As a digital nomad there’s so much to love about Playa del Carmen, Mexico. From hot sunny weather year round, (ok minus seaweed season May to September), the incredible nightlife, restaurant scene, cost of living and of course fast wifi. So after much research here’s my list of the best cafes for digital nomads in Playa del Carmen

Marley Coffee

I’ll go so far as to say Marley Coffee has the best cup of coffee in all of Playa del Carmen. So, while it’s located at the far end of 5th avenue, Marley Coffee isn’t the easiest place to get to but it’s well worth the trip. The shop is located at ground level of The Fives Hotel Downtown so not only is the wifi fast, but once you’ve finished working, you can also head upstairs to the pool bar for a cocktail

Ah Cacao

If you’re looking for something a bit more central (and a bit more indulgent), Ah Cacao might be the place for you. As you may have guessed Ah Cacao specializes mainly in chocolatey concoctions (though yes coffee is still on the menu). Wifi here is fast and reliable but the only downside is the cafe’s complete lack of power outlets despite an abundance of tables. There are many locations so choose the one closest to you if you know you’ll need a recharge

Basic Foodie

This is my pick for a hidden gem for digital nomads. Word does spread quickly in the nomad community so we’ll have to see how much longer this place remains a secret. The food at Basic Foodie may not be inventive, but it’s comforting. The coffee is strong and affordable and there are a few power outlets located inside the cafe. 

Quadra Coffee

Quadra is one of those cafes that isn’t really buzzed about and I’m not sure why. I found it purely by accident while out for a stroll near my Airbnb. It wasn’t full but also wasn’t empty, it’s spacious with tons of natural light, it’s perfect for a digital nomad. The wifi isn’t all that fast but it’s reliable and fast enough for what I need (maybe not a place to do tons of uploads and downloads)

MiDogo

Located right in the heart of Playa, MiDogo serves an amazing cup of coffee, milkshake or matcha. The baristas are friendly and make you feel welcome when you pull out your laptop. The wifi is relatively fast (though again I wouldn’t count on it for too many uploads and downloads). There aren’t many power outlets around the cafe but you can find a few along the wall if you know you’re gonna need a charge during your stay

Ojo de Agua

Ok so Ojo de Agua isn’t really a cafe as much as it is a restaurant but when it’s not busy it’s a great place to get some work done. The wifi situation is great, the seating is plentiful (hello awesome patio), and if you’re feeling a bit peckish, the chilaquiles are the best I’ve had in all of Playa. If you come in the early afternoon after the brunch rush, you’ll find that this might be your new favourite spot to get stuff done

Choux Coux

If you’re researching digital nomad cafes you might be surprised to find Choux Choux so far down my list. Why? Try pulling out your laptop. The look of disgust when you pull out your laptop even when you’re ordering food. To be honest I can’t blame them. They’re incredibly busy all day long. Their food and coffee are indeed great, but pulling up for a long day of work when there’s a lineup of people waiting for a table isn’t cool. Don’t be that nomad. If for some reason there’s no lineup, the staff could still be a bit surly but don’t feel too guilty pulling out your laptop

Do you know of any cafes that should have made my list for the best cafes for digital nomads in Playa del Carmen? Let me know in the comments