A café that’s laptop-friendly, has strong Wi-Fi, good coffee, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel both productive and comfortable. That’s where this guide comes in.
I spent several months in Cape Town hopping between neighbourhoods, trying out different cafés in Cape Town and figuring out which ones are genuinely good for working remotely.
Some were perfect for long laptop sessions, while others were better for quick coffee breaks between exploring the city.
In this guide, I’ll share my favourite laptop-friendly spots across the city, from sleek speciality coffee shops to laid-back local favourites. Each has its own charm, but all of them are welcoming to digital nomads who want to combine good work habits with good coffee.
So if you’re looking for the best cafés in Cape Town to work from, you’re in the right place.
Best Cafés in Cape Town for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
Cape Town has no shortage of coffee shops, but not all of them are ideal if you’re planning to work for a few hours. The ones I’ve included here are the cafés in Cape Town I actually worked from and would happily return to.
They’ve got the right mix of strong Wi-Fi, a laptop-friendly setup, and, of course, really good coffee.
Each one has its own personality, whether you prefer a big buzzing roastery, a quiet hidden gem, or a homely neighbourhood café.
Planning a trip to Cape Town? Check out my other posts:
Origin Coffee Roasting – De Waterkant
Whenever I think of working from cafés in Cape Town, Origin is the first place that comes to mind. It’s a big, industrial-style space with that warehouse feel you get in proper speciality coffee roasteries. The smell of freshly ground beans hits you as soon as you walk in, and there’s always a buzz of people chatting, working, or queuing up for their flat white.
What I loved about working here is the space as it never feels crowded or rushed. I could grab a table, open my laptop, and settle in for a good few hours without anyone batting an eye. It’s also one of the cafés in Cape Town that digital nomads often recommend as a reliable base for getting work done.
Nearby
De Waterkant is one of my favourite areas for wandering, the whole neighbourhood is so pretty.
After you’ve got your work done, you could head over to Bo-Kaap, which is an easy walk from De Waterkant. This walking tour is brilliant. Led by a local guide who grew up in the area, who shares personal stories, hidden corners, and even a stop for tea and a snack along the way. It’s brilliant for photos and gives you a real insight into one of Cape Town’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Click here to book your spot.
Alternatively, the V&A Waterfront isn’t far off, which is always worth a wander.
Simple Bru – District Six
Simple Bru has that neighbourhood café charm that makes you want to linger. It’s tucked near District Six, a part of the city full of history, and it feels instantly welcoming. The staff are always cheerful and know their regulars, which makes you feel like part of the place even if you’re only in Cape Town for a few weeks.
I found Simple Bru to be ideal for quieter work days. The Wi-Fi was reliable, the coffee simple but well-made, and I never felt rushed to leave. It’s the kind of café where you can spend a morning tucked in the corner with your laptop, then reward yourself with one of their yummy breakfasts.
Nearby
The District Six Museum is just a short walk away, and you must pay it a visit for its look into the city’s past. We went there ourselves, and while it’s not huge, it’s both interesting and completely shocking.
The displays tell the story of the forced removals during apartheid, when thousands of people were displaced from their homes in the District Six area. It’s shocking to see how recent it all was, and hearing the personal accounts makes it feel very real.
ESPRESSOLAB – De Waterkant
EspressoLab is just down the road from Origin, but it has a very different feel. Where Origin is big and bustling, EspressoLab is sleek and minimalist. Pale wood tables, clean lines, and a calm atmosphere that make it perfect for shorter, focused work sessions.
I popped in here quite a few times when I wanted to get through a block of tasks without distraction. The coffee is excellent (especially their flat white!) and there’s a quiet hum without the background chaos you get in bigger cafés.
It’s not somewhere I’d spend an entire day, but for a couple of hours of concentration time, it’s spot on.
Nearby
You are minutes from Green Point Park, which is an absolutely gorgeous place to stretch your legs post-work. We got the most delicious ice creams from a place called The Creamery, which is just by the park. Grab your ice cream and continue your walk down by the seafront – perfection!
Shift Espresso Bar – Kloof Street & Green Point
Shift has a slightly different energy, with its quirky menu and creative vibe. The Kloof Street branch was my favourite because it manages that balance of being social without being overwhelming. There’s always someone on their laptop, someone in a meeting, and someone chatting over coffee, which makes it feel lively without tipping into noisy.
The staff here were brilliant, genuinely interested in what you’re up to, and happy to chat about coffee. I found myself coming back because the atmosphere was motivating. You feel like you’re in a space where other people are creating, working, and getting things done. It’s one of the cafés in Cape Town where that mix really works.
Nearby
Kloof Street is full of great restaurants and bars. It’s too easy to stop in for a post-work beer or wine, so it’s a great option for Friday working!
A couple of my favourite places on Kloof Street are Elgr for the yummy small plates and Kloof Street House for the lovely little garden.
Bootlegger Coffee Company
Bootlegger is everywhere in Cape Town, but not every branch is equally laptop-friendly. Some have rules like no laptops during peak breakfast hours, which is fair enough, but it’s worth knowing. My favourites for working were Sea Point and Green Point, where there’s plenty of space, lots of plugs, and staff who don’t mind if you settle in for a while.
I liked Bootlegger because it felt reliable. You always know the coffee will be good, the food hearty, and there’ll be a table where you can get set up. It’s one of the bigger cafés in Cape Town, so you don’t feel like you’re hogging a spot, which is sometimes a worry in smaller cafés.
Nearby
Over in Green Point, the Bootlegger branch sits right next door to a row of brilliant restaurants. El Burro is my go-to for tacos. Honestly, they’re some of the best I’ve had outside of Mexico.
Giovanni’s is an amazing deli that has EVERYTHING. From sweet treats (pastries, turkish delight) to bagels, sandwiches, salads and fresh soups. You could visit every day and try something different. The dining area gets packed, but I’d take away and pop over to Green Point Park to enjoy in the sun (or shade!).
Kanela Café – Sea Point
Kanela feels much more personal than the bigger names. It’s the sort of place where the staff remember you, and you feel instantly at ease. I went there a few mornings to work and always left feeling like I’d been looked after. The coffee was strong, the cakes were tempting, and the whole vibe was laid-back.
It’s not huge, so I wouldn’t choose it for a long day of back-to-back calls, but it’s perfect for a few hours of writing or emails. Being so close to the promenade means you can close your laptop and be at the sea in five minutes, which is a pretty great way to end a work session.
Nearby
The Sea Point Promenade is just a stroll away, which makes it a lovely balance of work and downtime. It’s a long, scenic walkway that runs right along the ocean, perfect for a jog, cycle, or just a slow wander with an ice cream. I loved heading there after closing my laptop.Another fun option is Mojo Market, just off the main road. It’s a lively indoor market with loads of food stalls, live music, and a great atmosphere in the evenings. You can grab anything from poke bowls to pizza, pint to cocktails. It’s a great place for post-work drinks!
Coffee on Orange – Gardens
Coffee on Orange was a bit of a hidden gem for me. I originally went in for a takeaway, but the space was so inviting that I ended up staying with my laptop for hours. It’s modern, bright, and just the right mix of busy and calm.
I liked it here because it never felt touristy. It was mostly locals and a few students working away, which gave it a grounded, everyday feel. The Wi-Fi was quick, the coffee strong, and the croissants so good that they became my little treat for getting through a morning’s work.
Nearby
Coffee on Orange is right by the Company’s Garden, which is one of the nicest green spaces in the city centre. It’s a leafy public park where you’ll find locals relaxing, people feeding the (very tame) squirrels, and a few little cafés dotted around. It’s a lovely place for a walk if you need a screen break.
Just across the way is the Iziko Slave Lodge, one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings and now a museum. It focuses on the history of slavery in South Africa, which is heavy but incredibly important to understand. It gives real context to the city’s past and is well worth the visit.
If you fancy something lighter afterwards, the Mount Nelson Hotel is also nearby. It’s a Cape Town icon, instantly recognisable with its pink exterior, and famous for its afternoon tea. It’s not cheap, but sitting on the terrace with a pot of tea and a plate of cakes feels like a bit of old-school glamour in the middle of the city.
The Ladder
The Ladder has a soft, calming energy that I loved. Bright natural light pours in, the décor is beautiful without being pretentious, and the handmade ceramic mugs make every coffee feel a bit special. The staff were incredibly friendly, which always makes a difference when you’re spending hours somewhere.
It became one of my favourite places for longer work sessions. I could settle in, order something from their healthy menu, and work undisturbed for a few hours. It never felt cramped or rushed, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to focus.
Nearby
Bree Street is packed with restaurants, bars, and shops, so you will not run out of things to do after your laptop session. One of my favourite bars, House of Machines, is close by for a post-work beer.
There are also some great apartments and boutique hotels nearby. I stayed very close to Bree Street and found it to be a great location. I’d recommend this apartment, which is in an ideal location – safe with lots of great bars, cafes and restaurants around.
Truth Coffee Roasting – District Six
Truth is iconic, and it’s easy to see why. The steampunk décor is wild, the staff are buzzing, and the coffee is consistently excellent. It’s a bit of a sensory overload compared to somewhere like EspressoLab, but that’s part of the fun.
I did bring my laptop a few times, though I’ll admit I came here more for the experience than the productivity. It’s not the quietest spot, but if you don’t mind background chatter and want to soak up the atmosphere while you work, it’s a brilliant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby
The District Six Museum is just around the corner, making it easy to combine a morning of culture with an afternoon of coffee. We did Truth and Simple Bru on either side of our museum visit. You just can’t have too much coffee in Cape Town!
Tips for Working From Cafés in Cape Town
Cape Town is an easy city to love, but there are a few things worth knowing before you settle in to work in one of its cafés. These tips are based on my own experience and will make life easier if you are planning to work remotely here.
Wi-Fi Reliability
Most cafés in Cape Town offer free Wi-Fi, and it’s usually strong enough for browsing, email, and video calls. That said, it can occasionally drop during load shedding (planned power outages that are common in South Africa).
It’s worth downloading the EskomSePush app to see when your area will be affected. Many cafés keep operating thanks to backup power, but smaller ones may close during outages.
Power Outlets
Not every café has plugs at every table, so it’s worth carrying a fully charged laptop or a portable battery. I always travel with a portable laptop charger, and it has saved me more than once when I was mid-email and the battery died. I use this Anker charger, it’s a decent brand, can charge four devices at once, and charges pretty fast too.
Café Etiquette
Cape Town has a very social café culture, but working with a laptop is generally accepted in most places, especially during weekdays. Be mindful of peak breakfast hours when tables are in demand. At Bootlegger, for example, laptops are not allowed between 7 and 9am. Buying more than one coffee if you are staying for hours is always appreciated.
Safety and Practicalities
Cape Town is safe to explore during the day, but I always kept my bag close by in cafés, just as I would in any big city. Many cafés are in central areas where you can easily walk to other attractions once you have finished working.
Best Areas for Digital Nomads
- De Waterkant and Green Point: Trendy, central, and close to the Waterfront.
- Sea Point: Relaxed with the promenade nearby. Great if you like to take breaks by the ocean.
- City Bowl (Gardens, Kloof Street, Bree Street): Full of bars, restaurants, and plenty of work-friendly cafés. It’s worth noting that CBD (which includes Bree Street) isn’t impacted by load shedding as it’s on the same energy as the hospital grid.
- District Six area: Rich in history and full of unique cafés like Truth and Simple Bru.
Gear That Helps
Noise levels vary from one café to the next. Some are quiet havens, others get lively around lunchtime. I found that my noise-cancelling headphones made a huge difference when I needed to stay focused.
For the ones I use, along with other remote work kit I swear by, check out my remote work setup post.
Conclusion
Cape Town is one of those cities where remote working feels easy. The coffee culture is thriving and there’s no shortage of places to set up your laptop and work.
From the warehouse-style roastery at Origin to the calm simplicity of The Ladder, each café has something different to offer.
These cafés in Cape Town make remote working feel enjoyable, rather than just another day at the laptop. Many of them serve some of the best coffee in South Africa, and they also give you a chance to feel part of the city’s everyday rhythm.
Whether you prefer a calm, quiet atmosphere or a buzzing creative space, these cafés make working days fun and productive. That’s one of the things I loved most about my time here – knowing I could always find a good place to focus while still being surrounded by the energy of the city.
So if you’re planning a working trip and looking for reliable, welcoming, laptop-friendly cafés in Cape Town, these are the ones worth adding to your list.
Disclaimer: My blog contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these, I get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you x
By Meg
