Regarded as the fashion hub of Johannesburg, the inner city suburb of Braamfontein is fast becoming a hotspot for urban dwellers following various regeneration projects undertaken through a collaborative partnership between big business and the city.
An explosion of clothing stores from high street fashion to hip-hop name brands, urban streetwear and trendy African designs has popped up over the years, attracting the youth and Millennials back into the suburb. With it came the chic restaurants, top nightclubs, tattoo parlours, gyms, a music scene, antique stores, comedy venues, street art and corner coffee shops.
Braamfontein is rich in history too, the 1880-dated cemetery is a national heritage site and holds graves of the composer of South Africa’s national anthem and martyrs of Mahatma Gandhi’s passive resistance movement.
One of Johannesburg’s most popular markets is located in Braamfontein.
Top 6 reasons to visit Braamfontein
1. Be entertained by the street events happening in Braamfontein, starting in Juta Street. View the street art on display, catch a comedy routine at a club, have a latté to go and see and be seen at the trendy fashion boutiques spread throughout the area.
2. Take an African Contemporary dance class at the Joburg Theatre. These rhythm dance classes happen on Sunday afternoons. For the less active, the theatre conducts stimulating 1 hour backstage tours, Monday to Friday.
3. Visiting the Neighbourgoods Market on a Saturday is a must; the market traders offer farm fresh produce, speciality goods, unusual crafts and food from around the world. Sample African food from as far afield as Ethiopia.
4. The Origins Centre at Wits University is a cutting edge museum dedicated to man’s evolution. The centre has a vast fossil collection and original rock art. Audio guides are offered in 6 languages, open 7 days a week.
5. Nearby Constitution Hill holds great significance in South Africa’s history. Billed as a multi-purpose heritage site, the area comprises a prison complex with permanent exhibitions and a resource centre. Tours of the facilities are offered, including a night tour. The constitutional court is based here.
6. Hop on the Rea Vaya bus to travel over the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge into Newtown. Visit the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, the Afrika Cultural Centre and tour the World of Beer that includes a tasting.
Transport
Braamfontein is 24km from OR Tambo International Airport. The Gautrain (express rail service) operates between the airport and the city and the Smit Street station is less than a kilometre from Braamfontein. Several car rental companies operate at the airport and in the main centres, however, a rental can be booked online. There are a number of metered taxis and shuttle service companies operating in the suburb or you could register with Uber and order a ride via your mobile phone. The Rey Vaya bus has routes to Soweto and Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.
Did you know?
At 1763m above sea level, Johannesburg is one of the highest cities in Africa. The air is thin and humidity low, making breathing difficult for athletes. A generally accepted acclimatisation period is at least two weeks. Ex-WBC champion Lennox Lewis lost his heavyweight boxing title in the city and experts felt his arrival in Johannesburg so close to the fight date was his downfall.
Braamfontein hosts a number of festivals throughout the year; StreetFest takes over the streets to bring the crowds top music acts and live DJs, A MAZE showcases the latest games, the VIP Youth Festival is a platform for youth expression and Fak’ugesi brings digital innovation to the people. Braamfontein also features in the City of Gold graffiti festival.
