Around 90% of the time, remote workers set up a home office and rarely leave unless (a) they have a home emergency, (b) they have to travel, or (c) they haven’t left their houses in weeks and need to be around other people before going insane. While these are all perfectly valid reasons, I’m a huge fan of leaving the house and working from somewhere else at least a couple times a week. Even though I’ve used all the best home office setup tips to create a cozy space, I’ve found that working from a place other than home helps me create some variety in my weekly routines, generate new ideas, and lock in since I’m working alongside other people.
For many remote professionals, the first places that come to mind for working outside the home are coworking spaces, libraries, and coffee shops, which are all great options, but there are plenty of other places to try out when you want a change of scenery! Below, I’ve listed all the best places to work remotely other than your home. Give them a try and see how they can take your remote work routines to the next level!
Quick-Glance Summary
- Coffee shops and cafes
- Transportation areas (airports, hotel lobbies)
- University campuses
- Outdoor areas and parks
- Coworking spaces
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Bars, restaurants, and malls
- Learning centers (museums, art galleries, bookstores)
- Other people’s homes
Coffee Shops/Cafes
You can’t talk about places to work remotely other than home without mentioning coffee shops, one of the most popular locations for both students and remote workers. And it’s no wonder they are so popular – they have coffee, tasty treats, and vibey environments, which are all amazing additions to a remote workday. Some offer free Wi-Fi as well, which is great, as long as you use a VPN!
Transportation Areas, Hotel Lobbies, and Airports (For Travel)
Even if you aren’t traveling, transportation hubs and areas can be fun places to visit while working remotely. Some transportation areas for remote work include airports, train stations, and hotel lobbies.
University Campuses
Who says you have to be in school to enjoy university life? Remote workers blend right in with studying students, and you can enjoy many of the universities’ cafes, restaurants, and study areas. Before you settle in for the workday, ensure that you are in the public areas of the university and that you can find public parking as well.
Outdoor Areas/Parks
If you feel like you haven’t seen the sun in days, then an outdoor area, park, or botanical garden might be a great choice for remote work. Wi-Fi can be a bit of a struggle in these areas, so it’s always a great idea to test your hotspot in that area before you go and work remotely.
Coworking Spaces
There are two kinds of coworking spaces out there right now: physical and virtual. Both are great options if you prefer to work alongside other people, but keep in mind that many of them charge for using their spaces.
Gyms and Fitness Centers
Your gym or fitness center might not be the first place that comes to mind for working remotely, but it’s a great option for fitness enthusiasts who want to get a workout in before clocking in. Even if you aren’t working out, if your gym has a quiet seating area or cafe, it might be worth checking out!
Bars, Restaurants, and Malls
Personally, I’ve found that bars, restaurants, and malls are about 50/50 for remote work – you never know what you’re going to get. If you’re able to find a place that is on the quieter side, has Wi-Fi, and serves food, perfect! You’ve found another option for remote work!
Learning Centers (Libraries, Museums, Art Galleries, Bookstores, etc.)
Learning centers are some of my favorite places on days when I really need to lock in and focus, especially since they tend to be quiet and calming environments. Libraries, museums, and even bookstores can be great places to work remotely for a few hours.
Other People’s Homes
Have a friend or family member who also works remotely? Ask if you can swing by their house for a remote work session. As long as they aren’t too much of a distraction, you both can share the awesome experience of working remotely together!
Final Thoughts
Essentially, as long as you have stable Wi-Fi, a way to charge your devices, and a space that is welcoming to remote work, you can set up your remote work station and clock in! Let me know in the comments if you have any other unique remote work spaces, and if you haven’t already, subscribe for more awesome content that will take your remote work lifestyle to the next level!
FAQs
Any public areas, such as public libraries, transportation hubs, and parks are generally free areas where you can work remotely. Just ensure that you have a stable internet connection and a way to charge your devices before you go!
Bring your device chargers, a portable battery pack, whatever device you use for a hotspot, and any essentials for a remote work station (ergonomic laptop/keyboard and laptop stand). Also, if you use Wi-Fi other than your own, ensure you turn on your VPN first.
Yes. Absolutely. 100%. The only exception is if you are using your own network that is not accessible to the public.
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