Eating, Surfing and Coliving in Cape Town
Cape Town, with its stunning coastal backdrop, vibrant cultural scene, and world-class food and wine, is a top destination for digital nomads, surfers, and travellers. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers a unique blend of work, adventure, and relaxation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about living, working, and surfing in this dynamic city.
The Fastest and Easiest Way to Reach Cape Town
From Abroad: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main gateway into the city, with direct flights from major cities around the world. Once you arrive, the city center is about a 20-30 minute drive. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available at the airport.
From Within South Africa: If you’re travelling from other parts of South Africa, domestic flights are available from all major cities. Alternatively, you can drive to Cape Town via the scenic Garden Route if you’re coming from the eastern regions or Johannesburg.
Cape Town as a Coworking/Coliving Location
Cape Town is increasingly becoming a hub for digital nomads and remote workers, thanks to its robust infrastructure, breathtaking scenery, and diverse community.
Mild Weather Year-Round
Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers (remember, by being south of the equator seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere). The city’s weather is conducive to outdoor activities year-round.
Cultural Diversity
Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures, offering a rich blend of traditions, cuisines, and languages. This diversity is reflected in the city’s vibrant arts scene, music, and festivals.
World-Class Surfing
The coastline around Cape Town is renowned for its surf spots, catering to all skill levels. From the gentle waves at Muizenberg to the more challenging breaks at Llandudno, there’s something for everyone.
Affordability
Compared to many Western cities, Cape Town offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially when it comes to food, transportation, and accommodation.
Natural Beauty
Cape Town is famous for its natural beauty. The city is framed by mountains and ocean, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, and wildlife viewing.
A Quick Breakdown of Our Favourite Spots…
• Sunset Spots: Clifton 2nd Beach, Lion’s Head Summit
• Beach: Clifton 2nd Beach, Llandudno, Kommetjie
• Place to Meet New People: The Old Biscuit Mill Market, Oranjezicht City Farm Market
• Surf Break: Muizenberg Beach, Llandudno
• Place to Treat Yourself: Ariel (Modern Italian), The Lawns (Camp’s Bay)
Where to Surf in Cape Town
• Surf Season: Best from April to September (winter months), though waves can be good year-round.
• Crowd Levels: Varies by location; Muizenberg is often busy, while Llandudno and Kommetjie can be quieter.
• Wave Types: Beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks.
• Abilities: From beginners to seasoned pros.
Muizenberg Beach
Known as one of the best beginner surf spots in Cape Town, Muizenberg offers long, gentle waves that are perfect for those new to surfing. Surf schools line the beach, making it easy to rent gear and take a lesson.
Llandudno
A more advanced surfing spot, Llandudno is located in a picturesque bay surrounded by rocky outcrops and luxury homes. The waves here are more powerful, attracting more experienced surfers.
Kommetjie
Located further down the coast, Kommetjie offers a variety of surf breaks that cater to different levels. The long beach is perfect for a post-surf walk, and the vibe is laid-back and local.
Coworking in Cape Town
Workshop17: With multiple locations across the city, Workshop17 offers flexible coworking spaces with excellent facilities, including meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and a café. It’s a great place to network and meet other entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Seedspace Cape Town: Located in the heart of the city, Seedspace offers a modern coworking environment with a focus on startups and innovation. They provide private offices, hot desks, and a range of events and workshops.
Inner City Ideas Cartel (ICIC): Known for its stylish design and vibrant community, ICIC offers coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and even a rooftop bar for after-work relaxation.
Coliving in Cape Town
Urban Hive: Located in the heart of Cape Town, this coliving space offers a blend of comfort and community, featuring stylish rooms, coworking facilities, and social events that bring residents together.
The B.I.G Backpackers: A well-known spot among travellers and remote workers, The B.I.G offers affordable coliving with a friendly atmosphere. It’s located in Green Point, close to the waterfront and other attractions.
Curiocity Cape Town: A vibrant coliving space in the heart of the city, offering private rooms and dorms with shared amenities. It’s ideal for those looking to combine work, travel, and social experiences.
Neighbourgood: Neighbourgood has coliving/coworking all over the city, but our favourite one is the Hill one. Great community, the vegan café there is absolutely delicious, and so close to the ocean if you need a quick walk. We love it there!
Where to Eat in Cape Town
Cape Town’s culinary scene is a rich tapestry of flavors, blending traditional South African dishes with global influences. Here are some must-visit spots:
Ariel: Enjoy delicious modern Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting with great vibes.
Pot Luck Club: Known for its gourmet Asian fusion dishes, this spot offers a dining experience like no other.
Kloof Street House: A vibey restaurant with incredible cocktails and a cozy, eclectic atmosphere.
Bao Down: A cute, chilled restaurant perfect for indulging in delicious bao buns.
Kimchi: A fun Korean BBQ experience located at Sea Point.
Make: If you’re a sushi lover, this is the place to go for the best sushi in town.
Three Wise Monkeys: A small, cozy spot famous for its delicious ramen and Japanese cuisine.
Favorite Beaches
Cape Town is renowned for its beautiful beaches, each offering something unique:
Clifton 2nd Beach: A popular spot for sunbathing and socializing, known for its crystal-clear water and stunning sunset views.
Bali Beach: A more secluded beach perfect for those looking for a quieter experience.
Bakoven: A small, sheltered beach with picturesque rock formations and calm waters.
Llandudno: A stunning, less crowded beach with beautiful sand and excellent surfing waves.
Kommetjie: Known for its laid-back vibe and great surf, Kommetjie is a favorite among locals.
Bar & Dance
Cape Town’s nightlife is diverse, offering something for everyone:
Kloof Street House: More than just a restaurant, it’s a vibrant bar with delicious cocktails, making it a popular evening hangout.
The Athletic Club & Social: A stylish, preppy spot that’s great for drinks and socializing.
Fable: This fun bar evolves into a dancing club as the night goes on, making it perfect for a night out.
The Power & The Glory: Known for its cozy atmosphere, it’s a great place to start the evening with a drink.
Modular: A techno club for those looking to dance the night away.
Cafe Caprice: Located on the Camps Bay promenade, this bar is buzzing, especially on Sunday nights.
La Parada: Head to Constantia for their Sunday Funday parties, complete with live DJs and a lively crowd.
First Thursdays: On the first Thursday of each month, Cape Town’s streets come alive with art, music, and festivities, making it a must-experience event.
Markets
Cape Town’s markets offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant food, art, and culture:
The OZCF Market (Oranjezicht City Farm Market): Held every Wednesday and Saturday, this trendy market is known for its fresh produce, delicious food stalls, and vibrant atmosphere.
The Bay Harbour Market: Located in Hout Bay, this market operates on weekends and features live music, local crafts, and a variety of food stalls.
The Old Biscuit Mill Market: Every Saturday, this bustling market in Woodstock offers a wide range of artisanal foods, crafts, and live DJ music.
Neighbourgoods Market: Another popular market in Woodstock, known for its lively atmosphere, gourmet food, and unique crafts.
Hikes
Cape Town is a hiker’s paradise, with trails offering spectacular views:
Table Mountain: One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, with several hiking routes to the top. The Platteklip Gorge trail is the most direct route, offering incredible views of the city.
Lion’s Head: A popular hike, especially for sunrise or sunset, offering panoramic views of the city, ocean, and mountains.
Signal Hill: A shorter, easier hike that still offers great views, especially of the sunset.
Kloof Corner: A lesser-known but beautiful hike that provides stunning views of the city and Table Mountain.
Skeleton Gorge: For a more challenging hike, take this route up the eastern side of Table Mountain, starting from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Wine Regions
No visit to Cape Town is complete without exploring its world-famous wine regions:
Franschhoek: Known for its picturesque vineyards and gourmet restaurants. Consider taking the wine tram to visit some of the best vineyards in the area.
Constantia: One of the oldest wine regions in South Africa, offering beautiful estates like Groot Constantia and Beau Constantia, perfect for wine tasting with stunning views.
Stellenbosch: Famous for its wine and charming town, Stellenbosch is home to many top-notch wine estates.
Babylonstoren: A beautiful farm estate with a fruit and vegetable garden, offering fine wine, food, and well-curated stores.
Safety and Political Situation in Cape Town
South Africa is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to exercise caution, particularly in urban areas. Cape Town, like many large cities, has areas with higher crime rates, so it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and use trusted transportation options like Uber. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep personal belongings secure. The political situation in South Africa is stable, though it can be subject to change, with periodic protests and social unrest. Staying informed through local news sources and seeking advice from locals or your accommodation staff can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Cape Town.
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the stunning and diverse landscapes of Cape Town. From trying the delicious local cuisine to uncovering hidden gems in the vibrant neighbourhoods, and soaking in the breathtaking views from Table Mountain, the city offers a wealth of experiences.
Whether you're drawn by the rich culture, the beautiful coastline, or the fascinating history, Cape Town promises endless adventures.
At The Offsite, we want to show you how to combine work, life and adventure in some of the most stunning places around the world. Have a look at our upcoming trips. We are excited to see you soon!
