How I Got Comfortable Going to Cafes Alone (+ 9 Things to Do While You’re There)

Cafes are great places to meet a friend for a coffee or some brunch, or maybe even have an informal business meeting. But a lot of people also like going to cafes alone from time to time. They provide an inviting, relaxing, and comforting space for many things you might want or have to do by yourself.

At first, going by myself felt a little awkward, and I know many others feel the same. However, there is absolutely no need and I am glad those feelings are not holding me back anymore.

Here are some tips to help you feel less uncomfortable going to a cafe alone!

How to feel less self-conscious going to cafes alone?

Before we get to the list of things you can do alone in a cafe, let’s talk about feeling comfortable sitting by yourself in a cafe.

Is it weird to go to a cafe alone? Not at all!

You might feel a little self-conscious, feeling like people are watching or judging you. But trust me, I have worked as a barista in different cafes for several years, many people go to cafes alone, and there is nothing weird about it.

You are allowed to be there by yourself

Know that you have every right to be there and have a table to yourself. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular.

You don’t have to do anything but order something from the menu to enjoy your time there. And as long as your orders are somewhat reasonable compared to the amount of time you spend, you don’t have to feel rushed out.

People never care as much as you think

Remember that other people never care as much about what you are doing as you might think they do. They mostly don’t even pay that much attention to you.

Still, we all feel like we are the focus of attention and judgment sometimes. Maybe the other guests are even a little self-conscious themselves!

Plus, no one knows your reason to be there. Meaning, that if they did pay attention, they could only be guessing.

And even if people were judging, you are not a mind reader, luckily! So try to not assume what others think. They are strangers in a cafe, should their opinions really be that impactful and hold you back from doing something you enjoy?

Make your visit as easy as possible

Thirdly, try making your visit as easy as possible by connecting with the staff and choosing a comfortable spot in the cafe.

Have a little chat with the barista, maybe ask about the cafe’s backstory or ask them for a menu recommendation or their favorite drink. You will likely feel much less awkward afterward.

Settle down in a not-so-busy corner of the cafe, maybe even put in some headphones and I am sure you will feel much more comfortable.

Go with a goal in mind

Going to a cafe with a goal in mind will help you feel less self-conscious. Maybe it is trying a new drink. But more likely it is spending time doing some work, reading, or something else.

For those people killing some time on their own in a cafe, whether you are waiting for someone or just love spending your own time in a cozy cafe, here is a list of things that you can do while sitting in a cafe by yourself.

9 Things to Do Alone in a Cafe

1. Watch the world go by while sipping your favorite beverage

I wanted to start with this one. This in itself is a very valid reason to hang out by yourself in a cafe, simply because you love it!

Besides, the world is always busy nowadays. How nice is it to actually do nothing but relax in this cozy place outside your home? Do some people-watching while you’re at it and enjoy your favorite drink!

2. Read a book or newspaper

How romantic is this? The warming ambiance of a cozy cafe truly elevates your reading time. There is just something about the sounds of soft music and the coffee machine in the background.

Another great way to relax in a comfortable place beside your home. Find the comfiest spot, order a hot beverage, and read your favorite book.

Sometimes cafes even provide some newspapers or magazines for you to read!

3. Do some light remote work or studying

I wouldn’t recommend having online meetings, and I know for myself that for deep-focus work I need more quiet surroundings.

But for all other scenarios, it can be very nice to work or study in a cafe for a few hours. The change of scenery can really boost your motivation.

This is one of the reasons why people love going to cafes nowadays!

4. Manage your inbox and plan your schedule

This is a personal favorite. Whenever I feel like I have so much to do but don’t know where to start, I escape to a coffee place nearby.

Cleaning out your inbox and organizing your email folders are things that need doing but don’t require that much mental effort. Perfect for an afternoon in a cozy cafe.

Same for filling out your schedule, and making and prioritizing a to-do list!

5. Plan your next trip or event

Planning and scheduling fun events or holidays are great to do in a cafe. There is mostly not too much pressure and focus involved.

The planning itself is often fun, but you do need to get around to doing it. Going to a cafe creates some dedicated time.

6. Make a workout schedule

Cafes are great places to do some casual research on various topics.

When you want to be more serious about working out regularly, it helps to have a schedule. Carve out some time to go to a cafe and set up your personal workout routine.

You will probably leave the cafe highly motivated to get started!

7. Work on a passion project

You might have a little side job or passion project next to your regular job that does not have a dedicated workplace.

Getting to work from the comfort of your home can be difficult at times. Working in a cafe can help you get started and boost your productivity.

The moderate background noise can even stimulate your creativity, research suggests.

8. Do some life admin

This is another personal favorite. Whatever mundane tasks you need to do, doing it while sitting in your local cafe makes it much more appealing.

The comforting surroundings somehow make it feel less hard to get things done. Hand-crafted quality coffee definitely helps as well.

9. Working on your bullet journal or Notion pages

For most people, bullet journalling is both a productive and relaxing activity. As it includes some planning and creativity at the same time, bullet journaling can nicely be done from a cafe. It makes the experience even more enjoyable.

The same is true for working on your Notion pages. Part of why Notion is so popular is that your productivity tool is both fun and efficient to use. Crafting your own pages is a perfect activity for some time alone in a cafe.

Want to know more about Notion? Check out the Notion website and get started for free!

Do you like going to a cafe alone? Is anything holding you back? What do you like to do when you are by yourself in a cafe? Feel free to share in the comments below!