Newtown

The basics

A few Johannesburg city tours visit Newtown, including some with a focus on Nelson Mandela: The anti-apartheid hero set up South Africa’s first Black-owned law firm here with Oliver Tambo. If you’re visiting independently, Museum Africa provides a great route into South Africa’s rich history, while both kids and adults enjoy the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. The Market Theatre hosts music, dance, and drama, and Niki’s Oasis is a top choice for live jazz, plus there are many smaller dance and music venues.

Things to know before you go

• Newtown will appeal to history buffs, architecture fans, and lovers of music and culture.

• Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas, such as around the Market Theatre, or during events in Mary Fitzgerald Square.

• Most large attractions in Newtown are wheelchair accessible: Disability rights are part of South Africa’s constitution.

How to get there

Newtown is west of the city center, and Mary Fitzgerald Square is less than a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) walk from Johannesburg Park Station. The hop-on, hop-off Red Bus stops at Newtown Precinct, or you can walk, drive, take a metered taxi or rideshare (through Uber or Bolt), or join a tour.

When to get there

You can visit Newtown day or night, but avoid poorly lit areas after dark. Nights can be surprisingly chilly during Johannesburg’s winter season (June through August), with temperatures dropping as low as 37.5°F (3°C).

Mary Fitzgerald Square

Named for South Africa’s first female trade unionist, Mary Fitzgerald, Newtown’s main square is the hub of the city and home to Museum Africa. The vast open space features an art installation of heads carved from old railway sleepers, and is a popular place for live shows, including October’s Back to the City Festival, one of Africa’s largest hip-hop events.

What is Newtown known for?

Newtown earns its nickname of “Jazz Town” with a buzzing selection of music joints, including clubs and bars featuring all-night dancing. The Johannesburg suburb is also renowned for its history of racial diversity and activism—Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo founded South Africa’s first Black-owned law firm here in 1952.

Is visiting Newtown worth it?

Yes, it’s worth visiting Newtown. The suburb is one of the city’s coolest locales and an included stop on some Johannesburg tours. Newtown offers stores with great South African brands, dining, and a hip music scene. Local history and culture, meanwhile, are on display at its free-to-visit attraction Museum Africa.

Can you go to Newtown on your own?

Yes, you can go to Newtown on your own—but due to high crime rates, some visitors may feel unsafe visiting solo, especially at night. If you’re concerned about security, consider exploring Newtown as part of a guided tour: You can cover its top attractions and experiences without worry.

What is the best time of day for visiting Newtown?

The nightlife in Newtown is legendary: Jazz clubs and venues like the Market Theater bring culture buffs from around the city and world. Keep in mind that security can be an issue in Newtown, especially at night. If you’re planning to explore on the street, stick to daylight hours.

Which part of Johannesburg is Newtown?

Newtown is located in the western part of the Johannesburg city center, south of the student area and political center Braamfontein. The neighborhood’s hub is the bustling Mary Fitzgerald Square, which is also a starting point for the Jazz Walk of Fame featuring names of nine South African jazz greats.

What is the historical background of Newtown?

When Newtown was founded in the early 20th century, it was an area dedicated to brick production—which explains its former nickname of “the Brickfields.” Over time, Newtown earned a reputation for artistry and activism, as well as resistance to the apartheid regime. Today, Newtown is a vibrant suburb of Johannesburg.