EXPLORE THE CITY'S HIDDEN SECRETS

Braamfontein’s famous Neighbourgoods Market has been reinvented and is back as the Playground. The space plays host to a regular artisanal market, live music performances, a selection of gourmet street food and delicious cocktails. This is not just an ordinary market space, it is a platform to highlight exceptional young talent in Johannesburg.

Discover the early days of the ‘City of Gold’ by taking a tour of Cullinan House, fondly called 1897 – The View. This is one of the oldest houses in Johannesburg and was built in 1897 for Sir Thomas Major Cullinan, well known for founding the Premier Mines outside of Pretoria which also happens the be the site where the largest diamond in the world was found in 1905.

If you prefer the Victorian Era, a visit to Linfield house is a stop you must add to your bucket list. Walking into the house is like entering a still life painting, this guided tour will take you on a journey through Victorian Johannesburg.

This home was built one hundred years ago and was home to Mahatma Ghandi who travelled to South Africa in early 1893 to practice law under a one-year contract. A museum retracing his experiences in South Africa is installed in the very heart of the house, a peaceful and meditative atmosphere which channels his life within these walls.

The Rand Club, founded in 1887, in the fledgling days of Johannesburg, is the city’s most enduring social institution and finest heritage venue, it was also the most quintessential gentleman’s club to belong to. A nod to the importance of the space to the development of Johannesburg, it was included in the British Royal visit to South Africa in April 1947 where Queen Elizabeth walked through the front doors, quite a feat considering women had been made to use the side door prior to her visit. Rand Club is also home James Findlay Collectible Books and Antique Map, and the Buckland Library which contains over 10 000 rare books, the club is ideal for history buffs.

If you happen to enjoy a refreshing craft beer then Mad Giant Brewery is an interesting stop, enjoy a cold brew overlooking the brewhouse and take a tour of the brewery itself to discover how they infuse the essence of Mzansi, as South Africa is fondly known, into their well-known selection of beers while having a taster or two.

Meander through 44 Stanley, the mixed-use development that fuses downtown urbanism with subtle sophistication. A mix of carefully curated, bespoke stores and independent restaurants gives the centre an authenticity that runs through eating, drinking, shopping, working, and living experiences. Shady arcades and green courtyards between what was once a series of industrial 1930’s buildings make this a unique space.

Once a derelict complex of light industrial buildings, this sprawling site in eastern Joburg has undergone a spectacular re-imagining. The vision is for a complex of makers, artists, and artisans, that will bring life to this downtrodden neighbourhood that lies between the downtown regenerated hipster Maboneng Precinct and Cyrildene’s colourful Chinatown. A work in progress the Victoria Yards complex is home to several prominent local artists including Blessing Ngobeni, Ayanda Mabulu, James Delaney and world-renowned photographer Roger Ballen. Artisans’ workshops include French jewellery maker Helene Thomas’s bijou studio Yol is an enticing cavern of exquisite hand-crafted jewels. Another must-stop is Tshepo the Jean Maker’s studio where you can buy off the rack or have him create a custom fit for you.

Located inside an old bank vault underneath the graceful Edwardian Somerset House building in Joburg’s City Centre. After descending a set of stairs through an unassuming side door you will find yourself in an underground lair filled with old safes and more than 1000 unopened safety deposit boxes, a very different setting for lunch or dinner, streetside seating can also be booked.

Arts on Main was once the offices of a former Johannesburg Mayor. Today the historic warehouses and industrial buildings that surround it have been converted into a lively and stylish inner-city neighbourhood known as Maboneng. The complex houses artist studios, including world-famous contemporary artist William Kentridge’s expansive studio, as well as the artist printing press David Krut Projects and a collection of enticing shops selling local fashion and gifts.

Sir Herbert Baker was an English architect remembered as the dominant force in South African architecture for two decades. Some of his most famous residential designs include the Moot House, Stonehouse and Dolobran in the early 1900’s. Another famous building designed by Baker was Glenshiel, the last home built by him in Johannesburg, and often considered the most aesthetically interesting due to its resemblance to a butterfly from above. Events are held at the home throughout the year, including their famous Christmas fair, our Concierge is on hand to book a visit for you.

This tour is all about coffee and exploring Joburg and a bit of its history while showcasing the coffee culture in the city. You will see the unique Johannesburg architecture and learn more about the city’s history along the way and discover some surprising hidden gems along this 10km, 6mi, guided cycle through the city.

The Inner-City Urban Hiking Tour combines walking and the use of safe public transport to provide a structured tour of the City’s best kept secrets. The tour passes some of the City’s most magnificent heritage sites, offering a complete cultural mix and in doing so, exposes parts of the city that some may be reluctant to visit.

From its origins in the early 1970s, when Taki 183 first wrote his name with a paint marker on the bus seat on his way home from school, the graffiti art movement has evolved and changed a lot but continues to lead as an example of disruption, innovation, and creativity. What was once considered vandalism and rebellious expression, graffiti art has now become a respected art movement throughout the world. Today, Johannesburg is fast becoming an international destination for graffiti artists and the scene continues to grow, with local artists pushing the levels up each year. You can join local graffiti artists as they guide you through this culture in the inner city during a guided tour

Ponte Tower, one of the most recognized buildings in central Johannesburg well-known for dominating the city skyline. Your tour will start at a local community centre at Ponte where your guide will share the history of the building and its location. Learn about the people who resided there and discover how it has changed over time. You will end your experience with a drink on the 51st floor, overlooking the city.

Located at 44 Stanley in downtown Johannesburg, Chocoloza hosts chocolate evenings which include a blind chocolate tasting experience, your hosts will share their knowledge of this decadent treat and you can try your hand at making your very own in the workshop.

In the heart of South African city Johannesburg, a green focused community is transforming one urban park into a seedbed for sustainable living. The GreenHouse Project takes a holistic approach to integrating green building and design, efficient and renewable energy, recycling, and organic farming into the city’s mindset. Visitors can volunteer some time to planting and harvesting some of the natural goodness for the community.

The first full-sized planetarium in Africa, and the second in the Southern Hemisphere opened its doors to the public on the 12th of October 1960. The Wits Planetarium hosts a range of shows for kids of all ages as they take to the sky and learn about constellations, travelling to the moon and a range of other fun space adventures. Our Concierge is on hand to advise which events are currently running.

The Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre is a place of memory, education, and lessons for humanity. Exploring the history of genocide and exploring the connections between genocide and contemporary human rights issues, the centre urges visitors to understand the consequences of prejudice and discrimination.

For browsers it doesn’t get much better than this, the largest used and rare bookshop in Africa with 2 000 000 items to look at. Founded in 1974, Collectors Treasury has a dizzying array of books, maps, collectibles, engravings, prints, porcelain, fine china, vinyl records and small antiques spread over a few floors of an eight-storey city block. Take your time to unearth some treasures.

Marabi Club is home to live jazz performances and a unique South African fine dining menu which harks back to a vibrant history. Tucked in the basement of award-winning British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye’s Hallmark House in downtown Johannesburg.