It’s that time of year again: assignments are piling up, exams are fast approaching and your new best friends are your textbooks. If you’ve been studying in the same space for a long time, you might have felt your focus and motivation slipping away. In times like these, a change of scenery can be just what you need. The perfect place to go? Cafés!
Thanks to Melbourne’s amazing coffee culture, the city is home to some of the best cafés to study in. The best things about these cafés? They all serve mouth-watering food and coffee, and some of them even provide free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Even better, Melbourne’s amazing public transport network, run by Transport Victoria, makes it easy to get anywhere you want to go. Plus, as an undergraduate international student, you may be eligible for a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass, saving you up to 50% on your annual transport fees!
Between that and the city’s free tram zone, you’ll have plenty of spare cash to treat yourself to some of Melbourne’s best coffees. So, grab your laptop, learn how to order a coffee like a true local, and prepare to smash your to-do list at one of the best cafés to study in Melbourne.
Axil Coffee Roasters - Hawthorn (and other locations across Melbourne)
Axil Coffee Roasters is one of the most renowned café chains in Melbourne. If you need any proof of the quality of their brews, you should know it’s home to the 2025 Australian Barista Champion, Jack Simpson — and this year marks his third consecutive win.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that a cup of coffee here is sure to satisfy, whether it’s a traditional cappuccino or one of their delightful seasonal drinks. You can also treat yourself to a tasty meal, with Axil’s menu featuring a great selection of brunch staples with an elevated twist.
Address: Several locations throughout Melbourne, including two locations in Hawthorn (322 Burwood Rd and 677 Glenferrie Rd)
Wi-Fi: No
Don’t miss: Their signature baked eggs
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Serotonin Eatery - Burnley
If you love healthy eating, Serotonin Eatery might just be your new favourite spot. Here, you can sample a range of gourmet, health-conscious dishes that are sure to fuel you through your most gruelling study sessions. The environment is light and bright, with outdoor and indoor seating (some of which are swings that hang from the ceiling!).
For those seeking a co-working or study space, Serotonin Eatery recommends coming in on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 8-11am, as these are particularly quiet times. Plus, students receive half-priced mains during these hours on these days!
Address: 52 Madden Grove, Burnley
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: The Positive Pancakes – banana flour pancakes topped with coulis and fresh fruit
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Mr Tulk - CBD
Mr Tulk has been a student favourite for as long as anyone can remember. Located on busy Swanston Street and inside the iconic State Library of Victoria, the quiet ambience and decor definitely create a studious vibe. The best part? The library offers free Wi-Fi, which you can access from the café!
Address: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: Great eggspectations – not just a fantastic pun, but also a delicious and hearty meal of poached eggs with loads of veggies on grilled sourdough
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Who's Harry Café - Hawthorn
Located in the heart of Hawthorn – a stone’s throw away from the Swinburne University of Technology campus – Who’s Harry Café is a student favourite. Complete with multiple cosy rooms and a tranquil courtyard, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick cup of coffee between classes or to settle in for a multi-hour study session.
Who’s Harry Café also serves up some of the tastiest study fuel in the city, including acai smoothie bowls, eggs benedict and poke bowls.
Address: 81-83 Church St, Hawthorn
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: Thyme & potato rosti
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Four Kilo Fish Coffee & Tea - Hawthorn
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Take one step into this charming café and you’ll quickly realise why it’s one of the best cafés to study in Melbourne. Warm and inviting, full of fresh greenery, and complete with indoor and outdoor seating, Four Kilo Fish Coffee & Tea is an ideal place to buckle down and get to work.
The café is known for its unique coffee blends, which are imported from Yunnan, China, but also features other interesting beverages such as matcha lattes, homemade lemonade and a range of tasty teas. They also offer some delicious desserts and pastries, including plenty of vegan options!
Address: 834 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: Pork katsu sando and the l.o.m - a blend of coffee and coconut water topped with an Earl Grey tea cream!
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Pillar of Salt - Richmond
Pillar of Salt is a longtime favourite among Richmond locals for its cosy interior, lush exterior, and delectable food and drink. Inside, you’ll enjoy mood lighting and exposed brick walls, the perfect backdrop for a sip-and-study session.
Or, sit outside on the covered terrace to get some fresh air while you work. While Pillar of Salt serves up tasty classics, like eggs and avocado toast, they also have some unique offerings, like Indonesian iced coffee.
Address: 541 Church St, Richmond
Don’t miss: The Californian superfood salad or the strawberries and cream French toast
Vegan options: No
Outdoor seating: Yes
Short Straw - Hawthorn
With hanging plants abound and a relaxing atmosphere, Short Straw is an ideal café to study in Melbourne. The friendly staff will make you feel welcome the second you walk through the door, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with Short Straw’s menu, which caters to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free.
While the coffee is top-notch, they also offer a wide selection of other drinks, including smoothies and teas. Need a break from your study sessions on the weekend? Hot tip: Short Straw also has drink specials from noon to 3.30pm on Fridays and noon to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays!
Address: 743B Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: The “Hallou, Is It Me You’re Looking For?” – a delicious fried halloumi NY bagel
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Whiplash Café - Hawthorn
If you’re in need of a hearty breakfast or lunch, head to Whiplash Café. Known as one of the best cafés in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, Whiplash serves up mouth-watering bagels, gourmet sandwiches and delicious coffee.
Because this venue is on the smaller side, seating is slightly limited, so you’ll want to ensure you get there early to secure a spot!
Address: 226 Auburn Road, Hawthorn
Wi-Fi: No
Don’t miss: Porchetta sando
Vegan options: No
Outdoor seating: No
ST. ALi - South Melbourne
Located in South Melbourne’s backstreets, ST. ALi is one of the pioneers of Melbourne’s coffee scene. In fact, it’s still one of the best coffee places in Melbourne. Aside from its award-winning coffee, ST. ALi offers an inventive and delicious brunch menu.
The famous South Melbourne Market is also within walking distance, so you can enjoy a quick visit to the market before settling down with your work at ST. ALi. Or, check out one of the other ST. ALi locations in and around Melbourne, like at Port Melbourne, Collins Street or University of Melbourne.
Address: 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne
Wi-Fi: Yes
Don’t miss: The Chilli Scramble with crème fraîche and spicy nduja.
Vegan options: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
