Computer-Friendly Places in Madrid

The American in me loves spending time on a computer at a cafe or library. Madrid has many coffee shops, but not all of them are computer-friendly, making it difficult to find a place to study or work. On the weekend, it is challenging to find a place to go because many of them are open only Monday through Friday for computer use. After some time here, I have compiled a list of places that are best for studying or working. You will definitely need this saved. 

Santander Work Café (Workstation)

Have you heard of the Santander Work Cafe? This is the best option if you want a free workstation without needing to make a purchase. These Work Cafes are located all over the city, and the best part is that you don’t even have to be a Santander customer, but there are perks available if you are. Customers receive discounted drinks, access to scheduled meeting rooms, and other facilities. This is definitely a plus for customers, but it is not mandatory. This is very similar to a library but better! I highly recommend coming here alone or with your friends. 

En Bruto (Cafe)

En Bruto gained popularity on TikTok, and in some ways, it is overrated. Here are the things I like about it. En Bruto has two locations, and the main location in Cheuca is quite a large space for Madrid. To stay in En Bruto with your laptop, you need to spend a certain amount of money, which includes an unlimited number of hours. Because of its popularity, it is usually packed, and sometimes you will be waiting for an open seat (no matter the day of the week). The other thing I disagree with is that there are only certain tables available for laptops; signs indicate which tables are for computers and which are not. Still a great option, and the food/drinks are delicious. 

Biblioteca Escuelas Pias (Public Library) 

If you want complete silence while working, I recommend visiting Biblioteca Escuelas Pias. This place is right out of a Harry Potter Movie, and I couldn’t stop looking up. It’s quite beautiful. There are sections designated specifically for seating, but with a large number of seats to choose from, you shouldn't have too many issues finding one. 

NО̄FIN Madrid (Cafe)

Nofin is a cafe located outside the city center of Madrid. What's nice about it is its size and the fact that it is never packed. This is a truly community-driven space, serving as a cafe, coworking area, and occasionally hosting events. To work beyond an hour here, you need to purchase 14 euros worth of stuff for 4 hours and 20 euros for 8 hours. I’ve been here a couple of times and enjoy it, and they offer a diverse selection of drinks and Japanese fusion cuisine. They also close at midnight most days.

Toma Cafe (Cafe)

Toma Cafe has a couple of locations in Madrid with a section specifically dedicated to computers. The entire cafe does not allow computers, but designated sections. Tomas has a great selection of pastries and drinks, and closes at 8:00 pm, which is convenient, as you can work on things later in the evening. 

When I first came to Madrid, I had such a hard time finding places to go on my laptop. I eventually gave up and only worked at home. Eventually, I got the courage and asked a ton of friends where they recommend. It is definitely a humbling experience getting rejected from using your computer; that’s why I’m saving you the embarrassment. If you enjoyed this blog and are interested in hearing more about my tips and tricks for Madrid and abroad, check out my personal blog: https://idalisvallejo.blog/