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Everything You Need to Know about Maboneng in Johannesburg
Welcome to Maboneng
Maboneng, nestled in downtown Johannesburg, is a true urban gem. It’s gone from being just another industrial area to earning the title of one of the coolest neighborhoods worldwide according to Forbes magazine.
Named “Place of Light,” Maboneng offers a mix of living, working, and entertainment options all in one lively package. It’s a hub for creative collaboration in stylish apartments, trendy offices, and quirky factory spaces.
Where is Maboneng?
Maboneng is on the southeastern side of the city, near the Emirates Airline Stadium.
What is the main street in Maboneng?
Maboneng’s main street is Fox Street, where you’ll find Arts on Main, a vibrant hub for artists and creatives. And if you’re looking for a fun night out, Fox Street has many bars and restaurants, making it a lively spot both during the day and at night.
How to Get to Maboneng
Closest train station: The closest train station to Maboneng is Park Station. After getting off the train, briefly walk to Park Station Bus Stop, then take a bus heading towards Jeppe Police Station.
From there, Maboneng Precinct is just a five-minute walk away.
What to Do and See in Maboneng
Join the Maboneng Street Art and Street Food Tour
Website: https://www.getyourguide.com
Meet Up Point: 286 Fox Street
The tour of Maboneng will take you through a lively neighborhood full of creative energy, starting with admiring the huge public art murals. Meeting local artists at Arts on Main, including seeing William Kentridge’s studio, will be a highlight.
The street food at Kwa Mai Mai market offers a taste of Johannesburg’s diverse flavors. Walking towards Access City, you’ll see more impressive murals that tell the story of the city.
The tour will end on the rooftop of Hallmark House with a tasty South African meal, enjoying the beautiful sunset and city vibes.
Enjoy a show at POPArt Theatre
Website: https://popartcentre.co.za/
Address: 286 Fox Street
Phone: +27 83 245 1040
POPArt is all about showcasing fresh work from emerging and established talents in Johannesburg. It was founded in 2011 to create an accessible space for performing arts and has since become a top performance venue known for edgy content.
They’ve hosted over 250 new productions and even won an Arts & Culture Trust ImpACT award in 2015. Plus, they’ve launched a production company and are all about spreading the word about South African performing arts globally.
The shows are around 50–70 minutes long, and you can bring your drinks inside.
View art at David Krut Workshop (DKW)
Website: https://davidkrutprojects.com/
Address: 264 Fox St, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 11 334 1208/9
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday (bookshop only) – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday (gallery and bookshop)- 10 AM to 4 PM
David Krut Workshop (DKW) in Maboneng is a hub for artistic collaborations and printmaking. It has a gallery space showcasing projects of local and international artists.
The bookstore here is a real gem. It offers a unique selection of art books and titles published by David Krut Publishing.
This is a go-to spot for buying art books in South Africa. It has also expanded to offer a wide range of titles on creativity and non-fiction.
Join a creative session at The Centre for the Less Good Idea
Website: https://lessgoodidea.com/
Address: 264 Fox St, City and Suburban
Phone: +27 83 245 1040
The Centre for the Less Good Idea is a creative hub founded in 2016 where artists from different disciplines come together to experiment and collaborate.
The place encourages the pursuit of the ‘less good idea,’ believing that it often leads to the most inventive works. It’s a space for play, experimentation, and embracing failure as part of the creative process.
If you’re into cross-disciplinary arts and love the idea of witnessing the birth of inventive works, this place is a must-visit. Plus, it’s a unique opportunity to engage with artists from the local and international scene.
Take the East City Cycle Tour
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Address: Curiocity Backpackers, 302 Fox St
Phone: +27 11 614 0163
Operating Hours:
- Saturday & Sunday – 3 PM to 5 PM
East City Cycle Tour is your ticket to exploring the vibrant Maboneng on your trusty bike.
You’ll explore the artsy streets of Jeppestown, the trendy Maboneng Precinct, historic Doornfontein, the creative hub of Victoria Yards, and the colorful Troyeville.
East City Cycle Tour also provides bicycles and helmets.
Where to Eat and Drink in Maboneng
Mama Mexicana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamamexicana/
Address: 264 Fox Street, Arts on Main
Phone: +27 11 620 3122
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Mama Mexicana is a popular spot known for serving up delicious Mexican cuisine that will leave your taste buds tingling. It serves spicy chili dishes like nachos, chili poppers, stuffed jalapenos, and enchilada chicken.
If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry. They also offer a variety of tasty meat-free options. And to wash it all down, they have a selection of traditional Mexican beers.
What’s more, the restaurant has a relaxed and soothing ambiance because of its simple Mexican decor. Coupled with the comfortable indoor seating, it becomes a perfect retreat to unwind, even on the hottest of days.
Pata Pata
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PataPataJazz/
Address: 286 Fox St, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 79 089 3676
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Monday, Friday, & Thursday – 8 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 12 AM
Pata Pata has a rad vibe inspired by 1960s township jazz, with an interior full of second-hand knick-knacks and comfy vintage sofas. It’s the perfect place to chill and enjoy Ethiopian coffee, along with a light lunch.
The food is diverse and delicious, ranging from soups to top-notch steaks. They also serve mogodu, a popular South African tripe dish that’s a hit with the locals.
Plus, the place gets all cozy at night with candles and live jazz-funk music, making it a great spot for cocktails with friends or a romantic wine night.
Bertrand Café
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BertrandCafe/
Address: 296 Fox St, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 82 645 0416
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Bertrand Café is a cozy corner, blending the charm of a coffee joint, a diner, and a jazz haunt seamlessly.
Their menu boasts delicious options like the classic French baguette filled with savory roast beef and crisp veggie.
Regular events, including karaoke nights and blues sessions, keep the atmosphere buzzing. And if you’re craving a taste of the local cuisine, they have African Cuisine Mondays, featuring regional delicacies such as saka-saka (cassava leaves dish) and mogodu.
Home of the Bean
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeofthebean/
Address: Arts On Main, 264 Fox St
Phone: +27 76 597 3623
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 8 PM to 4:45 PM
- Sunday – 8 PM to 4 PM
Home of the Bean offers a quality experience, from the beans to the seats, and is known for its excellent coffee and delicious, affordable food.
The atmosphere is welcoming, with plenty of natural light, large windows for people-watching, and convenient wall outlets. The space also has an artsy wall that features various contemporary paintings.
In addition to serving a variety of coffee options, Home of the Bean also roasts its own beans (which you can purchase in-store).
Be sure to try their freshly baked croissants and the carrot cake brownies!
Rooftop BBQ
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Website: https://www.rooftopbbqsa.com/
Address: Citilec Rooftop, 246 Main St
Phone: +27 68 579 0000
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Rooftop BBQ is a rooftop restaurant and bar offering panoramic views of the city. The aroma of meat and seafood cooking over an open flame fills the air here, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The champagne brunch is a perfect way to start a day, with a menu featuring a delicious seafood platter and a tempting chicken platter.
The fully-stocked bar serves up delightful drinks, and the live DJ keeps the vibe going with great music throughout the day.
Where to Shop in Maboneng
Arts on Main
Website: https://www.artsonmain.co.za/
Address: 264 Fox St &, Berea Rd
Phone: +27 11 334 1054
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 8:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Arts on Main is a laid-back market where local creatives showcase their work, including food, design items, and craft beers. The focus is on sustainable living and green goods.
You can find organic produce, home-baked goods, fresh juices, and even craft beers here.
The market is in a renovated warehouse from the early 1900s, giving it a cool mix of old-world and modern design.
Maboneng Lifestyle Centre
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Website: https://mabonenglifestyle.co.za/
Address: 289 Fox Street, Jeppestown
Phone: +27 (010) 541 0278
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 1 PM
Maboneng Lifestyle Centre is a hub that offers a unique shopping experience with a focus on community, entrepreneurship, and authentic merchandise.
You’ll find a bunch of trendy shops with all kinds of styles, including traditional South African fashion.
They also have a car dealership and Nature’s Pharmacy for health and wellness services. Plus, there are vibrant bars, great restaurants, a beauty bar, shared office space, and free Wi-Fi.
Pre-Loved KIDS Clothes
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Address: Craftsmen’s Ship, 260 Main Street
Phone: +27 79 146 0195
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM
Pre-Loved KIDS Clothes is a fantastic store where you can find a diverse range of high-quality and affordable clothing for boys and girls of all ages, from newborns to young children.
They have everything from jackets and shoes to tops, jeans, and dresses, so you’re sure to find something your little ones will love.
The best part is that you can bring your kids along and let them pick out their own clothes, making it a fun and exciting shopping experience for the whole family. It’s definitely become a go-to place for super cute outfits at reasonable prices.
Collectors Treasury
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Website: https://www.collectorstreasury.com/
Address: CTP House, 244 Commissioner St, City and Suburban
Phone: +27 11 334 6556
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM
Collectors Treasury, founded in 1974, is a sprawling paradise for book and antique enthusiasts. It boasts the title of Africa’s largest used and rare bookshop, with a mind-boggling 2,000,000 items to explore.
As you roam through the eight-story building, you’ll discover a fascinating assortment of books, maps, collectibles, vinyl records, and more.
Everywhere you look, books are stacked along walls and staircases, creating a treasure hunt-like shopping experience. Surprisingly, the owners can locate almost any item you desire.
Where to Stay in Maboneng
Curiocity Backpackers
Website: https://curiocity.africa/johannesburg-backpackers-hostels/
Address: 302 Fox Street
Phone: +27 11 614 0163
Curiocity is a youthful accommodation that offers a variety of lodging options. These include dorms, private rooms, and female-only dorms, with decor that nods to local design and heritage.
You can even pitch your tent on the rooftop for a unique experience. Additionally, self-catering studios are available, each paying homage to a different decade of the city’s history.
The hostel features a chill lounge, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony to observe street life from above.
Hallmark Hotel
Website: https://hallmarkhouse.info/
Address: 54 Siemert Road
Phone: +27 (0)10 591 2879
Hallmark Hotel by BON Hotels is a great find in Maboneng, offering air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and complimentary private parking. The hotel features a restaurant, terrace, bar, fitness center, nightclub, and 24-hour front desk.
Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Some rooms even have a kitchen with an oven.
Bed linen and towels are provided, and you can also enjoy room service during your stay.
Maboneng Loft
Website: www.airbnb.com/h/mabonengloft
Address: 274 Fox Street
Maboneng Loft features a big open-plan kitchen with factory-style windows, a comfy couch, and a theater-like setting with an Apple TV and soundbar for movie nights. Plus, you can relax in a warm bath in the free-standing tub before calling it a night.
The place also includes a private hot tub, free parking, a dedicated workspace, and even a balcony with plenty of space to enjoy. And don’t worry about laundry— the unit has a free washer and dryer.
#280Fox
Website: https://foxhotel.co.za/
Address: 280 Fox Street
#280Fox is a luxurious and modern apartment offering a secure and homely stay. The 185-sqm open-plan space features top-of-the-range appliances, smart locks, and universal plug sockets.
The apartment’s standout features include a 12-meter-long balcony with sun-soaked north-facing views, a gigantic copper tub in the main bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen with a 5-meter-long island for entertaining.
Guests have exclusive access to the entire second floor and a 12-meter-long balcony. Additionally, on-hand support is provided by the hosts who live in the same building.