The Playground
The Playground
4.5
About
Braamfontein’s famed Neighbourgoods Market venue is back! Now called 'The Playground' by Play Braamfontein. The Playground is a considered space, playing host to a regular artisan Market every Saturday with a menu of gourmet street food, cocktails, and live music performances and DJ’s. Coming soon, Sunday will play host to live music performances and events. This is not just a market space – it is as focused on the visitor experience as it is on creating a platform for exceptional young talent in Joburg.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
336 reviews
Excellent
210
Very good
104
Average
18
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Frith T
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
It's become a bit boring. Food was absolutely lovely and stallholders so warm and friendly but far fewer stalls than there used to be. The vibe is gone and even stallholders mentioned it's much quieter now. Such a pity Jhb has lost what was a very cool market to come to on a Saturday morning. Credit to sparkling clean bathrooms, but they also now charge a entry fee, and a guy who took our empty plates (we would have thrown them away ourselves) wanted a tip. It's got a serious touristy vibe, whereas I always felt it was a local market loved and visited by Joburgers themselves.
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clint Hill
Johannesburg, South Africa4 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Mix of urban culture with food and drinks in downtown Johannesburg, safe with security.
Best lemonade by Life plus Lemons, you have to try......
Children and art play spaces and upcoming local designers showcase every weekend.
Best lemonade by Life plus Lemons, you have to try......
Children and art play spaces and upcoming local designers showcase every weekend.
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcus W
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates147 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
This was the highlight of my stop in Johannesburg! Hopefully you are able to be in Joburg on a Saturday and experience this awesome place. The food here is amazing, diverse, and there is a lot to pick from from the various food stalls. The food also includes desserts and all types of drinks and other seasoning souveniers you can buy.
I kept it simple and got a pizza (The Spaniard) from this stall called Pionieri Pizzeria. I've been to Naples, Italy and have had some of the best pizza in the world and this pizza was definitely right up there with the best! I also had a steak sandwich which was great. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough space to eat anything else, but there were plenty other amazing options to choose from. Bring your appetite!
A few important tips:
1. GET THERE EARLY! I arrived at 11am and it was already pretty packed. I would say go around 10am, no later than 10:30am. Seating is fairly limited.
2. People watching here is amazing. Bring your shades and enjoy the show.
3. Only open on Saturdays unfortunately.
Enjoy!!
I kept it simple and got a pizza (The Spaniard) from this stall called Pionieri Pizzeria. I've been to Naples, Italy and have had some of the best pizza in the world and this pizza was definitely right up there with the best! I also had a steak sandwich which was great. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough space to eat anything else, but there were plenty other amazing options to choose from. Bring your appetite!
A few important tips:
1. GET THERE EARLY! I arrived at 11am and it was already pretty packed. I would say go around 10am, no later than 10:30am. Seating is fairly limited.
2. People watching here is amazing. Bring your shades and enjoy the show.
3. Only open on Saturdays unfortunately.
Enjoy!!
Written April 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zahnb
Simon's Town, South Africa57 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
The inside is much better than the outside which looks and feels a tad grey. Once inside head for the many places to eat and drink. I had a coconut with vodka Zar 65 which was different and delishh. The music was great and the whole place very vibey. We spent 3hrs and would do it again. There's also some clothing and goods to buy upstairs. Thank you guys. Keep going ang changing the face of SA one day at a time.
Written November 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam T
Petersham, Australia71 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
Can’t speak more highly enough of the Neighbourgoods Markets in Braamfontein J’Burg. Grab an Uber and spend Saturday-day enjoying hanging out with awesome local food, cocktails, some nick-nack shopping and enjoying the music from DJ. Car park that is transformed into this venue each Saturday and pulls in a vibrant crowd young, old, all sorts. Take some cash for food (they do have ATMs), the bar and shops accept credit card.
Written November 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christophe C
119 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Really nice indeed. Any type of food you may want, plus quality artwork. Artisanal beer and organic wine, chill out music.
Clearly a symbol of gentrificarion, but also one of the rare place where mixity is obvious and natural
A pity it opens only once a week.
Clearly a symbol of gentrificarion, but also one of the rare place where mixity is obvious and natural
A pity it opens only once a week.
Written December 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne
Germany13 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
I absolutely loved the neighborhoods market, I really liked that it was not only about the food, which was obviously also great, but there was also a rooftop chill out area where a band was playing and an area where you would find hand crafted jewelry, souvenirs & art!
The atmosphere, the music, the food, everything was just really authentic and nice
The atmosphere, the music, the food, everything was just really authentic and nice
Written November 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adventuressCA
Turin, Italy109 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
If you want to see people either looking to be seen and unnaturally festooned to be trendy, or people looking to see these people, go. Our group bought from several vendors and while food looked appetizing none of us were happy and ate little. Market was not a natural place rather pretentious. Area is flat out dangerous with locals running around trying to get a tip, food, your phone. Not a cool place imo.
Written September 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ritu
Bangalore District, India341 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
When I visit a place for the first time, going to a local market is usually in the plan. And found the perfect place to blend with the culture, art and food...everything that South Africa is about! I visited around 10am and spent till noon here. There are a large number of shops selling apparels made by rural people and ethnic African dresses. Found them to be on the expensive side. But what's worth the money are the arts and crafts, from woodwork to Canvas painting to goodies with animal prints.. Unlimited choice. Also great gift items like beaded jewelleries, fridge magnets, a riot of colours in the scarves and bags, etc. There was a stage with live performance, though not local music. And then starts the food stalls... There's everything from mushrooms to ostrich to mussels and seafood, there's Ethiopian and indian and traditional shakshuka! And desserts!! In my opinion, if you have a couple of hours, must do before you head out to the more touristy places. What's more, there are large community tables where you get your food and chat with people from all over the world.
Written June 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric C
Sydney, Australia76 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
A great melting pot of young South Africans and the hopeful future of this country could be. As for the market. Food is great. Love the Durban Curry Deli, organic lemonade, great cake shop.
Written May 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria M
Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina20 contributions
Deseo saber el precio del tour de mediodia por Johanesburgo en dolares estadounidenses por favor
Flamelily Traveller
Johannesburg, South Africa81 contributions
Will it be open on sat 27 April as it is a public holiday?
Ghada F
Laval, Canada116 contributions
Hello, I’m inquiring about the neighbourhoods market , does it open only on saturdays?is it closed during the week days ? If so is there other markets similar to it, unfortunately we will not be on Saturday to see it .
Thanks
Globetrottingfive
hong kong61 contributions
Hello.
It is only open on Saturdays. If you are in Joburg on Sunday you can check Market on Main Or on th first Sunday of month Victoria Yards
Just google ‘Cool Joburg Markets’ and there are several,lists of great markets....
Gabriel D
Quilmes, Argentina151 contributions
Quisiera saber si solo abre sabados y domingos
newtraveler2006
us372 contributions
Are there markets near Lucky Bean within walking distance, mainly food and fruits? If so, which one is good and what are the days/hours they are open? Greatly appreciated!
Guzin K
Istanbul, Türkiye123 contributions
The market has different type of foods and drinks. You can buy burritos, sea food, bakery type of food etc. I believe the market only opens on Saturday but better to check again.
Thulani M
Johannesburg, South Africa
How much can two people spend, since you need cash to buy?
eKornau
South Africa101 contributions
It's not only cash - most of the stalls have Zapper or SnapScan apps so you can pay digitally using those. It's difficult to give a budget - honestly there are so many choices, from Oysters and Champagne to fruit smoothies... :) R250 as per the lady's suggestion above is a good call. Enjoy!
Celle
Davis, CA401 contributions
Hi. I would like to go there during a 4 hour stopover at ORT airport. What is the safest affordable mode of transportation between the two -- Uber? car hire? Gautrain?
thanks in advance
Jaco J
Pretoria, South Africa68 contributions
The quickest (and safest)would be Gautrain, but would mean you would need to take a a bus or uber as well- mighttake as long as an uber. There are plenty of ubers in the area. Also keep in mind that any form of transit would take 30 minutes to 45 min, which leaves you with very little time to explore. Also note the opening times and check-in times for your flight as this may influence the viability of the outing.
ThandekaElysaMac
Pascagoula, MS130 contributions
What is the parking situation for Neighbourgoods Market? Any tips?
WayneKingwill
11 contributions
just ensure get a trustworthy car guard and dont leave any valuables in your csr
swisstraveller
Berne666 contributions
Hi, I love the Neighbourgoods Market in Cape Town. Is the Market in Joburg just as great ? I will have only a half day in Joburg on my next trip to South Africa (a saturday) and I'm debating between the Market and the Apartheid Museum. Thanks for your feedback.
Karend1958
Yavne, Israel27 contributions
I would go to the museum, the market is fun, and has good products, but it's a market.
you can't compare the two
423cathleens
Worcester, South Africa1 contribution
wre this place in joburg
Dagboek
Sydney, Australia72 contributions
Get off at Park station if you are taking tge Gautrain. Otherwise it is in Juta st, Braamfontein. A good landmark is Wits Varsity, which is located to the north off it. If you really stuck, make your way to Wits and ask the nearest student. They all hang out there! PS dont eat before you go... It is all about the food and thd atmosphere. You will have a fantastic time.
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Claim your listingThe Playground - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Playground
- Hotels near The Playground:
- (0.02 mi) The Bannister Hotel
- (0.03 mi) City living by Nelson Mandela bridge
- (0.09 mi) Once in Joburg
- (0.29 mi) ANEW Hotel Parktonian Johannesburg
- (0.46 mi) City Lodge Hotel Newtown
- Restaurants near The Playground:
- (0.01 mi) The Smokehouse and Grill
- (0.02 mi) KFC Playbraam
- (0.03 mi) Daleahs Eatery
- (0.07 mi) Galata Bakery
- (0.07 mi) Leano Restaurant & Live Music