1 Figaro - for social intellectuals

This two-story Filipino cafe lined with faux bookshelves upstairs attracts an intellectual laidback crowd willing to exchange smiles with fellow surfers and the friendly staff. The rich brews are a step up from Starbucks, and frankly we feel smarter when we're surrounded by books. See Cafe listings: Figaro

2 Zurigo - for focused work sessions outside the office

Shanghai's first and only "work space & coffee lounge" provides all your office necessities so that it is possible to accomplish most of your tasks off-site. High speed internet connections, meeting space, a printer-copy-fax machine, lockers, snacks and a coffee bar give you little reason not to get out of the office. See Cafe listings

3 City Diner - for long, caffeine-fueled sessions

Grab a booth at this American-style diner and nurse a bottomless cup of coffee for only 8RMB. Free wireless and unlimited caffeine will catapult you into a working groove. See American listings: City Diner

4 Zentral - for sunny spirits

The two best tables are situated by the front windows, where you can soak up Vitamin D on a sunny day and gaze at the chaotic street scenes outside when you need a break. Wireless is free for customers, and the lunch sets are reasonable. See Cafe listings: Zentral

5 Le Petit Cafe - for loner writers

Truly an artists' block, this gray-walled studio-style cafe draws in creative types who need to crank out either writing or art. On a weekday afternoon, chances are you will have the free wireless and soothing indie rock all to yourself. Coffee goes for 15RMB and a dainty banana pudding costs 10RMB. See Cafe listings: Le Petit Cafe