For a city as full of digital nomads and locals working from home as Rio de Janeiro is, the availability of decent, calm, and focused remote-working areas appears sparse at first glance. However, after living in the city for more than a year, I have found that they’re just not particularly well advertised. 

There are the typical spots, like WeWork and other co-working businesses, to be found for those times you may need an office or some privacy for a meeting, but there are also some very cool work-friendly places for when you might want a cool drink, a view, and the bustle of other digital nomads and a chance of making a new connection or two.

Getting Your Head Down: Work-Focused Co-Working Spots

WeWork

Multiple Locations

If you’re a long-time travelling digital nomad, chances are you have come across a WeWork before. They’re consistent, if on the more expensive side for a one-off day of work. The WeWork in Rio De Janeiro is no different. It offers exactly what you would expect, with a great social atmosphere and bar if you want a little post-work unwind, but space to really lock in and grind, too. 

• Pricing: Overall, it’s not the cheapest option out there, with day passes for a desk starting at R$214 (€37) per day. Monthly passes come in at R$1,178 (€202) per month. 
• Environment: The views are exceptional, offering wide vistas of the city, looking out toward the bay, over the center of the city. WeWork is known for its more sociable side, so if you’re looking to make a few digital nomad connections, the bar on offer could be the place you land your next client. 
• Amenities: 24/7 access with strong and reliable WiFi. A bar and place for food. The WeWork buildings are equipped with their own generators, also, meaning even when the power goes out in Rio, you’re still kept online.

Spaces

Multiple Locations

Spaces offers a familiar coworking experience, and they have a large presence in the city. So, whether you’re staying in Barra de Tajuca or the lively streets of Botafogo, there is somewhere for you to go and work in peace. The benefits of Spaces can be enjoyed for a much lower price than many of the other international alternatives, catering more to the budgets of the locals, while still providing all the conveniences expected.

• Pricing: Depending on where you want to work around the city dictates how much you will be paying for private desks, offices, and meeting rooms. However, they are very reasonable, with private desks starting as low as R$ 409(€70) a month for a co-working pass and R$ 729 (€125) a month for an office. 
• Environment: These coworking spaces are well-equipped for the digital nomad with a great selection of spots to work from across the city, and spaces to eat, drink, and socialise to take a break between tasks. They are professional and offer peace and quiet when needed, and a businesslike backdrop for those important meetings. 
• Amenities: Spaces understands that digital nomads may be expected to work on global office hours, and provide their services 24/7. The WiFi is reliable, and the rooms are comfortably air-conditioned. A small area for eating and topping up your coffee is provided. 

Coworking Town

Multiple Locations

If you’re in Rio de Janeiro, why not make the most of the world-class beaches and get a coworking space on the beachfront. Coworking Town has a few locations around the city, but one of the most popular looks out over the stunning Copacabana Beach.

• Pricing: If you’re looking for a simple setup with a booth and spot to get some work done, prices start at R$ 89(€15) per day in Copacabana, or less if you’re going to a location closer to the center. An office for two people costs R$ 2849 (€488) per month.
• Environment: The coworking space in the Copacabana location is simple, and the building is very quiet, by the insistence of the staff. If you’re looking for somewhere to socialise, this isn’t the spot. However, the views are magnificent.
• Amenities: A small space for coffee and keeping food is provided. The coworking space is available 24/7 for people with a monthly pass, and open for day pass members from 9 – 6.

Keeping It Casual: Cafes And Social Coworking Spots in Rio De Janeiro

When you don’t need complete silence to focus but still want to get out of the house, a spot with a good atmosphere, reliable WiFi, and a touch of local flavor can make the workday much more enjoyable. Rio de Janeiro has plenty of places that fit the bill, from libraries and cafés to bars and restaurants.

Galleria Cafe e Bistro – Copacabana

R. Barata Ribeiro, 473 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22040-002, Brazil

This spot in Copacabana is exactly what you would expect from a cafe offering coworking. The upstairs has tables with plugs, the WiFi is reliable and decent enough for basic calls, and the food is actually above average. The coffee is exceptionally good for Rio, with a real espresso machine. The pastries come highly recommended. 

BiblioMaison – Centro/Gloria

Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 58 – 11° andar – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20020-010, Brazil

For something a little closer to Centro, BilblioMaison offers a wonderful working space in a beautiful library. The building is vast, and there are numerous places you can tuck yourself away, surrounded by powerful architecture and a wealth of knowledge. The place has a calm buzz about it as people go about their business, but it is still a space conducive to working.

There are areas for private meetings, for study, plenty of desks, and reliable outlets and WiFi. There is also a well-supplied cafe with stunning views on a quiet outside terrace.

Cirandaia – Botafogo

R. Voluntários da Pátria, 416 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22270-016, Brazil

This gorgeous cafe is an award winner for food and drink, so you know you’ll be well catered for if you want to take a perch and work for a few hours. They have reliable WiFi, plenty of plugs, and usually quite a bit of space, despite its popularity. However, if you’re looking to work on the weekends, they have a strict no-laptop policy. They get busy, and they need to make that money.

You can tuck into Brazilian classics such as a hearty tapioca, or go for something a little more indulgent with a brigadeiro cake, both of which come highly recommended. 

Bottom line

Whether you’re in Rio as a digital nomad looking for your next base or visiting for business or leisure, finding a great workspace outside your accommodation can make all the difference. It can help you feel connected to the city rather than simply working from another accommodation with a different view. Fortunately, Rio has no shortage of excellent coworking spaces and cafés that offer comfortable, productive environments for getting work done while you’re in town.