Lifestyle in Cape Town

The lifestyle in Cape Town is a lesson in the art of leisure. Capetonians are known for their appetite for the good life, and as an expat, you'll find it difficult to resist the Mother City's indulgent pastimes for long.

A naturalist's playground with a cosmopolitan heartbeat, Cape Town offers a lifestyle that balances an emphasis on the great outdoors with an appreciation for arts, culture, and entertainment. You can climb Table Mountain in the morning, go wine tasting in the afternoon and end the day with fine dining at one of the city's renowned restaurants.

Even if food, wine, and sun aren't your idea of an ideal lifestyle, Cape Town's niche boutiques and mega malls are perfect for those who would rather wander shopping aisles than nature trails.

Shopping in Cape Town

Cape Town has an abundance of locally inspired, creative shopping options. The city has a strong movement of young designers, stylist artisans and craftspeople, and in many cases, they have their own shops or studios.

There are also plenty of standard department stores to satisfy the whims of any shopper, as well as a few not-to-be-missed speciality stores. The Old Biscuit Mill is an unorthodox shopping complex that is home to a selection of eateries, restaurants, and craft stores. It also hosts the well-loved Neighbourgoods Market on Saturday mornings, a must-see for expats who love food trucks, organic produce and quirky crafts.

For a more normalised mall experience, the Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is a popular destination. It houses South Africa's favourite stores and a range of high-end international brands. Other popular shopping destinations include Cavendish Square in the Southern Suburbs and Canal Walk and Tyger Valley in the Northern Suburbs.

Shopping in Cape Town

Outdoor activities and sport in Cape Town

With all the natural beauty surrounding the city, expats are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities. Table Mountain is at the centre of ecotourism in the city, offering residents hiking trails, mountain biking, and several nature reserves. Take a ride on the Table Mountain cable car for an incredible view of Cape Town.

Cape Town's beaches are also not to be missed, with plenty to choose from. Recommended beaches include Camps Bay and Llandudno just north of the city centre, as well as various beaches in the Southern Peninsula, such as Boulder's Beach, where visitors can swim among the area's freely roaming African penguins.

Cape Town also has more than enough sports to keep fans happy. The DHL Stadium, originally built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, often hosts local and international football (locally known as soccer) and rugby matches. The Newlands Stadium in the Southern Suburbs is the venue of choice for cricket matches in the city.

Fitness fanatics will find plenty of opportunities to partake in the city's many marathons, not to mention the famous Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Sport and Fitness in Cape Town

Nightlife in Cape Town

Cape Town's nightlife has something to cater to all tastes. Long Street, in the city centre, has one of the highest concentrations of entertainment venues. With everything from gourmet burger restaurants to an Irish pub and clubs playing electronic music into the early hours of the morning, there's always plenty to do in Long Street. 

The city also has an active music industry, with artists and bands of all genres performing throughout the city. Younger expats typically flock to the student nightlife offered by Claremont, a suburb to the south of the city, and craft beer connoisseurs will enjoy the wide selections on offer at trendy bars across the city.

Meeting people and making friends in Cape Town

Making new friends can be one of the toughest parts of moving to a new city. A great way to meet new people with similar interests is to join a local club or meetup group. 

Volunteer and expat groups are a fantastic way to meet other people who may share similar experiences. Nature lovers will enjoy the abundance of hiking and water sports groups in the city. Professional groups can help you expand your social network while also building into your career. Those working remotely can also spend a few days at a co-working space, allowing them to meet and make friends with other remote workers. 

Useful links

• International Women's Club of Cape Town
• Atlantic Athletic Club
• Workshop17
• Milnerton Aquatic Club