South Africa’s major cities deliver a blast of upmarket entertainment, interesting sights and non-stop action but have you ever considered a suburban escape during your vacation? Recently, several South African neighbourhoods have risen to the fore as the hip and happening destinations to spend some time.
Try one or try them all, it’s a breeze when you know where to find the best cheap flights South Africa has to offer. Here’s where to find them:
Station Drive Precinct – Durban
Morningside has been the place to be for trendsetters for some time now. Nowadays, this ‘burb’s Station Drive Precinct has risen from the ashes too. This bustling hipster hotspot is abuzz with restaurants, a craft beer brewery, and vintage clothing boutiques.
The Sunday morning market, called the Morning Trade is the place to be seen picking up somelocal artisanal goods before another busy week rolls around.
Creatives flock to the arty spaces of the Design Factory for the free coffee, communal spaces and roomy outside balconies for free-flowing inspiration.
Rivertown Triangle – Durban
Another hub of retail extravagance, Rivertown Triangle is awash with 3 and a half blocks of shops, art galleries, bookshops and entrepreneurial ventures. The wonderful 1930s art deco buildings add appeal to the buzz that surrounds this trendy area every day of the week.
It’s all about bicycles, baristas, baked goods and bunny chows along this strip. Oh, and there’s the beach too. Take a walk and dip into the urban revival that has Durban in its grip at Rivertown Triangle.
Richmond Hill – Port Elizabeth
If Morningside and Johannesburg’s Melville had a love-child, Richmond Hill would be it. With lofted views over the city and streets lined with Victorian homes, this historical area is as cool as can be, filled with quaint eateries, coffee shops and little stores.
It all comes together at the annual not to be missed Richmond Hill Festival every October, where trendsetters can indulge in street food and live beats to their heart’s content.
Maboneng– Johannesburg
The self-proclaimed ‘heart of the city’, Maboneng is an edgy precinct that has grown out of a once abandoned neighbourhood on the outskirts of the CBD. It’s the new place to be in Jozi with industrial, retail and office spaces offset with a range of trendy restaurants, stores and clubs.
Walking through these bustling streets is a treat with plenty to catch your eye in the form of art galleries, a market, bars, hotels, an old-fashioned bioscope and a rooftop eco-café.
Keyes Avenue – Johannesburg
This newly emerged bastion of art, design and architecture, Keyes Avenue thrills with a mile of exquisite art galleries, great coffee shops, huge hamburgers, and a huge streetwear store. After your meanderings, pop into Sin and Tax or MESH Members Club and Bar for a tipple.
Highlights along Keyes Avenue include the weekly Nike Run Club and Shelflife jogging outings as well as First Thursdays evenings when the art galleries offer free admission and food trucks and live music take over the streets.
Woodstock – Cape Town
The home of The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock is hopping any time of the week. Designers and foodies ply their trade here in a vibrant multi-racial mix that showcases the city’s diversity to the best effect.
The Neighbourgoods Market draws the crowds on a Saturdays and the selection of designer outlets, workshops and offices is mind-boggling.
This is the home of the Test Kitchen restaurant, one of South Africa’s most acclaimed eateries, at least 3 craft breweries, antique furniture stores and vegan foods. Coffee culture is at fever pitch here, so prepare to become caffeinated as you wind your way through the sights.
Kalk Bay – Cape Town
Centred on a spectacular little tidal pool with bright wooden changing huts and a buzzing main road, Kalk Bay is alive with opportunities for shopping. Book, antiques, sublime coffees and restaurants line these cobbled streets and side roads.
Don’t miss the chance to sample Kalky’s famous fish and chips with a view over the harbour, head to the Brass Bell for a pint or try the ciabatta at Olympia Café.
Be There or Be Square
It’s easy to hang with the cool kids all over the country when you know how to bag the best cheap flights South Africa has up for grabs. Compare prices online here and discover these lesser-known suburbs from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Durban to Port Elizabeth – before they go out of style.