Cape Town Through Local Lens

Danielle

Hello, hello, and welcome back to DigiDassie Said So! I’m Danielle, your local guide and, well, the human half of this little duo. If you’re new to Cape Town, or maybe just feeling a bit lost in the city’s maze of neighborhoods and mountain views, today’s episode is for you. We’re diving into the best social media accounts to follow if you want to get a real feel for Cape Town—beyond the tourist brochures, you know? So, let’s start with the essentials. First up, @lovecapetown. This is the official tourism account, and honestly, I wish I’d known about it when I first moved here. They post daily inspiration—think gorgeous photos of the mountain, secret beaches, and, oh, the food! But it’s not just pretty pictures. They’ve got practical tips on what to do, where to eat, and what’s happening around town. I remember my first week in Cape Town, I was desperate to find a local market or a little festival, and I just had no clue where to look. If I’d been following @lovecapetown, I would’ve found out about the Oranjezicht City Farm Market way sooner.

Danielle

Now, if you want to stay in the loop with what’s really going on—like, city news, safety updates, or even just some stunning local photography—@cityofct is a must. This is the city’s official account, and they’re always sharing important updates. I mean, sometimes it’s just a reminder about water restrictions, but other times it’s info about free concerts or new public spaces opening up. And the photos! They really capture the city’s vibe, from sunrise on the mountain to the hustle in the CBD. I always say, if you want to feel like you belong here, start by following the accounts that locals actually use. It’s like having a digital noticeboard for the whole city.

Danielle

Honestly, looking back, I wish someone had handed me a list of these accounts on my first day. It would’ve saved me a lot of wandering around, missing out on cool events, and, well, feeling like a bit of an outsider. So, if you’re listening and you’re new here, trust me—these are your starting points for finding your feet and maybe even your new favorite coffee spot.

Danielle

But, you know, Cape Town isn’t just about the big, shiny attractions. There’s a whole world of hidden gems tucked away in the city’s corners, and that’s where accounts like @secretcapetown come in. This one’s a real treasure trove. They’re always posting about little-known spots—like, I’m talking about rooftop bars you’d never find on your own, or quirky events that only locals seem to know about. I remember seeing a post about a pop-up jazz night in a tiny bookshop, and I thought, “How did I not know this was happening?” That’s the magic of these curator accounts—they help you discover the city’s secret side.

Danielle

And then there’s @capetownisawesome, @theinsideguide, @allcapetown and @capetown in X. These are more community-driven, with loads of user tips and recommendations. @capetownisawesome is great for travel, lifestyle, and food inspiration. They often feature locals’ favorite spots, so you get a real sense of what people here actually love. @theinsideguide is a bit of a mix—they do food, wine, culture, and even tours, and sometimes in German too, which is handy if you’re new and still finding your way around the language side of things. The audience of @allcapetown has grown to 320,000 on X and 28,000 Instagram followers that love Cape Town. Follow them too. And of course, @capetown is where I have my home and share community insights about City life first-hand, with some random must-know reshares from citizens, businesses and venues.

Danielle

What I love about these accounts is how they promote neighborhood culture. You start to see the city through different eyes—like, you’ll notice how Obs is all about live music and quirky cafes, while Muizenberg is surfers and beach vibes. It’s not just about ticking off tourist spots; it’s about finding your own little corner of Cape Town. And honestly, that’s what makes you feel at home here. These accounts help you experience the city authentically, not just as a visitor, but as someone who belongs. Oh, and don't forget @CapeTownEtc, a media and news company with a lovely website filled with information about events and newsworthy updates from the area.

Danielle

Now, if you really want to get a sense of Cape Town’s personality, you’ve got to check out some of the local influencers and themed accounts. There’s Marc Buckner—he’s always sharing lifestyle content and little insights about the city. Then there’s Siba Mtongana, who, if you’re a foodie, you probably already know. She highlights Cape Town’s food culture, restaurants, and all those gourmet events that make you want to eat your way through the city. And Craig Howes—his photography is just, wow. He captures the landscapes and cityscapes in a way that makes you want to grab your camera and head out for an adventure.

Danielle

There are also niche accounts like @campsbaygirl for those dreamy coastal shots, or @foodblogct if you’re, like me, always on the hunt for your next meal. And @instagramcapetown is a fun one—it’s all crowd-sourced images from locals and travelers, so you get to see the city through a hundred different lenses. It’s a great way to discover new places and maybe even get inspired to share your own snaps.

Danielle

Actually, that gives me an idea—let’s do a little challenge! If you’re listening, post your favorite hidden Cape Town spot and tag us. Let’s help each other uncover more of the city’s secrets and grow this community. I’d love to see what you find—maybe it’s a tiny coffee shop, a mural, or just a view you stumbled on during a walk.

Danielle

Alright, that’s it for today’s episode. I hope you found some new accounts on X, or via Meta to follow and maybe a bit of inspiration to explore Cape Town in your own way. Next time, we’ll dig even deeper into the city’s stories and, who knows, maybe share a few of your discoveries too. Until then, keep exploring, and remember—DigiDassie said so!