Things to do in Braamfontein
Braamfontein, also commonly known as “Braam,” is a student area and home to the Joburg Theatre. It’s super trendy all the time, and the student population keeps the vibe young. It’s easy to spend the day in Braam or just head to the area for dinner. I’ve got a perfect itinerary for things to do in Braamfontein.
I suggest you visit Braam on a Saturday because the famed Playground Market will be open. Additionally, the neighborhood is just much more alive on the weekends. You’ll be part of the cool kid atmosphere with galleries, great food, and music.
A lot of Braam is focused on food activities. I think I’m combo-ing too much food, to be honest, but you can pick and choose what food interests you the most and always save something for a second or third visit to Braam!
An update: I’m sad I keep having to update this post because restaurants keep closing in Braam… There is a lot of turnover but I hope new restaurants come through!
Security in Braam
Walking around
Braam has been undergoing a lot of changes to make the area feel more secure for residents and visitors. Many of the restaurants, cafes, and activities are located close together around the intersection of Juta St and De Beer St. I have felt pretty safe as there are security patrols. I’ve not walked that much beyond this (except once when we first moved here) and so can’t speak about my personal experience.
Parking
The only time I parked in Braam I was approached by a scammer wearing all black with a fake security hat who wanted to take me to an ATM to get a “parking pass.” I suspected this was a scam, so I said I will park somewhere else. I got back in my car as if to drive away. Eventually, he went away and I stayed parked in the same spot. Apparently, this is very common but was just the first time I experienced it myself.
I also got a warning for parking too close to an intersection; there were a lot of cars parked for the Playground Market. In my opinion, it’s not worth the hassle to drive here.
Morning coffee and plants at JFF Rooftop Farm
What is an excursion in Joburg without first starting with some of the amazing coffee this city has to offer? Your first stop in Braam is JFF Rooftop Farm.
This incredible plant nursery and cafe serves excellent coffee and tea. Climb up the ladder to reach the hidden nursery located on the rooftop of the building.
This is such a unique spot. Do a little photo shoot with the famous Falko graffiti elephant.
Keep your eye out throughout Braam, Falko’s elephant work is also located at the entrance of the Kalashnikov Gallery, which you should take a walk through on your way out.
Check on Instagram for JFF’s events. They introduced Saturday morning runs.
JFF also has a plant shop inside the 44 Stanley lifestyle complex.
Brunch at the Playground
Visit the Playground Market and invite all your friends to join you. Open every Saturday from 10am-6pm, here you can experience DJs, local fashion brands, and great food vendors. It’s almost impossible to think of things to do in Braamfontein without thinking of The Playground Market.
If you enter before 12pm, entrance (R10) is free!
I like to use the Playground as a base when visiting Braamfontein as it’s in the center of everything and has a lot of options for food and drinks. You can meet friends continuously throughout the day. You can easily spend 4 hours or as little as 30 minutes wandering around.
Check out my full review of the market here.
My favorite stall is Li’s dumplings, so even if you aren’t that hungry you should get just one dumping. And, the drinks on the second-floor bar are amazing! There are several coffee stands as well.
Bar hopping, exploring, and graffiti tours
There are many things to do in Braamfontein to keep you busy all day. Braam has super trendy bars that you can go between to pass the late afternoon. Right across from the Playground is Great Dane and Kitchener’s Carvery Bar. Great Dane is worth the stop to the floor that is made out of 5-cent coins!
On Saturdays, you can also visit the Wits Art Museum. Plan a little in advance if you want to come here between the opening hours of 10am-4pm. The website says you need to book ahead by calling 0117171358, 0117171365, or by emailing info.wam@wits.ac.za.
From 10am-2pm, you can visit the Grayscale Gallery for graffiti, street art, illustration, and tattooing.
Check out Braam’s incredible graffiti by going on a walking tour with City Skate Tours. Get in touch via Instagram or Whatsapp for bookings.
You can take a half-day tour of Braam and neighboring areas’ graffiti one Sunday a month with eBiker SA. I took a tour with Eelco and wrote about it for Joburg in Your Pocket. Read the review here.
There is a lot of graffiti you won’t find yourself, so you should get a guide to see the most.
Evening activities in Braam
Visit the Joburg Theater for a performance of ballet, theater, music, and more. Check their website for the latest event and tickets.
Visit Artivist/Untitled Basement for cocktails, exhibits, and jazz on Friday and Saturday Nights. Check their Instagram for the latest events.
What do you think of things to do in Braamfontein? Let me know in the comments.