Johannesburg, South Africa

Where to go in Johannesburg for the best street art

Southern Africa • See & do • Where to go in Johannesburg for the best street art

Discover the beauty of Johannesburg’s street art at these standout spots

Johannesburg is a city where the walls speak. Through street art, its neighbourhoods tell stories of resilience, culture and everyday life. Exploring these neighbourhoods you’ll find streets that are filled with creative expression, revealing a mix of grassroots creativity and commissioned masterpieces, offering you a chance to experience South Africa’s rich cultural narrative. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best places to explore street art in Johannesburg and get a glimpse of this city’s spectacular urban art.

Soweto

Soweto, particularly Orlando West, offers some of Johannesburg’s most significant street art. This area is known for its historical importance – home to icons like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. You’ll find murals along Vilakazi Street, where the art speaks to the strength and resilience of the people of Soweto. When visiting this area you have to visit the iconic Soweto Towers, once a power station, which is now covered with large murals that showcase both the cultural pride and the modern creativity of the area. Nearby, you’ll also find street art linked to the Hector Pieterson Museum, memorializing the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

Soweto
Johannesburg
South Africa

Braamfontein

Braamfontein is one of Johannesburg’s most lively neighbourhoods and its street art scene perfectly matches that energy. This neighbourhood is home to commissioned pieces and guerrilla graffiti. Juta Street is one of the best places to spot eye-catching murals, with large, colourful pieces that cover entire walls. These murals often showcase local artists and their perspectives on South African life. The contrast of bold, graphic murals against the urban backdrop reflects Braamfontein’s dual identity as a historic district turned cultural hotspot. We think this is the perfect place to snap photos and grab a coffee while soaking up the edgy, youthful energy of Johannesburg.

Braamfontein
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Play Braamfontein

Maboneng

Maboneng, which means place of light in Sotho, lives up to its name as one of Johannesburg’s most creative spaces. Once an industrial area, it’s now filled with murals, graffiti and installations that feature intricate abstract art and politically charged works. Fox and Commissioner Street are great starting points. You’ll find murals celebrating South African history, commenting on social issues and also pieces that just add colourful personality to the city landscape. Arts on Main, a key spot in Maboneng that we love, is where you’ll find a lot of the art spilling out of galleries and onto the streets.

Maboneng
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Maboneng Precinct

Newtown

Newtown’s history as an industrial zone gives it an authentic edge and its street art brings those old walls to life. Newtown’s street art scene is gritty, bold and deeply connected to its working-class roots. Two of the standout places to see art are around the Market Theatre and the Worker’s Museum, where art reflects the struggles of South Africa’s laborers. One of the must-see artworks is the Graffiti Grannies, a mural that features elderly women, showcasing strength and resilience in a way that’s both inspiring and personal – it’s a local favorite and speaks to the intergenerational strength of the city.

Newtown
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of James Delaney

Linden

Linden is a leafy suburb with a quirky artistic spirit. While its street art scene isn’t as dense as in other areas, the murals you’ll find here tend to have a charming, community-oriented feel. The street art is more playful and whimsical, with artists often using humor and nostalgia in their pieces – many are painted on the walls of coffee shops, bakeries and other small businesses. One of the best spots to explore Linden’s street art is along 7th Street. Some murals tie into the history of the area, while others are just fun and quirky, adding character to the suburb.