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Joburg: an Urban Stroll Through City Markets

This month, I’m writing you from Johannesburg where I discovered some markets that are definitely worth a visit.
Joburg is full of surprising places, original and offbeat concepts. Follow me on my urban ​​stroll…

BRYANSTON ORGANIC MARKET

On Thursday, I asked the receptionist of my hotel to recommend a nice and pleasant place for brunch. His answer was clear-cut: The Bryanston Organic Market. If you are looking for a green setting in the city center, this market is for you. The organic food was delicious and we found so many things: jewellery, flowers, sculptures, vintage clothes, souvenirs, crafts, and toys. We even found activities for kids! This change of scene is enjoyable, especially when we know we are in downtown Johannesburg.

JOZI FOOD MARKET

Are you a nature lover? Then do not hesitate to make a stop at the Jozi Food Market if you are passing through the Pirates Sports Clubs. This market supports the local craftspeople; you can buy many wonderful souvenirs here. This allows you to discover typical products from the region while also supporting local businesses. So you enjoy fresh local produce, original recipes and the outdoors, this is the spot for you. Enjoy the sun and savour a cup of Rooibos comfortably seated on the lawn and a band will be there for some live entertainment.

ROSEBANK ROOFTOP MARKET

If you are looking for a key and trendy market, you have to go to the Rosebank Rooftop Market. When I arrived, a band was there to liven things up while the locals and tourists talked together and savoured African specialties. There were lots of stalls with handmade souvenirs (here they call it a Craft Market) this is a must see in Johannesburg. Therefore, it is not surprising that this Joburg treasure won its 11th award as the First market in Johannesburg.

MARKET ON MAIN

Now, if you’re seeking the trendiest spot in town, the place that brings artists of all kinds and the best in terms of design together, head on over to the Market on Main. It is the place to be. Every Sunday morning this market, located in the Maboneng Precinct (the artists’ area), makes it possible to dive into vibrant Joburg. Offering second hand clothes, designers, organic food, and music makes Market on Main the complete creative urban cocktail.

Obviously, Gauteng is full of attractive small markets, whether it be food markets, craft markets, flea markets and even markets dedicated to traditional healing, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for in Johannesburg. If you come to this beautiful part of the country you will never forget it.

 

By Aurélie Jammes

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Top 10 Free Things to do in Joburg

If you’re in town and are looking for some things to do in Johannesburg (affectionately known as Joburg to locals), here are a few ideas that will inspire you. The best part is that they are all free of charge! Take your family, your partner and some friends over to these places to have a good time.

Visit the Goodman Gallery

If you are a fan of contemporary art, or just art in general, then take a drive out to the Goodman Gallery in Parkwood. Housing artworks from artists such as David Goldblatt and William Kentridge, you can spend the day viewing some exquisite artwork, and maybe even learn a thing or two about art.

Details: Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday – 09:30 to 17:30; Saturday – 09:30 to 16:00 | 163 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 788 1113

Visit the Circa on Jellicoe

With exhibitions such as Anthea Pokroy’s “I collect Gingers” (17 January to 2 March 2013) and the upcoming “Beautiful Boats” exhibition (9 February to 30 March), view and enjoy some South African contemporary art and marvel in the exquisite architecture of the Circa on Jellicoe, which represents a celebration of art within our beloved city.

Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 09:00 to 18:00; Saturday – 09:00 to 13:00 | 2 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 788 4805

Hop on down to the Bunny Park

Enjoy a day out in the sunshine with family and friends at the Bunny Park in Benoni. Bring along some veggies, or buy some at the kiosk available, and hand-feed the tame bunnies and other animals like goats, cows and donkeys. And to make the day even more relaxing, pack a lovely picnic filled with snacks and enjoy the great outdoors while the little ones track down bunnies, see peacocks show off their flamboyant feathers or—when available—go on camel rides.

Details: Opening times: Daily from 07:00 to 17:00 | Pretoria Road, Benoni, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 422 3651

Nan Hua Buddhist Temple

Take a drive to the scenic temple of Nan Hua Buddhist Temple (the South African branch for the Humanistic Buddhist Order) to marvel at the divine architecture. Take the time to walk through the museum and view their large collection of Chinese artefacts. Visit the white Temple Lions (not real ones, obviously) that protect the temple, or admire a set of impressive antique Han Dynasty Chinese Palace gongs that date back 2000 years, which are the exact replica of the originals.

Details: Opening times: 09:00 to 17:00 daily except Monday | 27 Nan Hua Road, Cultura Park, Bronkhorstspruit, Johannesburg | Tel: (013) 931 0009

Photo credit: Nicole Castanheira

Adler Museum of Medicine

If, like me, you are a fan of anything medical, take some time to browse through the history of medicine and developments in the medical world. Visit the Adler Museum of Medicine where you can see interesting collections representing the medical, dental, and pharmaceutical history through the ages. With hundreds of historical medical items, documents, philatelic and medallion collections and a library housing rare books, you can enjoy a day of browsing and learning. Regular public lectures, tours, film shows and exhibitions are on show at the Museum.

Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 09:30 to 16:00; Saturdays on request | Wits Medical School, Corner York and Carse O’ Gowrie Roads, Parktown, Johannesburg| Tel: (011) 717 2081

James Hall Museum of Transport

The James Hall Museum of Transport is the largest and the most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. You can view transport collections which include animal-drawn vehicles (1870-1910), bicycles and motorcycles (1786 – 1960), buses and coaches, motor cars (1900 – 1980) and trams and trolley buses (1896 – 1986). There are also interesting memorabilia, artefacts and an extremely rare steam vehicle collection. This is definitely the place for car or transport enthusiasts!

Details: Opening times: Tuesday to Friday – 09:00 to 17:00; closed every third weekend of the month | Pioneer’s Park, Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle | Tel: (011) 435 9718 or (011) 435 9485/6/7

The Peacemakers Museum

The Peacemakers Museum in Nelson Mandela Square gives you an opportunity to know more about the Nobel laureates who devoted their lives to making the world a better place for everyone. This exhibition celebrates Nobel Peace Prize winners, but mainly focuses on the South African laureates such as Albert Luthuli, FW de Klerk, Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 11:00 to 19:00; Saturday and Sunday – 11:00 to 18:00 | Nelson Mandela Square, 8 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg | Cell: 079 545 2703

Browse around the Rosebank Rooftop Fleamarket

Browse through more than 600 stalls that offer numerous items such as handcrafts, antiquities, collectibles, clothing and stock for hobby enthusiasts. It’s free to browse, but if you wish, you can do a little bit of shopping. And if you get a bit peckish in between shopping, there is a selection of foods available at the International Food court and Deli.

Details: Opening times: Sundays – 09:00 to 17:00 | Corner of Cradock Avenue and Baker Street, Rosebank, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 442 3387

Absa Money Museum

Take a trip down to the only money and banking museum to see the most complete collection of South African numismatic items in the world. The museum’s history stretches as far back as to the beginnings of trading in Johannesburg and shows many displays of ‘early money’, from Cowrie Shells to Venetian glass beads. Remember to bring along your ID for entry into the building!

Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 08:30 to 16:00 | 15 Troye Street, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 350 4167

Take a walk through a Park

With large, open gardens and the popular dam, enjoy a day at the park with family, friends, and your four-legged companions at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens at Emmarentia Dam. Pack yourself a picnic basket filled with delicious delights, a blanket and enjoy the fresh air while people watching. This is the perfect spot to have a relaxing day out in the sun, give your four-legged friend some exercise and fun, and spend some quality time with family.

Details: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 782 7064

By Sébastien Charrieras

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Darren Meltz on What to Love about Joburg

Meet Darren Meltz; a self-confessed creative jack of all trades. “The world is a delicious pie of creativity so why have just one slice.” If he’s not on stage or in the rehearsal room, he’s searching for new and beautiful things to photograph. He’s an actor, educator, clown (yes believe it or not) but above all else, he’s a writer. His biggest passion is creating amazing things with the words that race around in his head. He’s ambitious to a fault and he lives by the question, “Why the heck not?!”

My Home Town

 Joburger through and through.

5 things I love most about Joburg

The people.

The vibe.

The eclecticism.

The imagination.

The possibilities.

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about Joburg

Not many people know but our beloved Jozi has been rebuilt 4 times. From a tented city to the multi-cultural metropolis it is today. I haven’t tested this yet but I’ve heard it takes one minute longer to boil an egg in Joburg because it is so high above sea level.

Even though Joburg is a city, it has around 10 million trees which makes it the world’s biggest manmade forest. Just as South Africa has many languages, so Johannesburg has many names. It is affectionately known as Egoli (Place of gold), Mzansi, Jozi, Joburg or Joeys.

Best place in Joburg to enjoy…

The water

It’s not quite in Joburg but river rafting in Hartebeespoort is always a thrilling experience.

On the other end of the scale, Emmarentia Dam and Walter Sisulu Botanical gardens are a wonderful spot for tranquil boat rides and picnics by the water.

The mountains/countryside

The Magaliesburg mountains- The second oldest mountain range in the world where you can canopy tour or take a leisurely cable car ride up the mountain.

Maropeng, The Cradle of Humankind, where you can ‘return to our place of origin’ as the name suggests.

Magaliesburg.

The outdoors

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve; A Johannesburg City Heritage Site in the heart of Joburg.

Nirox Foundation. 15 hectares of landscaped gardens and waterways.

Dinokeng Game Reserve. The first free-roaming Big 5 residential game reserve in Gauteng – and probably in the world

The food

Melville and Chinatown in Mayfair. The vibe and food are authentic and honest and there is a great variety of places to choose from.

The general vibe or nightlife

Melville. Braamfontein. 1 Fox Precinct. A much more cosmopolitan and non-pretentious atmosphere and it’s not in a mall or casino.

Mootee Bar

Good coffee/tea/wine

Gerakaris Winery. The only winery in Joburg.

We are so lucky to have a variety of great homegrown coffee options. Father Coffee. Motherland. Truth. Bean There Coffee Company are all worth a visit or two.

Meet locals

Maboneng. Known for being a hub of collaborative culture with a real sense of urban togetherness.

 

Rooftop

What makes a city/town special for me

Most definitely the people. They are what gives a city/town its personality and spirit. It’s who you meet that makes your experience when visiting a new place.

My favorite small town in South Africa 

Riebeek-Kasteel- One of the oldest towns in South Africa. There’s always something so magical about destinations that are steeped in history and have a real story to tell.

If I could do a 10 day road trip through South Africa, I’d travel from…

North to South. I’d start out in the Lowveld and travel through to Limpopo, Tzaneen, Dulstroom. Then on to the Free State, Clarens, Drakensberg and the Midlands Meander.

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA

The private game reserves such as Sabi Sabi and Timbavati where you can have a breathtaking treehouse experience under the stars.

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia)

The Desert Express in Namibia. a seven-day train tour from Windhoek to Swakopmund, Etosha and back to Windhoek.

Zambezi Queen. A 5-star, 42-metre long luxury houseboat which sails along the banks of the Chobe River.

My best beach/island experience in Southern Africa

The secluded beaches of Tsitsikamma. Natures valley. Knysna Forrest. Where the lagoons and waterfalls flow into the sea and can only be accessed from the Otter Trail.

The most magical place in South Africa and why

Sutherland in the Northern Cape. The best place in Africa to go star gazing at night.

Nieu Bethesda during the New Years Festival of Lights.

Mapungubwe lookout point. The confluence of 2 rivers and 3 countries where you can see elephants crossing the borders between South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

The best places to visit in South Africa for

Solo travelers

Small, quirky towns like Rosendal where you can meet the locals and people just passing through. Make new friends and hear their stories.

Couples

The luxury Rovos Rail train and definitely the smaller towns north of Cape Town. They are not as busy as the Mother City and have many beautiful beaches and restaurants to explore.

Families

The South Coast beaches with their temperate weather and waters are perfect for family getaways.

Luxury travelers

Again the Rovos Rail or the Blue Train. Exclusive but a different experience from your luxury boutique hotels.

Those seeking off-the-grid spots

The Karoo. Tankwa town during the Afrikaburn festival. The Transkei Wild Coast and Namaqualand to see the daisies.

Afrikaburn

Afrikaburn

Darren is from  More Than Food is a collaboration of currently 41 unique voices on what’s hot, hip and happening in cities from Cape Town and Joburg to London and Toronto. We are in 16 cities on 4 continents and our main focus areas are EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE. We cover food and wine, lifestyle, entertainment and travel and give our readers access to the minds behind some of the most creative events, kitchens, bars and businesses in the world. We’re all about sharing real, honest, straight forward opinions and experiences (hence our #RealPeopleRealTalk hashtag!) 

Find More Than Food on Facebook and  on Instagram @morethanfoodmag ( Darren @dazz1210)

 

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