As Mexico City becomes an increasingly popular destination for remote workers, the city has developed an impressive ecosystem of work-friendly spaces. From specialty coffee shops to dedicated coworking spaces, here’s your comprehensive guide to finding the perfect spot to work in CDMX.
Coffee Shops by Neighborhood
Roma Norte
Blend Station Roma
This minimalist cafe has become a remote work institution in Roma Norte, and for good reason. The two-story space offers:
- Fast, reliable WiFi (100+ Mbps)
- Ample power outlets at most tables
- Large communal tables upstairs
- Individual seating areas for focused work
- Excellent specialty coffee
- Full breakfast and lunch menu
The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between lively and focused, with many remote workers but enough ambient noise to maintain privacy in calls. Peak hours are 10 AM – 2 PM, so arrive early to secure a prime spot.
Almanegra Café
A specialty coffee destination that welcomes remote workers with:
- Multiple locations throughout Roma
- Industrial-chic design with plenty of natural light
- Strong, stable internet connection
- Good variety of seating options
- Outstanding coffee selection
- Light food options and pastries
The original location on Tonalá is particularly spacious, making it ideal for longer work sessions. They’re very accommodating of remote workers but appreciate purchase of food/drinks every few hours.
Condesa
Chiquitito Café
Don’t let the name fool you – while the space is indeed “small,” it offers:
- Dedicated workspace upstairs
- Fast, reliable internet
- Quiet atmosphere perfect for focused work
- Some of the best coffee in the city
- Friendly, English-speaking staff
- Excellent pastry selection
The upstairs area is particularly good for video calls, as it’s typically quieter than the ground floor. Best to arrive before 11 AM to secure a good spot.
Café Negro
A spacious, plant-filled cafe that’s perfect for longer work sessions:
- High ceilings and natural light
- Multiple room settings
- Strong WiFi throughout
- Plenty of power outlets
- Full kitchen with proper meals
- Comfortable seating options
The back room is particularly good for focused work, while the front area has a more social atmosphere. They offer a lunch special that’s perfect for remote workers.
Polanco
Cardinal Casa de Café
An upscale coffee shop that caters to professionals:
- High-speed internet
- Professional atmosphere
- Multiple private nooks
- Premium coffee selection
- Full breakfast and lunch menu
- Air conditioning
Popular with business professionals, making it perfect for client meetings. The atmosphere is more formal than other cafes, and the pricing reflects the upscale location.
Dedicated Remote Work Spaces
Coworking Chains
WeWork Locations
Present throughout the city, WeWork offers:
- Professional environment
- Meeting rooms and phone booths
- High-speed internet
- 24/7 access (membership dependent)
- Networking opportunities
- Office services and printing
Monthly memberships start around 3,500 MXN for hot desking, with various membership levels available. Popular locations include:
- Reforma 26
- Insurgentes Sur
- Condesa Agavirta
IOS Offices
A Mexican coworking chain known for:
- High-end facilities
- Professional atmosphere
- Multiple locations
- Full business services
- Meeting rooms
- Virtual office options
Particularly good for those needing a more corporate environment or regular client meetings. Prices are higher than average but reflect the premium service.
Independent Coworking Spaces
Público
Located in Roma Norte, this design-focused space offers:
- Beautiful, Instagram-worthy workspace
- Fast internet
- Coffee included
- Regular community events
- Meeting rooms
- Phone booths for calls
The community here is particularly strong, with regular events and networking opportunities. Day passes available for around 350 MXN.
Terminal Workspace
A tech-focused coworking space featuring:
- High-speed fiber internet
- 24/7 access options
- Developer-friendly environment
- Community events
- Meeting rooms
- Kitchen facilities
Popular with tech professionals and startups, creating good networking opportunities in the tech sector.
Public Spaces with Work Potential
Biblioteca Vasconcelos
This architectural marvel offers unique workspaces:
- Free WiFi (requires registration)
- Countless quiet study areas
- Beautiful, inspiring architecture
- Air conditioning
- Clean facilities
- No pressure to make purchases
While the internet can be slower than cafes, it’s perfect for focused work that doesn’t require constant connectivity. Best to bring a power bank as outlets are limited.
Parque Lincoln
For those who enjoy working outdoors:
- Free public WiFi
- Plenty of benches and tables
- Natural setting
- Close to cafes and restaurants
- Good for breaks between calls
- Popular with remote workers in Polanco
Best during morning hours before it gets too warm or busy. Consider it for light work sessions or reading.
Practical Considerations
Internet Reliability
When choosing a workspace, consider:
- Download/upload speeds
- Connection stability
- Peak hour performance
- Backup options nearby
- VPN compatibility
- Public vs. private networks
Power Access
Essential factors include:
- Number of outlets available
- Location of outlets
- Adapter compatibility
- Power strip policies
- Backup battery needs
- USB charging options
Comfort Factors
Consider these elements for longer work sessions:
- Chair comfort
- Table height
- Lighting conditions
- Temperature control
- Noise levels
- Bathroom access
Cost Considerations
Factor in:
- Minimum purchase requirements
- Daily coworking passes
- Monthly memberships
- Food and beverage costs
- Transportation to/from
- Additional amenities
Workspace Etiquette
Cafe Protocol
When working from cafes:
- Purchase something every 2-3 hours
- Keep voice down during calls
- Use headphones
- Don’t spread out too much
- Be mindful during peak hours
- Tip appropriately
Coworking Etiquette
In shared workspaces:
- Clean up after yourself
- Respect quiet areas
- Book meeting rooms in advance
- Keep calls in designated areas
- Follow printing protocols
- Participate in community events
Final Thoughts
Mexico City offers an impressive variety of remote work spaces, each with its own character and advantages. The key is to:
- Build a rotation of favorite spots
- Understand peak hours and plan accordingly
- Maintain good relationships with staff
- Have backup options ready
- Consider different spaces for different tasks
- Balance cost with amenities
Whether you prefer the buzz of a busy cafe or the focus of a dedicated workspace, CDMX has options to suit every working style and budget. The city’s remote work infrastructure continues to evolve, making it an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads and remote professionals.
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