Top Spots in Cape Town for Digital Nomads to Work From
Cape Town is inundated with coffee shops and cafes, so finding the perfect place to work from can be tricky. Not to mention overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best day- and night time spots in and around the city that offer digital nomads reliable Wi-Fi, good food and great coffee, as well as the bonus of staying open during load shedding.
Top Spots for Digital Nomads to Work from During the Day
Pauline's, Sea Point
This is one of the cutest coffee shops on our list, and one that it perfect for digital nomads. It’s relatively small, but it has everything you need to comfortably set up shop and get some work done. Surrounded by lush Bougainvilleas, the outside section is a great place to sit. Also, when it isn’t too busy, the courtyard offers a sense of privacy. When things start picking up, be mindful not to stay seated at one of the bigger tables. After all, you wouldn’t want to stand in the way of business, would you? Pauline’s stays open during load shedding.
Location: 277 Main Road, Adelphi Centre
Operating hours: Monday – Friday, 07:00 – 16:00 | Saturday, 08:00 – 16:00 | Sunday, 08:00 – 14:00
Contact: 021 205 4466
The Ladder, City Centre
Located one of Cape Town’s trendiest streets, The Ladder is a spacious daytime coffee shop that provides an amazing atmosphere to work from for any digital nomad. They serve all-day breakfasts and other healthy refreshments like fresh smoothies with almond, oat or soy milk alternatives. Additionally, they have decent Wi-Fi and stay open during load shedding.
Location: 136 Bree Street
Operating hours: Monday – Friday, 07:00 – 16:00 | Saturday, 08:00 – 14:00
Contact: 082 451 1572
Top Spots for Digital Nomads to Work from ‘til Late
Bootlegger Coffee Company, Green Point
One of more than 20 stores in the franchise, Bootlegger in Green Point offers a more spacious option than some of the others. For the early bird who likes to get ahead of work, their early opening hours are a plus. The same goes for the person who works after-hours. But, since it is a restaurant on the main road, night times can get busy. While we have often found that chain restaurants don’t always match up to the level of service you get from independently-owned coffee shops, we’ve always been happy at Bootlegger. Maybe it’s because their coffee is so good? Or perhaps it’s because we know load shedding won’t affect us, or any other digital nomads for that matter, while we’re there. Either way, it’s a great option!
Location: 37 Main Rd, Chelsea on Main
Operating hours: Mon – Fri, 06:00 – 21:00
Contact: 021 201 6906
Truth Coffee, Gardens
In a city bursting with coffee shops, how many can truly claim the title of Best Coffee Shop in the World? Virtually none, except Truth Coffee, who received this award from the Daily Telegraph more than once. Their steampunk aesthetic is executed immaculately, their food is amazing and their coffee is undoubtedly something to write home about. The early morning and lunch rush can get quite busy, but there’s more than enough space for you to open up your laptop and get some work done. There are a number of plug outlets so you don’t have to worry about your laptop dying on you. And, they stay open during load shedding. Unless they have events – which happen fairly frequently – working late isn’t a problem. And once you’re done working, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to kick back and enjoy a beer at before heading home.
Location: 36 Buitenkant Street
Operating hours: Monday, 07:00 – 18:00 | Tuesday – Saturday, 07:00 – 22:00 | Sunday, 08:00 – 16:00
Contact: 021 201 7000
Gusto Restaurant, Bridgewater Hotel at Century City
Located in Century City, Gusto Restaurant is an Italian restaurant and coffee shop that provides a stylish, comfortable spot away from the bustling city. The modern open plan design means that the restaurant and Bridgewater Hotel flow into one. However, they don’t get overly busy during the day, so digital nomads can comfortably set up their laptops and get some work done in peace. They have a generator, so not even load shedding can interrupt your workflow. Their authentic Italian food is delicious, luring locals and visitors alike to indulge in their breakfast, lunch or dinner offerings with full confidence. Night times tend to get busy, which is why you might want to push to get your work done before everyone else clocks off and pulls in.
Location: Bridgewater Hotel, Century City
Operating hours: Monday – Friday, 06:30 – 21:30 | Saturday, 07:00 – 21:30 | Sunday, 07:00 – 14:30
Contact: 079 494 1300
