Beautiful view of Old Biscuit Mill Market

Old Biscuit Mill Market

Cape Town, South Africa
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Beautiful view of Old Biscuit Mill Market

In a city known for scenic coastlines and bold flavors, the Old Biscuit Mill Market stands apart. This bustling hub transforms each weekend, blending Cape Town's creative energy with the legacy of an old industrial mill. Shoppers, foodies, and curious explorers gather here for craft, cuisine, and conversations that linger long after the last vendor packs up. The air carries both anticipation and the promise of something unexpected—artisan coffee, warm pastries, and fresh conversation with locals who call this market home.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
Free
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa

Planning Your Visit

The Old Biscuit Mill Market sits tucked in the heart of Woodstock, a revived neighborhood on the edge of Cape Town's downtown. Saturdays draw both locals and visitors, all seeking the vibe that only a working market can create. Arriving early, before the main brunch crowds descend, allows for a slower, richer experience. The market hums with music, conversation, and the clink of cutlery against hand-thrown ceramics. Parking can fill fast, so consider alternative transportation or come prepared for a short walk through the lively streets nearby.

  • Best time to visit: Saturday mornings from 9am to noon for the freshest foods and best browsing; quieter in the first hour
  • How to get there: Uber, MyCiTi bus, or self-drive (street parking is limited)
  • Accessibility: Most areas are stroller and wheelchair friendly, though some cobblestones and crowding present minor challenges
  • Average visit duration: 2–3 hours for a relaxed experience, more if joining a workshop or staying for lunch

Must See Stuff

Stroll through the Old Biscuit Mill Market and every sense wakes up. The centerpiece, the Neighbourgoods Market, churns out an array of aromas—spit-roast lamb, sizzling pancakes, hand-pulled espresso. Local makers line the hall, each table piled with dusted pastries, cheese wheels, and vivid piles of heirloom tomatoes. Handmade jewelry glints from one stall, while retro clothing racks brim with Cape Town’s coolest vintage finds. Beyond food, the complex bursts with design studios, quirky boutiques, and a small urban garden where stories of Woodstock’s past echo among the succulents. Children race after painted murals, and photographers linger at the light-filled courtyards, finding new angles long after their friends reach for a seat and a cider. Every alcove tells a story—each one worth discovering.

  • Neighbourgoods Market: Cape Town’s favorite food-and-design event, held every Saturday
  • Honest Chocolate Café: Known for hand-crafted truffles and real-deal hot chocolate
  • Burrata: An award-winning pizzeria and bistro with rustic charm
  • Imiso Ceramics Studio: Quiet spot to watch local artists at their wheels, with affordably priced pottery
  • Photo-worthy spots: Colorful wall murals, factory-chic architecture, vintage signage
  • Hidden gem: Pot Luck Club—reserve ahead for the rooftop views and clever small plates
  • Cultural fact: The mill’s original warehouse was built in the early 20th century, once churning out biscuits and now repurposed for creative entrepreneurs

Tips for Your Visit

Maneuvering through the Old Biscuit Mill Market takes a bit of strategy. Weekends—especially late mornings—can feel packed, but the early risers catch the easiest conversations with vendors and the most photogenic spreads. Cashless payments are widely accepted, thanks to Cape Town’s tech-savvy operators, though the odd cash-only stall lingers. Dress in layers: chilled early-morning air gives way to sun-baked courtyards by midday. While most areas feel safe and watched over, keep an eye on bags during busier times. Chat with stallholders; many are young creatives happy to share tips about the wider Woodstock neighborhood. If traveling with kids, the small play area near the bakery makes a good regrouping point—though patience helps when little ones weave through crowds. Most importantly, come hungry and curious.

  • Best time to avoid crowds: Arrive by 9am or after 2pm for quieter browsing
  • What to bring: Reusable shopping bag, water bottle, camera or phone, and comfortable shoes
  • Local etiquette: Greet vendors, ask before snapping close-up photos, and support local artisans when possible
  • Safety/comfort: Watch valuables in busy spaces and avoid large backpacks; wear sunscreen for outdoor seating