If you’re a digital nomad, Valencia in Spain might have popped up on your list as a good place to base yourself. It’s fast becoming the ‘new Barcelona’, as people leave that city due to rising costs, overcrowding and unrest. And Valencia has many perks for digital nomads or those simply looking for a nice lifestyle in a cosmopolitan city.
It’s got access to the sea and the mountains, the cost of living is still relatively cheap, it’s got that Spanish lifestyle and there is a good community of expats and digital nomads.
For remote workers, you’ll find most places have wifi (though not all ) and the connection speeds are consistently decent. But, don’t expect to have a Skype meeting in peace. Most of the cafes on this list are pretty buzzing.
Perhaps you haven’t considered Valencia before, but now it’s on your radar. Well, if you do come, there are some good places to work with your laptop. I’ve taken a look at some of the best (and some that aren’t quite up to par) and shared them in this list of the best digital nomad cafes in Valencia, Spain.
Federal
Carrer de l’Ambaixador Vich, 15
Just off the main Plaza de Ayuntamiento, Federal often crops up as the first place people mention for remote working in Valencia. Although the space is nice, and the coffee is excellent, I find this an overrated option.
There is a big table where they tend to clump the laptop crew. And there is only one plug for the whole table which is also a bit obscure. Although if you don’t mention you’re working, you might get a better seat in the window…
Wifi is decent, service is pretty quick, but food prices are a little high.
Trencat
Carrer del Trench, 21
I found this place, just down a lane near the central market, on my quest for the best coffee in Valencia. So is the coffee all that? It’s not bad, but not the best. The food is nice though, with decent pastries and snacks.
However… I didn’t feel welcome here on my laptop, with a few side eyes from the man behind the bar, perhaps because I came at what seemed like a busy time. (just before lunch). Wifi is free, seats are not very comfortable and it is a little cramped, but not bad overall. Good for an hour or two at a push.
Brunch Corner
Carrer del Comte d’Almodóvar, 1
Just off the Plaza de Virgen, which is basically the heart of the old town, this cafe is a bit of a gem. Being just off the plaza, it doesn’t get the tourist footfall, but that’s not to say it’s quiet. In fact it can be quite hectic if you time it around lunch.
But… Seats are comfy, there are a few plug sockets dotted around and the coffee is very good. Food is excellent, especially the cakes. There are also often a few other Valencia digital nomads working here, but the staff are cool and don’t seem to mind.
Currently one of my favourites for remote working in Valencia.
Santa Gloria
Carrer del Mur de Santa Anna, 4
This new coffee shop is a mere stones throw from the Torres de Serranos and the Turia Park, and hasn’t quite hit the rep of the others on this list yet. But, I found the staff welcoming even though I was there for a while. Food and coffee were also very good, although food was more snack and bakery fare than full meals.
For remote working, the seats are comfortable and there are lots of plug sockets too which is a bit of rarity among Valencia cafes.
Bastard Coffee
Av. del Marqués de Sotelo, nº9
Great name, great coffee. This is apparently one of two of these in town, and I can highly rate Bastard Coffee. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and when I mentioned I wanted to work they made sure they found me a spot by a plug socket. There seemed to be a few around, but even so, it was a nice touch that they helped out.
Their lunch menu was excellent too. And the coffee is up there with the best in town… The location is also very good, right across the road from the Estacio de Nord, and on the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. Excellent spot.
Mayan Coffees
There are actually two of these coffee shops, one by Torres del Quart and the other near Pont de Fusta tram stop. I’ve worked in both and they’re very nice spaces, with great coffee. The Torres del Quart shop in particular is a nice spot.
However, they don’t have wifi, so you need to tether if you can. Fine for short bursts of work.
Cafe & Tapas
Plaza de Ayuntamiento 18
Right in the heart of the city’s main square, Cafe & Tapas looks like it would be prime tourist trap territory. But, it’s actually not bad and crucially there are lots of comfy seats and plug sockets inside. I came for a few hours work, but the free wifi only lasted an hour so I ended up tethering to my phone data.
Food wise, the coffee is fairly standard, there is a selection of pintxos and a lot of choice on the menu. I thought it was quite expensive for food, but they didn’t seem to mind me sitting in the corner for a few hours nursing a couple of coffees and tostadas con tomates. Worth checking out…
El Dorita
1 Carrer de Sant Dionis
Ok this isn’t a solid 10 for remote working cafes but they do have decent nibbles and coffee, free wifi and a couple of enchufes too. At lunch it can get pretty busy, but this is a good choice for some afternoon laptop work. They usually have music playing, and it can be busy, so you won’t be having any remote meetings.
For the record, the tapas next door is better (El Botijo). But it’s super pokey so no chance of laptop working…
Digital nomads in Valencia
If you’re looking for a great place to hang out and live the digital nomad lifestyle, Valencia is a great option.
Average costs in Valencia, Spain (2019/2020):
- Coffee: €1.80
- Beer: €2
- Patatas bravas tapas: €5
- Paella for one: €9.50
- Meal for two with drinks: €25-35
- Rent in one bed apartment: €500-700 (depending on location)
- Mobile phone monthly: €10 (Movistar-with 10GB internet)
- Utilities: €80-120 ish per month
- Co-working space: €15 a day or €100-150 per month
A side note about co-working spaces in Valencia.
I have been keeping an eye on co-working spaces in Valencia and decided to check a few out. I might write a full review eventually, but here are my thoughts on the first one I went to.
Botanico, near the Botanical Gardens was first on my list. It advertised its day rate as €12, or a full month for €150, both of which are very reasonable. The space is decent, with big tables, fast wifi and a quiet working environment. I think there are spaces for private calls, but I didn’t see them.
However, the €12 didn’t include tax (it ended up being closer to €15) and there was no coffee included, although there is a kettle. However, people seemed friendly enough, with a few other mixed digital nomads amongst the regulars, and the work space itself was not bad. However, I still think using cafes in Valencia means you get access to decent wifi, coffee and food for a reasonable price, meaning I will probably only use their services sparingly.
To be continued…
