Check-in to these locations and explore some of Mzansi’s best neighbourhood experiences. From the rich tiny hamlets in the east to the bustling waterside market along the Atlantic seaboard, we have something for every adventurer
LINDEN, JOHANNESBURG
Ah, Linden. The most popular hang-out for artists and creatives. Mornings at The Whippet see you rubbing shoulders with scriptwriters, actors and casting directors, chatting about upcoming projects. Here you can nibble on several delicacies sourced almost exclusively from bakers and growers in and around the area. Linden has a relaxed, locals-love-locals theme, and they love telling visitors about their area. Visit Gonk for one-of-a-kind furniture pieces for your home, and freshly baked goodies at The Argentinean.
Some things you can expect to see at Linden
HAZELWOOD, TSHWANE
Pretorians love this tiny hamlet in the east, where you’ll stumble upon various pockets of awesomeness squeezed between the houses and apartments. Hazelwood is known for
its gastronomy and green spaces – a Saturday spent at the Hazel Food Market combines both and is always a treat. We also love visiting The Club for eats and treats. The streets here are wide and Jacaranda-lined and come late afternoon you’ll see everyone walking their dogs and children playing happily with their neighbours. Join in!
WOODSTOCK/SALT RIVER, CAPE TOWN
We love some industrial-style vibes, and the revamped warehouses in this area have a wealth of browsing opportunities. This is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in the Mother City, with most of the activity centred on Albert Road. Head to The Old Biscuit Mill’s market for artisanal foods, craft beer and cool design. You’ll also find some of SA’s best street art while walking up and down Albert Road.
MABONENG PRECINCT, JOHANNESBURG
It’s edgy, uber-cool, and quite frankly, astounding! Here you can almost touch the energy
of the area – it has a living, breathing, palpitating heart that begs that you feel beat. Do an art walk, visit the Museum of African Design, browse in boutiques and second-hand bookstores, stroll around Arts on Main and tuck into delicious street food. You’ll also find original art on every street corner and smiles everywhere.
MORNINGSIDE, DURBAN
Some of the city’s most creative artists and restaurateurs have moved to the Station Drive Precinct over the last couple of years, and this place is now a gem. Visit the Morning Trade Market on a Saturday and browse around The Design Factory to find a motherlode of Durbs creativity in one space. There’s also craft beer at S43 and vintage clothing at the independent stores.
RICHMOND HILL, GQEBERHA
This hilltop neighbourhood is slowly becoming known as the ‘Sea Point of the Windy City’. It has beautiful Victorian homes that are oh-so Insta-worthy. Take a day to explore the unique restaurants on Stanley Street, where the tables spill out onto the sidewalk and locals lean over from theirs to give you cool menu recommendations. The shops are also quirky and fun! Schedule a trip to the Richmond Hill Street Music Festival (in June) for a fun-filled weekend– it’s a treat.
HOUT BAY, CAPE TOWN
Take a 20km drive from the Cape Town CBD, along the gorgeous Atlantic Seaboard, and you’ll find yourself in another world. Here the bustling waterside market, arty shops and working harbour are wonderful spots to visit, be sure to pick up some snoek and chips while you’re there. This suburb calls itself a republic, and we can see why – its beach, mountain, shops, restaurants and bars – Hout Bay has it all.
OBSERVATORY, CAPE TOWN
If you’re looking for bohemian vibes, this is the place! Head to Lower Main Road for all the nightlife spots and a selection of thrift shops, quirky bars and cafés, and exciting art pieces created by the community. The locals love chatting, so don’t be shy. The SA Astronomical Observatory (which gives the suburb its name) hosts open nights for visitors – a fascinating must-do. Obs is also home to the Heart of Cape Town Museum, where you can learn more about the first heart transplant.
If you love thrifting, be sure to check these spots in Observatory
Ah, Linden. The most popular hang-out for artists and creatives. Mornings at The Whippet see you rubbing shoulders with scriptwriters, actors and casting directors, chatting about upcoming projects. Here you can nibble on several delicacies sourced almost exclusively from bakers and growers in and around the area. Linden has a relaxed, locals-love-locals theme, and they love telling visitors about their area. Visit Gonk for one-of-a-kind furniture pieces for your home, and freshly baked goodies at The Argentinean.
Some things you can expect to see at Linden
HAZELWOOD, TSHWANE
Pretorians love this tiny hamlet in the east, where you’ll stumble upon various pockets of awesomeness squeezed between the houses and apartments. Hazelwood is known for
its gastronomy and green spaces – a Saturday spent at the Hazel Food Market combines both and is always a treat. We also love visiting The Club for eats and treats. The streets here are wide and Jacaranda-lined and come late afternoon you’ll see everyone walking their dogs and children playing happily with their neighbours. Join in!
WOODSTOCK/SALT RIVER, CAPE TOWN
We love some industrial-style vibes, and the revamped warehouses in this area have a wealth of browsing opportunities. This is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in the Mother City, with most of the activity centred on Albert Road. Head to The Old Biscuit Mill’s market for artisanal foods, craft beer and cool design. You’ll also find some of SA’s best street art while walking up and down Albert Road.
MABONENG PRECINCT, JOHANNESBURG
It’s edgy, uber-cool, and quite frankly, astounding! Here you can almost touch the energy
of the area – it has a living, breathing, palpitating heart that begs that you feel beat. Do an art walk, visit the Museum of African Design, browse in boutiques and second-hand bookstores, stroll around Arts on Main and tuck into delicious street food. You’ll also find original art on every street corner and smiles everywhere.
MORNINGSIDE, DURBAN
Some of the city’s most creative artists and restaurateurs have moved to the Station Drive Precinct over the last couple of years, and this place is now a gem. Visit the Morning Trade Market on a Saturday and browse around The Design Factory to find a motherlode of Durbs creativity in one space. There’s also craft beer at S43 and vintage clothing at the independent stores.
RICHMOND HILL, GQEBERHA
This hilltop neighbourhood is slowly becoming known as the ‘Sea Point of the Windy City’. It has beautiful Victorian homes that are oh-so Insta-worthy. Take a day to explore the unique restaurants on Stanley Street, where the tables spill out onto the sidewalk and locals lean over from theirs to give you cool menu recommendations. The shops are also quirky and fun! Schedule a trip to the Richmond Hill Street Music Festival (in June) for a fun-filled weekend– it’s a treat.
HOUT BAY, CAPE TOWN
Take a 20km drive from the Cape Town CBD, along the gorgeous Atlantic Seaboard, and you’ll find yourself in another world. Here the bustling waterside market, arty shops and working harbour are wonderful spots to visit, be sure to pick up some snoek and chips while you’re there. This suburb calls itself a republic, and we can see why – its beach, mountain, shops, restaurants and bars – Hout Bay has it all.
OBSERVATORY, CAPE TOWN
If you’re looking for bohemian vibes, this is the place! Head to Lower Main Road for all the nightlife spots and a selection of thrift shops, quirky bars and cafés, and exciting art pieces created by the community. The locals love chatting, so don’t be shy. The SA Astronomical Observatory (which gives the suburb its name) hosts open nights for visitors – a fascinating must-do. Obs is also home to the Heart of Cape Town Museum, where you can learn more about the first heart transplant.
If you love thrifting, be sure to check these spots in Observatory
PARKTOWN NORTH JOHANNESBURG
They say eat where the locals eat. And in Parktown North, you’ll find locals at most eateries. You’ll discover something to suit every appetite in this foodie haven, from craft beer and cocktails to Italian, Greek, Asian and tapas. You’ll love Antonym wine bar for its selection of proudly South African vintages, and The Local Grill for its moreish lunches. Locals will definitely point you toward La Boqueria, with its colourfully striking design and flavourful street-style cuisine. So eat, chat and walk... that’s Parktown North in a delicious nutshell.
They say eat where the locals eat. And in Parktown North, you’ll find locals at most eateries. You’ll discover something to suit every appetite in this foodie haven, from craft beer and cocktails to Italian, Greek, Asian and tapas. You’ll love Antonym wine bar for its selection of proudly South African vintages, and The Local Grill for its moreish lunches. Locals will definitely point you toward La Boqueria, with its colourfully striking design and flavourful street-style cuisine. So eat, chat and walk... that’s Parktown North in a delicious nutshell.
BRINGING YOU MZANSI’S BEST GO-TO NEIGHBOURHOODS
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
November 15, 2023
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
November 15, 2023
Rating:
