Woodstock Cape Town – Art, Culture & Hipsters

After visiting Woodstock in Cape Town, here is the guide of things to do, food to eat, and my thoughts about this quirky town crawling with hipsters.

Woodstock Cape Town

After my third Uber through the streets in Woodstock, I must have noticed 5 different cabinet shops and furniture stores. I’m not sure if it’s unique to this area specifically – the trendy area must be having some type of influence on all of the rustic furniture I saw. The streets are colorful and the people are interesting.

Here are the top things to do in Woodstock:

Street art

View unique street art in Albert Road Woodstock

There’s plenty of street art to view in Albert Road with plenty of symbolism in each piece. There’s one about endangered rhinos, human rights, family, connection or the story about how devil’s peak got its name – that’s one story you’ll have to discover for yourself.

Coffee Culture

Coffee shops in woodstock

This is one thing I need to go back for and that’s the coffee. There are plenty of highly reviewed places to stop for a cup of joe, including:

  • Bootleggers;
  • Flat Mountain Coffee Roasters;
  • District Cafe;
  • The Mill & Press Cafe;
  • Stellski Café & Coffee Bar;
  • Off the Gluten Path;

Visit the Woodstock Exchange

Woodstock Exchange serves as a creative hub where contemporary design and historical architecture converge. This dynamic space hosts a blend of shops, studios, and eateries housed within a significantly refurbished industrial building. Its rejuvenation stands testament to Woodstock’s ongoing cultural renaissance while retaining its historical essence. Additional details can be found by exploring the Woodstock exchange website.

Restaurants – where to eat

There’s plenty of great options available in Woodstock – on my visit I opted for the redemption burger at a restaurant at the old biscuit mill and then the street food at the neighborhood goods market. On further research, here are some other mouth-watering options to consider:

  • The Test Kitchen is a really great place to eat. They have innovative and exceptional food. A multi-course tasting menu that blends international techniques with South African ingredients, creating a flavour sensation.
  • Pot Luck Club is another awesome spot. It’s in the Old Biscuit Mill and has a cool vibe. They have a creative menu and you can share plates. Perched atop a trendy Woodstock building, the eatery offers panoramic views of the city and a menu that’s as creative as the surrounding art scene.
  • The Old Biscuit Mill itself is not a restaurant, but it has a cool market and plenty of shops. There are lots of food stalls and places to eat. It’s a fun place to try different foods.
  • Woodstock Grill & Tap marries the concept of a traditional steakhouse with a contemporary craft beer brewery. Customers enjoy premium grilled meats and an extensive selection of locally brewed beers in a casual yet sophisticated setting.
  • Riva Fish House is known for its delicious seafood. It’s a relaxed place by the ocean.
  • The Woodlands Eatery is a cozy spot. They have comfort food and other tasty dishes. They use local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery is a must-visit. It’s at Spier Wine Farm and they have amazing barbecue and smoked meats. Plus, there’s a bakery with yummy pastries.
  • Saigon Suzy is a trendy place with Asian flavors. The atmosphere is vibrant and they have creative cocktails.
  • The Kitchen is another gem at the Old Biscuit Mill. They focus on fresh ingredients and have a variety of dishes, including breakfasts.
  • The Taproom at Devil’s Peak Brewery is perfect for beer lovers. They have craft beer and tasty pub-style food.
  • The Palms Market is not a traditional restaurant, but it’s worth checking out. It’s at Woodstock Palms and has lots of food stalls with different flavors to try.

Art and Culture

Woodstock, Cape Town, offers a vibrant tapestry of art and culture, with a particular emphasis on street art, contemporary galleries, and creative spaces. Visitors can explore the rich artistic heritage deeply embedded in the neighborhood’s identity.

Street Art Tours

One can experience the essence of Woodstock’s creative spirit through guided Street Art Tours. These tours showcase over 40 magnificent works by local and international artists. Among the highlights are the expressive creations of Faith47 and the intricate works of her son, Jack Fox.

Woodstock Art Galleries

The dynamic art scene of Woodstock is home to a plethora of Art Galleries that celebrate the community’s diverse talent. These galleries range from contemporary spaces featuring upcoming artists to niche studios specializing in specific forms of visual arts.

The Woodstock Foundry

Woodstock Foundry
https://arcarchitects.co.za/project/woodstock-foundry/

Visitors seeking both innovation and inspiration must visit The Woodstock Foundry, a collective hub that’s home to artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. It stands as a pillar of the community, fostering creative ventures and collaborative projects within its historic walls.

Outdoor Activities

Woodstock offers visitors a range of engaging outdoor activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and those seeking adventure.

Trafalgar Park

Trafalgar Park
Nicholas Eyre

Located in the heart of Woodstock, Trafalgar Park is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. It provides open green spaces ideal for picnics, casual sports, and leisurely strolls. The park’s well-maintained areas and playground equipment make it family-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors.

The park is open 24 hours a day on every day of the week.

Surfing at Muizenberg Beach

Muizenberg Beach

For those looking to ride the waves, Muizenberg Beach is the place to be. Noted for its gentle swells, it’s the perfect spot for both beginners and seasoned surfers. The beach’s vibrant atmosphere and colorful beach huts provide a picturesque backdrop for surf lessons or a day spent in the water.

The verdict – should you visit Woodstock in Cape Town?

Yes absolutely. Woodstock, Cape Town’s rejuvenated suburb, is a colorful tapestry of history, cuisine, markets, and art. The neighborhood’s creative pulse is evidenced by its street art and galleries, which have turned it into a cultural hub. The proximity to Table Mountain National Park makes it easy to drop by here first while you make your way through the mother city.

Frequently asked questions:

What type of area is Woodstock?It reminds me of an old industrial area that has become more trendy over time and a hub for creatives.
Is Woodstock large or small?It’s a small area and it’s 3.4km from Woodstock to Cape Town city centre.
Is Woodstock a nice area to live in?As part of the working class, it wouldn’t be my personal choice as it’s better suited for students. It is a trendy area to visit and explore.
How would you describe the Woodstock area?A trendy area with solo creative entrepreneurs. I’ve noticed many carpenters operating in their shops when traveling through the area.
What types of tourist activities are available here?It’s a place to explore, view street art and unique shops, have a bit of retail therapy, and buy unique goods not found in the bigger franchised stores.
About the author
Raymond Smit

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