For most situations, now, during Corona, I wouldn't recommend the following. However, I feel for those who can't face being cooped up at home for one more day, and just need to get out of their space, to stay sane and even healthy. Although Just Stay At Home is a good policy, sometimes home is untenable, and then one has to strike a balance between being epidemiologically sensible, and one's mental health.
Some of the following now have restricted opening hours (especially over the holidays and/or because of Corona measures) and for some, one must register in advance, to ensure social distancing. Some require masks. Fewer people also usually means more quiet.
For any place that does not require registration, just go by and have a look. If the place seems too busy, don't stay. In some places, such as waiting rooms or the foyers of hotels and museums, it can be best not to ask, but just to use the space (as long as one is not blocking a legitimate customer of the business) quietly and respectfully, until challenged.
Officially set up in order to promote their religion. However, depending on the staff, locally, any member of the public may be permitted to sit there quietly and read.
Very busy over lunch-time, often nearly empty before and after.
Self-service.
Cheaper than regular cafés.
Both of these restaurants have many separate spaces, some with partitions and alcoves, so that, with a little luck, it is sometimes possible to find a quiet place to sit and read.
including some discussion about the fairness towards the café, of how long you can reasonably occupy a table, so as not to block their business. Although you might be very welcome.
Hotels may have a foyer with chairs. In the larger hotels, one can often simply walk in and sit down and no-one will question it.
If you are approached and why you are there, simply ask whether it's possible to order a cup of coffee, there. It often is. Not always cheap, but perhaps worth it if the chair is comfortable, the lighting good enough, and the place generally quiet-ish.
A low-threshold system of free "lounges" for people to improve their literacy, numeracy and pc-competence.
No appointments necessary, no reservation, drop-in system.
Although the set-up will vary according to who's on duty at the time, I think it is highly likely that, if they are not full on a particular day, and one simply turned up and asked to be allowed to sit quietly in the corner and read, permission would be granted.
Oremus Cloister Shop sells wooden gifts, wines, cookies and jams made in 18 different cloisters in Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland and Lithuania. The shop aims to keep an atmosphere of quiet and peace.
Strobel Bookshop sells theological books and religious objects, such as candles, rosaries or jewellery, including some made by people with disabilities. It has been a bookshop since 1957, and run by the Strobels since 2008.
This branch has financial advisors who keep office hours. At the entrance just next door, however, there is a nice little hallway with several cash machines, and no staff. In the windows, there are wide benches where one can sit, undisturbed, except for the people coming and going to draw cash. The hallway is at least partially heated, and safe... although you'd probably be on camera and perhaps, after a while, a security officer might wander over and ask you what you're doing there... (counting out your money).
In the photo above, the person in the white jacket and red jeans is looking in towards those benches. The benches are made of granite, so take along a little cushion or mat.
Large common room, with a reading area. Of course, just how quiet this will be will vary according to the guests at the time, but it might be quiet. For as long as the Corona rules are in place, it is obligatory to wear a mask indoors.
Quiet Shops (or at least possibly slow shops , where one wouldn't be pressurised to leave, or bothered by staff, and depending upon the other customers at the time, the place may or may not be quiet.)
Second-hand shops in general, especially the larger ones which sell both furniture and books.
During the Covid restrictions, one does have to wear a mask while indoors. However, there are often spaces outdoors where one can walk or sit (even in the cold) for a few minutes' fresh air, to be able to cope with the mask again for a while, when returning indoors.