Deeply passionate about the city and its culture, City Skate Tours run by Ayanda Mnyandu is one of the local businesses we love, and who we think are doing things right in this city. They also offer one of the coolest ways to get around – on a skateboard – as well as walking tours. Joining them for one of their tours will give you excellent insights into the city, its graffiti and it's many hidden places. And if you can’t join them, you can always schedule a day to explore Braam using their itinerary of seven spots to visit.
Enjoy moreish food at The Playground Market including these curries from Durban Deli.
The Playground Market occupies the space that used to be home to Neighbourgoods Market. Its predecessor was a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike and it was definitely missed with its closure. Thankfully, the Playground Market manages to capture the same magic while also bringing a number of new additions to the great food and drink offering, including live music, Paint and Sip sessions, exhibitions and other pop-ups. Head there every Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Kalshnikovv Gallery has positioned itsef as one of the more left-field galleries in Johannesburg and is unafraid to take risks on Joburg's exciting upcoming artists as well as show the provocative. Firm believers in art's role in tackling socio-political issues, many of the artists featured engage with pressing issues in South Africa. Always a space worth visiting. In 2022 the gallery moved across the street – still on Juta Street, into the building formerly occupied by the Joburg Sheriff.
You can spend a whole morning flicking through the vinyls at Bantu Records.
The first queer black-owned vinyl store in Braam, Bantu Records has an impressive selection of jazz, neo-soul, broken beats, Afrobeats, and possibly one of the most vast collections of records by South African artists. Owner Umlando Khumalo has been collecting records since he was a child and after a quick chat you'll no doubt leave with some fascinating tidbits about the history of the genres and artists at his store.
See a range of contemporary and historical art at WAM.
Wits Art Museum hosts an impressive range of exhibitions and with their extensive collection you can expect art from some of the historic greats in South Africa's art scene, overlooked figures who WAM has resurfaced as well as new work from young and established artists alike.
You can count on Kitchener's to fill up quickly on event nights
An institution amongst Joburg's nightlife scene, Kitchener's Bar is a quiet watering hole for locals by day and a thumping party by night. At this stage few people in Joburg haven't paid it a visit and with its range of queer-friendly events including Night Sweats, Bad Girls Club and Pussy Party you can expect a crowd representative of Joburg's people.
Jean Marc and Karabo started La Vie É Boa in 2022.
The charming La Vie É Boa is located on the corner of Juta and De Beer Streets. Headed up by Jean Marc, they've brought a much-needed café culture to Braam and their food blends a range of European, Congolese and South African influences. Constantly experimenting, you can expect tastes of Jean Marc's newest creations as he gets them ready to be added to the menu.
Dekor One's Great Dane, on De Beer Street, Braamfontein. Photo courtesy of Play Braamfontein.
Joburg is one of the world's street art capitals and Braamfontein is one of the district's best embodiment of this city identity. Bursts of colour and murals splashed across the walls, are the hallmark of the part of the district owned and managed by Play Braamfontein. From commisioned public art to work by local and international street artists you'll want to join City Skate Tours for theirBraamfontein Street Art Tour to get the background and stories on all of Braam's vibrant works.
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