“You’re staying in Woodstock? That’s a bit doge” said everyone in Cape Town. It was a common response that started to put some worry into me. We were already familiar with the area as our Super Cool Beer Tour had us visiting Woodstock a few days prior so I didn’t think much of the comments – until they kept coming. I was determined to prove the naysayers wrong and make visiting Woodstock a highlight of my time in Cape Town. Here’s how that effort went.
Home Base
After spending 3 days touring the Garden Route I was ready to unwind. Although driving on the left-hand side for the 1st time proved to be less stressful than anticipated, the drive was long and I was ready to relax. Thankfully we were staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside – a relatively new property in an up-and-coming neighbourhood.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside sits on a massive property. Walking in you’re presented with several shops, cafes, and a business space. Located just off the main highway, the Doubletree Hilton is a breeze to get to and from downtown and the airport. This makes it a great choice to do business from and explorer Cape Town – just not on foot. I was out to prove otherwise.
Rough Start
After our warm welcome of fresh baked cookies and cappuccinos (nice touch!) we unloaded our bags in our modern room and headed out. Excited to visit the colourful area we stopped at the concierge to get his thoughts on what we should see and do. To our surprise (but not really) he offered no suggestions for anything to do with visiting Woodstock. This made me think that maybe the area isn’t as great as I had hoped. With little help to go on we headed out visiting Woodstock on our own.
Get to Know Woodstock
The area of Woodstock has been mostly industrial since its beach front was removed in the 1950’s. Although there are problems with drugs and the crime that goes with it, the area is starting to see a change. With low rental rates business are starting to move in and the area is benefiting from it. Today it is home to media and advertising agencies, textile shops, art galleries, and craft breweries. It is also home to the Old Biscuit Mill Market, one of the city’s most popular Saturday sights.
Take a Walk
We left our comfortable home at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside confident to find the highlights of the area. I had heard there is plenty of great street art in Woodstock but sadly we didn’t see it. Our concierge advised us to stick to a couple main roads which had zero cool murals on them. His comments added to those heard by every Capetonion that we told we were visiting Woodstock which started to take toll on our walk. Much like how I let others experiences of Copacabana ruin my time in Rio, visiting Woodstock was tarnished. It didn’t help that when we arrived at the Biscuit Mill Market everything was being shut down. It was 4 o’clock which only added to the fears – like if vampires come out after 5 or something. Dejected, we continued on to some of our favourite stops from our Super Cool Beer Tour only to find our failures continuing. None of them were open. To be fair it was a Monday, a notoriously slow day in Cape Town. Still, visiting Woodstock was not winning me over.
On the Up
Although my timing was off while visiting Woodstock and I let other people’s fears slip in, I could see the transformation the area was under. It reminded me of Vancouver’s Gas Town, an area that some consider doge but has a lot going on – another reason why Vancouver and Cape Town are so alike. Hip microbreweries, art galleries, and restaurants – Woodstock is trending. Also with the popularity of the Biscuit Mill Market surly more shops will pop up.
Until then I will just retire to my comfortable room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside Good to Know
Room Rate: see website for latest rates.
Includes: Cookies!
Don’t Miss: Old Biscuit Mill Market on Saturday, giant cookies
What say you?
Thoughts on the visiting Woodstock in Cape Town?
Let’s hear it!
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Although I was provided a complimentary stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside,
the experience, opinions, and self-guided tour was my own.
Coming from a Capetonian you really had a dud experience – all you needed was a local to show you Woodstock’s magic. But yes, it does go to bed early and is better enjoyed from as early as possible starting with a coffee at Espresso Lab and a croissant at one of the myriad of delis. There are amazing boutique stores – leather goods, ceramics and arts and crafts. Some of the best quirky interior and gift stores Cape Town has to offer. I also boasts “The Kitchen” the notoriously famous cafe Michelle Obama visited because her PA was supposed to book the best restaurant in SA called “The Test Kitchen”. On that note – don’t miss visiting the 2 top restaurants in South Africa which are at the Biscuit Mill. Book months ahead of time though. The list goes on…
I only went to the Old Biscuit Mill Market in Woodstock, which I loved, but didn’t spend much more time there than that. There were a few cool antique shops along the main road too
Cheers for the comment. Not too much tourist wise in the area but the signs are there that it will be growing. How long ago did you visit?
Over Christmas and New Years so only 6 months ago
I have heard of the old biscuit mill market. It’s on my list for when I head to South Africa. There is a restaurant there that is supposed to be amazing. Need to book months in advance!
I wanted to try there too. I think it is called Test Kitchen. Supposed to be unreal! Let me know what you think if you get in!
Interesting read. Hope the area turns around!
Thanks Trevor and it most certainly will. Lots of potential there.