Cape Town also known as the Mother City within South Africa is the southernmost city on the African continent and is hugely popular with digital nomads, especially during the European winter when the hunt for sunshine drives nomads towards warmer climes such as Cape Town, Mexico and other such winter sun destinations.
Digital Nomads or Global Circlers as we prefer to call them tend to flock to Cape Town between November and March which is the high season and the time to enjoy the best of Cape Town. Of course, it’s also when it’s most crowded and expensive so some digital nomads may prefer to go during off-peak times as well.
When in Cape Town, where should you go with your laptop when you need to get some work done? Below we have curated a selection of cafes and other locations where you can rock up with your laptop, find free WiFi and get your work done whilst enjoying top-notch coffee, tea, breakfast and brunch and of course good vibes!
Beware of load-shedding in Cape Town!
One important thing to be aware of in Cape Town is load shedding. This is a system where power is shut off during certain times in certain areas in order to distribute electricity more evenly and this of course can mean no power for your laptop and no internet unless you have mobile data. When in Cape Town do make yourself familiar with load-shedding schedules and so avoid being in places with no power. Many places do have power generators that kick in during the load-shedding period. You can check the official load shedding schedule and get more info > here.
The laptop-friendly places are listed in no particular order and we do update this page. If you would like to recommend laptop-friendly cafes to work in Cape Town you can suggest them in the comments section at the bottom of this page
BOOTLEGGER SEA POINT, CAPE TOWN
The Point Mall, 76 Regent Road Shop 21, 2nd Floor, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Bootlegger is a rapidly growing coffee chain with many locations (we’ve included a few in our guide), as with most chains service sometimes may not compare with small independently owned cafes but on the other hand, the locations and infrastructure are solid. Bootlegger Seapoint is a good option to work with your laptop and as a bonus they are open until late compared to other cafes in Cape Town. Mixed reviews on food and drink but most people say it’s a solid location for work and you can stay for hours without any problem. We’re told there is a generator during load shedding at this and other locations.
BOOTLEGGER GREEN POINT, CAPE TOWN
Ground Floor, Chelsea on Main, 37 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Bootlegger Green Point is another spacious outlet in the Green Point area offering good breakfasts and space to work on your laptop.
CAFFÉ NEO, CAPE TOWN
129 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Great sea views near the lighthouse, a good spot for breakfasts and sitting down with a laptop. There is a long bench inside with access to power points.
FIELD OFFICE, CAPE TOWN
34 Salisbury St, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa
A cafe for creative types with art and design work on display, a selection of wheat-free cakes, brownies, sandwiches and of course coffee on offer.
Field Office on Instagram
ORIGIN COFFEE ROASTERS, CAPE TOWN
28 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Origin is a popular brunch cafe, popular with nomads on their laptops and offering good coffee! While it’s possible to work on a laptop there is apparently a 60-minute limit. We’re not sure if or how it’s enforced but good to know if you plan on visiting and looking for somewhere to spend a few hours working on your laptop.
TABLE MOUNTAIN AERIAL CABLEWAY CAFÉ, CAPE TOWN
5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Cafe is a very popular tourist spot for a reason. You will enjoy stunning views after taking the cable car up. You can work in the cafe with your laptop if you’re looking for somewhere different/inspiring. Bear in mind, it’s a tourist spot so you may pay more for your coffee and snacks and the quality won’t be as good as a top brunch cafe. This place is more about the experience and the amazing views.
TRUTH COFFEE ROASTING, CAPE TOWN
36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Truth offers a steampunk vibe with of course exceptional coffee. There is free WiFi and also some power points to charge your laptop/phone. It can get noisy so not optimum if you need a quiet place to work. If on the other hand, you are after a stylish, hipster location with a buzz and great coffee on hand while you work, Truth could be a great choice!
BOOTLEGGER KENILWORTH, CAPE TOWN
Pam Golding Centre, 323 Main Road G05, Kenilworth, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa
Bootlegger Kenilworth is another location in the Bootlegger coffee chain offering free fast Wifi which works during load shedding! Power points are available under the booth seats.
SUPERETTE, WOODSTOCK, CAPE TOWN
66 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa
This location is temporarily closed as of January 2023. We’ll update this page once we know more.
THE LADDER, CAPE TOWN
136 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
The Ladder is a quaint and cosy cafe/brunch spot where you can work on your laptop if you get a space and can enjoy really good food and coffee of course. There are a few outdoor tables available at Ladder in addition to the indoor seating. Vegan options and plant-based milk are available.
SHIFT ESPRESSO BAR, GREEN POINT, CAPE TOWN
45 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
At Shift Espresso bar you can expect good food, excellent coffee and a nice atmosphere, it’s possible to work on your laptop, but service can be a bit slow at times. A nice spot for meetings over a coffee.
HAZZ COFFEE COMPANY, CAPE TOWN
51 Kildare Rd, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
This location is temporarily closed as of January 2023. We’ll update this page once we know more.
THE LOADING BAY, CAPE TOWN
30 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
The Loading Bay is a stylish and cool breakfast/brunch spot where you can take your laptop and enjoy healthy food options in a nice setting.
BOOTLEGGER CAPE QUARTER, CAPE TOWN
Shop 45, The Cape Quarter, 27 Somerset Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Bootleggers Cape Quarter is another outlet in the Bootleggers chain and a place to grab a coffee and a meal while working on your laptop in a clean and modern environment. This location has a board room that can be used for meetings / co-working.