It’s no secret that when looking for what to do in Johannesburg most places to visit come with some level of risk. However, there are some fantastic things to do in Maboneng as I discovered when I stepped out of my comfort zone and explored this area of downtown Johannesburg.
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Why visit Maboneng Johannesburg
Only a few years back there would be no way that as a tourist you could take a wander through the Maboneng district. It was poverty-stricken, dangerous and a no go zone. Thanks to the regeneration project led by Propertuity, Maboneng, Joburg is now a hip, cool and fascinating part of town.
The regeneration project has transformed old industrial warehouses into galleries, shops and restaurants. There’s a positive vibe around the area and Maboneng things to do, bring a new generation of things to do in Johannesburg.
The street art is phenomenal, the shabby chic and artistic touches are stunning, and there’s some fabulous architecture to see.
Things to do in Maboneng
Most sights are along Fox street which is known as the Maboneng precinct. The road is vibrant, busy, and there’s plenty to explore.
Art on Main Maboneng Precinct
Art on Main Johannesburg is one of the must-see attractions. Its a collection of unique shops, art galleries and art studios that are housed in converted industrial buildings at 264 Fox Street.
You enter via a charming courtyard which has outdoor seating from the Arts on Main restaurant and is surrounded by quirky shops. You’ll notice the old fire escape steps that lead up to the first floor where you’ll find more inspiring spaces to explore.
Don’t miss the David Krut bookstore which sells an interesting collection of books on art, photography, cookery and Johannesburg. Inside the store, there is also a fabulous gallery which has stunning artwork at very reasonable prices.
I was shot in Johannesburg
On the upper level, make sure you check out “I was shot in Joburg”. While it may seem an odd title for a shop don’t be put off. Inside you’ll find some unique things to buy, including bags made out of crisp packets, local artwork and a great selection of T-shirts.
I was shot in Joburg is an inspiring community project that began in 2009. Bernard Viljoen, an architect and photographer, is the incredible talent behind the project which allows street children to learn the art of photography.
Initially, the scheme provided disposable cameras to a group of kids at a children’s shelter and encouraged them to express themselves through photography.
Today I was shot in Joburg offers young men the opportunity to gain skills and confidence. Things that were once not achievable. The store now employs many of those children, and you’ll see the logo I was shot in Joburg throughout the city.
Market on Main Maboneng
Every week the Maboneng Sunday market takes place at Arts on Main between 10 am and 3 pm. It’s a vibrant market that brings together fantastic food and creative design. Jacques van der Watt and Bradley Kirshenbaum were the two entrepreneurs who initiated the Maboneneg market and today it’s one of the cities favourite attractions.
The ground floor of Arts on Main is home to Maboneng food market. There’s a fantastic array of food stalls that sell dishes from around the world.
The first floor of the Arts on
Stalls also include second-hand books, paintings and plenty of African crafts. It’s an excellent alternative to the Rosebank rooftop Sunday markets Johannesburg.
Explore the Street Art in Maboneng
The streets surrounding fox street are the best places in Johannesburg to see impressive street art murals.
However, as some roads are still potentially no go zones for tourists, its safest to take a guided tour. If you insist on walking around by yourself, do so during the week between Tuesday and Friday. Make sure you don’t carry anything valuable and don’t parade expensive cameras and smartphones.
Guided Maboneng tours are a much safer option, and you’ll be guaranteed to see the best of the neighbourhoods street art.
Admire the Unique Architecture
Maboneng is one of the places to go in Johannesburg if you want to see creative, imaginative and contemporary architecture. From the signage above the shops to the sculptures adorning the streets, the mix of old and new facades makes it a fascinating area.
Many of the once dilapidated warehouses have been converted into contemporary and unusual spaces. The apartment block called Drivelines at the top of the main precinct is one example not to miss on your visit.
Built from old shipping containers, these Drivelines Maboneng apartments now offer affordable modern housing.
Another building worth visiting for its victorian architecture and the impressive interior is the Cosmopolitan Hotel on Albrecht street. From the outside, the facade looks shabby chic.
It’s outside has changed little since its construction at the turn of the century. The building oozes charm, and if you love architecture, you’ll want to take a look inside.
The courtyard is charming, and there’s a fantastic small bar where you can grab a drink and enjoy the ambience of this lovely courtyard.
Inside you’ll find an excellent bookshop and spacious rooms which are now home to artists workshops and a small but interest Maboneng art gallery.
The Bioscope Maboneng
The Bioscope at 286 Fox street is an independent cinema that showcases South African movies and aims to bring together new films and new audiences.
The building is unique and with innovative features such as the recycled car seats in the auditorium, its worth having a look. Movies are shown most evenings during the week and from mid-afternoon onwards on Saturdays.
It’s worth checking their website for events, as they include talks, festivals and live performances.
Gin Tasting at Time Anchor Distillery
Gin is the choice of beverage right now, and there’s a multitude of gins on the market. Warrick Brown and Shanna-Rae Wilby run the Time Anchor Distillery on the edge of Maboneng.
A tasting session can be arranged at the weekends by prior arrangement. Varieties to sample include flavours enriched with Madagascan Vanilla pods and aromas such as orange peel and rose geranium. The experience ends with a cocktail from their menu and bottles are available to purchase.
Best Restaurants in Maboneng
You’ll not just find Maboneng’s creativity in its quirky shops and fabulous street art. The area also has some fantastic restaurants. Some of which have incredible views across the city.
Little Addis
Little Addis is a popular and well-known restaurant in Maboneng serving Ethiopian delights. Kassa, the cook behind the fantastic food, started with a market stall at the Sunday Market on Main Johannesburg, and after great success, he opened Little Addis in the Fox street Studios.
Today the restaurant has its own premises, and Kassa still prepares all the dishes himself. He’ll often come over and chat while you tuck into his hearty food, which includes a vegetarian and vegan option. Several platters are available to share, and prices are very reasonable.
The Canteen Maboneng
Canteen is the restaurant in the courtyard of Arts on Main, and it’s one of the Joburg places to visit. They serve homemade fish and chips, salads and pies which you can enjoy with a great selection of craft beers.
Olive trees and quirky shops surround the courtyard, and the ambience is relaxing and peaceful. It’s a great place to enjoy people watching, make new friends and relax in downtown Johannesburg.
Maboneng Rooftop Restaurants
Like many cities around the world, there’s no greater pleasure than enjoying a cocktail with magnificent views of Joburg and a great ambience. Heres a couple of suggestions to enjoy a sundowner after a long day.
The Living Room Maboneng
In the centre of Maboneng precinct, the living room is one of the hip and cool Maboneng precinct restaurants. There’s a small entry fee of 60 ZAR at the weekend, but it’s free during the week.
The atmosphere has a relaxed vibe, and the surroundings are both trendy and sophisticated. There’s often a live DJ playing background music and the vertical garden walls along with the rooftop setting make this a great place to while away an afternoon.
They serve a range of food including tapas and burgers and the cocktail menu includes some classics. The food is organically sourced and there’s plenty of choice for vegetarians.
Roof Top BBQ Bar
Of all Maboneng restaurants, the Rooftop BBQ bar probably has the best views. The open rooftop offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.
There’s live music, and the staff are incredibly attentive. The food is excellent, and the music has a chilled out vibe.
Where is Maboneng?
Maboneng is a Sotho word which means “place of light”, and the area is to the east of the city. It was a no go area of Johannesburg, and while troubled neighbourhoods still surround it, the main precinct is now one of the places to visit in Johannesburg.
Maboneng map of things to do in Maboneng
The Main Street that is safe to walk down by yourself is Fox Street, you should be extra vigilant if you wander away from here. I would recommend doing so only with a guide.
Maboneng Safety
Like most of Johannesburg, some precautions and extra vigilance will make your visit to Maboneng safer.
If you’re visiting on your own, it’s best to do so during the week, having said that my friend Iain and I rocked up on a Saturday. Having spoken to lots of people around Maboneng, Monday is very quiet and its best for tourists NOT to visit on this day.
The Maboneng market Johannesburg takes place on Sunday so its the busiest day of the week, the downside of this is that there are more pickpockets.
On the main high street, you will feel safe; you’ll find it colourful, energetic and full of people from different races. Its the place where you’re most likely to bump into other tourists and you’ll feel relaxed as you walk around.
It’s best and safer to visit the streets on either side of Fox street with a guide. These include Commissioner street and Main Street. A local shopkeeper told us that they were not safe to walk around as a tourist by yourself.
For that reason, it’s advisable to take one of the walking tours if you want to see the best of Maboneng. They offer excellent value for money, and as a group, you are much safer.
Safety precautions to take in Maboneng and Johannesburg
Crime is sadly common throughout South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg. When sightseeing anywhere, take the following precautions.
Don’t carry bags, if you must do so invest in an [easyazon_link identifier=”B01EAFE902″ locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]anti-theft travel purse[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link identifier=”B017BPMV12″ locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]rucksack[/easyazon_link].
Leave your expensive camera at home.
Keep your smartphone or any other device safe by not flashing it about while walking around
Only take enough cash for the day and don’t carry your credit or bank cards with you.
Visit the area with someone else rather than alone.
Book a tour so that you can relax and explore the area with a knowledgable guide.
How to get to Maboneng
You can either hire a car and drive yourself
Car guards like everywhere else in the city will assist you with parking and looking after your car.
Taking an Uber to Arts on Main is the best way of getting there from the city. From hotels in Sandton, it will cost approximately 160 rands.
Maboneng Accommodation
You won’t find any 5-star hotels in this part of Johannesburg, but there
Maboneng Studio Loft Apartment
The apartment is on Fox Street in the heart of Maboneng. There
The units come with a sofa, flat-screen tv, a kitchenette with a dining area and a private bathroom. The kitchenette has a microwave, fridge and oven so its more than adequate to prepare meals should you wish to dine at home. There’s also a coffee machine and a kettle.
The apartments are clean, comfortable and great value for money. The owner Nathaniel and his team are welcoming and will give you plenty of advice on the area.
Curiosity Backpackers
Curiosity Backpackers is a popular hostel in the area which offers both shared dormitory accommodation and private rooms.
They have a splash pool, BBQ facilities and a cafe which is worth visiting even if you are not staying there. They have several tours that you can book and offer bicycles to rent.
Free parking is available for guests, and there is a shared kitchen if you wish to prepare your meals.
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Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.
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