23 June 2017 | Carina van Wyk

Looking for some cool hang-outs in Johannesburg? Head to Braamfontein (stop 17 on the Joburg red bus tour) – you won’t be disappointed. City Sightseeing has explored the area and here are our five favourite spots ...

The Orbit

Love jazz and good food? Then you’ll love  The Orbit live-music venue and bistro  in Juta Street, Braamfontein, which is believed to be one of the best creative platforms for jazz musicians in Johannesburg. It offers live music almost every night of the week.

In terms of food, The Orbit’s specialities include a butternut and sweet potato curry, lamb stir-fry, oxtail casserole, Cajun chicken served with salsa and mash, and whole-smoked trout.

Neighbourgoods Market

If you’re more of a live-to-eat than an eat-to-live person, head to the Neighbourgoods Market on the corner of Juta and De Beer streets on Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

You’ll find anything from Indian curries, Polish cold meats, slow-roasted lamb pies and oysters to Turkish flatbread, dim sum, chicken and prawn biryani, and paella. For dessert, you’ll also have loads to choose from – think gigantic pieces of creamy fudge, Nutella-filled pancakes, mouth-watering cakes and cupcakes (the caramel cheesecake is our favourite).

Seafood paella for sale at the Neighbourgoods Market. (Image: City Sightseeing South Africa)

Kitchener’s

Kitchener’s in De Beer Street, just opposite the Neighbourgoods Market, opened in 1906 and is the second-oldest pub in Joburg. While it’s a bar by day, at night you can expect legendary dance parties with a variety of DJs.

Kitchener's, the second-oldest pub in Joburg, is the building on the right. (Image: South African Tourism)

Great Dane

Next door to Kitchener’s, the Great Dane offers a relaxed vibe during the day, but when evening falls it’s definitely time to put on your dancing shoes. The entire floor is covered with a layer of five-cent coins, while a collection of vintage lamps light up the courtyard area at the back.

Wits Art Museum

Wits Art Museum is home to a remarkable collection of African art, including contemporary and historical art from South Africa and works from West and Central Africa. It also hosts a number of events and art exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is part of the Wits University Cultural Precinct, just three blocks from Nelson Mandela Bridge.

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