South Africa: Two neighbourhoods have just been named among the coolest in the world

According to the American business magazine Forbes, two of the coolest neighborhoods around the world are Maboneng, located in the south-eastern side of Johannesburg's CBD, and Kalk Bay, located on the False Bay coastline of Cape Town. The list, compiled by Forbes contributor and travel writer Ann Abel and her favourite travel experts, also includes Sants in Barcelona (Spain), Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. (USA), Amsterdam Noord in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Getsemani in Cartagena (Colombia), Plekhanov in Tblisisi (Georgia), Casco Viejo in Panama City (Panama), District 5 in Saigon (Vietnam), Keramikos in Athens (Greece), Seonggsu-dong in Seoul (South Korea) and Pilsen in Chicago (USA).


Forbes describes Maboneng as follows:

“A no-go zone until the end of Apartheid in 1994, Johannesburg’s Maboneng has since transformed into a lively urban area with blossoming art and culinary scenes,” says Biggs Bradley. The compact neighborhood is known for cultural attractions like the Museum of African Design, Arts on Main—a complex that was previously a series of dilapidated buildings and now has many cool galleries—restaurants and boutiques. The culinary offerings are widely diverse, with restaurants that specialize in everything from Ethiopian cuisine to health food. “One of the best spots for a meal is Che Argentine Grill, which offers delicious specialties like empanadas and a live tango band on weeknights.” (src.)

Forbes describes Kalk Bay as follows:

“A seaside haven slightly removed from the bustle of Cape Town, the former fishing village Kalk Bay is attracting more than just the local surfer community” says Marchant. “Blanketed with quaint cafes, rustic fishing boats and colorful storefronts, this vibrant harbor neighborhood is recently the talk of the city. Olympia Café, a standby for locals, is an ideal launching pad for a day of False Bay coastline exploration. An intricate origami installation created by Kalk Bay local Sanae Sawada decorates the walls of the iconic café, which is just steps from the charming seal-invaded wharf.” (src.)