Cafés have long stood as creative hubs for intellectuals and artists. Writers such as Albert Camus, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald are just a few who wrote parts of their works in cafés like Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, and Café de la Paix. At the time many brilliant minds lived in small, poorly heated apartments, and cafés seemed their main refuge. From Paris to Vienna, these places offered some warmth and a comfortable workspace, all for the price of a single cup of coffee. While I think those are the days long gone, are today’s cafés a good place to journal or practice calligraphy? Let’s see!
Cafés haven’t changed much since then in terms of charm, they’ve become even more appealing to creatives. Today, many cafés are introducing new varieties of specialty coffee (from regions such as Ethiopia and Peru), serving delicious brunch options, and bringing out freshly baked homemade pastries. Still need a reason to write your next journal entry at your local café? Keep reading…
Why I Love Writing in Cafés
It’s been more than eight years since I started working (almost daily) in various cafés around the city, which have, in a way, become my unofficial office. True, I usually never stay for more than two hours, but I’ve turned it into a ritual. It’s not just about writing—many tasks require laptop work—but I always jot something down in my notebook, either in between or while sipping coffee.
It all starts with a cappuccino or espresso (depending on the day), and very rarely, a V60—usually when there’s a wider selection of specialty varieties—along with a glass of water. I take out my notebook, a writing instrument (which changes daily), and begin jotting down various ideas. Sometimes, I plan my day, marking the most important activities; other times, I jot down ideas or simply practice my handwriting (it’s all fun after all). Lately, I’ve started writing down quotes or passages from books that have sparked my interest.
I can’t quite put it into words, but there’s something about the aroma of freshly roasted coffee or the scent of buttery croissants straight from the oven that puts me in the mood for writing. There’s a sense of stillness and warmth that guides every idea onto paper. It may seem strange, but even in the noisiest cafés, I find peace. Perhaps it’s the act of writing itself, which inevitably draws me away from the surrounding buzz.
Start Small, Stay Consistent
If you’ve never tried this before, give yourself time to ease into it. Start slowly—perhaps next time you have a coffee at your favorite local café, with just a pen and a scrap of paper from your bag. Jot down a few thoughts about the coffee you’re sipping, describe the atmosphere around you, or better yet, make a quick grocery list before heading home.
At some point, you’ll want to turn this into a habit. It’s worth getting yourself a notebook and a fountain pen—preferably one you cherish—so you can write at a slower pace on quality paper (the experience is different). This way, you can track your notes and revisit them whenever you like. It’s a great exercise to observe what you’re thinking, what inspires you, and how your handwriting evolves.
No matter how often you practice it, try to enjoy the moment—after all, it should be an experience that brings you joy and a sense of well-being.
I’m telling you, ever since I started doing this, I never leave home without a writing instrument and a pocket notebook that fits perfectly in my jeans or jacket pocket. Who knows what ideas might pop up while I savor my dose of caffeine?