Known for their hipster cafes, breweries and urban street art; Woodstock and Salt River are two emerging neighbourhoods situated only 2km and 4km away from the Cape Town City Centre. Both neighbourhoods offer activities that are affordable and won’t have you breaking the bank.
Here are the top Pocket-Friendly experiences to enjoy in Woodstock and Salt River.
(NOTE: Be mindful of safety, including walking at night.)
What To See And Do
Urban Axe-Throwing
Take out your frustrations in the most unique way by picking up an axe and throwing it at the target board until you get a bullseye. AXE-O is the first urban axe-throwing lounge in Africa and is a must-add to your bucket list. Don’t know how to throw an axe? No worries, part of the 2-hour experience is your host teaching you how to do it, followed by a few practice rounds leading to an all-out tournament of fun.
Location: The Spice Yard, 100 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925
Contact: +27 74 609-6591
Price: R290 Per Person
Website: axe-o.com
Thrift Shopping
Woodstock and Salt River are known for their many factory clothing stores, thrift shops and vintage stores where you can purchase many timeless items at a bargain. You’ll find shops like Collect Me a Story, which stock bargain furniture, antiques, vinyl, books, clothing, props, hats and more.
Shops To Visit: Collect Me a Story, Vamp Furniture, Wauhaus, World of Rustic Frames, Rip Curl, Solo Factory Shop, Tokyo & Co, Vintage and The City, South Africa 2nd Hand Shop,
Price: Varies
The Woodstock Peace Garden
Visit the Woodstock Peace Garden to get away from the busy city. Sit back and take in the greenery, picnic with friends, let your kids use the playground, walk your dog or do some gardening – the choice is yours. The garden is open early mornings and late afternoons, and tours of the garden take place every Saturday between 9 am and 11 am.
Location: 97 Balfour Street, Woodstock
Contact: +27 21 447 5595
Price: Free
Website: co-creators.co.za/peace-garden
Taunina Studio
Many galleries showcase canvas art, but the Taunina studio is where teddy bear art is created. At Taunina you’ll find iconic hand-embroidered one-of-a-kind teddy bears, each with its unique design. The artists behind the teddy bears are all women from disadvantaged communities who are provided full-time employment by Taunina to allow them to provide for their families and to be recognised as an artist.
Location: Ground floor South Gallery, Fairweather House, 176 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock
Contact: 021 461 7719
Price: Free Entry
Website: taunina.com
Trafalgar Swimming Pool
Cool down on a hot summer’s day by visiting the Trafalgar Swimming Pool. There is a main pool, a kids’ pool as well as a children’s play area. Relax on the grassy area and enjoy a family picnic after all the swimming and playing. The pools are open from Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Location: Boulevard Woodstock, Searle St, Woodstock
Contact: elton.daniels2@capetown.gov.za
Price: R9 – Adults; R3 – Children
Website: bit.ly/3DG6EoD
Street Art Murals
If you’re into art, enjoy a self-guided tour of the many street art murals in Salt River. Download the audio tour of the Baz-Art Salt River Street Art Tour to your smartphone (here) and discover the art and how it has changed the way the locals see their neighbourhood.
Location: Beth Uriel Orphanage on 289 Victoria Road, Salt River (Starting Point)
Contact: 072 877 4415
Price: R104.63 to download the audio tour
Website: voicemap.me/tour/cape-town/baz-art-salt-river-street-art-tour
Where To Eat And Drink
The Old Biscuit Mill
Food connoisseurs, goods markets, restaurants, and fresh produce – the Old Biscuit Mill has it all. Head over to Buns Bakery and enjoy a scrumptious piece of cake. Grab a speciality coffee at Espresso Lab Microroasters or try a Bao Bun at Bao Now. Indulge in artisanal and gourmet foods at the Neighbourgoods Market which takes place every Saturday. The options are endless!
Location: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock
Contact: 021 447 8194
Price: Free Entry, but prices for items vary
Website: theoldbiscuitmill.co.za/
Beer-Tasting
Woodstock is known for its many speciality breweries which produce some of the best craft beers in the country. Head over to Distillers Union for a sensational and informative beer-tasting experience.
Location: 156 Victoria Road, Woodstock
Contact: 021 447 2517
Price: R95 Per Person
Website: distillersunion.co.za
Unframed Ice Cream
Voted as one of the best ice cream spots in Cape Town, Unframed Ice Cream produces some of the best artisanal ice creams around. They sell dairy, vegan and sorbet ice creams, and offer unique flavours like chocolate passion fruit; pineapple, red pepper & lime sorbet; and double carrot cake.
Location: Woodstock Quarter, 187 Sir Lowry Road
Contact: 063 601 0287
Price: From R32
Website: www.unframedicecream.com
Stellski Café & Coffee Bar
Coffee lovers unite! Stellski is the perfect spot to get your authentic coffee fix. Their coffee beans are only purchased from Africa and are ethically sourced. Their beans are optimally roasted to ensure that the aroma, body, acidity and flavours of the coffee are met.
Location: 34 Salisbury Street, Woodstock
Contact: 066 275 5115
Price: From R22
Website: stellskicom.wordpress.com
Jamaica Me Crazy
Enjoy an electric Caribbean-inspired menu from jerk chicken and jambalaya to trinchado, burgers and pizza. Their Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday specials offer some excellent bargains.
Location: 74 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock
Contact: 079 549 8759
Price: From R75
Website: www.jamaicamecrazy.co.za
