Taste Tests & Tour Groups

[fancybox_image image_url=”https://justinlee.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/untitled-9423.jpg” fancybox_url=”” width=”500″ height=”318.4″]

I was recently tasked with updating the Johannesburg portion of a large international travel site. The one issue I had was that I thought there wasn’t that much to do around town. Turns out I was wrong.

I roped in my friend Ryan and we made our way into the CBD, first hitting Braamfontein and the extremely popular Neighbourgoods Market (if you haven’t been you’ve been living under a rock) and then testing out the offerings of the stores and restaurants just down the street and in the area. Did you know there’s a place with a beach on the rooftop?! It’s called the Beach!

After avoiding an afternoon downpour by ducking into the second oldest bar in Jozi, we ventured out to The Foundry. Oh how I love the Foundry! I’d been before, twice before, but both times I was there I wasn’t partularly focused on the offerings… there are a lot of beautiful women that go there, hence my lack of focus. This time was different though, and we’d tested out the menu properly, ordering a mains and dessert as well as a couple of the many craft beers on offer. Did I mention that I loved the Foundry? Coz, I LOOOOOVE that place!

[fancybox_image image_url=”https://justinlee.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/untitled-9539.jpg” fancybox_url=”” width=”500″ height=”318.4″]

Eventually we decided to move off to our next area for exploration: Parkhurst and its well frequented indie stores. Places like the Jolly Rodger and Espresso are regular haunts of the hip and trendy. Therefore it was a must for the trip.

We went past the packed-like-sardines Wolfpack and landed up trying out a new spot called Stella e Luna. They have some awesome décor and the drink selection is quite good. We couldn’t manage solids anymore, coz we were waaaay to stuffed, but there’s always room for drinks! So a couple of delicious tasting martini-type girly drinks later and we went for hot chocolate at Rocket. Why hot choc? Coz it comes served as a cop of hot frothed milk with three sticks of Flake chocolate which is then dunked into the milk at which point it melts and shortly after you’re in Heaven.

While we were getting all warm and comfy, a few of my female friends happened to walk past and we invited them to join us. The girls eventually led us back to Stella e Luna where we continued the liquid menu on the deck.

Not bad for an afternoon of exploration!

Future trips had us partying at a rooftop bar called Katy’s Palace Bar in the design block of Kramerville, and then rocking out to bands in a little forest on a farm in Linbro, Sandton.

[fancybox_image image_url=”https://justinlee.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_9644.jpg” fancybox_url=”” width=”500″ height=”318.4″]

Maboneng is also looking great these days with it’s revitalisation projects under way and many large -scale mural pieces scattered about the area. The Market on Main, every Sunday provides a steady influx of visitors to the area and new up and coming events like Precinct 23 will keep them coming back for more!

Inner city tours are also very popular and provide a good insight into the factors surrounding the formation of the city. Operators like PAST Experiences and City Sightseeing, help get the locals who are afraid of the CBD, back in and proud of their heritage.

[fancybox_image image_url=”https://justinlee.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_6848.jpg” fancybox_url=”” width=”500″ height=”318.4″]

So, I’m glad I was tasked to do this assignment. As much as I do venture into the city, I have learned a boat load about a place I thought I knew fairly well!

I’d encourage anyone who’s got even a slight inkling of adventure, to get out and explore Jozi. It’s really not as bad as you thought!

Check out my page on AFAR Travel for more of my adventures in Jozi

[fancybox_image image_url=”https://justinlee.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Justin-Lee_Outdoors-16.jpg” fancybox_url=”” width=”500″ height=”318.4″]