Studying often calls for a special kind of brain fuel. Whether that’s a velvety latte, a stash of fresh pastries, or a quiet nook to hide away in, finding the perfect place you can rely on to dish up those productive provisions is key!
If you’re a student in Vancouver (or planning to be one), you’ll be happy to know that there’s no shortage of quality cafes and hangout spots in the city. The only trouble would be finding the best ones… but we’ve got that covered.
Find the best coffee shops and hangout spots that will make your student life in Vancouver even more enjoyable. Give it up for the best cafes to study in Vancouver!
FUNK. Coffee Bar
Image source: @funk.coffeebar
📍1025 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver
We’re pinning FUNK. Coffee Bar down as one of the top cafes to study in Vancouver for a variety of reasons. For one, their downtown Vancouver location offers a cozy atmosphere with plenty of seating, tables, and large windows for natural light.
There are even a couple of private nooks for quiet work sessions, and they rent out boardrooms that are perfect for when you need a group study session or a space to prepare for job interviews. Free WiFi keeps you connected, and great coffee keeps you awake—what more can you ask for?
Highlights:
- Has a great location right next to Burrard Station
- Has private nooks and boardrooms available
- Offers beer, wine, and cocktails (perfect for rewarding yourself after a long study session!)
Breka Bakery & Café – Bute
📍812 Bute St., Vancouver
For those in need of a cozy, homey space to hunker down or meet up with classmates, Breka Bakery & Café on Bute Street fits the bill perfectly. This well-lit café exudes warmth and comfort with its rustic-chic decor, featuring woodsy accents, potted plants, and a fun multi-level layout.
Just don’t expect a monastery-like silence—as far as cafes to work in Vancouver go, this bustling space is pretty lively. But sometimes a little background buzz is the perfect white noise for cranking out a paper or preparing your resume!
Highlights:
- Open 24/7
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Wide variety of pastries and drinks
Perfecto Cafe, Bakery & Gelato
Image source: @perfectocafe.ca
📍605 Davie St., Vancouver
One of the best places for extra brain power is one that serves sugary treats. That’s why next on our list of best study cafes in Vancouver is a coffee shop that offers the perfect study fuel in the form of espresso drinks, baked goods, and gelato treats.
Perfecto Cafe, Bakery & Gelato’ chic vibe and aesthetic make it a great place for both studying and hanging out with friends. It can get pretty busy during the day but don’t worry, it doesn’t usually get too loud.
💻 Tip: While they have a variety of seating options, we recommend sitting along the windows (at the hightops or bar seats) for outlet access.
Highlights:
- Has plenty of seating options
- Has outlets for laptop charging
- Opens early (7 a.m.) and closes late (9 p.m.)
JJ Bean Coffee Roasters – Marine Building
📍353 Burrard St., Vancouver + more locations in the Greater Vancouver area
When it comes to finding reliable cafes to study in Vancouver, the local JJ Bean Coffee Roasters chain is a student’s best friend. With many locations dotted across the city and surrounding areas, you’re never too far from one of their cozy, welcoming cafes.
The Marine Building location in downtown Vancouver is a particularly beautiful spot to set up camp when you need a place to work on your assignments.
An airy, open layout greets you with plenty of seating options to suit your study vibe, from two-seater tables and big comfy chairs to bar stools and smaller tables in the cool upstairs balcony area.
Highlights:
- Offers vegan and gluten-free options
- Spacious (with plenty of seating options)
- Conveniently located
- Opens early (6 a.m.)
Matchstick – Yaletown
Image source: @matchstickyvr
📍1328 Richards St., Vancouver
One of the best study spots in Vancouver is Matchstick. With branches in Fraser, Peter Wall Yaletown, Riley Park and more, this coffee shop chain doesn’t just serve delicious food and cold brew, it’s also the perfect place for students looking for great ambiance while they work on short-term courses or group projects.
The Yaletown is one of our favourite cafes to study in Vancouver because it’s just north of George Wainborn seawall, across the water from the beautiful Granville Island Market. You can peacefully sip on some coffee while admiring the view!
Highlights:
- Has nice open windows and natural lighting
- Offers vegan and vegetarian options
- Has lounge chairs and other comfy seating options
Start Your Student Journey With an Extra Shot of Fun at ILAC International College
Studying abroad is about more than just hitting the books—it’s a chance to embrace a new culture and lifestyle. That’s why knowing the finest cafes to study in Vancouver should be at the very top of your to-do list… right after enrolling in an ILAC International College program, of course.
At ILAC International College, we fuel your academic journey with way more than just classes. Our Toronto and Vancouver campuses keep the good vibes flowing with a bustling lineup of student services, social events and workshops, and more. Need help finding student housing? We’ve got you covered there too!
With ILAC, you can boost your academic credentials and have fun at the same time. So, what are you waiting for?
Brew up an amazing international study experience with us. Apply now!