Discover Johannesburg’s Best Neighborhoods
South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, boasts hundreds of diverse areas. Knowing where to explore or stay requires thought and planning. To assist you, iBestTravel Local Heather Mason reveals Johannesburg’s best neighborhoods to venture into.
Some neighborhoods are as large as several square kilometers, while others are as small as a couple of blocks. Regardless of their location, they are often referred to as ‘suburbs’ in Johannesburg. Therefore, suburbs here can be located in the heart of the city’s downtown core.
Maboneng
In the early 2000s, local property company Propertuity began transforming abandoned buildings in an industrial area east of the CBD into art galleries, retail spaces, and boutique hotels. This development was named Maboneng, which translates to “Place of Light.” Consequently, Maboneng has significantly expanded into surrounding neighborhoods.
Today, Maboneng has reached deep into the inner city suburbs of New Doornfontein and Jeppestown. Its Sunday market, Market on Main, is among downtown Johannesburg’s most popular weekend destinations, and the number of restaurants in Maboneng has increased dramatically over the past decade. Notable accommodations include the upscale Hallmark House and the vibrant backpackers’ option Curiocity. The area is a common feature in many walking tours of the city.
Braamfontein
Located on the northern edge of the central business district, Braamfontein is home to the University of the Witwatersrand, making it a vibrant area frequented by students and nightlife enthusiasts. Known colloquially as ‘Braam’ or ‘Braamies’, this neighborhood hosts the Neighbourgoods Market on Saturdays, where Johannesburg fashionistas enjoy cocktails on the rooftop and food enthusiasts explore diverse stalls.
Additionally, Braamfontein is home to Johannesburg’s oldest bar, Kitchener’s Carvery, and the acclaimed Wits Art Museum. The Orbit jazz club stands out as one of Johannesburg’s premier live music venues.
Melville
Melville, centrally located just a 15-minute drive from downtown, offers numerous quaint guesthouses. The main thoroughfare, 7th Street, is lined with quirky restaurants, bars, and second-hand shops, making it a popular spot for students on weekends. However, by day, Melville transforms into a hub for artists, academics, and journalists who gather at sunny cafes to enjoy coffee and pastries.
For a delicious breakfast or lunch, try Pablo Eggs Go Bar or Bread & Roses. For cocktails, Mooteebar is an excellent choice, while Hell’s Kitchen offers a unique craft beer and live music experience. Lastly, the nearby Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is ideal for dog-walkers and offers beautiful city skyline views.
Linden
A quiet suburb located northwest of downtown, Linden has gained recognition as a food lover’s paradise. It boasts an impressive array of culinary genres including South African, Asian, Mexican, Indian, and Italian cuisines, with the renowned Cheese Gourmet being the premier cheese shop in the area.
Visit the Craft Beer Library for an impressive variety of local beers and classic pub fare. For a comforting coffee experience, head to Yield Coffee Bar at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 6th Street.
Orlando (Soweto)
Orlando, part of the larger Soweto township, is a historical gem known for being home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Vilakazi Street serves as Soweto’s tourism nucleus, offering visits to Mandela’s former home and delicious traditional meals at Sakhumzi Restaurant.
Don’t miss the informative Hector Pieterson Museum, which serves as a poignant tribute to the 1976 Soweto Uprising. For a memorable overnight experience, the historic Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers offers lively entertainment and local cuisine.
Parkhurst
Parkhurst is one of Johannesburg’s most glamorous suburbs, a favorite among those who enjoy leisurely lunches. Its 4th Avenue is marked by upscale restaurants, including popular spots like Coobs and Bottega. For a budget-friendly breakfast, the egg basket at Nice on 4th is highly recommended. Additionally, indulge in some of the best gourmet ice cream at Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Rosebank
Rosebank stands out as one of Johannesburg’s neighborhoods with its own Gautrain station, making it easily accessible from the airport. The area is experiencing rapid urban development and boasts a vibrant big-city atmosphere. Rosebank Mall is a delightful shopping destination featuring outdoor plazas and various dining options.
Nearby, the trendy Keyes Art Mile features galleries and cafes, including the innovative CIRCA Gallery and the renowned Marble Restaurant by chef David Higgs, known for its exceptional dining.
Norwood
In addition to Melville and Parkhurst, Norwood is one of Johannesburg’s most walkable suburbs. Grant Avenue offers a range of excellent restaurants and a classy hotel bar called Ascot, celebrated for its cocktails. Another noteworthy location is Satyagraha House, a high-end guesthouse that was once the home of Mahatma Gandhi, now housing a museum about his time in South Africa.
Fordsburg
Fordsburg, historically an ethnic Indian neighborhood, serves as a cultural hub for Muslim immigrants globally. The Oriental Plaza is a vibrant mall created during apartheid as a relocation site for Indian shopkeepers, featuring colorful fabric shops and delicious samoosa vendors. The Fordsburg Market, held every weekend on Mint Road, is perfect for browsing affordable DVD collections and enjoying South Asian street food, including fresh sugar cane juice.
Rivonia
Situated in Johannesburg’s far northern region, Rivonia may not be the first neighborhood that comes to mind. However, it’s worth visiting due to its array of Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese restaurants, as well as the significant Liliesleaf Farm. Once a hideout for ANC and Communist party leaders during apartheid, it has been converted into an informative museum.
Plan to have lunch at Chinese Northern Foods, renowned for its authenticity, and afterward, delve into the history of the 1964 Liliesleaf raid and the linked Rivonia Trial, which led to Nelson Mandela’s life imprisonment.