04 December 2012

{Inner City Revival}: The Maboneng Precinct

The term "inner city" is typically not known to stir up images of somewhere one would like to spend a sunny weekend afternoon.  Quite opposingly, inner cities all over the world are usually places we try to avoid at all cost out of fear of being mugged or falling victim to some other form of crime.  


It probably comes as no surprise then, that Jo'burg's inner city is no different.  Most {white} South Africans actually try to avoid the place at all costs - and when absolutely forced to drive through the area, they can usually be seen glancing around nervously with their hands latched to their steering wheel in a death grip as though a surprise attack could occur at any moment.  And of course, their fears are not completely unwarranted.  I, myself, take careful precaution to steer clear of the inner city after the sun has set.

However, there is one exception to the general negative stereotype surrounding Jo'burg's inner city, and that is the Maboneng Precinct.  This suburb of Jo'burg's CBD is a large, on-going regeneration project of sorts, which began in 2009 with the creation of the trendy weekend and night market, Arts on Main {see photos below}.  From there the area has drastically expanded and now includes the vibey 12 Decades Art Hotel, several art galleries, a music studio, and a variety of sidewalk cafes, food stalls, and bars.  Walking through the area one can't help to feel optimistic about South Africa's integrated future - the upbeat and diverse environment is contagious and the area has quickly become one of Jurgen and I's favorite weekend hangouts.  There is just so much to do, see, taste and absorb and it is yet another definite must for locals and tourists alike!  


For more information on the Maboneng Precinct and it's history, see their site here.

Market on Main is one of the favorites in the area and is open on the first Thursday of every month from 7:00pm to 11:00pm and every Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

16 comments:

  1. Love the picture with the red stair, In my opinion everysingle city has an area considered dangerous but you just have to avoid it or be very careful although this one don't really seem that dangerous.
    xxx
    city-aholic.blogspot.com.es

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  2. Johannesburg is actually a city I know very little about, so I love these posts :)

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  3. Definitely want to go there! And love your outfit! I would pin that on Pinterest!! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!

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  4. Just found you! And that market looks amazing - at first I thought it was a workshop space. But what I am really here to say is - YOU KNOW MEGAN IN REAL life!!? How amazing is that - she is the sweetest! xo

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  5. Thanks for capturing Joburg so well. Such a great new district

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  6. I love hearing more about Johannesburg. We stuck mainly to Mandela Square, Rosebank & Melrose as we weren't sure about the rest. I like hearing about the lesser known places and happy to hear that more areas are opening up!

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  7. That is so awesome they are doing a renovation of an inner city area. Pictures are beautiful! I want to visit South Africa someday.

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  8. Beautiful... I can't believe how much color there is in your pictures. Be careful in the inner city, though, girl ;)

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  9. Jenna, next date for you and I should either be the night market or the neighbourgoods one! What say you?

    I've never seen the hotel before though, was it close to Arts?

    {PS: Sheila's comment up here had me blushing! haha!}

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  10. This post made my heart so warm and fuzzy!! It is so good to see that all our cities are taking the time and effort to upgrading our inner cities!

    Great post Jen x

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  11. that is such a cool and great project!

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  12. Wow I loooove this idea!!! I had such a great time in Johannesburg when I was there.

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  13. I have been to Arts on Main and the Market on Main during my last visit to Jburg in October and really liked it! Great idea to uplift the inner city of Jburg, which certainly does not have a good reputation at all :D

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  14. This is really cool! I love up and coming neighborhoods :)

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  15. Haha now Megan, you and myself have been here!
    I loved the place!
    http://johced-ourjourneytoeverywhere.blogspot.com
    xxx

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Thanks for the love!