Braamfontein - Top Regional Attractions

• By: Editor
• On: 06/Oct/2008
• In: South Africa Travel Tips

Braamfontein is situated north of the city of Johannesburg and top attractions in the area include The Cultural Arc, which includes Newtown, Wits University, Constitution Hill and the Civic Centre, and The Nelson Mandela Bridge which connects Braamfontein to the city.  
 

Newtown…

The cultural district Newtown is a new tourism development area aimed at inner city rejuvenation. It’s a vibrant and cultural place with much to offer.    

In Newtown Precinct you’ll find the Market Theatre. It has no less than four outstanding live theatres to choose from offering the very best productions South Africa has to offer.  ‘Sarafina’ which became a huge Broadway success first started at The Market Theatre. At the Market Theatre you can also avail of a bookshop, galleries and the many restaurants. This was once a market, hence the name, and today still retains the spirit and ambience of a market. The Market Theatre is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to late and on Sundays from 10am to late! Great entertainment is assured here.

A trip to The Newtown Music Centre where many famous musical artists perform regularly is also a must. This has long become a popular music venue for many concerts, music recordings, music launches and performances. The Newtown Music Centre has a capacity of 1,000 and is open from Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm, and on Friday from 9am to 4pm. 

Why not treat yourself to a spot of retail therapy and choose from the hundreds of shops available at The Oriental Plaza? Here you can purchase some precious fabrics, glittering jewellery and choose from a huge selection of designer brands, souvenirs and much more.  

Wits University…

The University of Witwatersrand or as it is better know, Wits University was founded in 1896. There are 5 faculties offering degrees at the university: Arts, Science, Engineering, Law and Commerce. Medicine was another faculty of the university but due to an increase in students and lack of room it was moved to Esselen Street. Why not take a tour of the University, learn about the history of this wonderful building and what it has become today. 

Find out more about Wits University.

Constitution Hill…

Constitution Hill was originally a fort and was later used as a prison. It was here that many people were punished before the democracy in 1994 and many including Gandhi and Mandela were detained here. Constitution Hill is today home of the Constitutional Court which protects the basic rights and freedom of South Africans. Here you can take a tour and learn all about South Africa’s journey from imprisonment to democratic freedom at Constitution Hill.  Advanced booking is advisable. 

Find out more about Constitution Hill.

Civic Centre…

The Civic Centre is the central shopping and central business district of Johannesburg. With a large selection of public buildings, architecture, parks and public structures, there is much to see and do here. 

The Nelson Mandela Bridge…

The Nelson Mandela Bridge is South Africa’s largest cable-stayed bridge measuring 284 meters in length and crosses over 42 operational railways used by the South African Railways. It links Braamfontein to Johannesburg’s Central Business District and Newtown’s Cultural Centre. It was officially opened on the 20th July 2003 and was fittingly named after Nelson Mandela who led his people to freedom. Why not experience a drive over this amazing bridge that is one of South Africa’s major landmarks? 

Find out more about the Nelson Mandela Bridge.

The best way to see the area is by car. Book car hire Braamfontein securly online or you can organise your car hire South Africa from a number of other locations.

If you need any assistance booking your car hire just let us know. Alternatively if you have any comments or questions we’d be delighted to hear from you.