28 Jan Innovation City: The Digital Nomad’s Secret to Thriving in Cape Town

Cape Town has firmly established itself as a go-to destination for digital nomads worldwide. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and robust infrastructure for remote work, it’s easy to see why. Among the city’s offerings, Innovation City stands out as a favorite co-working hub for these professionals.

Recently, we spoke to two digital nomads, Mike Bandar and Vicky French  from the UK, about their experiences in Cape Town and why Innovation City became their workspace of choice.

From Chaos to Clarity: Mike Bandar’s Cape Town Journey

For Mike Bandar, CEO of Waybook.com, Cape Town has become an annual escape from the harsh UK winters. “I first visited in 2019 and fell in love with the people, the landscape, the food, and the endless adventures,” he shares. Since then, Mike and his wife have made Cape Town their January tradition, swapping -4°C back home for sunny days by the beach.

Cape Town’s alignment with UK working hours has been a game-changer for Mike. “I can start my mornings with a hike, a beach run, or a game of padel, and still get a full day of work done without compromise,” he says. Add to that the city’s growing community of international founders and locals, and it’s clear why Cape Town is such an energizing place for entrepreneurs like Mike.

When it comes to Innovation City, Mike is full of praise. “Innovation City has been a brilliant base. It’s one of those rare co-working spaces that balances productivity with community. Every stroll to grab a coffee turns into a conversation with inspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from across the ecosystem,” he says.

Having worked in co-working spaces around the world, Mike believes Innovation City stands out because of its ability to connect people at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from startups to scale-ups. His only challenge while working remotely in Cape Town? “FOMO – there are just too many incredible hikes, padel games, beach days, restaurants, and coffee spots to fit into one trip!”

A Marketing Consultant’s Second Summer: Vicky French

For Vicky French, a marketing consultant from London, Cape Town first became a destination in 2023 when she came to visit her brother (who happens to be Anthony William Catt, recently voted one of Africa’s 100 most influential leaders). “He’d been raving about the weather, the culture, and the people, so I had to try it for myself,” she says. Within 24 hours of arriving, she decided this would become an annual trip.

Now in her second year, Vicky has extended her stay to five weeks. “Achieving a work-life balance here feels much easier,” she explains. Like Mike, Vicky finds Innovation City an ideal workspace. “The space is really cool and has a great vibe, full of interesting people doing interesting things. It’s been great to chat about each other’s work, challenges, and goals, getting different perspectives and inspiration.”

Cape Town’s lifestyle and weather have left a lasting impression on Vicky, both personally and professionally. “Professionally, I’ve built a new network of people to keep in touch with back home. Personally, I’m leaving Cape Town with healthy habits reinstated and a calmer, more thoughtful approach to life,” she says.

Her advice to other digital nomads? “Just do it. The lifestyle, the people, and the food make it a great place to reset and meet like-minded people.”

Why Innovation City Stands Out

Both Mike and Vicky agree that Innovation City is a pivotal part of their Cape Town experience. It offers more than just a workspace; it’s a community where entrepreneurs, investors, and remote workers connect, collaborate, and share ideas. The balance of productivity and social interaction makes it the perfect hub for digital nomads.

Innovation City’s location in the heart of Cape Town provides easy access to the city’s many attractions, from hikes and beaches to world-class restaurants. This accessibility, combined with the city’s vibrant entrepreneurial energy, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking both inspiration and productivity.

Cape Town: The Perfect Blend of Work and Play

Cape Town is more than just a beautiful city; it’s a place where digital nomads can thrive. The combination of a supportive co-working community, a timezone that aligns well with Europe, and a lifestyle that encourages balance makes it a top choice for remote workers.

For Mike, the city is “the ultimate blend of inspiration and productivity.” For Vicky, it’s a place to reset, recharge, and refocus. Both agree that Cape Town, and Innovation City, should be on every digital nomad’s radar.

So, if you’re considering your next remote work destination, take their advice: “Just do it!” You might find yourself, like Mike and Vicky, returning year after year.