Newtown
Newtown
Newtown

Newtown Tours and Tickets

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Once a grim post-industrial zone, Newtown is one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant cultural quarters, alive with theaters, galleries, street art, live music, and more. Travelers flock to cultural destinations such as Museum Africa and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, and head to Mary Fitzgerald Square for live events.

  • Newtown, Johannesburg, 2113

Tours and Tickets to Experience Newtown

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Q:What is Newtown known for?
A: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.
Q:Is visiting Newtown worth it?
A: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.
Q:Can you go to Newtown on your own?
A: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.
Q:What is the best time of day for visiting Newtown?
A: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.
Q:Which part of Johannesburg is Newtown?
A: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.
Q:What is the historical background of Newtown?
A: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.