Get To Know The City: The Beauty That Is Braamfontein

Get To Know The City: The Beauty That Is Braamfontein

Are you ready to live in the central suburb of Johannesburg? Are you ready to experience the city lights and all they have to offer at the buzzing, fashionable and pop-culture rich Braamfontein? Let’s take a look at what awaits you if you decide to make this suburb your home, fun things to do, and how to get the most out of living in this ‘always on’ part of Johannesburg.

Meet Braamfontein

First thing’s first; Braamfontein is commonly known as ‘Braam’ as that is the suburb’s nickname which is shortened from the full name. It sits just after the Nelson Mandela Bridge, which separates Braam from Newtown. The bridge is generally safe as there are often security guards keeping an eye and many pedestrians use the bridge to get to and from Braamfontein and Newtown. Braamfontein is the fourth-largest office node in the city of Johannesburg, containing many multi-storied buildings representing various architectural styles. One of South Africa’s top-ranked universities, the University of The Witwatersrand’s (Wits) main campus is situated in Braamfontein, with the education campus situated not too far from the main one in Parktown. There are other educational facilities in Braamfontein, such as; Rosebank College, Damelin College, and Wits sits between two of the University of Johannesburg’s campuses, situated in Doornfontein and Auckland Park. Both are not too far from Braamfontein.

Culture? Braam Practically Houses It

Let’s take a look at some of Braamfontein's biggest attractions. Note; we said “some” as this place offers too much to fit into one article.

Constitution Hill

When living in Braamfontein, you are not too far from Constitution Hill (ConHill), which can be found on Kotze Street. Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past and, today, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court (ConCourt), which endorses the rights of all citizens. There is perhaps no other site of incarceration in South Africa that imprisoned the sheer number of world-renowned men and women as those held within the walls of Constitution Hill’s Old Fort, Women's Jail and Number Four. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Fatima Meer and more. They all served time here, but the precinct also confined tens of thousands of ordinary people during its 100-year history. They were men and women of all races, creeds, ages and political agendas; children too, the everyman and the elite. In this way, the history of every South African lives here. You can take tours at ConHill and learn more about South Africa and Johannesburg’s history.

Joburg Theatre

The Joburg Theatre is Africa’s premier home of live entertainment, presenting world-class international and home-grown theatre. With three theatres, a News Café, 8 function rooms for private dining or corporate functions, dance studios and Space (a facility within the theatre complex for the achievement of community development goals), the Joburg Theatre is an exciting, bustling venue from early morning to late at night. Joburg Theatre offers theatre-goers a wide choice: from classical ballet to comedy; from drama and pantomime; from intimate single-handers to full ensemble productions as well as special fare for youngsters. It also gives performers, musicians, writers, directors, designers and technicians the space and opportunities to develop their skills in a commercially viable environment.

Johannesburg Planetarium

This planetarium was built in 1960 and continues to welcome tens of thousands of visitors every year. Children love exploring the planetarium and learning about the Milky Way, constellations, other galaxies, individual stars, the movement of the moon, and how the earth fits into it all so seamlessly.

These are just a few of the exciting things you can get immersed in when you live in Braamfontein.

What About Food And Convenience?

Braamfontein houses a few supermarkets that offer customers essential shopping, banking, and grooming in the palm of their hands. In Braamfontein’s Jorissen Street, which is the same street the University of The Witwatersrand is located, there are some of the major banks in the country, plus a grocery store. And as you head up the road towards Biccard Street, you will find many salons and clothing shops too. Plus, living in Braamfontein places you pretty close to Newtown Junction Mall, where you can do your grocery shopping in peace knowing that there’s everything you need.

There are also lots of restaurants you can indulge in at the centre of Braamfontein. In fact, in Braamfontein's Juta Street, you will find a few bars and restaurants that offer some of the tastiest food Johannesburg has to offer. There is Kitchener’s Carvery Bar and Mangrove restaurant, and both offer delicious food, the most amazing vibes, and they both host events that cater to many music lovers in the city.

Markets On Markets

Are you even in Braamfontein if you don’t visit The Playground market? Previously known as Neighbourgoods Market, The Playground is a considered space, playing host to a regular artisan market every Saturday featuring a menu of gourmet street food, and cocktails, plus live music performances and DJs. Another marketplace worth exploring is 44 Stanley, which can be found in Braamfontein Werf.

Still need convincing to move to Braam?

Let’s Talk Transportation

Commuting in and around Braamfontein is pretty easy as it is close to Park Station, Bree Taxi Rank, Gandhi Square and Westgate Taxi Station (situated on Newtown’s Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street). You can get taxis and buses with ease when you are a Braamfontein resident, and e-hailing services are easily accessible at all times.

Want To Explore Braam Regularly?

You’ve got a sense of how Braamfontein is and what fun things you can do here. Now it’s time to pick your home close enough to let you gain access to Braam’s rich culture. JHC offers affordable housing in Johannesburg with buildings close to this buzzing city. Here are some of the JHC buildings you can opt for if you want to stay close to the beautiful city of Braam:

• Heritage View - Close to Newtown Junction Mall, Bree Taxi Rank. This building offers Bachelor, 1 Bedroom, and 2 Bedroom flats.
• Brickfields Gardens - Close to Newtown Junction Mall, Bree Taxi Rank, and has a playground, garden and mini soccer field. The building has Bachelor, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, and 3 Bedroom flats.
• Legae Gardens - Perfect for families. Offers a playground and is close to the above amenities. The building has 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, and 3 Bedroom flats.
• Phumulani Gardens - Near Newtown Junction, Bree Taxi Rank and offers Bachelor, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, and 3 Bedroom flats.

Living in one of these buildings will give you easy access to Braamfontein, and you can make affordable trips with all the transport options you have.

Final Words

You simply cannot afford to miss out on the wonder and beauty that is Braamfontein, so talk to us at JHC and let us get you loving your new home in the streets of Braam.