Braamfontein or Blackberry Fountain is a central suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. The Nelson Mandela Bridge connects Braamfontein to the city center.
Local activities
The Orbit is the new hot-spot bistro in Braamfontein, with live jazz, poetry nights, and comedy. Kitchener's Carvery Bar, the second-oldest bar in Johannesburg, hosts deep house soul sessions on Sundays and comedy nights every Tuesday. The Neighbourgoods Market offers craft beer, clothing, and a variety of food stalls to try. The Great Dane is a terrific bar to meet friends and business colleagues after visiting the Neighbourgoods Market. It offers some snacks as well. On Sundays, a market called Arts on Main is open on the Maboneng Precinct, where a variety of locally designed and manufactured products are sold including food, clothing, and bags. This market is a great place to support local artists and designers or simply just pick up some great souvenirs. Check out the mall, 44 Stanley, which is a collection of boutique bars, restaurants, and stores that sell art, antiques, books, collectibles, and modern décor. For delicious pizza made in a wood-burning brick over, try 86 Public Pizzeria. It is considered by many to be the best pizza in Braamfontein. To experience a bit of the arts, visit the Wits School of Arts, which hosts plays and performances by established and upcoming directors and performers across a variety of genres, like contemporary dance and theater. The theater is open to the public and functions as a laboratory for students to experiment and develop their artistic talents. Braamfontain offers many other cultural hotspots such as theaters, galleries, and restaurants—head out and explore this vibrant town.
Hiking
If you are looking to take a break from city life in Braamfontein, the Spruit Trail is only a short drive away. You can start near the Emmarentia Dam for 1-4 hour walks depending on how ambitious you are feeling. There is great bird watching along the way.
Visit the nearby zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo has over 320 animal species and also offers a variety of education and entertainment events. The zoo offers day and night tours and has venues to rent for private events. The Johannesburg Zoo is a 10-minute drive away from Braamfontein with plenty of taxis available that will drop you right at the gate.
Botanical Gardens
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens offer yet another great encounter with nature without having to travel far. This 81-hectare space will keep visitors busy walking, picnicking, running, or just taking in the views.
Constitution Hill
Visit Constitution Hill, a living museum rich in South African history. Learn about South Africa's journey to democracy. The tours will take you through prison cells that hosted Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, and the students of the 1976 uprising.
You'll find plenty to do in Braamfontein and the surrounding areas. Just let your imagination and sense of adventure lead the way.
