & Grind was undergoing renovations and I required a break from the daily slog at my office nearby. Like Blend & Grind, Halfway Coffee sports both an indoor and outdoor seating area and is a popular spot for freelancers and professionals in need of a sound work-friendly space. 

And, they serve high-quality coffee in Chinese porcelain cups, a true homage to the small street filled with antique stalls that it is located at (Upper Lascar Row). This nostalgic walking street (actually, it’s two: Upper Lascar and Lower Lascar) has everything from old-school vinyls to Mao Zedong-era memorabilia to vintage clothing shops. Halfway is definitely the spot for the “coffee lovers freelancer,” with their longan (dragon eye) honey latte and black sugar latte offering up two indulgent, rich treats. 

Indoors, Halfway Coffee is on the cozier side. However, there is surprisingly more seating than it appears when you first walk by. I would generally recommend heading to Halfway when you want to soak in the rays on a beautiful Hong Kong day while tackling work. 

Because of the emphasis on outdoor seating, I do recommend charging your laptop fully before embarking. If you are unable to snag a spot outside, don’t worry. They opened up a second shop not too far up the road in Mid-Levels, which boasts plenty of outdoor seating and is tucked away on the cozy pedestrian-only Rednaxela Terrace.

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.instagram.com/halfwaycoffee/ 

Location(s): 

• Sheung Wan: 26 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan
• Mid-Levels: 8 Rednaxela Terrace, Mid-Levels

Big Body Beer Tip: After finishing your work at Halfway Coffee, check out one of my favorite craft beer bars in Hong Kong – Blue Supreme. Simply head further down Upper Lascar Street (towards Sai Ying Pun) and you’ll see this open-air craft beer bar on your right. Sample a few beers that they have on tap (just ask!) and grab a pork sando or duck confit burger to make it a day. 

Coffee Academics (All Locations)

Let me first preface this with the fact that there are over 15 Coffee Academics locations (and “kiosks”) in Hong Kong, along with countless others spread across Southeast Asia. This chain of coffee shops spans every inch of the city and can be found anywhere from the heart of Central, to overlooking the beach in Repulse Bay, and everywhere in between. 

And, they are all work-friendly (strong WiFi, plenty of outlets, cozy nooks or large communal tables) – the only major caveat is that WiFi is timed (I think every hour) but this is not a huge hurdle as I would usually just log right back in or buy another latte. My particular post is about my favorite branch – the Wan Chai Branch on Johnston Road.

The Coffee Academics Wan Chai branch grew near and dear to me after I spent half a year attempting to learn Cantonese at a language school right around the corner. “How are you not understanding this? It’s so easy.” – my Cantonese teacher (she was fantastic by the way and really made it enjoyable).

I think one of my main motivations for attending every morning before work was knowing that I would be able to reward myself with a hearty breakfast while easing into the workday. The Johnston Road branch is everything right about Hong Kong, it overlooks the iconic Ding Ding (tram), exists at an intersection between the Western spillover from Central and Admiralty and the beginning of traditional cha chaan tengs, mahjong centers, and oldest building clusters in Wan Chai. 

Everything I mentioned about the palpable energy that radiates through while sitting perched on a high-top chair from Fineprint, is applicable and more here (just make sure to get a seat at the window counter facing Johnston Road). And, their all-day breakfast doesn’t hurt as well. I highly recommend their pancakes and of course avocado toast.

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.theacademicsgroup.com (you can find a list of all locations here)

Location: Newman House, 35-45 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai

Big Body Pro Tip: If you are looking for that picturesque view while “working” from your laptop, consider heading down to the Coffee Academics Repulse Bay branch, located right on the promenade. Every time I go to Repulse Bay, I go by way of hiking the Twins or via Mount Butler (a long one). Bring your bathing suit too and go for a swim. While not one of the cleanest beaches in Hong Kong, it gets the job done and the views are pretty darn majestic. 

Blend & Grind

Having just recently undergone a renovation at their Mid-Levels location, Blend & Grind is even more hospitable than it once was (which was pretty darn hospitable to begin with) and a perfect cafe to fire up the laptop at. I spent my first 6 months back in Hong Kong frequenting Blend & Grind at least three or four times per week. 

Boasting 25 seats, free WiFi, free laptop charging, and free banter (as they put on their website), Blend & Grind solidified itself as a go-to Mid-Levels coffee shop and smoothie bar “where everybody knows your name.” This might be the top cafe on the list when it comes to hours that I’ve spent here tackling actual client work. 

Its indoor and outdoor seating options offer up the perfect “vibe” for whatever you are feeling that day. When I am feeling a bit more social and want to “people watch” or chat with friends who will inevitably walk by, I take a spot at their communal table (overlooking the escalators). When I need to get down to biznass, I choose one of their indoor seating spots, which makes you feel like you are in a secluded alleyway. 

One thing that I’ve found in the F&B industry is that former athletes who open up restaurants or coffee shops just know customer service (and banter). Blend & Grind was started by several former rugby players in Hong Kong and definitely echoes this sentiment, providing a down-to-earth neighborhood cafe where you can not only go to knock out a few hours of work but snag a homemade ham and cheese toastie that tastes just like your mom made.

I should also note that I am a big fan of their Sun Street location in Wan Chai, which I will argue is one of the most underrated areas for food and coffee on Hong Kong Island (especially Star Street close-by). Seating is a tad tighter at the Sun Street location, so I would generally recommend heading there during weekday mornings if you want to claim a spot to work.

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.blendandgrind.com 

Location(s): 

• Mid-Levels: Shop A2, 1 Princes Terrace Central, Mid-Levels
• Wan Chai: Shun Ho Building, 1 Sun St, Wan Chai

Tai Hang Bar & Grill

Tai Hang Bar & Grill might be one of the least conventional spots on my list as it definitely falls more under the category of a restaurant (and grille) than it does a cafe. But for nostalgia reasons, and the fact one of my best friends used to live right near here, I would be remiss not to add it to this list. 

Tai Hang Bar & Grill, a product of restaurant group ‘Castelo Concepts’ (Ollies, St. Bars, MooFish, Jaspas, and countless others), is hard to miss. Located across from the Moreton Terrace Bus Terminus, this Santorini white neighborhood restaurant has all the essentials for a productive workspace. Ample open-air seating that overlooks a bustling street corner? Check. Affordable western and Asian food options and coffee? Check. Extremely friendly and accommodating staff that don’t hassle you to leave? Check.  

This is by no means a gourmet coffee shop and cafe that grinds their own beans, names drinks after elements on the Periodic table, or sees the staff decked out in skull caps and Ramones t-shirts. It is a non-pretentious, no-frills, chain restaurant (I only use that term since it is part of the Castelo Concepts group) with a mesmerizing look into everyday life in Hong Kong that does things right and won’t break the bank.   

This is my go-to spot to work from when I know it is going to be a rainy day. Some of my best memories of when I first moved back to Hong Kong are of posting up at one of the tables overlooking the street, leaning against the rain-streaked window, and sipping one of their banana milkshakes (aka the “nana shakes”).  

The only caveat I would add is to make sure that you charge your laptop before coming here, otherwise, you may have to sit further inside (away from the windows) to access charging. 

Website, Address, & Details: http://casteloconcepts.com 

Location: 38 Tung Lo Wan Rd, Tai Hang

Elephant Grounds

While the Elephant Grounds over at Fashion Walk (Causeway Bay) is my favorite EG branch to brunch (or lunch) at, both their Hollywood Road and Caine Road locations are my preferred spots for getting some work done. 

The only caveat? All pack up quickly, so make sure to get there early.

The Elephant Grounds on Hollywood (‘The Roastery’) might be the most laptop-friendly (and dog-friendly) cafe on this list thanks to its 7000 square foot size, reliable WiFi, power sockets out the wazoo, and plethora of seating options (booths, single tables, outdoor seating, and medium-height countertops). Plus, there’s plenty of natural light which makes this the perfect spot to start your morning out and soak in some Vitamin D. 

This location often feels like a coworking space but with far better food and drink – from their OG cold brew blends to BBQ pulled jackfruit burgers, to of course their avocado toast, Elephant Grounds won’t steer you wrong. There’s also no shortage of pastries that you can find on display upon approaching the counter (I’m a sucker for their banana bread).   

The Caine Road branch, while smaller, provides a more intimate workspace consisting of two levels along with a small outdoor terrace with small tables to work from. This is typically where I post up on Sunday mornings when I need to get out of the house, work on personal projects, grab an acai yogurt bowl, and watch others as hungover as me come in for a coffee. 

If you are looking to get off the island, consider checking out the K11 Musea branch over in TST, which is ripe with outdoor patio and garden seating. 

Website, Address, & Details: http://www.elephantgrounds.com/en/home 

Location(s): 

• Sheung Wan: G/F, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan
• Mid-Levels: Ichang House, 61 Caine Rd., Mid-Levels, 61 Caine Rd, Central

NOC Coffee

NOC Coffee always reminds me of what it would be like to step into a cafe in the year 3030 (Del the Funky Homosapien reference). This minimalist, sleek, industrial-feel cafe offers spacious countertop and communal seating, free WiFi, one of my favorite avocado toasts in Hong Kong, and a sustainable mission and low carbon footprint (replacing single-use plastic cups with bamboo cups). 

NOC roasts its own coffee beans in-house and is definitely for those in need of strong coffee to get through the day. As I mainly stick with black coffee during the day, I do have to give a shoutout to NOC’s flat whites, as it is one of the few spots in Hong Kong where I’ll make an exception.

I should note that in the past they have enforced a 1.5 to 2-hour maximum for dine-in patrons. With Covid-19 restrictions abating in Hong Kong, I’m unsure if this is still enforced. Every single time I’ve been to NOC (more than I can count), they have been extremely flexible with seating and it isn’t uncommon to see a handful of other freelancers or students working from here.

NOC Coffee also boasts one of my absolute cafe locations in Hong Kong at their Whampoa location. I’ve always complained to friends about how I find it wild that for having one of the best cityscapes and harbors in the world, there is a severe lack of dining, coffee, and drink options overlooking the harbor. NOC’s Whampoa shop has both indoor and outdoor seating that overlooks the always regal Victoria Harbour – just make sure to get there early! 

Website, Address, & Details: https://noccoffeeco.com/en/ 

Location: 

• Sai Ying Pun: 321 Des Voeux Rd W, Sai Ying Pun
• Whampoa: Shop G42, on the Ground Floor, Site 9, Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom

The Hive Sheung Wan Cafe

As touched on at the beginning, I do truly believe the best bang for your buck spots to diligently work in Hong Kong are coworking spaces. Cue, The Hive Sheung Wan Cafe. Located on the 3rd floor of The Hive coworking space on Hillier Street, this is a popular spot for digital nomads, freelancers, and other professionals to knock out some work and hold meetings, all at an affordable price. 

The total damage per month? HKD 500, which works out to just about USD 65 per month (or HKD 25 per day, USD 3.20 per day). This deal gets you up to two hours of access to the third-floor cafe and terrace (hands down one of my favorite spots to work from) each day, along with Hive Events access, which can be especially useful for those in town a short time and looking for a chance to meet other like-minded individuals (ex. They’ve held everything from crypto meetups to drag queen interviews here).  

The Hive Sheung Wan is bustling. There is definitely a palpable energy when you step foot in this place. What I especially love about this location (and the other Hive locations in Hong Kong) is that it is filled with professionals of all backgrounds. I’ve seen (and sat near) everyone from M&A consultants to telehealth tech professionals and software developers, to YouTubers and Instagram influencers. 

And, because it is a coworking space, there are dedicated WiFi networks for each floor, countless sockets, plugs, adapters, and free coffee. The third-floor outdoor terrace (right next to the cafe) has granted me a reprieve from a barrage of work emails many times and served as a formidable spot to post up with an after-work beer and chat with other members.

I should mention that The Hive Sheung Wan offers hot desks at their communal tables on the 2nd floor for HKD 3,000 per month (USD 385). But, from my understanding, rates may vary (and be even lower) depending on their occupancy and time of year, so I would always recommend asking and/or trying to negotiate! 

Website, Address, & Details: https://thehivesheungwan.com.hk 

Location: 33, 35 Hillier St, Sheung Wan

Winstons Coffee

Always recognizable with its movie theater marquee sign, Winstons Coffee is what I like to refer to as the ‘admin’ cafe, a place where you go when you have a little bit of work you need to tackle and aren’t pressed to meet a deadline. 

Depending on your location, you are looking at two distinct vibes. The first is their flagship location, a cozy countertop-style coffee shop situated adjacent to the Sai Ying Pun MTR (Exit A1). The second is a perfect place for laptop-goers looking to take on the day from an outdoor countertop situated at one of Kennedy Town’s busiest corners (and a stone’s throw away from the water). 

I usually plunk myself down at the Kennedy Town location before hitting up 11 Westside (the best tacos in Hong Kong – my uneducated opinion) or if I am craving one of their delectable pain au chocolats. Just make sure to get there early, as seating can fill up quickly. This cafe is a Hong Kong staple with a warm and welcoming staff that has garnered countless loyal regulars (me included). 

Make sure to stick around Winstons as night falls (especially Thursday nights), as it becomes a hotspot for espresso martinis and their signature ‘toss the boss’ game, where patrons may receive a free round of drinks for correctly guessing heads or tails on a coin toss. 

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.winstonscoffee.com 

Location(s): 

• Sai Ying Pun: Shop 4, G/F Rich Court, 213 Queen’s Rd W, Sai Ying Pun
• Kennedy Town: Shop 8 The Hudson, 11 Davis St, Kennedy Town

Big Body Hong Kong Tip: Coffee is always a great first date – but here are seven other fun Hong Kong date ideas to keep in mind next time you are looking for something to do!

% Arabica

Due to their strategically positioned locations (ex. IFC, TST Star Ferry, K11 Musea) % Arabica was always my preferred “coffee on the go” cafe in Hong Kong. It wasn’t until I started making my way down Aberdeen Street to run errands that I noticed the sheer number of laptop users working out of % Arabica (at the outdoor tables). That triggered my trip over to the Kennedy Town location. I’m glad I did. 

Sporting two floors, both facing outwards to one of the best views of Victoria Harbor that you’ll get from any ground floor (or second floor) coffee shop or restaurant on Hong Kong Island, % Arabica reminds me of being inside the iconic Star Ferry. Victoria Harbour feels as if it is within arms reach thanks to the larger sightseeing windows, which draw in the palpably blue harbor to its minimalist white setting (the visual contrast between the inner minimalism and outside smorgasbord of colors is what makes it pop for me). 

With no shortage of tables, window seating, and outlets, you’ll find countless freelancers, students, and other laptop users here typing away and throwing back strong fruity blend Arabica coffees.  

I’m not focusing too much on the Aberdeen Street location as it is not typically the branch that I work out of. But it is a reliable option for laptop users looking to stick closer to Central and/or SoHo. I would also just emphasize that most of the other % Arabica branches are better suited towards “on the go” coffee needs. 

Website, Address, & Details: https://arabicacoffee.hk 

Location(s):

• Kennedy Town: Shop 4, Grand Fortune Mansion, No. 1 Davis St, Kennedy Town
• Central: Ground Floor, No. 28 Aberdeen Street Central

Nood Food

While Nood isn’t likely what you picture when you think of work-friendly cafes and coffee shops in Hong Kong, it is an absolute sleeper when it comes to good WiFi, ample space and seating, and affordable coffee. It also boasts countless health food options and smoothies, which makes for a cafe that you can post up at all hours. 

And, the view of the Hong Kong escalators on Shelley Street might make it the number one people-watching spot on the left (if you snag a window counter seat). 

I might also be biased towards Nood since I use the Pure gym right above it, and live 5 minutes up the road, but it is my go-to spot before or after I get a workout in (also a favorite spot on Sundays if I want to get out of the house for a bit). I know I can always reliably plunk down, grab an avocado, kale, and tomato sourdough with cashew dressing, and tackle some admin or writing work. 

I’ve seen everyone from students in sweats to banking professionals in suits (and everyone in between) tackle work here. You can always reliably count on at least a handful of others tackling work on their laptop at the window or the communal table. Outlets are plenty, so don’t stress about needing to come with a fully charged laptop. 

I also want to give a big shout-out to the staff here, as they really are welcoming and sincere in their interactions, which is a nice offset to other coffee shops in Hong Kong that might take a “get in and get out” approach with customers. 

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.allnood.com 

Location: 32 Hollywood Rd, Central

Honorable Mentions: Pacific Coffee & Starbucks

Sometimes we run into a situation where we (a) just want something incredibly familiar (for me, this is a pumpkin spice latte – yes, I’m basic), or (b) need to pop into somewhere reliable to tackle whatever is on the work docket. Pacific Coffee and Starbucks both get the job done. And, you always know what you are getting when you step into both – abundant seating, stable WiFi, and sinfully good sugary drinks. 

There is no shortage of options for each around Hong Kong, so just fire up Google Maps and you are sure to be within an arm’s reach of one. However, several locations stand out to me and provide a nice change of pace to the classic Mid-Levels to Central 9-5’ers anthem. 

Every Friday, one of my best friends and I walk (the term “hike” is up for debate) up to The Peak to indulge in Burger King and either Starbucks or Pacific Coffee. If I am feeling motivated enough, I’ll bring the laptop and fire it up to tackle some admin or tie up any loose ends from the week. Then, I’ll ride the tram down with a belly full of Whoppers and nitro cold brews. 

You can find both Starbucks and Pacific Coffee at The Peak. The Pacific Coffee does edge out Starbucks though, in my opinion, as it sports floor-to-ceiling views of my favorite skyline in the world. 

My other two favorite Pacific Coffee locations are their Jaffe Road (Wan Chai) branch, which has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a bustling street corner, and Discovery Bay waterfront branch (right after you get off the ferry). My favorite Starbucks jaunt is over in Tsim Sha Tsui at the Avenue of the Stars, overlooking the Hong Kong Island city skyline. 

Locations: 

• The Peak Starbucks: Shop 203, L2, Peak Galleria, The Peak
• Tsim Sha Tsui Starbucks: 24 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
• The Peak Pacific Coffee: Unit G10, Level G, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road
• Wan Chai Pacific Coffee: 225 Jaffe Rd, Wan Chai
• Discovery Bay Pacific Coffee: Shop G01A, G/F, Block A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island

Final Thoughts on Laptop-Friendly Cafes to Work From in Hong Kong

Whether it is paying invoices on a Sunday (I am currently doing this from Nood as I write this), starting my Monday out with strong Australian coffee and watching the Peel Street restaurant crews shuffle in after a hectic weekend (Fineprint), or hunkering down with a delicious banana bread mid-week to chip away at whatever backlog of client work I have to do (Elephant Grounds) – the above list is a collection of my favorite laptop-friendly cafes to work from in Hong Kong as they are spots that jive with everything that is Big Body.

Hong Kong is always the place that has drawn me back, acted as my primary residence and base, and where I want to set up a future. It’s my home. However, it honestly took me a while to figure out what worked best for me in this city – on both the professional and personal front. 

I recognize that Hong Kong can be extremely overwhelming for those coming into the city for short stays (or even long-term residents), who are looking to get some work done while here. It can be prohibitively expensive. But there are countless nooks and crannies, unique cafes and restaurants, and other jaunts that do offer refuge and sustainable options – hopefully, this list helps on your quest to make Hong Kong a little bit more sustainable. 

Be grand,

Big Body