
A hipster guide to cultural wonderlands brimming with great places to eat, quirky cafes, eclectic shops, contemporary art and music
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
The Neighbourgoods Market is a must see. Held every Saturday, it has all the usual vintage and handmade crafts you might expect as well as dozens of food stalls selling dishes from around the world. There’s also a bar serving beers and cocktails. As the market winds down, move on to the nearby bars in Braamfontein where there’s live music, clothes stalls and art displays. Maboneng, like Braamfontein, is another pocket of hipster culture – cafes, bars in warehouses, al fresco restaurants, clothing stores, artwork on the walls. On a Sunday, is Arts on Main. Spread over two levels and across several buildings, small art galleries display their work for sale. There’s also the store of photography by former street kids, paintings by local artists, and even some performance art.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Whether its taking a selfie at the Cheers of hipster bars, The Power & the Glory for the chance to have your photo added to its infamous (but still cool enough to be on) ‘Wall o’ Trendsters’; taking in a movie at the open air cinema in Kirstenbosch Garden; budget shopping or dining out on Blackened Tofu Tacos, veggie sloppy joes or chicken and waffles or watching the city go by at one of its many trendy cafes, Cape Town is a must for any hipster visiting South Africa.
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
Durban’s hipster soul, culinary delights, and the sheer artistic vibrancy and spirit of the city will blow you away. Thanks to the city’s large Indian-origin community, Durban has become something of a food icon. Do try the bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread, filled with spicy. Experience too the Zulu way of life in a township or chill in one of Durban’s quirky cafés or feel the vibes on an Instawalk, a photography walk to capture the essence of this alternative coastal city.
FLORENTIN – TEL AVIV
Tel Aviv is a hedonistic hotspot. Balmy nights spent eating, drinking and partying. Secret speakeasies, rooftop bars and even a gin bar. The Ravel museum showcases contemporary and avant- garde art. A mix of industrial and residential buildings and populated by artists and students, Florentin is an evocative mix of boutique shops, bars, street food and all kinds of music as well as home to an exhibit of blue and yellow ducks and even a cat hotel. Humans can try out a range of boutique hotels.