The best quiet cafés with free Wi-Fi to do work or study

If you've ever had doubts that music is for everyone, a visit to Swee Lee Clarke Quay should put those to rest. The homegrown music retailer's new experience store has what you'd expect – retail offerings spanning guitars, audio equipment, and vinyl records – but also many opportunities for avid musicians and casual music lovers alike to immerse in music, meet established and emerging artists, and connect with fellow enthusiasts over a coffee or cocktail. 

Swee Lee is a true-blue Singaporean brand, founded and headquartered in Singapore since 1946. Since then, it has expanded to three locations in Singapore and eight locations in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Swee Lee has also been changing the face of the music retail landscape here, first with its flagship Star Vista outlet, a 464 square meter space that includes a music academy and café.

Well Collective is the perfect place to get some work done, as its space was meticulously designed with gatherings and productivity in mind. Complete with power sockets and complimentary Wi–Fi, Well Collective also has a large communal table for you to concentrate on your work with others who are also studying. If you’re feeling hungry, try the Shibuya toast ($18), a new dessert that consists of a thick, fluffy toast and three different flavours – chocolate hazelnut, earl grey orange, and crème brûlée – for you to choose from. Well Collective is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry pal along if you don’t want to leave them alone at home.

Sometimes, the key to a productive study session is a nicely decorated interior, and Syip’s minimalist white interior fits the bill. The café has a sleek and modern interior, and is equipped with power sockets, complimentary Wi-Fi, and brightly lit areas to ensure you stay focused for as long as possible. Be sure to head down on weekdays to enjoy its weekday lunch promotion consisting of a  drink and a main starting from $22. You can also  get a cup of coffee starting from just $4 to kickstart your productive session.

Cafés are always nice to work at, but when it gets a bit crowded, the noise makes it difficult to get any work done. That’s why Acoustics Coffee Bar’s interior design incorporates acoustic panels in order to minimise echo and absorb noise. Its latest outlet at Owen Road consists of two storeys, with the first floor designated as a work-friendly space equipped with power sockets and Wi-Fi. The menu also features recipes by Masterchef finalist Mandy Kee, such as a pandan tiramisu and kerabu salad. As for coffees, try the signature cloud coffees (from $8), which is milk topped with a hand beaten caffeine mixture such as matcha or houjicha.

This prominent coffee chain from Taiwan has made its way to Singapore, and is now one of the best spots to get some work done if you ever find yourself in the CBD area. Louisa Coffee offers power sockets and free Wi-Fi, and you can grab a cup of delicious coffee starting from $4. We recommend the orange peel latte ($6.30) for a zesty flavour alongside a rich coffee, and the coffee mojito ($6.90), a coffee mixed with citrus, lime, and mint for a refreshing caffeine drink. If you’re craving a snack, do try its Taro Boston cream pie ($6.50) – a sweet and fluffy sponge cake with a light taro cream.

Those who enjoy a good playlist to accompany them as they get along with their work, head over to Choice Cuts. This laidback café sells New York style pizza and bagels on the first floor, which you can bring up to the record shop and co-working space ($5 per hour) on the second floor. Try the smashed avocado bagel ($15) or a slice of their pepperoni pizza and a soda for $10 for a hearty meal to pair with your productive session.

This hidden café can be found along Stevens Road and Bukit Timah, and is located within a condominium complex. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a resident to enter the café, but its location is what makes The Ritual the perfect quiet spot for studying. The Ritual has counter seats for those who prefer working alone, as well as plenty of tables with plush seats for a comfortable working session. As for coffee, you can get an espresso drink starting from $5 or opt for one of their cold brews (from $7) with milk, oat milk, or even rose and honey. If you’re not a fan of coffee, The Ritual also offers cold pressed juices and kombucha ($9) on its menu.

Snack on mochi waffles ($9) and warabi mochi ($8) as you get your work done at Onné Café. This quaint little café has counter seats with power sockets which are perfect for solo workers coming in to have a productive session. Bigger tables are also available for group discussions, and if your work or study session ends in the evening, finish your productive day with Onné’s current pasta promotion, where you can get 50% off your second pasta order from 5.30pm onwards.

Tucked away along the quaint stretch of Wilkie Road, this work-friendly cafe boasts a bright and airy space with plenty of natural light. And it's pretty spacious as it houses a good mix of large tables for group projects and small ones for the solo digital nomads. Park yourself at the right spot and you'll find the power plugs for juice. At the coffee bar, affordably-priced coffees start from just $4.90 for a shot of espresso. Other beverage options include fresh juices, cold-brewed tea, smoothies and milkshakes.

To refuel, the work-friendly cafe serves up a hearty brunch menu that headlines Western classics and Asian rice bowls. Choose from the egg benny ($19) to kimchi beef rice bowl ($16) and even a sakura ebi angel hair pasta ($18). But if it is snacks you're after, there are finger food such as fries and churros (from $8).

Bouldering Gym Project Send may be a playground for climbing enthusiasts but that doesn't mean you won't find a slice of quiet at Beta Café. During the day, the space welcomes members of the public to work from a 'second' home that is equipped with power points at most seats. Thinking of fueling the mind? Freshen up with cold-pressed juices and artisanal coffee served by an in-house barista. And if you're feeling a tad peckish, tuck into locally-sourced dishes, ranging from savoury grilled cheese sandwiches and salmon bagels to sinfully sweet kouign-amann and sticky cinnamon buns. For those feeling a little stuck, perhaps consider a trial session and who knows, bouldering might just be your new fitness muse. 

This well-kept secret is a day spot tailored for budding entrepreneurs, digital nomads, hot deskers, students or even folks who just want a quick healthy pick-me-up. Anchoring itself to the bright modern interiors is a long communal table that is perfect for groups that are brainstorming for your next winning idea. Those looking to put in a session of deep focus work can seek respite in the cosy side alcove tucked away in privacy. Peckish? Enjoy cleaner options of healthy cold-pressed juices and hearty salads jam-packed with superfood ingredients.

If you’re a fan of laid-back, Aussie-style café nosh, check out Sarnies. This sandwich shop lives up to its name with rustic ’wiches like roast chicken with house-cured bacon ($16) and tuna melt with broccoli, pickled cucumber and aioli ($22). It's not uncommon to see early morning hustlers multitasking: typing away while munching on a sandwich. Of course, they've got an exhaustive list of brews including flat whites, macchiatos and mochas. Here's a flex – their cuppas made it to Lonely Planet’s list of best coffees.

Early morning hustlers, start your mornings right with the inimitable scent of freshly baked pastries. It's no secret that this three-in-one French bistro has got the wines and gourmet down to a tee – it tends to pack up during lunch and dinner. But come early and you'll witness a working combination of Duo Galleria residents and those who've found the spot with their laptops. Pick a corner table and you'll most likely be left alone until the lunch rush hour hits. By then you'd have deserved a hearty lunch where regional French specialties such as garlic butter snails ($124), duck confit ($42) and a delicious beef steak ($42) await you.

From the creator of Strangers' Reunion and Curious Palette, this open concept cafe has got all the natural light you'll need, thanks to its large window panes. With 60 seats, the modern cafe is spacious and draws in curious onlookers who are looking to slam out some work and sort out a quick meal. Their must-try item will be the buttermilk waffles with your own choice of ice cream. From $12, it is a midday treat that taste like heaven on your tastebud with it being crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Tucked below a HDB block in Waterloo Centre, Clap Café is a cosy joint with excellent coffee, decent bakes, and a calming ambience that's just right for the remote worker. Try the warming dirty chocolate or – for a kick of caffeine that's not too bitter – the cremé brulée latte. If you're hungry for a bite, you can try the basque burnt cheesecake (more reminiscent of a Japanese cheesecake, we think) or maple pecan pie. 

This minimalist coffee bar and roastery has just the right laidback vibe to unwind with a book and freshly poured coffee. Treat your tastebuds to the rich flavours of roasted beans from Latin America, artisanal teas and chocolates from the likes of Fossa Chocolate. It goes without saying the coffees are made with care (from $4).

No one would describe Changi as central. But with café Changi Coastal Settlement, it’s worth the far-flung journey to the East. It's a stark contrast for those used to studying in quiet library pods: here, it’s endless greenery with a garden patio – for that much-needed breath of fresh air after being cooped up in lectures all day. While their food is top-notch, featuring thin-crust pizzas (from $26) and hearty breakfast plates ($28), it’s their ambience that makes it an idyllic study spot. Just bear in mind that it’s quite the popular haunt on weekends for families – and their dogs too. 

This spacious café has all the perks of a co-working space but without the steep membership fees. It welcomes freelancers, students or anyone who needs some stable internet, power outlets, and a comfortable place to work for hours on end. Commandeer one of its long, low tables to work on a group project, or park yourself in a cosy side alcove for more privacy if you’re flying solo. The menu focuses on healthy fare with ample vegetarian, gluten-, dairy- and nut-free options. A huge perk? 20 percent off all food and drink orders if you sign up for their free membership.

Huge, airy and sunlight-drenched, Lowercase is an undeniably popular café in Lasalle College of the Arts. This laid-back but trendy café is a hideout for students, serving a mix of pastas and pizzas amongst other mains, as well as light bites in its selection of sandwiches and confectioneries. For students to unwind after a hardcore studying session, there’s also a bar area – which regularly holds events – with beers served on tap or craft brews by the bottle. 

The minimalist interior makes you almost productive immediately and with the stadium-style seating which also boasts some private nooks and crannies, this place is also great for having more intimate huddles or discussions. Coffee-wise, you're all set. The menu was developed by the talented team and Keith Loh, Chief Executive Officer at Lola Group – who also happens to be the 2010 Singapore National Barista Champion and the 2013 Singapore National Cup Tasters Champion – the menu features café classics and new soon-to-be classics and Guerrilla's signatures like the mint mocha (from $7.20) and the Singapore Latte (from $6.70) which is a comforting cuppa featuring unique ingredients like sea salt and pepper. 

Escape the rush hour in the CBD to this quiet part of Bukit Timah for some coffee and work. Comfortable seating makes for great workspaces at this café – and it doesn't hurt that Atlas has a coffee programme that is worth buying into. Need to fuel your foggy morning brain? Check out the hearty breakfast offering like eggs and toast, pancakes, waffles and more. Extra brownie points for the warm and friendly crew.

Botany makes for a fairly atas place to work from. Located at the idyllic Robertson Quay, this place will put you at ease with its high ceilings, white marble walls and – as the name suggests – lush greenery. You'll get a decent meal here. Take your pick from its menu of local and Western cuisine. Breakfast offerings like chicken congee ($14) exist alongside muesli ($13) and french toast ($15), and mains like the homemade beef burger ($25). At the café, only Himalayan salt, organic pasta and air-flown Australian grass-fed beef are used, to maintain the quality of the ingredients. 

Without the office lunch crowd, Millenia Walk manages to be one of central Singapore's quieter malls. It’s even more secluded on the second floor where Commune Café sits, making it a particularly conducive spot for work or study. An offshoot of furniture store Commune, the café has a sophisticated yet relaxed ambience, with alfresco-style seating on the link bridge so you can people watch when you need a break from the computer screen. For coffee, Commune uses beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters, producing aromatic brews (from $3.50) that you can jazz up with caramel, gingerbread or Irish cream. The food options are decent too, with desserts like chocolate banana waffles with ice cream ($8.50) and chocolate tarts ($4) for a late afternoon pick-me-up.

Tiong Bahru is in no shortage of work-friendly cafes but Plain Vanilla takes it one step higher with a secret extension beyond its main space. There, you'll find students and working professionals alike typing away on their laptops while sipping on PV's affordably priced coffees as well as those hard-to-resist cupcakes. Choose from a dozen flavours ($4.50 each): chocolate hazelnut’s a bold, Nutella-fuelled prize crowned with more nuts; red velvet’s made with Valrhona chocolate and capped with a thick cream cheese frosting, and cookies and cream are a chocolatey affair with smashed Oreos weaved into its frosting. You’ll want to collect ’em all, we promise.

Snug like a living room, Book Cafe has long been the go-to for a quiet catch up with a book or a comfy spot to bang out a bit of work. There's also a printer that's free to use. For sustenance, look to its extensive menu, with all-day breakfast options like pancakes (from $8.50) and eggs Benedict ($20.95), as well as a slice of its signature apple pie ($7.50). Premium teas are from Tea Forte ($8.50/pot), which is worth swapping your usual coffee for.

Located on the ground floor of what used to be the Telok Ayer Chung Hwa Free Clinic, My Awesome Cafe takes the old-school aesthetic and knocks it out of the ballpark with equal parts knack for sourcing and creative ingenuity. You can’t help but be motivated in this space full of quirks and history that buzzes with energy. Although the lunch crowd is a busy one, get there early to find yourself an upcycled vintage school desk to work on. Coffees range from $4 to $6, and you’ll be distracted from your work with the breadth of food and beverage choices on offer. Try the açai menu for some superfood brain power ($6.50-$18.50), or, for a more substantial dish, the protein-packed My Awesome Salad ($17).

This intimate café provides a space where diners can set up ‘therapy’ sessions, so grab your colleagues for some ice cream, and supplement it with waffles that come with maple syrup or salted caramel sauce (from $11). Its location in the CBD makes it a perfect weekend hideout as well.

Nestled within the many cafés and restaurants that line Lorong Kilat is The Signature Patisserie. Furnished with warm red accents and teak, the cosy ambience of the café is evident from its very entrance. Prepare to be greeted by heartfelt welcomes and the rich smell of freshly baked muffins. Their dangerously delicious muffins come in a wide array of flavours, from the typical strawberry and chocolate chip to mocha cream cheese and apple cinnamon, with prices starting from as low as $2.50. Furthermore, there are ample charging ports all ‘round the café, making it the perfect place for long study or work sessions.