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    Braamfontein

    South Africa

    Braamfontein

    CityCulture

    Braamfontein is located north of downtown Johannesburg, between the Witwatersrand University campus and Constitution Hill.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. South Africa
    7. Johannesburg
    9. Braamfontein
    Braamfontein is located north of downtown Johannesburg, between the Witwatersrand University campus and Constitution Hill. Students shape the district, which also features galleries, street art, small cafés, and bars around Juta Street and De Korte Street.

    Sights in Braamfontein

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct

    1Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct

    Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were among those incarcerated at the former Old Fort prison complex. Today, the site is home to South Africa's Constitutional Court. Guided tours explore the cell blocks, the women's prison, and Number Four; allow two to three hours.
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    Museum

    2Wits Art Museum

    The University of the Witwatersrand Art Museum, housed in a converted corner building, displays one of the country's major collections of African art, from historical objects to contemporary works. Temporary exhibitions. Admission was recently free.
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    Museum

    3Origins Centre

    Museum on the Wits Campus covering early human history in Southern Africa. Highlights include San rock art and finds designating the region as a cradle of humankind. A great complement to a Cradle of Humankind trip.
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    City walks in Braamfontein

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    The Heart of Braamfontein: Art, History and University Flair

    Discover Braamfontein, a vibrant neighborhood in Johannesburg known for its dynamic energy, rich history and creative scene. This walk takes you from iconic bridges and lively street art to renowned educational institutions and the significant Constitution Hill. Experience the fascinating transformation and the student flair of this unique district.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (5)

    Essen & Trinken

    PG Club

    Restaurant in WITS Post Graduate Club.
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    Student Quarter with History

    Braamfontein began in the late 19th century, shortly after the Witwatersrand gold rush. Featuring a university and 60s/70s office towers, it became a business district, though many firms moved to northern suburbs after 1990. Since 2000, investors, creatives, and students revived the district. Today, Art Deco facades stand next to concrete buildings; many walls display large murals.

    Exploring Braamfontein

    The Gautrain Park Station lies on the southern edge of the district, connecting Braamfontein with Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria and the airport. Rea Vaya buses run through the city centre. Within Braamfontein, you can get around on foot during the day; for journeys after dark, take Uber or Bolt. Current safety information can be found via the link to the Foreign Office on the country page.

    Accommodations in Braamfontein

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      • 1Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct3 days
      • 2Wits Art Museum4 days
      • 3Origins Centre5 days
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    Nearby

    Newtown

    Newtown

    Newtown, on the western edge of downtown, is Johannesburg's cultural district. Around Mary Fitzgerald Square are the Market Theatre, Museum Africa, and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, many housed in converted market and industrial buildings from the Gold City's founding era.
    Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and the country's economic center. Situated at around 1,750 meters high on the Highveld, it emerged after the gold discoveries on the Witwatersrand in 1886. For travelers, the history of Apartheid, a vibrant art and music scene, and Soweto take center stage.
    Maboneng Precinct

    Maboneng Precinct

    Maboneng is a small creative district on the eastern edge of Johannesburg's city center. Since 2009, old warehouses and factories on Fox Street have been converted into studios, galleries, cafés, and apartments. The district is colorfully painted, but also an example of the conflicts surrounding gentrification in a poor neighborhood.
    Rosebank

    Rosebank

    Rosebank is a well-kept district in northern Johannesburg, featuring shopping centres, galleries, and restaurants. Its Gautrain station makes it a practical base for many travellers, from where you can reach the airport, Sandton, and Pretoria without a car.
    Sandton

    Sandton

    Sandton, in northern Johannesburg, is the country's largest financial and business district, featuring office towers, hotels, and large shopping centers. For travelers, it's primarily a safe, convenient base with a direct Gautrain connection to the airport.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI