Paddle or picnic at Emmarentia Dam and the Botanical Garden

Johannesburg has had repeated water outages, with at least 22 major ones between New Year and mid-January 2026, and suburbs across the north, centre and south affected. Before booking, ask whether the property has a storage tank or borehole, and check Johannesburg Water notices for planned shutdowns on your dates…

Satyagraha House in Orchards is a guesthouse and museum in the house where Gandhi lived with the architect Hermann Kallenbach in 1908 and 1909. Seven garden rooms are spread across the original house, a cottage and a newer wing. Meals are vegetarian, and the museum shows photographs, letters and journal entries. Book…

The Newtown Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place in January in the Newtown Cultural Precinct, with the Living Legends Stage hosted at Niki's Oasis. The 2025 edition ran from 23 to 25 January and celebrated South African jazz legacies. Check the festival's channels for next year's dates, and book day passes ahead…

Victoria Yards in Lorentzville hosts a market on the first Sunday of every month. Expect handmade goods from local makers, food vendors, a cocktail bar and fresh coffee. Entry is free and there is safe parking on site. Wear sensible shoes and a hat, and note that leashed pets are welcome. It is a good alternative when…

The Radium Beerhall in Orange Grove opened in 1929 as a tea room and became a beerhall in 1942, and it is known for its jazz heritage and live music. It sits on Louis Botha Avenue and is one of the city's oldest bars. Check its social media for the current line-up before you go, as nights vary. Go early on a gig night…

Rosebank Sunday Market runs on the rooftop of Rosebank Mall at 50 Bath Avenue, reached from Level 4 of the rooftop parking. Expect craft stalls with African goods and a dedicated food section. Go earlier in the day for the best choice, and ask traders where each piece is made so you buy with context. Allow time for…

The Untitled Basement is an intimate, low-lit room under The Artivist in Braamfontein, known for progressive jazz, neo-soul and experimental sets. There are no fixed nights, so check the line-up and buy tickets online in advance, though some are sold at the door. Seats are close to the stage, so arrive early and…

The Bryanston market runs on Thursdays and Saturdays at Culross Road, on the Michael Mount Waldorf School campus. Entry is free, and stalls sell organic produce, pottery, beadwork, baskets and handmade goods, with live music at the central court. Most stalls are covered, so weather rarely cancels it. Bring reusable…