Sometimes the distractions and isolation of working from home are just too much. If you’re craving inspiration, connection and a place to put your laser-like focus to good use, why not try one of our 7 favourite co-working spots? Personally experienced and recommended by members of our community who appreciate aesthetics, comfort, amenities and the possibility to network, we rate these as the spaces worth exploring.
Written by: Ché Maria Milani
photographed by Sydney Duncan
A question we get asked so often here at Milan Women Network is this…
“Where can I find a comfy, welcoming spot to get a couple of hours of work done?”
(Because we all know that cabin fever feeling when you work from home!)
This culture of sitting in a cosy coffee shop for as long as you want, with plugs within reach, and not getting dirty looks from people around you, hasn’t quite taken hold here in Milan.
(But is this a bad thing? Personally I don’t think so, as Italy’s coffee and cafe culture is unique!)
To make space for the increasing number of freelancers and foreigners (like us!) who appreciate this option, the concept of official co-working spaces has taken shape over the past couple of years.
Here are our 7 favourite locations, as discovered and recommended by members of our community through personal experience, as well through our own MWN motivating co-working events.
Spread across the city and each with their own vibes and quirks, you’re bound to find one that ticks most of your boxes.
1. oTTo
Light and airy, green and welcoming, this trendy café and eatery in Chinatown gets our vote.
Popular among creatives and freelancers, the atmosphere is easy-going, yet with a touch of liveliness thanks to the mostly artistic crowd it attracts.
With smaller tables as well as large communal tables, you can choose how much to interact with those around you.
And if you’re in a group, you know you’ll find enough space for your creative, brainstorming sessions.
Cost: €6.50 for half day, €11 for full day, €24 for full day + lunch (no open laptops during lunchtime)
Hours: 09.30 - 12.30, 14.00 - 18.00
Pros: Great ambiance, affordable food and drinks, welcoming vibe for freelancers.
Cons: Limited power outlets, no co-working during lunch hours.For more information, have a look here.
Located here.
2. Urban Hive
Found in the heart of the city, this modern co-working hub in Brera is perfect for those who appreciate being surrounded by trendy aesthetics while hard at work.
Part of a boutique hotel, you can expect a bright, minimalist environment with a great vibe.
In addition to being an ideal space for individual freelancers, they also have meeting rooms for half day rent, a meeting lounge and space for events.
Milan Women Network have already held a couple of workshops and co-working sessions there, and it was enjoyed by all.
It’s also quite a versatile space, and a great excuse to soak up all that Brera has to offer.
Cost: €15 per day, redeemable towards food and drinks.
Pros: Central location, stylish environment, cost-effective, welcoming staff members, hotel marked as part of the ‘She Travel Club’ (safe for women who travel solo).
Cons: Co-working from 11:00am (before that time, only the lobby area is available). Meeting rooms are not available for hourly rent.
For more information, have a look here.
Located here.
Photographed by Sydney Duncan
3. 21 House of Stories
Spread across two locations (Città Studi and Navigli), these are truly all-in-one locations!
Boutique hotels, coworking spaces, and social clubs come together in two modern and tasteful environments.
We found this one to be perfect for remote workers hoping to find a spark of inspiration - share a table or swap a story with a travelling digital nomad, a local creative, or a passionate ‘start-upper’.
With ample space, being distracted won’t be an issue, and you can also take a moment to rest the brain when you need it, whether that means parking off on a comfy couch or ordering a refreshing drink to keep you going.
They call it co(z)working space for a reason, as it's literally just that - cosy.
In both locations, there are the options of large common tables, private rooms, or soft chairs, with indoor and outdoor work spaces (which will be great for spring).
We advise booking your spot beforehand (check the link below).
Cost: Città Studi - €7 for a day pass + unlimited water & coffee.
Navigli - €9 full day pass + unlimited water & coffee. €25 for day pass + light lunch. In both locations - students have free access (show proof) and get 20% off the bistro menu.
Hours: 09.00 - 18.00 in both locations.
Pros: Multi-functional space, great for networking, events and meetings, truly a comfortable place to be.
Cons: Can be crowded with students in the Città Studi location.
4. Talent Garden
They classify themselves as an “ecosystem full of opportunities”. And with a multi-tiered membership in place, we can believe it.
This space goes beyond just a desk or office for rent, but actively encourages participation in their events and workshops - all with the intention of helping freelancers and digital innovators make meaningful business connections.
With over 300 people going through their doors daily, it’s buzzing with energy and potential!
Check out the memberships here, from daily rates to various monthly options depending on your needs, and level of business and networking support you’d like from them.
Cost: starting from €20 per day
Hours: 09.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 18.00
Pros: Networking opportunities, tech-savvy environment, inspiring events.
Cons: It can get quite busy and full, higher price point for daily rate.
For more information, look here.
Located here.
5. Open
Another modern co-working haven in the city, it’s a great spot for combining dedicated work time, well-deserved drinks on the terrace, and social interaction with its large, common tables.
Not too cluttered, and not too crowded, it seems to strike a balance between giving you the space you need to focus, and the chance to unwind in a friendly environment.
Host to events organised by RedBull, Lush, Nespresso and Decathlon (to name a few), this space clearly has a reputation worth acknowledging!
We’d say it’s ideal for remote workers, freelancers or small groups looking for a functional and inspiring work space.
Cost: €6 for half day entry, €10 full day entry + 10% discount at bar + access to water dispenser.
Hours: 08.30 - 21.00Various entry options are available - 8 in total, including half and full day!
Check it out here.
Pros: Next to the subway, cost effective, flexible entry options.
Cons: It can get crowded, you need to book in advance.
Located here.
6. Feltrinelli
We all know this chain of bookstores, and we can’t help but admit they are quite cosy and vibey - perfect for those less intense work sessions you need to power through, or an intimate business chat with one or two people.
We love the fact that there’s plenty of natural light, you can sit wherever you want without getting in anyone’s way, and it’s a vibrant combination of professionals, students, and people simply enjoying a coffee break.
Dotted across the city, our favourites are located in Piazza Gae Aulenti and the Microsoft building.
Cost: Free seating
Hours: 08.00 - 21.00
Pros: Inspiring space surrounded by books, affordable food and drink options, central locations.
Cons: Limited power outlets, can get noisy during peak times, not ideal for long work sessions.
7. Pavé
Consider this a work space with temptations!
Located in a charming bakery-café, Pavé defines itself as a “living room with a laboratory”.
Rated as one of the top 20 bakeries and one of the top 20 bars in Italy, let’s see if you go there ‘just to work’!
Like the Feltrinelli options, Pavé isn’t marketed as a co-working space per se, but with enough table space, good lighting and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s certainly worth trying out if you wish to combine a bit of indulgence with some work time.
It’s a great option in the trendy neighbourhood of Porta Venezia for those les taxing couple of hours of focus, or a brainstorming session with one or two others.
Cost: Free seating
Pros: Amazing food, friendly staff, inviting atmosphere.
Cons: Limited seating during busy hours, not ideal for long work sessions.
For more information, look here.
Located here.
And that wraps up our top 7 locations we highly recommend for a productive work day at your laptop, as you brainstorm and bring your biggest ideas to life.
We can’t wait to hear your thoughts on them, and to hear about any other suggestions you have to share with us.
Keep a look-out for our next Milan Women Network co-working session which has proven to be an absolute hit with ladies who need to focus, but are tired of those cabin-feverish days.
To stay up to date with upcoming events, join one of our membership tiers (including Base), to get our monthly events newsletter so you can snag your spot first!
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