Coworking in New York City can feel like trying to choose between a chocolate croissant and a warm, buttery one.
On one hand, you want to dedicate your daytime hours to the work you love. On the other hand, all the city’s fascinating spots keep tempting you to forget work and come out and play.
If this is you, we get it. Distraction can be a real problem when coworking. But what if you could have both croissants? Would you jump at the chance to sprinkle some play into your workday? We’re betting you said yes because we know that just like coliving, coworking can be difficult without making time for fun.
That’s why we put our NYC coliving spaces in fun neighborhoods you would want to explore. And that’s why we wrote this list!
Here are our recommendations:
We figured even the busiest remote worker sometimes has an hour or two between Zoom meetings. So, we found 5 coworking spaces in Manhattan just minutes away from some of New York City’s best attractions. If you have an hour or two, you can easily explore them and be back in time for your next meeting.
Industrious@Equinox: For coworking in Chelsea
If finer details are your thing, Equinox will make you feel at home. Their luxurious space includes suites, private offices, shared spaces, conference rooms, and virtual offices for when all you need is an office address. The artisan coffees they serve will be a dream for caffeine addicts, and breakfast can always be had from their onsite restaurant. Because Industrious shares space with a gym, getting a workout will be easy if you’re on the market for that.
If you have an hour
If you’ve never seen overhead train tracks transformed into a green space, you’ll want to spend your hour in High Line Park. Because of its inventiveness and sometimes gritty views, it remains a favorite with local New Yorkers. Enjoy people-watching as much as the greenery while weaving your way among the top of the buildings. And look out for art installations along the way!
If you have two hours
With two hours to spare you may want to take the 15-minute walk to Chelsea Piers where you can stroll along the river or have lunch on a bench while watching the boats sail by. There’s an excellent Sports Center where you can get membership so you can learn a sport during your free time too!
Servcorp
If your freelance work entails setting up meetings in the Financial District there isn’t a better way to impress your clients than with Servcorp’s coworking space in Manhattan. Wondering what’s so impressive? Well, Servcorp is in the iconic One World Trade Center building!
The coworking space sits in a posh office you and your clients will appreciate. For setting up meetings, facilities like private offices and meeting rooms that you can rent by the hour give you flexible options. If you just want to share a desk or get your own dedicated desk on a shared floor, that’s also an option. And you never have to go far for printing. Every desk has its own printer.
You’ll also love the views around you. Servcorp is on the 85th floor of the skyscraper so it may offer the best views of any coworking space in Manhattan. They also include unlimited coffee, tea, and fruit water in your fee.
When you have an hour or two, leave Servcorp for some unforgettable experiences.
If you have an hour
Because you’re literally inside One World Trade Center, in just an hour you can do many things. If you like a good view, take the elevator to the Observatory for views of NYC’s famous skyscrapers and the soothing Hudson River. For cool architecture, walk 5 minutes outside the building to the Oculus where the sculptured walls will have you gazing. Save time by grabbing a coffee to-go from About Time for good measure!
If you have two hours
If you have more time and want to go where the wind takes you, find the Hudson Park Greenway and walk along the river for views of New Jersey on the other side. You’ll pass a pier with minigolf and food trucks within ten minutes. There is also a ferry boat stop where you’ll get a genuine taste of New York life as you watch locals rushing back and forth. If you don’t feel like taking a long walk, take a 5-minute walk to the 9/11 Museum and spend the time on an emotional visit (book a ticket in advance).
WeWork: For coworking close to Harlem
WeWork was one of the first coworking chains in New York City and is known for working spots that come with all the frills. If you like exploring historic neighborhoods, their Harlem location puts you in the center of one of New York City’s storied neighborhoods.
WeWork’s experience shows in creative decors and their attention to best practices in the coworking arena. Comfortable couches and sofas with throw pillows instantly put you at home. Hot desks, private offices, shared offices, and private phone rooms make getting some serious work done a cinch. Extra touches like iced coffee on tap and a stoop seating spot reminiscent of the sidewalk stoops common in the brownstone homes around the city make the space special.
If you have an hour
If all you have is a lunch break, a popular soul food restaurant, Sylvia’s, is only a 3-minute walk. Once you get there, try the sublime fried prawns. And if you’ve never had cornbread with fried chicken, this is a good place to introduce your tastebuds to them! Harlem celebrates African American comfort food, so if Sylvia’s is packed, try Din-O-Saur Barbeque, or Red Rooster for equally delicious food.
If you have two hours
If you have extra time, head to any of the historical museums in the neighborhood. Jazz music was shaped into what it is now on the streets of Harlem, so you’ll find an interesting Jazz museum about 10 minutes away. If music isn’t your thing the neighborhood abounds with African American art museums too.
On your way to your museum of choice, admire the remodeled homes lining the streets. You may even see our Cohabs house in the area!
Kettlespace@The Ribbon: For coworking close to Central Park
Kettlespace’s unique business model transforms some of New York City’s best restaurants into coworking spots by day so that costs are lower. If the thought of saving money made you smile, we have even better news. Their coworking space next to Central Park is in The Ribbon Restaurant which is just a 5-minute walk from the famous park!
With Kettlespace’s affordable fees it will be easy to set up office for the day. The all-wood coworking space has bright lighting that feels cheerful while you work. Since the existing restaurant seating is used, there are no lounge areas with sofas and couches like some of the fancier coworking spaces in Manhattan. But if you’re on a budget and all you need are endless coffee and strong wifi, Kettlespace is a good value.
When you take a break, it’s an easy walk to Central Park where lakes, restaurants, and a living memorial await you.
If you have an hour
If you only have an hour and you happen to love the Beatles, take your lunch to Strawberry Fields, Central Park’s living memorial dedicated to John Lennon. After you get to the park’s 72nd Street entrance, it’s another 3 minutes to the memorial. You won’t be able to explore all 5 acres of Strawberry Fields, but you’ll get to see the Imagine Mosaic where people from all over the world come to lay flowers in honor of John Lennon.
If you have two hours
If you have more time, Loeb Boathouse is also in this section of Central Park. It’s around a 15 minutes walk, but the gondola and boat rides are worth the walk.
Regus: For coworking in Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is 22 acres of shopping, food, and famous attractions like The Observation Deck and The Rockefeller Christmas Tree. If you book Regus’ coworking space, you’ll only need to take a few steps to be in the center of it all.
But first, you must get through your work. And Regus is perfect for that. Workspaces include lounge areas, meeting rooms, private offices, and shared desks. A coffee bar makes staying energized easy. And when you need some fresh air, there’s an outdoor terrace with views of Manhattan.
If you have an hour
Rockefeller Center is quite touristy. But the plaza does ‘touristy’ well. Walk in any direction and you’ll find something to enjoy within a few minutes. Take a packed lunch to Channel Gardens, a green space with water fountains tucked between the skyscrapers. Or head to St Patrick’s Cathedral and give yourself a quick outside tour.
If you have two hours
Book a ticket at the Top Of The Rock Observation Deck for unforgettable views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and The Empire State Building. If you’re free in the evening, splurge on a fancy dinner at Del Frisco’s and dessert at La Maison Du Chocolat. For more eclectic food, try Fieldtrip where rice is always on the menu.
Looking for a more unique coworking option? Continue reading for our list of unusual and inspiring coworking spaces in Manhattan.
The Farm Soho
If you really want to get away from the usual clean-cut, office-style coworking spaces that sometimes seem a dime a dozen, we can’t recommend The Farm Soho enough. There aren’t many places in New York where you can enjoy being in nature while working, so that makes this spot all the more special. They transported a century-old barn in the farmlands of Southern Missouri to the heart of NYC so working here doesn’t have to feel like work. Whether you’re looking for affordable an coworking space where you can feel safe and secure and focused and inspired, The Farm is for you.
NeueHouse
NeueHouse is situated in the iconic Flatiron District. NeueHouse features the vibrant energy of the historic space it occupies, making it the perfect place for for creativity and commerce. If you are looking for an open place where you can develop and manifest ideas, this is the place for you. They are “the place to inspire your work, build your voice and grow your community.”
Bond Collective
According to them, the Bond Collective are “thoughtfully curated boutique work environments that provide an unmatched experience.” They have beautiful coworking spaces that are defined by people, not buildings. Their focus on people allows them to build passionate communities so that you always feel welcomed. If you’re looking for that extra boost to be as creative, comfortable, and empowered as possible, then Bond Collective may be the best choice for you.
And there you have it! A diverse list of choices for coworking in Manhattan. Whether you prefer getting your work done in a more calm environment or sharing your second coffee of the day with a new friend, there’s something for everyone. Get out and explore these spaces today!
