Cape Town’s Woodstock has been chosen as the city’s ‘Brooklyn’ by travel publication Brooklyn Of, beating Observatory, Gardens and Kalk Bay to the top spot.
Woodstock has picked up a new title on the global travel map, with travel publication Brooklyn Of naming it the ‘Brooklyn of Cape Town’.
The publication, which identifies what it considers the coolest neighbourhood in more than 150 cities around the world, announced its Cape Town choice on 4 August 2026.
Rather than suggesting that Woodstock is a copy of New York’s Brooklyn, the title is used by the publication as a way of describing neighbourhoods known for independent culture, coffee and creative energy.
Why Woodstock stood out
According to Brooklyn Of creator Per, Woodstock’s character helped push it ahead of other Cape Town neighbourhoods.
The publication highlighted the area’s converted warehouses, studios, galleries and street art as part of what makes Woodstock distinctive.
‘We named Woodstock the Brooklyn of Cape Town,‘ Per said.
The publication also pointed to the neighbourhood’s unpolished character, presenting this as part of its appeal rather than something that needs to be hidden.
Woodstock was selected ahead of Observatory, Gardens and Kalk Bay, which were named as the runners-up for Cape Town.
More than just a nickname
Brooklyn Of describes its ‘Brooklyn of’ concept as a metaphor borrowed from a phrase that has been used for years to identify a particular type of neighbourhood.
The publication says its choices are intended to point travellers towards places where independent businesses and local creative culture play an important role, rather than simply directing them towards the city’s most conventional tourist attractions.
For Woodstock, that means the title comes with a dedicated guide featuring independent hotels, cafés, restaurants, bars and shops in the neighbourhood.
Brooklyn Of says its selections are based on research and input from local tastemakers. It also states that its placements are not sponsored or available for sale.
Woodstock’s new global spotlight
The recognition gives Woodstock another way of being presented to visitors exploring Cape Town, particularly those interested in independent businesses and creative spaces.
Brooklyn Of is also open to debate around its choices, inviting readers who disagree with its selections to make their case.
Though, Woodstock holds the title – putting the Cape Town neighbourhood on Brooklyn Of’s list of standout neighbourhoods across more than 150 cities worldwide.
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Picture: Kierano / Wikimedia Commons
