One of the most difficult transitions to make when visiting European countries is learning that the definition of a cafe there is very different than what is expected in the U.S. In the states, when people go to cafes, they expect baristas, fresh baked goods, and a free wi-fi connection, especially in the places that aren’t chains. It’s become a part of life, and for some people, these places are their home offices away from home. So it’s always surprising that, even in places that are as super-connected as Zurich, this idea is still seen as a new phenomenon.

Here, the idea of a cafe is something entirely different. There’s often coffee, and sometimes there’s even an espresso machine, but more often than not the clientele will be drinking beer rather than the caffeine-infused concoctions. These are the alternate spaces where residents gather, and it’s not unusual to spend hours at one table, eating and drinking and talking deep into the night. These are the real cafes, and it’s important to distinguish them from Zurich coffee shops . And while just a few years ago it was difficult to find one where one could get online in Zurich , it is becoming much more commonplace today.

There are a number of excellent coffee shops where it’s always been easy to find a way to spend a lovely afternoon outside of one’s hotel in Zurich to meet locals and fellow travelers and spend some time chatting about recent events and the Zurich cultural scene. There are also a number of hotspots in other locations around town, because it is a city that’s very progressive in terms of contemporary culture and technology. It still seems to be the norm, however, to be social in these semi-public meeting places, and although the online community in Zurich is substantial, it’s still not making the shift toward turning coffee shops into places for work. The separation of work and social life is very guarded here, but it’s perfectly acceptable for travelers to hole up in these places and get connected.

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