While you may not be planning a gaming-themed trip, you might still want to get your LAN match fix while traveling. And that’s why gaming cafés are so appreciated by the average gamer on the move. It’s one thing to be the kind of traveler that gets excited by a trip to the museum, but if you’d like to strike some balance and get a few hours in with your favorite game too, this one’s for you.
According to Statista, the global revenue for online gaming in 2024 skyrocketed to $27.97 billion. So, if you’re a gamer, you’re part of a lucrative worldwide industry. And, of course, you’re amongst friends. Thousands of gamers cut out a bit of time from their travel schedule to immerse themselves in their favorite games. The trick is knowing where to do that.
XP Tavern. Source: madeinshoreditch.co.uk.1. XP Tavern — London, UK
London doesn’t really do quiet gaming corners. It creates spectacles. XP Tavern sits in the middle of Shoreditch, half gaming arena, half modern pub. Rows of high-spec PCs glow beneath neon strips while bartenders slide craft beers across polished counters. The décor strikes that sweet spot between gamer cave and London chic. It has sleek booths, console pods tucked under ambient lighting, and the occasional controller battle breaking out near the bar.
It’s not just a place to play; it’s a place to belong for an evening. Locals drop in after work, travellers stumble in with jet lag and curiosity. You might find yourself in a casual Valorant tournament before your second drink or chatting with a designer from a nearby game studio. Bring your headset if you must, but honestly, this is where you take it off and just exist among your people.
OS NYC. Source: Timeout.2. OS NYC — Manhattan, USA
If London’s gaming scene crackles with energy, New York’s has that unmistakable cinematic quality. OS NYC is tucked into the Lower East Side — part gaming lounge, part café, part workspace for creators. Walk through the door and you’ll get it immediately. The vibe is understated but assured.
The setup? Rows of high-performance rigs, each one dialed in perfectly. The walls feature artwork from smaller indie studios, and you might spot a Twitch streamer doing their thing in the corner. The clientele varies — college students, freelance designers, and people passing through the city.
It’s a surprisingly social space. You’ll catch fragments of conversation: arguments over GPU specs, passionate defenses of obscure indie titles, and the inevitable Elden Ring discourse. For digital nomads who bounce between coffee shops during work hours and need somewhere to game at night, OS NYC bridges that gap nicely. Order a latte, set up your laptop, squeeze in a gaming session, maybe end up chatting with someone who knows that one tricky section you’ve been stuck on.
Spielwiese Board Game Cafe. Source: blahblahberlin.com.3. Spielwiese Board Game Café — Berlin, Germany
Gaming isn’t just a hobby in Germany. The online gaming market in Germany is said to be hurtling towards reaching over 3 million gamers by 2030. And that’s why Germany makes our list.
Berlin’s Spielwiese isn’t a PC café or esports hub. It’s a spot for those who still enjoy board games and cozy spaces. The shelves, which climb the walls, are stacked with thousands of board games. And interestingly, in every imaginable language. Locals come here after work, travelers drift in from nearby hostels, and within minutes, strangers become teammates.
The interior features wooden tables, warm lighting, and generous mugs of coffee dotted around next to players. The scene certainly proves that even though there are millions of online gamers in the world, people still have time for the type of connection that doesn’t require high-speed internet.
Press Start Anywhere
If you’re traveling to the UK, USA, or Germany, these gaming spots are a must-visit. And don’t forget to pick an eSIM while you’re at it! Since you’ll likely need a steady connection for checking match schedules or coordinating with friends on the move, it’s worth finding the best eSIM for your trip before you head out. It’s a simple addition to your gear that saves you the headache of hunting down a physical SIM card at the airport or dealing with unexpected roaming fees.
Each of these cafés captures something different about gaming culture… the adrenaline of London’s tournaments, the creative pulse of New York, the cozy camaraderie of Berlin.
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