Johannesburg In Your Pocket City Guide

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Johannesburg In Your Pocket City Guide An independent, well-researched and up-to-date essential visitors guide to Johannesburg. In Your Pocket publishes city guides in more than 100 cities.

Johannesburg is the first city outside of Europe to be granted rights to publish an In Your Pocket guide (since 2014). In addition to our comprehensive online website guide and our app (available on Android and iOS) we also publish a weekly newsletter guide to what's new in the city every Thursday morning. Sign up to our newsletter here at bit.ly/InYourPocketNewsletter

You can also find our guid

es online at johannesburg.inyourpocket.com and follow us on twitter at twitter.com/JohannesburgIYP

Please contact us for advertising rates or to enquire about distribution opportunities at [email protected]

With the weather warming up, The Troyeville’s rooftop is the best place to be for those Sunday fun days. From the long-a...
13/08/2025

With the weather warming up, The Troyeville’s rooftop is the best place to be for those Sunday fun days. From the long-awaited return of Christian rock icons Tree63 and the dreamy alt-folk of Aya Nixon, to Afro-soul grooves from The Muffinz, and the multi-genre musical explosion of Bombshelter Beast – there’s something for everyone.

📌 Sun, Aug 17: Turn up the volume with a Sunday double bill that hits all the right notes. Christian rock icons Tree63 make their long-awaited return, bringing their stadium-worthy sound and uplifting anthems to the stage. Sharing the spotlight is rising alt-folk star, Aya Nixon.
📌 Sun, Aug 24: It's a Cape Town sonic journey with soul-stirring sets from Wren Hinds, backed by a stellar band. Joining them on the lineup is Kayla The Crow, known for her dreamy, genre-blending sound.
📌 Sun, Aug 31: Bid August farewell with a genre-blending Sunday session. The Muffinz bring their signature mix of Afro-soul and SA jazz, while Jean-Claude Myburgh blends pop, hip hop, and blues into a sound that’s both fresh and nostalgic.

Grab your tickets via the link in our comments.

Ahead of JoziMyJoziWalks, a series of free citizen-led walking tours around Johannesburg, we chatted to three individual...
12/08/2025

Ahead of JoziMyJoziWalks, a series of free citizen-led walking tours around Johannesburg, we chatted to three individuals who have been involved from the start about what makes this initiative so special.

This week we spotlight Maboneng officiando and founder of City Skate Tours, Ayanda Mnyanda, who joined the inaugural back in 2018 as a way to engage with fellow locals.

“We need more Joburg people promoting Joburg,” says Mnyanda of the return of after a four-year hiatus. “It's a gift getting an opportunity to deep dive into the story of Joburg, its evolution, and what's happening now. The more you can contextualise what happens in Joburg, the easier it will be for people to understand it.”

Read our Q&A with him at the link in our comments.

🗺️ Want to host a walking tour of our favourite Joburg neighbourhood? ⁠
The 2025 iteration of Jozi Walks is a chance to present and showcase your personal take on the culture, social history, and development of a Joburg neighbourhood you know well. The walking tour you design can be as innovative or unusual as your heart desires, provided it checks the following boxes. ⁠

We are seeking Jozi Walks that: ⁠
1. Celebrate the real Joburg, the stories of places and people, and the spirit of the city.⁠
2. Foster community connection.⁠
3. Offer insights into what makes a neighbourhood work.⁠

The walk must take place in one of the following areas: Inner City (including Newtown and Maboneng), Orange Grove, Yeoville, Melville, Brixton, Fordsburg, Kensington, Chinatown Cyrildene, Lorentzville, Troyeville, Soweto, and Alexandra. ⁠

📌 The deadline for proposals is Mon, Aug 18. Fill out the application form: bit.ly/EnterJoziWalks2025⁠
A total of 12 successful applicants will be notified by Thu, Aug 21. Walking tour hosts will receive an amount that sponsors the organisation of the experience.⁠ ⁠

Remainder: kicks off on the weekend of Sat, Sep 27 and Sun, Sep 28, 2025.

JoziMyJozi Walks 2025 is led by Jozi My Jozi in partnership with Johannesburg In Your Pocket and Gauteng Tourism.

What better way to celebrate Women’s Month than a dazzling tribute to feminine power? ✨ ‘La Bella – I am Woman’ by The C...
11/08/2025

What better way to celebrate Women’s Month than a dazzling tribute to feminine power? ✨ ‘La Bella – I am Woman’ by The CIRK returns to Cresta Shopping Centre from Fri, Aug 22 – Sat, Sep 27 with a whirlwind of glitter, grace, and gasp-worthy feats.

This sultry collaboration between The Cirk and dance school La Rouge is a captivating tale of womanhood told through daring aerials, elegant burlesque, and gravity-defying acrobatics. Expect passion, betrayal, and drama with twists you won’t see coming – ending in a celebration of courage and self-discovery.

Book your seat with the link in our comments.


Ahead of the relaunch of Jozi Walks as Jozi My Jozi Walks, a series of free citizen-led walking tours around Johannesbur...
11/08/2025

Ahead of the relaunch of Jozi Walks as Jozi My Jozi Walks, a series of free citizen-led walking tours around Johannesburg on the weekend of Sat, Sep 27 and Sun, Sep 28, 2025, We spoke to the original founder, Douglas Cohen, about the vision behind this citizen-led initiative and why he’s excited for its return.

Around 2016, Jane's Walk was a popular global movement, but unbelievably, there were no walks in Joburg highlighting our unique history, culture, and communities – this is until Jozi Walks commenced in 2017. "Walking, talking, and connecting in public spaces enables an emotional connection to a place," Cohen says. “What Jozi Walks unearthed is that every community has a story and something special about itself – something worth celebrating and sharing with others.”

Read our conversation with him with the link in our comments.

🗺️ Want to host a walking tour of our favourite Joburg neighbourhood? ⁠
The 2025 edition of Jozi My Jozi Walks invites you to craft and lead a walking tour that reflects your unique perspective on the culture, social fabric, and evolution of a Johannesburg neighbourhood you’re passionate about. Your tour can take any creative direction you choose – as long as it meets a few essential criteria.⁠

We are seeking Jozi My Jozi Walks that: ⁠
1. Celebrate the real Joburg, the stories of places and people, and the spirit of the city.⁠
2. Foster community connection.⁠
3. Offer insights into what makes a neighbourhood work.⁠

The walk must take place in one of the following areas: Inner City (including Newtown and Maboneng), Orange Grove, Yeoville, Melville, Brixton, Fordsburg, Kensington, Chinatown Cyrildene, Lorentzville, Troyeville, Soweto, and Alexandra. ⁠

📌 The deadline for proposals is Mon, Aug 18. Fill out the application form: bit.ly/EnterJoziWalks2025⁠
A total of 12 successful applicants will be notified by Thu, Aug 21. Walking tour hosts will receive an amount that sponsors the organisation of the experience.⁠ ⁠

🗓️ Save the date for 2025 on the weekend of Sat, Sep 27 and Sun, Sep 28 – celebrating World Tourism Day. ⁠

Jozi My Jozi Walks is led by Jozi My Jozi in partnership with Johannesburg In Your Pocket and Gauteng Tourism.

While croissants seem like standard breakfast fare, fewer than 0.5% of people worldwide successfully bake one in their l...
10/08/2025

While croissants seem like standard breakfast fare, fewer than 0.5% of people worldwide successfully bake one in their lifetime. The team at The Test Bakery before Pablo & Pistachio in Milpark, tucked behind 44 Stanley, has spent more than six months mastering the 'perfect' croissant, and it sure does taste that way.

We are not the only ones to think so, judging by the wild coverage the bakery has received on social media. Open only on Saturdays and Sundays, The Test Bakery is powered by a husband-and-wife duo, Muhammad and Sadika Lavangee, who bake from the soul.

On any given Friday, the kitchen buzzes with prep for the weekend rush: think golden croissants, layered cakes, and wild-fermented sourdoughs. The Lavangees run the bakery with intention — testing new recipes each week and refining previous ones..

What started as a small idea has grown into a full-fledged artisanal operation, with 20 team members, a cult following, and a menu that blends tradition with imagination. We loved the pistachio knafeh cheesecake, triple chocolate sourdough, and the sesame-seeded sourdough.

More than just a bakery, it’s a story of passion, process, and Joburg pride. They’re still testing, still dreaming, and feeding souls, one bake at a time.

Read the story: https://bit.ly/TheTestBakery


After five long years, the doors to one of Joburg’s most iconic public spaces swing fully open on Sat, August 9 at 10:00...
08/08/2025

After five long years, the doors to one of Joburg’s most iconic public spaces swing fully open on Sat, August 9 at 10:00.

Closed since the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown, the Johannesburg City Library is finally back — thanks to a powerful show of civil society muscle. From street protests to stakeholder meetings, Joburg residents (and readers!) fought for this.

We’re proud to have added our voice to the campaign alongside the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) and the Joburg Crisis Alliance (JCA). Their relentless advocacy is proof: if we want change, we must make it happen.

Saturday’s reopening ceremony includes the unveiling of two Blue Plaques, and a symbolic handover of books donated by South African authors. The celebration, however, comes with a reminder:

“The euphoria… should not detract from accountability for the costs incurred… and to ensure that the money spent is in line with market value,” say JHF and JCA.

📌 Crucially, this milestone doesn’t mark the end of the work. Many branch libraries across Joburg remain closed, including in Soweto, Ennerdale, Robertsham, Brixton, and Jeppestown. These closures continue to impact education, literacy and community life.

🎙️ JHF and JCA reps will be present at the reopening to answer questions and keep the conversation going.

👏 Kudos to those who stood up for Joburg’s public spaces. The library’s reopening is more than a milestone — it’s a lesson in what collective action can do.

And an additional salute to Bridge Books for their work in shaping the city’s literary district.

We recently spent the day in Soweto, a popular day-trip destination for first-time visitors to Joburg or locals looking ...
08/08/2025

We recently spent the day in Soweto, a popular day-trip destination for first-time visitors to Joburg or locals looking to experience the city beyond the usual spots. Our take: To truly tap into the township’s unique spirit, we recommend making a weekend of it.

We’ve put together a guide to some must-visit Soweto stops, read it with the link in our comments.

Some highlights:
📌 The characterful Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, located inside Oppenheimer Park in Jabavu Central, is a unique representation of African mythology.
📌 Discover Soweto’s on-the-ground art scene with on a three-hour Soweto Art Tour. We loved meeting the quirky in her fabric-focused art space, visiting the home studio of renowned artist – whose murals you will spot all around Soweto – and getting a glimpse into the process of the legendary Kenny Nkosi, who transforms recycled materials into sculptural masterpieces at Mofolo Arts Centre.
📌 Built in 1969 by Ephraim Batana and Caroline Kinini Tshabalala, the iconic Eyethu Cinema lives on through the family-run – a cultural venue on the first floor of Eyethu Shopping Centre in Mofolo Central
📌 Born from the hustle and powered by the mantra “Life is hectic 7 days a week,” every item at is designed from scratch, creating bold, ready-to-wear gear for those chasing goals around the clock.
📌 This trailblazing store deep in Mofolo, Soweto, has been championing its streetwear brand, , since 2008.

After all that exploring, be sure to check out , a laid-back Soweto gem serving tasty food and good tunes. It’s a place you might leave with three new friends. Want to stay the night in Soweto? accommodation ranges from backpacker rooms and self-catering guesthouses to the quirky hillside campsite Leboland; it’s ideal for travellers looking to connect

This competition has closed.WIN TICKETS 🎟️ 🎶 for  Orchestra’s (JPO) concert on Thu, Aug 14. ✨Win tickets to a sparkling ...
08/08/2025

This competition has closed.

WIN TICKETS 🎟️ 🎶 for Orchestra’s (JPO) concert on Thu, Aug 14.

✨Win tickets to a sparkling The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra performance. The JPO’s Early Spring Season is in full swing, and we’re giving away one set of double tickets. Be transported by Taiwanese-American conductor Mei-Ann Chen, who leads concert two of the series alongside Spanish pianist Judith Jáuregui. Expect a dynamic evening of Classical masterpieces by Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven.

To enter, comment on why you would like to attend and tag the person you plan on taking along with you. ⁠

Note: You must be following and to enter. Entrants must be 18 years and older, and living in Joburg or surrounds.

The competition closes on Mon, Aug 11. Winners will be contacted via DM. Ts&Cs apply.

Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/BookJPOSpringSeason2025

For season tickets, which we highly recommend, contact +27 11 484 0446 or email [email protected].⁠

An art-packed First Thursdays with offerings from Keyes Art Mile, 223 Creative Hub and David Krut Projects. Then UJ Art ...
07/08/2025

An art-packed First Thursdays with offerings from Keyes Art Mile, 223 Creative Hub and David Krut Projects. Then UJ Art Gallery celebrates the remarkable Kim Berman, co-founder of Artist Proof Studio, with her solo exhibition Remembering and Forgetting. And ticket sales are open for the city's biggest open studios event, Contra.Joburg!

For more Joburg art highlights, check out the link in our comments.

Featuring:⁠




⁠kim⁠
⁠joburg⁠

📸: Artwork by Kim Berman at UJ Art Gallery

There’s symphonic strings and Afrohouse beats, crafty markets, page-turning fun and colour-coordinated fun at Pantone Su...
07/08/2025

There’s symphonic strings and Afrohouse beats, crafty markets, page-turning fun and colour-coordinated fun at Pantone Sundays. Joburg’s serving powerhouse performances, pop-ups, and the long-awaited reopening of Johannesburg City Library this Women’s Day weekend. Check the link in our comments for the full lineup.

Featuring:






hunterbetween.usbar
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📸:

Womanhood and wonder are the theme of this week’s newsletter – a spirit captured in Mbali Tshabalala’s powerful artwork....
07/08/2025

Womanhood and wonder are the theme of this week’s newsletter – a spirit captured in Mbali Tshabalala’s powerful artwork. Plus testing the Test Bakery, urbanist musings and an unforgettable Soweto weekend.

Want to read the detail? Link in the comments below. More reasons why below.

📌 Read our interview with DuduBloom More, curator of Happy Women’s Month, I Guess… at Berman Contemporary, 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. Meanwhile, at Candice Berman Gallery — also at 223 Creative Hub — grab your coffee fix this First Thursday while viewing Matriarchs, Pam Friedman’s Nespresso‑infused Women’s Day tribute exhibition.
📌 Be sure to check out our first Thursday guides for more fun.
📌 We take a moment this week to remember our friend Gail Scott Wilson — photo walker, artist, activist, and fierce guardian of Joburg’s heritage.
📌 Uncovering the city’s unique heritage is one of the joys of . We caught up with founder, Douglas Cohen, who shares what inspired the free citizen‑led tours and why you shouldn’t miss them. Tour guide or city lover? Apply to be part of the 2025 edition by Mon, 18 Aug 2025.
📌 We recently spent a day in Soweto and quickly realised that one day wasn’t enough. For first-time Joburg visitors and locals seeking beyond the usual, we’ve got a Soweto weekend guide packed with must‑visit spots.
📌 Cooking up something new is Naan Sense, combining Durban’s spicy flavours with a theatrical fine‑dining experience at Shepstone Gardens.
📌 With social media abuzz about the weekend-only The Test Bakery and treats like their pistachio knafeh cheesecake, we went behind the counter to meet the makers.
📌 Our exhibition guide highlights how artists are pushing boundaries, and our events guide invites you to push your own by exploring this city.

This first Thursday of August and the start of Women’s Month serves up a Superbalist sunrise coffee rave at Here., galle...
06/08/2025

This first Thursday of August and the start of Women’s Month serves up a Superbalist sunrise coffee rave at Here., gallery-hopping from Rosebank to Braamfontein, sketching sessions at 223 Creative Hub, and an all-female dj line up at Mixbar and Disco Deity with beats that don’t quit. Check the link in bio for the full lineup.

Featuring:joburg



jhb





deity


📸: Matriarchs by on show at at

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