Change Up Your Routine: Where to Work Remotely in NYC

Working from home has its perks, but sometimes, you just need a change of scenery to boost your creativity or escape the four walls you’ve been staring at all week. Whether you’re craving social energy, a bit of luxury, or simply a new environment, here are some of my favorite places to work remotely outside the house.

1. WeWork Day Passes

Every so often, I treat myself to a day at a WeWork. It’s a simple way to tap into a professional vibe without committing to a full coworking membership. In NYC, some WeWork locations offer $29 day passes, which give you access to clean, modern workspaces with Wi-Fi and bottomless coffee. If you arrive early enough, they even have free monitors you can check out.

Here’s a tip: check the events calendar before you go. Some locations host happy hours, networking events, or wellness activities. I try to plan my visits on those days to get the most value out of the experience.

2. NYC Public Libraries: Quiet, Inspiring, and Free

New York City is home to some truly beautiful public libraries that are ideal for remote work.

• The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL): Newly renovated space near Bryant Park with plenty of seating, modern amenities, and even rooftop reading areas.

• New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building: Iconic and grand (you’ve probably seen it in movies), this Fifth Avenue location offers awe-inspiring architecture and quiet reading rooms.

• Brooklyn Public Library – Central Branch: Right off Grand Army Plaza, this branch has a cafe, community energy, and loads of open space.
  

Libraries are perfect if you need focused, silent work time—and they’re completely free.

3. Airport Lounges: Work in Style While Traveling

If you travel regularly, working from an airport lounge can turn a layover into a productive and surprisingly relaxing work session. I use Priority Pass, which offers access to hundreds of lounges around the world, and you can often get a membership included with certain credit cards (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum).

Lounges typically offer:

• Comfortable seating

• Wi-Fi

• Outlets

• Complimentary food and drinks

• Quiet vibes (a major upgrade from the gate area)

4. Hotel Lobbies: Chic, Central, and Surprisingly Welcoming

Hotel lobbies are one of the most underrated remote work spots in NYC. Many high-end hotels welcome remote workers, especially if you grab a coffee or snack at the bar or café.

Here are a few I love:

• The Ace Hotel (Nomad): Trendy, artsy vibe with communal tables and great people-watching.

• The Edition Hotel (Times Square): Elegant, quiet during daytime hours, and great for meetings.

• The Public Hotel (Lower East Side): Stylish, minimalist, and has an onsite café.

Pro tip: Call ahead or check Google reviews to make sure laptop work is allowed or encouraged—some hotels are more open to it than others.

5. University Libraries (If You’re an Alum, Take Advantage!)

If you’re an alum of a university with a New York City campus, you may be eligible for library access—and that’s a game changer. These libraries tend to be quieter than public ones and often have long hours and strong Wi-Fi.

Some examples:

• NYU Bobst Library: NYU alumni can request access through their alumni benefits portal.

• Columbia University Libraries: Columbia offers a variety of alumni access options, including day passes.

• The New School: Has several beautiful study spaces, and alumni access is relatively easy to request.

It’s worth checking your alma mater’s alumni resources.

Final Thoughts

Switching up your work environment can do wonders for your focus, creativity, and mood. Whether you’re in need of a productivity boost, a networking opportunity, or just some fresh surroundings, NYC offers no shortage of inspiring remote work options.