As a destination for both adventure seekers and digital nomads, Cape Town is a top choice for digital nomads. The South African gem offers stunning landscapes, multicultural culture, and growing remote work infrastructure that make it an excellent choice for digital nomads.
Based on my experience living and working in Cape Town, I can attest to its incredible potential for remote working. Cape Town has something for everyone, from seaside vibes to cosmopolitan energy. From co-working spaces to accommodation, cafes, and local experiences, I dive into the best neighborhoods for digital nomads in Cape Town. Let’s find you the perfect Cape Town base!
Key Takeaways
-
There are a lot of neighbourhoods in Cape Town that are suitable for digital nomads, each with its own vibes and benefits.
-
Every type of digital nomad will find their ideal spot in Woodstock, where the creative atmosphere is unmatched by the luxurious beachside lifestyle of Camps Bay.
-
There are co-working spaces in every neighbourhood, and it is easy to find one that suits your style of working and is conducive to your productivity.
-
In choosing a neighborhood, you should consider your personal preferences for cost, lifestyle, and the proximity of workspaces, cafes, and other amenities that are important to you.
Here are some of the best neighbourhoods in Cape Town that are ideal for digital nomads
1. Green Point
Green Point is a trendy, centrally located neighbourhood that has quickly become one of Cape Town’s hottest areas for remote workers. Its combination of accessibility, vibrant social life, and an array of workspaces makes it the perfect spot for digital nomads looking for a dynamic environment.
Why Choose Green Point?
Green Point is known for its walkability, which is a huge plus for digital nomads. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, heading to your co-working space, or exploring the local shops, everything is just a stone’s throw away. The area is also home to the famous Green Point Park, a beautiful space for relaxation after a long workday.
Key Features:
- Proximity to the city center: Green Point is a 10-minute drive from the heart of Cape Town, making it easy to access downtown areas while living in a quieter environment.
- Vibrant atmosphere: This neighbourhood is buzzing with energy. From trendy restaurants to lively bars, there’s always something happening.
- Great co-working spaces: The area has several excellent co-working spaces, like The Workary and WeWork.
Co-working Spaces:
| Co-Working Space | Price per Month | Rating | Address & Google Maps Link | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Workary | R2,500 – R3,500 | 4.5/5 | 53 Somerset Rd, Green Point Map | theworkary.com |
| WeWork | R4,000 – R6,000 | 4.7/5 | 36 The Boulevard, Green Point Map | wework.com |
Where to Eat & Drink:
- The Green & the Great: A café that caters to the remote worker crowd, offering great Wi-Fi and an even better vibe. They serve healthy, fresh food with plenty of vegan options.
- Hudsons Burger Joint: A relaxed spot for a lunch break or post-work hangout with juicy burgers and a laid-back atmosphere.
2. Woodstock
Woodstock has rapidly transformed from a working-class area to a thriving hub for creatives, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. Known for its eclectic vibe, murals, and creative energy, Woodstock is perfect for those who want to be surrounded by art and innovation.
Why Choose Woodstock?
This area is perfect if you’re after a more bohemian and artistic environment. You’ll find trendy cafes, cool boutiques, and art galleries scattered across the neighbourhood. Woodstock also offers some affordable housing options compared to other central areas in Cape Town.
Key Features:
- Creative energy: With its street art, galleries, and creative spaces, Woodstock is the perfect neighbourhood for digital nomads who thrive in artistic environments.
- Affordable rent: For nomads on a budget, Woodstock offers some of the more affordable accommodation options in Cape Town.
- Proximity to the city center: Woodstock is just a short distance from the city center, making it easy to access all the action without the high rent prices.
Co-working Spaces:
| Co-Working Space | Price per Month | Rating | Address & Google Maps Link | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Works | R2,000 – R4,500 | 4.8/5 | 12 Station Rd, Woodstock Map | theworks.co.za |
| Workspace | R1,800 – R3,500 | 4.6/5 | 10 Streaky Ln, Woodstock Map | workspace.co.za |
Where to Eat & Drink:
- Woodstock Brewery: Ideal for a post-work drink, this local brewery offers craft beer in a relaxed setting.
- The Red Door Café: A cozy, quirky café with reliable Wi-Fi and delicious, hearty food that will keep you energized throughout the day.
3. Camps Bay
If you’re looking for a mix of work and relaxation by the beach, Camps Bay might just be the perfect neighbourhood. Located along the Atlantic Seaboard, it’s one of the most glamorous and sought-after spots in Cape Town.
Why Choose Camps Bay?
Camps Bay offers not only stunning ocean views but also a sense of exclusivity and luxury. While it’s more expensive than other neighbourhoods, the price comes with incredible scenery, upscale dining, and proximity to some of the most famous beaches in Cape Town.
Key Features:
- Scenic beauty: Imagine finishing your workday and stepping out to a beach with white sands and clear blue water.
- Upscale living: Camps Bay is perfect for nomads who want to enjoy a high standard of living with luxurious villas, high-end restaurants, and exclusive beach clubs.
- Close to the city: Just a 10-minute drive from the city center, Camps Bay is accessible but offers a more relaxed, holiday vibe.
Co-working Spaces:
| Co-Working Space | Price per Month | Rating | Address & Google Maps Link | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camps Bay Co-working | R3,000 – R5,500 | 4.5/5 | 15 The Promenade, Camps Bay Map | campsbaycoworking.com |
Where to Eat & Drink:
- The Bungalow: With its beachside location and delicious food, it’s perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner after a day of working remotely.
- Mynt Café: A modern café with a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for nomads seeking inspiration in a coastal setting.
4. Observatory
Known for its bohemian atmosphere, Observatory (or “Obs” as locals call it) is a quirky, youthful neighbourhood with a ton of character. Perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of chaos mixed with their remote work, this area offers a great mix of cafés, vintage shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Why Choose Observatory?
Obs is perfect for digital nomads who love being in the center of Cape Town’s alternative scene. With its mix of student energy and local artists, you’ll find plenty of inspiring places to work and chill.
Key Features:
- Alternative vibe: Obs has a youthful, eclectic feel with street art, record shops, and dive bars.
- Community atmosphere: The neighbourhood has a close-knit community of students, creatives, and remote workers, making it easy to network and collaborate.
- Budget-friendly: This area is one of the more affordable neighbourhoods in Cape Town.
Co-working Spaces:
| Co-Working Space | Price per Month | Rating | Address & Google Maps Link | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lab | R2,000 – R3,500 | 4.7/5 | 28 Station Rd, Observatory Map | thelab.co.za |
Where to Eat & Drink:
- The Dog’s Bollocks: A popular pub-style restaurant serving some of the best burgers in Cape Town. The quirky name is a perfect reflection of the area.
- The Village Idiot: A trendy café with a relaxed vibe, perfect for remote work sessions.
5. Sea Point: Balancing Work and Play
Sea Point is another vibrant, cosmopolitan area, offering the perfect blend of work-life balance. Located on the Atlantic Seaboard, this area is known for its beautiful coastal promenade, lively atmosphere, and diverse community.
Why Choose Sea Point?
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood that combines the hustle of city life with the tranquility of the ocean, Sea Point is ideal. It’s less expensive than Camps Bay but still offers proximity to the beach and a plethora of activities to wind down after a long day of work.
Key Features:
- Ocean views: Walk or run along the Sea Point promenade and take in breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
- Affordable living: Compared to other areas like Camps Bay, Sea Point offers more affordable accommodation options without sacrificing quality of life.
- Vibrant atmosphere: With its bustling streets, Sea Point is an energetic spot, with many restaurants, bars, and cafes catering to all tastes.
Co-working Spaces:
| Co-Working Space | Price per Month | Rating | Address & Google Maps Link | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop17 | R3,000 – R5,500 | 4.6/5 | 36 Huguenot Rd, Sea Point Map | workshop17.co.za |
Where to Eat & Drink:
- Café Paradiso: A popular café with great Wi-Fi and a lovely garden setting, ideal for a relaxed afternoon of work.
- La Parada: A trendy tapas bar where you can unwind after a productive workday.
FAQs
1. Which neighbourhood in Cape Town is the best for a digital nomad on a budget?
Woodstock and Observatory offer affordable rent and co-working spaces without compromising on vibrancy and creativity.
2. What is the average cost of living for digital nomads in Cape Town?
Digital nomads can expect to spend anywhere from R8,000 to R15,000 per month, depending on their lifestyle and choice of accommodation.
3. Are there good co-working spaces in Cape Town?
Yes, Cape Town is home to several great co-working spaces, including The Works in Woodstock and Workshop17 in Sea Point, which are popular among remote workers.
4. Is it safe to live in Cape Town as a digital nomad?
Cape Town is generally safe for digital nomads, though it’s important to take standard precautions, especially in more tourist-heavy areas.
5. How do I get around Cape Town?
Cape Town offers public transport options like MyCiti buses and Uber, making it easy to get around. Renting a car is also a great option for more flexibility.
Cape Town is a paradise for digital nomads. Whether you’re looking for beach views, creative energy, or a laid-back environment, this city offers it all. Embrace the freedom of working remotely from one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and find your ideal base in Cape Town today!
