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The 16 Best Places to Study in New York

When it comes to finding the perfect study spot in New York City, the options can seem overwhelming. Whether you're looking for a quiet space to focus or a bustling environment to keep you energized, the city offers a wide range of locations that cater to every study style.

From cozy cafes to modern libraries, New York City has something for everyone. It can be challenging to find the right place that meets all your study needs, but with a little research, you can discover the ideal spot that will help you stay productive and motivated.

Before diving into the list of The 16 Best Places to Study in New York, take a moment to consider what factors are most important to you in a study environment. Whether you thrive in a bustling coffee shop or require absolute silence to concentrate, there is a study spot in New York City that is perfect for you.

How this guide is ordered

Chosen by our New York editors from places across the five boroughs, giving weight to a long track record with locals, current opening details and how well each one delivers on what it promises. Lists are revisited often; tell us when a spot closes or moves.

Featured businesses may pay for a more visible position within the guide.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

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Featured options

Select an option to see its summary.

#1
The Uncommons
4.61,481 reviews
#2
Coffee Project New York | East Village
4.7727 reviews
#3
St Kilda Coffee
4.6574 reviews

Full list

Compare 16 local options

The Uncommons#1
What stands out

  • A customer mentioned that the staff were clear, helpful, and explained the rules well, making the gaming experience organized and enjoyable.

  • Another customer highlighted the diverse selection of games available, accompanied by solidly good coffee and friendly staff.

  • One customer enjoyed a fantastic date day activity at The Uncommons, praising the staff for their helpful game recommendations and the overall fun atmosphere.

  • One reviewer appreciated the cozy vibes and great game selection at the cafe, making it a paradise on earth for board game lovers like themselves.

The Uncommons

4.61,481 reviews
230 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, United States

The Uncommons Cafe is a cozy spot in New York City that offers a unique experience for board game enthusiasts. With a wide selection of tabletop, RPG, board, and card games, customers can enjoy hours of playtime for a small fee. The welcoming staff are knowledgeable and create a friendly atmosphere for customers to relax and have fun. The cafe also serves coffee, beer, wine, and small eats, providing a perfect setting for gatherings with friends and family.

These positive reviews reflect the welcoming environment and quality service that customers can expect at The Uncommons. Plan a visit to this cafe for a memorable gaming experience in the heart of the city!

Coffee Project New York | East Village#2
What stands out

  • Customers praise the variety of beans available for pour-over coffee

  • Visitors love the excellent espresso drinks and pastries

  • Many appreciate the cozy seating and patio area

  • Some highlight the unique offerings like the deconstructed latte and black sesame latte

Coffee Project New York | East Village

4.7727 reviews
239 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

Coffee Project New York | East Village is a charming coffee shop located in New York, offering a cozy atmosphere and a variety of delicious beverages. Some of the service options available include outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy great coffee and a fantastic selection of teas. This spot is popular for breakfast, solo dining, and working on a laptop.

With a high rating of 4.7 based on 727 reviews, Coffee Project New York | East Village is a top choice for coffee enthusiasts in the area. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, vegetarian options, or a relaxing place to enjoy your favorite drink, this coffee shop has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience the welcoming atmosphere and great flavors that customers rave about.

St Kilda Coffee#3
What stands out

  • Customers praise the fresh and superb coffee at St Kilda Coffee.

  • The atmosphere is described as fun and magical by patrons.

  • Many enjoy the unique flavor profiles of the different coffee options available.

  • Visitors appreciate the cozy and trendy atmosphere of the cafe.

St Kilda Coffee

4.6574 reviews
328 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

St Kilda Coffee is a charming coffee shop tucked away in New York City. This cozy spot offers a range of service options, including outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers rave about the great coffee and tea selection, making it a popular choice for solo dining and working on a laptop.

Ground Central Coffee Company#4
What stands out

  • Cozy location, perfect for work or a date, but a bit pricey.

  • Excellent Cortado and ample seating options, with decent pastries.

  • Great coffee, friendly staff, interesting decor, and books to borrow.

  • Cool and hip shop with fantastic beverages, fair prices, but inconsistent service.

Ground Central Coffee Company

4.5941 reviews
888 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Ground Central Coffee Company is a beloved coffee shop in New York, known for its great coffee and industrial vibes. With an ample room for seating, it's popular for solo dining and working on a laptop. The cozy atmosphere makes it a casual and cosy spot for a date or a productive work session. Customers have praised the strong and delicious coffee, as well as the friendly staff and interesting decor.

Recent reviews highlight:

Perk Coffee#5
What stands out

  • Cozy vibes, friendly service, and delicious specialty grade espresso.

  • Better than other coffee shops with a more affordable price and a nicer atmosphere.

  • Staff is nice, a variety of pastries available, and a great place for working on laptops.

Perk Coffee

4.5380 reviews
162 E 37th St, New York, NY 10016, United States

Perk Coffee is a charming coffee shop in New York City that offers a variety of services to its customers. They provide delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options for a convenient experience. The cafe is known for its great coffee and tea selection, making it a popular spot for breakfast and solo dining. Customers appreciate the cosy and trendy atmosphere, perfect for working on a laptop or catching up with friends.

Here are a few key points from customer reviews:

Ground Central Coffee Company#6
What stands out

  • The best coffee, specifically the Midtown Express, and a great selection of drinks.

  • Soft rock music, cozy atmosphere, and pet-friendly make it a perfect place to hang out.

  • Delicious lattes, quiet and peaceful atmosphere with plenty of seating, and a cute outdoor sign.

  • One of the nicer coffee shops in town, with clean facilities and comfortable seating.

Ground Central Coffee Company

4.6180 reviews
498 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018, United States

Ground Central Coffee Company is a popular coffee shop located in New York, NY. This cozy coffee spot offers a variety of services like Takeaway and Dine-in, making it an ideal place to grab a quick cup of coffee or enjoy a relaxing sit-down experience. With its Fast service and reputation for serving Great coffee and Great tea selection, customers keep coming back for more.

Customers have left glowing reviews about their experiences at Ground Central Coffee Company. Here are some key points from their reviews:

Visit Ground Central Coffee Company to enjoy a cup of coffee in a casual, trendy, and welcoming environment. With its friendly staff and top-notch service, it's no surprise this coffee shop has earned a stellar 4.6 rating from its satisfied customers.

Ground Central Coffee Company#7
What stands out

  • Their house blend coffee has earthy tones with flavors of pine nut and milk chocolate.

  • It's a great place to work with its semi-spacious layout, library-style room, and cozy atmosphere.

  • Customers rave about the welcoming staff, delicious coffee, and productive ambiance.

Ground Central Coffee Company

4.3872 reviews
155 East 52nd Street, 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States

Ground Central Coffee Company is a bustling coffee shop located in the heart of New York. They offer a variety of services like takeaway and dine-in options. Known for their great coffee and excellent tea selection, this spot is a favorite for those looking to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Whether you're a tourist looking for a pick-me-up or a student in need of a study spot, Ground Central Coffee Company caters to all. With a rating of 4.3 based on 872 reviews, it's clear that this spot is a local favorite for coffee lovers and those in search of a trendy, cozy cafe experience.

Ground Support Cafe#8
What stands out

  • A lovely coffee shop with friendly staff and good coffee. The hot chocolate might not be the best choice for the price.

  • Delicious hot chocolate in small sizes, spicy turmeric, and amazing London fog cookies.

  • A loyal customer who loves the staff and enjoys a variety of food options like BEC sandwiches, broccolini bowls, and avocado toast.

  • Ample seating with communal options, power outlets, and tasty food choices like ham sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies.

Ground Support Cafe

4.3824 reviews
399 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012, United States

Ground Support Cafe is a cozy coffee shop located in New York that offers a variety of services to cater to its customers. From great coffee to organic dishes, this cafe has it all. Customers can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in options, and even takeaway services.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

With a rating of 4.3 stars and 824 reviews, Ground Support Cafe is definitely a go-to spot for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Visit them today and experience their wonderful offerings!

Birch Coffee#9
What stands out

  • Cozy and relaxed ambiance with warm baristas

  • Thoughtful accents including a communal library

  • High-quality brewed coffee and tea options

Birch Coffee

4.4389 reviews
8 Spruce St, New York, NY 10038, United States

Birch Coffee offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for many locals and tourists in Lower Manhattan. With exceptional service and a minimalist aesthetic, customers can enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee or tea. The cafe provides a selection of great coffee and tea, perfect for a quick breakfast or solo dining experience. Birch Coffee is popular for its outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in options, accommodating various preferences. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Customers praise the friendly staff, clean facilities, and delicious coffee offerings. Birch Coffee stands out as a trendy and welcoming coffee shop worth visiting for a refreshing break or a productive work session.

Think Coffee#10
What stands out

  • A customer shared a negative experience regarding a staff member's attitude and the quality of the drip coffee.

  • Another customer mentioned that the food is not too tasteful but appreciates the wide selection of drinks and seating options.

  • A positive review highlighted the cozy atmosphere, delicious coffee, and friendly staff at Think Coffee.

  • One customer praised the food quality and mentioned the limited comfortable seating as a drawback.

Think Coffee

4.21,014 reviews
248 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012, United States

Think Coffee is a popular coffee shop located in New York that offers various services to its customers. With a rating of 4.2, it is known for its great coffee and fast service. Customers can enjoy the delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options available.

Some of the key features of Think Coffee include a great tea selection and options for breakfast, lunch, and solo dining. It is also popular for being a good spot for working on a laptop, making it ideal for students and professionals.

Here are some summarized customer reviews:

With its inviting atmosphere and delicious offerings, Think Coffee is a must-visit coffee shop in New York for those looking for a cozy place to enjoy a cup of coffee or work on their laptop.

Think Coffee#11
What stands out

  • Customers praise the avocado toast and coffee quality, although some have noted minor issues with order accuracy.

  • The shop is spacious with a great vibe and ample seating, making it ideal for catching up with friends.

  • Many visitors appreciate the diverse menu options and look forward to trying more items in the future.

Think Coffee

4.2897 reviews
73 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014, United States

Think Coffee is a popular coffee shop located in New York, known for its fast service and great coffee. With a rating of 4.2, it offers a diverse range of services and features that cater to its customers' needs, from takeaway to dine-in options. It is popular for breakfast, lunch, and solo dining, making it a versatile spot for various occasions.

Overall, Think Coffee is a cozy and trendy spot for anyone looking to enjoy a cup of coffee in a welcoming atmosphere.

Ost Cafe#12
What stands out

  • Great little place out in south of Manhattan. Very dog friendly and most people don’t mind sharing a table. The baristas are very knowledgeable and affable.

  • Ordered a cappuccino and was disappointed with the quality. Wouldn't recommend this place to coffee connoisseurs.

  • First time in New York and found this cute little cafe with amazing coffee and service. 100% recommend.

  • Ost Café is a gem in the neighborhood, offering great coffee and pastries. The casual and friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect gathering place for neighbors.

Ost Cafe

4.4185 reviews
511 Grand St, New York, NY 10002, United States

Ost Cafe is a cozy neighborhood spot in New York, known for its great coffee and excellent pastries. The cafe offers a variety of service options including outdoor seating, takeaway, dine-in, and even good for kids. It is popular among customers for breakfast, solo dining, and being good for working on a laptop. The casual and friendly atmosphere creates a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.

Here are some summarized customer reviews:

Paper Coffee#13
What stands out

  • Ambiance is magnifique, spacious, and aesthetic

  • Great place for reading a book

  • Some customers find the ordering experience uncomfortable

  • Offerings are on the pricier side but the environment is cool

Paper Coffee

4.2532 reviews
44 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, United States

Paper Coffee is a cozy coffee shop located in New York, known for its fast service and great coffee. With options for outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in, customers can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while savoring their favorite coffee or tea. The cafe is popular for breakfast, solo dining, and is good for working on a laptop.

Customer reviews highlight the following:

Whether you're looking for a place to kick back and relax or need a spot to get some work done, Paper Coffee offers a diverse menu and a trendy atmosphere that will surely leave you satisfied.

Think Coffee#14
What stands out

  • Spacious and modern location, great for chatting or working on a laptop.

  • Enjoyable seasonal beverages like matcha mocha.

  • Smooth and flavorful coffee options.

  • Efficient and friendly staff, although some experiences may vary.

Think Coffee

4.1781 reviews
123 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States

Think Coffee is a popular coffee shop in New York known for its modern atmosphere, great coffee, and excellent tea selection. Customers can enjoy a variety of service options like takeaway and dine-in. The shop is also popular for breakfast, lunch, and solo dining, making it a versatile spot for different occasions. In addition, the place is good for working on a laptop, attracting many laptop warriors and students.

With a rating of 4.1, Think Coffee has received numerous positive reviews. Some key points highlighted by customers include:

Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to relax with a cup of coffee or a place to catch up with friends, Think Coffee offers a welcoming environment and delicious drinks to satisfy your cravings.

The Bean#15
What stands out

  • Industrial space with homey vibes

  • Abundance of seating and plugs

  • Quick and efficient service

  • Gluten-free snack options available

The Bean

4.0552 reviews
54 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States

The Bean is a popular coffee shop in New York providing a variety of services like outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy great coffee and a selection of teas in a casual, cosy, and trendy atmosphere. The place is popular for breakfast, lunch, solo dining, and working on laptops, making it ideal for various occasions.

One customer praised the solid coffee and outlets everywhere, while another loved the local vibe, friendly service, and unique drinks. However, one customer experienced slow service and disappointing drinks. Despite mixed reviews, The Bean remains a go-to spot for many looking for a piping hot chai latte, clean, and reliable morning cup of joe.

Think Coffee#16
What stands out

  • BEST brevé I’ve ever had. The coffee is organic and sourced authentically, giving customers peace of mind. They offer vegan pastry options and a cozy atmosphere. The staff is friendly and welcoming.

  • Genuinely disappointed with a sandwich that lacked ingredients and had excessive chili flakes. The coffee quality was also mediocre.

  • The best cappuccino and delicious bagels at Think Coffee. Customers highly recommend this spot for quality food and beverages.

  • Delicious snacks, exceptional customer service, and a great atmosphere across the street from a famous landmark.

Think Coffee

4.0536 reviews
1 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012, United States

Think Coffee is a renowned coffee shop located in New York, NY, offering a variety of services and highlights for its customers. With a rating of 4.0, it is popular for its Great coffee and Great tea selection, making it an ideal spot for Breakfast, Solo dining, and Good for working on a laptop. The establishment provides several Service options such as Outdoor seating, Takeaway, and Dine-in options. Customers praise Think Coffee for its high-quality products and exceptional customer service as seen in the reviews:

Visit Think Coffee for a delightful coffee experience.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1The Uncommons 4.61,481
#2Coffee Project New York | East Village 4.7727
#3St Kilda Coffee 4.6574
#4Ground Central Coffee Company 4.5941
#5Perk Coffee 4.5380
#6Ground Central Coffee Company 4.6180
#7Ground Central Coffee Company 4.3872
#8Ground Support Cafe 4.3824
#9Birch Coffee 4.4389
#10Think Coffee 4.21,014
#11Think Coffee 4.2897
#12Ost Cafe 4.4185
#13Paper Coffee 4.2532
#14Think Coffee 4.1781
#15The Bean 4.0552
#16Think Coffee 4.0536

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Map and areas

Map of Places to Study in New York

Looking for a place to study in the bustling city of New York? This map has all the top spots where you can hit the books and get some serious work done. Whether you prefer a cozy cafe, a quiet library, or a trendy coworking space, this map has you covered with the best study locations in the city.

How to choose Places to Study in New York City

  1. Availability of seating.
  2. Noise level.
  3. Access to outlets and WiFi.
  4. Food and drink options.
  5. Hours of operation.

Frequently asked questions

Best Study Spots in New York City

When looking for the best places to study in New York City, it's essential to consider various factors such as noise level, ambiance, and proximity to amenities. Here are some top recommendations: Public Libraries: The New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library offer quiet study areas and free Wi-Fi. Cafes and Coffee Shops: Popular options include Starbucks, Gregorys Coffee, and Stumptown Coffee Roasters, where you can grab a drink while hitting the books. Parks and Outdoor Spaces: Central Park, Bryant Park, and Prospect Park provide scenic settings perfect for studying al fresco.

Quiet Study Spaces in the Big Apple

Finding a quiet study space in New York City can be challenging due to the city's hustle and bustle. However, there are hidden gems where you can focus without distractions: Columbia University Libraries: Columbia University offers several libraries with designated quiet zones for students looking for a peaceful study environment. The Morgan Library & Museum: This cultural institution houses a stunning reading room perfect for those seeking a serene place to study. Silent Study Rooms: Some universities like NYU and Fordham have silent study rooms in their libraries for students who require complete silence.

Study Spaces with Free Wi-Fi in NYC

For students looking for study spaces with free Wi-Fi in NYC, there are numerous options to choose from across the city: Starbucks: This coffee chain offers free Wi-Fi to customers, making it a popular choice for studying on the go. New York Public Library: Many branches of the NYPL provide free Wi-Fi access to patrons, ideal for students looking for a quiet place to study with internet connectivity. Local Cafes: Many independent cafes in NYC offer complimentary Wi-Fi, making them excellent study spots for those who enjoy a cozy atmosphere.

24/7 Study Spaces in New York City

For students who need to study late or early hours in NYC, finding 24/7 study spaces is crucial. Here are some options that cater to night owls and early birds: NYU Bobst Library: This university library is open 24/7 during the academic year, providing a dedicated space for students to study round the clock. McDonald's: Some McDonald's locations in NYC offer free Wi-Fi and are open 24 hours, making them unexpected but convenient study spots for late-night cramming. Hotel Lobbies: Certain hotels in NYC have public areas or lobbies that are open to the public and equipped with Wi-Fi, providing a quiet space for studying at odd hours.

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