The old Cape Town suburb of Woodstock was once regarded as fading but is now a sought after, vibrant suburb with easy access into the city. A newly established bus route, popular markets, world class restaurants, craft beer brewers and converted churches has transformed the suburb. Many of the dilapidated old buildings have been completely renovated.
Regeneration began with the old Biscuit Mill which is now on the tourist map. Later, an international advertising agency built their headquarters there and so began an entire business district. Young professionals began snapping up apartments. Although some of the old houses and many old shops still remain, they bring a unique character to this most desirable suburb.
In the old residential section, children play on the side streets and house owners paint their homes vivid primary colours. Tiny shops fronting the area are freshly painted with beverage brands and graffiti artists claim the side walls. Small businesses cram into properties barely the size of large cupboards, happily trading with their regulars.
With Table Mountain as a backdrop and Table Bay directly opposite, Woodstock is a fantastic destination for travelers.
Things to do
Woodstock is only 3km from Cape Town city centre. Along the way, visit the Cape of Good Hope Castle, South Africa’s oldest military building dating back to 1672. Watch the changing of the guards, visit the gaol and torture chamber and see the fountain where Lady Anne Barnard, a senior British official’s wife, was rumoured to have regularly bathed nude under cover of darkness.
Visit the District Six museum to learn the history behind forced removals of over 60000 people from this area. Take the guided tour and a chance to walk the suburb and interact with those that were affected.
Hop on the bus and head over to the V & A Waterfront for shopping at the 450 stores, to dine at any of the 80 restaurants, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, walk through the Chavonnes Battery museum, take a boat trip and browse the Scratch Patch for interesting semi-precious stones.
Visit the BoKaap suburb to join a cooking tour and discover Cape Malay culinary delights. The brightly coloured houses and sense of community in BoKaap is the ideal photographer’s canvas.
Saturday is Neighbourgoods market day at the very popular Biscuit Mill. Wander around the boutiques and check out the many offerings in the food hall.
Where to Eat
The Test Kitchen at the Biscuit Mill regularly makes the TripAdvisor ‘best restaurants in the world’ list. Need we say more? Book well in advance for this sumptuous dining experience.
Stop in at Charly’s Bakery in adjoining District Six suburb to meet Charly’s Cake Angels (stars of a TV reality show) and sample one of their decadent designer cakes. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Take in a meal and show at Stardust Restaurant & Dinner Theatre. The venue hosts talented performers carefully selected to entertain while diners appreciate the tasty Mediterranean style fare.
Everyone’s talking about the NOB (No Ordinary Burger), a burger joint offering mouth-watering classics in a vibey, crowd-filled venue. The Porra is a spicy sandwich, lathered in Prego sauce and worth sampling.
The Devil’s Peak Brewing Company’s Taproom Pub and Restaurant is a stylish gastropub set in an old converted warehouse. Pair your delectable meal with a unique craft beer.
Night Life
DecoDance Underground in Woodstock is an old school rock venue with dance floor and 2 bars. Dress the part.
Walk the length of Loop Street and visit the many festive clubs, chill bars and upmarket venues along the route.
Attend a play at the Fugard Theatre in District Six, set in a beautifully restored old stone church.
Note to diary: Monday evening – watch a movie at the open air cinema at Kirstenbosch Gardens, Tuesday evening – sundowners at a Camps Bay sidewalk café, Wednesday evening – half-price sunset special up Table Mountain, Thursday evening – City Bowl Night Market, Friday evening – happy hour special at O’Driscoll’s Irish Pub.
Where to Stay
Accommodations facilities in Woodstock include modern, elegant hotels, stylish guest houses and gorgeous B&Bs in restored homes.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town international, 18km from Woodstock.
Car There are several car rental agencies in the main road down from Woodstock or at the airport upon your arrival in Cape Town. Most car rentals can be booked online.
Taxis/cabs Uber operates in Cape Town, if you have the app, contact them for a ride. Otherwise contact Rikkis metered taxis to travel in their groovy vehicles.
Did you know?
The best time to visit Woodstock is around New Year when residents prepare for the country’s best known festival, the Cape Carnival. The carnival takes place on the 2nd January annually and the troops from Woodstock can be seen, marching and playing their instruments in the streets, during the lead up to the event.
While in Woodstock, look up at Table Mountain and halfway up you will see a large slit. This is Woodstock cave and there is a nice hiking trail up to the cave for magical views over the bay.
