How to make friends in Cape Town

ha ha, this one is easy...

1. Find a spot where you can light a open fire
2. Get wood, beer, meat and "boerewors" (sausage) and a portable bbq
3. Struggle to light your fire
4. Find a friendly looking group of people
5. Ask them if they can help you light your fire (we normally use "blitz" which is a type of firelighter, but as I didn't tell you to bring any you would not be able to light your fire with ease)
6. After the locals have lit your fire ask them to join you for a beer, i doubt that they will refuse the offer

Hi there! I'm a Capetonian living in Tianjin, only been here a very short while, so still adjusting to the life here and LOVING IT!  Making friends in Cape Town is easy, especially if you're a foreigner.  To sum it up with a bad cliche Cape Town is a city of resort lifestyle and the people reflect that.  The folks of Cape Town are a laid back, chilled out, could-be-mistaken-for-high at the best of times.  Arrangements will generally take place 'around 8...' which could mean any time within the next few hours.  When it comes to socialising there is a little attitude sometimes, but that's just a Capetonian scoping out your vibe - if you come across as stand-offish or too conservative you might find there isn't an instant connection but still a friendly tone.  Give it time - Cape Town is known as the Mother City for a reason - it can take up to 9 months before you see a result.  Though I wouldn't say it will take 9 months to strike up a conversation with the interesting character standing next to.  Because of the sordid history of segregation, South Africa has become what I think of as consciously tolerant of people's differences.  We make a point of seeing life through the eyes of the other and accepting them without judgement or prejudice.

Cape Town is an eclectic melting pot of people and races and religions and faces.  You'll see black men walking hand in hand with Chinese men, woman with rings on their fingers and a bell through their nose serving your exquisite Constantia wine and this is what makes Cape Town such a cosmopolitan and friendly city.  Capetonians are a breed unto their own, and they know they have no leg of judgement to stand upon.

Of all the Cape Tonians I have met, I must say they've all been pretty warm and friendly. They are very chilled, laid-back, very relaxed and they like no issues, no complications. On a rainy day, stay indoors with a good book as most of them hibernate I have noticed. However, during summer time, go out and hang around in places like coffee shops along the road or along the beach spots such as Camps Bay and just chill. Cape Tonians are all about good food, good wine, good vibe and very casual. A good way to have them warm up to you is to simply ask more about their beautiful city, ask advice, show interest to learn more and who knows, you might get invited to their next outing!

Depending on your interests, join classes, join tango lessons, or sign up for yoga or some other class where you are bound to meet new people. Make it a point to attend markets, festivals such as Cheese & Wine Festival, Oyster Festival, join a sports club like a running club, do what the locals do best - enjoy life, enjoy the beach, enjoy the sunset, enjoy the wine and food. even if you are on your own at first, people will start warming up to you if you become that familiar stranger face. Go to a coffee shop and hang around there until you become familiar with the barmen, waiters, owners who might in turn "set you" up with new friends.

Cape Town is known as the Mother City for a reason - it can take up to 9 months before you see a result.

mallex, can i borrow that? that is so spot on. lol

I know the city pretty well so it's easy to go out to say Long Street and go to a cafe or a bar and meet some people. It depends on your personality of course.

I'd say the best way is to join some sort of class or club, try dancing or martial arts.

Cheers
Diggy
Rocket French Review

I think one of the friendliest places for newcomers or anyone to hang out is the "Observatory" district in the Southern Suburbs of the City. It is located right next to the University of Cape Town and is a hot bed of liberalism and free thinking people. Bring a smile and enjoy the night walking from restaurant to cafe to bar. All races, ages , religions and sexes...enjoy and Welcome!

i need tips as well. I'm South African but i struggle to make friends with my fellow countrymen:(