When I first arrived in Cape Town, I was surprised by how the city seamlessly combines coastal beauty with modern conveniences. As a digital nomad, Cape Town offers an ideal balance between work and play, with its stunning natural landscapes, affordable living, and vibrant work culture.
Key aspects for digital nomads
Cape Town’s unique mix of urban sophistication and rich cultural heritage makes it one of the most attractive spots for remote workers in Africa.
Overview of Digital Nomad Life in Cape Town
- Cost of Living: $1,500-$2,000 per month depending on lifestyle. Cape Town is affordable for expats, offering high quality of life at lower costs than Europe or the US.
- WiFi reliability: Generally fast (up to 90 Mbps), though load shedding (power cuts) is a recurring issue. Many coworking spaces and cafés have backup power to keep the WiFi going.
- Language: English is widely spoken, so communication is smooth.
- Food: A diverse food scene, with plenty of veggie-friendly restaurants and affordable local cuisine.
- Accommodation: Dorms start at $15 per night, private rooms from $45. Whether you’re on a budget or prefer something more luxurious, you’ll find options.
- Getting there: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is well connected to major European and African hubs.
- Getting around: The safest and most convenient way to move around is using Uber or the MyCiTi bus system.
- Safety: It’s essential to avoid walking alone or in groups after sunset. I always used Uber, which is affordable and widely available.
- Gyms: Easily found in most neighborhoods, particularly in City Bowl and Sea Point.
- Visa: A 90-day tourist visa is available, and plans for a digital nomad visa are in development(Digital Nomad World)(Neighbourgood).
- Personal recommendation: If you’re a digital nomad who enjoys a mix of nature, urban life, and beach relaxation, Cape Town will feel like a dream come true.
Best places to live, work, and explore
Cape Town has everything from bustling city centers to relaxed beachfront areas, perfect for combining work and leisure. Here’s a breakdown of the best spots for digital nomads.
Working in Green Point
I stayed here for most of my time. It’s close to the waterfront, trendy with a variety of amenities, parks, which are great for running. Affordable, with many cafés and coworking spots.
- Café recommendation: Bootlegger for its cozy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi, and eggs benni.
- Co-Working: Workshop 17 Watershed: Day and weekly passes available. Amazing view of Table Mountain.
- Accommodation: Never@Home Hostel, known for good WiFi and community vibe.
- Party: Strangers Club
Working in Sea Point
Coastal living with stunning ocean views. More expensive, but the scenic location is worth it. Enjoy the Sea Point Promenade or hike Lion’s Head.
- Café recommendation: Seattle Coffee Company Regent Road – really good coffee.
- Accommodation: Atlantic Point Backpackers, great to meet people if you can live without much comfort. (I stayed here in the beginning, met some nice people and moved on into an AirBnB. Check out: Little Lemon Tree.
Working in City Bowl
Centrally located with easy access to cultural sites. Affordable for urban nomads. Visit Company’s Garden or take the cable car up Table Mountain.
- Café recommendation: Truth Coffee for a laid-back work atmosphere.
- Going Out: Kloof Street, e.g. Kloof Street House, and, my favorite: The Athletic Club and Social (cosy bar first, great dancing later).
- Accommodation: Neighbourgood Co-Living, I met people who stayed there and loved it. It’s more expensive than a hostel but they really take care of their guest. Here, you’ve got it all (sleep, work, eat, friendly company, exercise).
Working in Woodstock
Known for its artistic vibe and affordable coworking spaces. Close to central Cape Town. Explore street art and visit the Old Biscuit Mill – great market on the weekends.
- Café recommendation: Woodstock Exchange.
- Accommodation: The Woodstock Hub.
Working in Camps Bay
Luxurious beachfront with a relaxed atmosphere. More expensive, ideal for beach lovers. Relax at Camps Bay Beach or hike the Twelve Apostles. I came here for sky diving, which was great fun.
- Café recommendation: Mantra Café.
- Accommodation: Premium Airbnbs available.
For me, Sea Point strikes the perfect balance between work and leisure. You’re close to the beach and hiking trails while having plenty of work-friendly cafés and coworking spaces nearby.
Why not to work in Johannesburg
Higher crime rates: Johannesburg has a significantly higher crime rate compared to Cape Town, particularly in certain neighborhoods. Safety concerns make it less ideal for remote workers who prefer to work from cafés or explore the city after dark.
Less scenic: While Johannesburg has a bustling business environment, it lacks the natural beauty that makes Cape Town such a vibrant, relaxing place to live and work
Traffic and pollution: Johannesburg’s notorious traffic congestion and higher levels of pollution can negatively affect your work-life balance. Public transportation is also less reliable compared to Cape Town’s Uber and MyCiTi options.
Best times to travel Cape Town
November to March for warm, sunny weather – dry heat, very nice.
- Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and beach days.
- Personal favorite: Early spring (September-October) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded.
Top 10 tourist attractions
I loved staying in Cape Town, just living there, working a little and enjoying life in summer at vinyards, on hikes or drives, while it was winter in Europe.
- Table Mountain: Iconic views, accessible by cable car
- Robben Island: Historical importance, accessible by ferry from V&A Waterfront
- Cape Point: Scenic and full of hiking trails
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: A lush and serene escape
- Boulders Beach: Famous for penguins
- V&A Waterfront: A vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and working
- Lion’s Head: Popular sunset hiking destination
- Camps Bay Beach: Luxurious beach, great for a stroll
- Bo-Kaap: Known for its colorful houses and cultural history, very popular amongst Instagrammers
- Chapman’s Peak Drive: A world-class scenic drivee city center of Durres, easily walkable (sun set here gave me goosebumps)
Local secrets
- Muizenberg Beach: Great for surfing and less crowded
- Llandudno Beach: Hidden, quiet spot perfect for relaxation
- Silvermine Nature Reserve: Fantastic for secluded hiking)
Weekend trips outside Cape Town
Kruger National Park
- A 2.5-hour flight from Cape Town, Kruger is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
- Ideal for a week off, where you can explore wildlife and the Big Five.
The Garden Route
- Stops include Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma National Park. Accessible by car from Cape Town, taking 6-7 hours.
- Scenic coastal road, best explored over a week
Getting there
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main point of entry, offering affordable connections to Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa. Many international airlines offer direct flights, making it easy to reach Cape Town.
Getting around locally
Within Cape Town, you get by with Uber. Even to the vinyards. But for all destinations further away, a car is essential.
- Public transport: Uber and MyCiTi buses are reliable and affordable
- Car rentals: Essential for trips outside the city. Useful for destinations like Cape Point and Chapman’s Peak. (I found it helpful to meet travellers with cars at hostels 😉
- Safety: Walking after sunset is not recommended for anyone, whether solo or in groups. Always take an Uber.
Visa: Digital nomad Cape Town, South Africa
Tourist Visa: Standard 90-day tourist visa is available; plans for a digital nomad visa may come soon.
Stay updated via the official South African government website.
Local food and vegetarian options
Cape Town’s culinary scene is a vibrant mix of global influences and traditional South African flavors. For vegetarians and vegans, the city has an impressive selection of restaurants and cafés catering to plant-based diets.
Traditional South African Dishes with a Twist
- Bunny Chow: Originally a Durban specialty, this hollowed-out bread filled with curry can be made vegetarian with chickpeas or lentils.
- Bobotie: This traditional Cape Malay dish, typically made with minced meat, is often available in plant-based versions using lentils or soy.
- Samp and Beans: A hearty vegetarian dish made with crushed corn kernels and beans, offering a taste of traditional African comfort food.
Farm-to-Table and Organic Cafés
Cape Town’s focus on sustainability is reflected in its many farm-to-table eateries. These spots highlight fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local farms:
- Plant Café: One of Cape Town’s first fully vegan restaurants, Plant Café serves an array of dishes like vegan mac and cheese, wraps, and desserts.
- Nourish’d: A must-visit café for its vibrant plant-based menu featuring smoothie bowls, vegan wraps, and fresh juices. The cozy, eco-conscious vibe makes it a favorite among digital nomads.
- The Kind Kitchen: Located in Woodstock, this 100% vegan eatery offers creative takes on comfort food, including vegan burgers and loaded nachos.
Sustainable travel in South Africa
Sustainability isn’t super popular, yet.
- Join local initiatives like Greenpop, which focuses on reforestation and eco-friendly projects.
What experiences have you had in South Africa? Share them in the comments below!
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