Newtown is now the hippest place in Downtown Jozi - if you don't believe us, believe facebook, there's even a dedicated I Love Newtown group.

For over a decade downtown Johannesburg has been a black hole on the vacation destination radar. Marshalltown was an abyss of office blocks - unfortunately mostly standing empty. No longer. For the first time in twenty years a four-star hotel has opened on the corner of Ferriera and Marshall streets. Next door to the now-fancy Anglo American headquarters and a few blocks from the hip and swinging Newtown district.

Mapungubwe, named after the ancient Limpopo trading tribe, is a great base from which to explore what makes Jozi a bustling, living nerve-centre for our great country.

On leaving the hotel turn left down Ferreira street, you're now right in the middle of Anglo world; Not very interesting if business isn't your thing, but before rushing past the great sandstone buildings, take a moment to look up. You'll be surrounded by some of the country’s finest art deco architecture, accessed via pedestrian-only streets.

Continue your walk down Ferreira and turn left into President Street opposite the Johannesburg library. Three blocks down and you know it's time to turn right when you hit a huge copper still used to make SA's favourite brew - beer. Yip, you've hit the SAB World of Beer. It's open to the public, tours take two hours and ends with two free drinks in the bar.

On your left is the Sci Bono centre. South Africa's very own science museum, located in the old Electric Warehouse - a gargantuan space that used to hold Johannesburg's first raves back in the early nineties. Now, it's used to push nerves in a more conventional manner; uncover the forces of gravity and electromagnetic currents.

Meander down Miriam Makeba street until you hit the Mary Fitzgerald square, named after the first female trade unionist, the square has the capacity to fit up to 50 000 people snugly for a concert or rally. Standing in the middle of the square, to the left is Museum Afrika, transformed twice a year by glamorous fashionistas for the Sanlam SA Fashion Week. The remainder of the year its home to a fascinating display of South Africa's cultural heritage, including displays on music, dance and dress. Even if history doesn't interest you the building itself is a monument to change. Housed in the former railway house it's all white high ceilings and twisting walk-ways.

Next to Museum Afrika is the famous Market Theatre, housed in the original Indian fruit market. Since it's inception in 1976, a remarkable amount of anti-apartheid and activist plays have been performed on its hallowed boards. The lobby bar, Nicky's Oasis, is an institution almost as solid as the theatre itself and through the years it's been propped up by many actors and supporters.

But Nicky's Oasis is definitely not the only watering hole. Across Mary Fitzgerald square there's a consortium of bars and restaurants. Capello and Sophia Town are both new, catering to a sophisticated urban scene. Most people have a vague memory of Baseline - the music venue that's been going for close on thirty years. Kids that are no longer partying in the Electric Warehouse are now getting down at Fuel Cafe or Carfax - both club and bar spaces that host some of the best local and international djs.

Check out Jozi's hippest places with these deals.

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