The 8 best artistic small towns near Johannesburg

Known as the Jewel of the Free State, Clarens is the ultimate artistic pilgrimage. Nestled in the Maluti Mountains, a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, the town's central square is a concentrated hub of creativity.

The town became a tourist hotspot a few years ago, and it’s been soaring ever since. The vibe is picturesque, sophisticated, and bustling on the weekends. It’s less about craft markets and more about high-end fine art.

Some artistic highlights include the Blou Donki Art Gallery, which is known for contemporary South African paintings and sculptures. The Addy & Hoyle Art Gallery is another popular stop for contemporary South African art, showcasing a thoughtfully curated collection of paintings and sculptures.

Located on the banks of the Vaal River within the Vredefort Dome, Parys has a grittier, more treasure-hunter feel than Clarens. Its main road is legendary for antique restoration and quirky collectables. The vibe is retro and eclectic, and because Parys is only an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, it’s perfect for a slow Sunday stroll.  

Bree Street is the heart of the town, lined with antique shops like Sweet Water Antiques, Ugly Duckling, and Moments Square and various jewellery and couture studios. If you’re looking for some chic fashion finds, the Tactile Room is worth checking out.

Just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg lies Dullstroom, a fly-fishing heaven. However, this little town has a surprisingly moody and intimate art scene, often influenced by the mist and highland landscape.

The vibe is very cosy and European-inspired. Leaning into the European energy, the Dimitrov Art Gallery is famous for Branko Dimitrov’s live portrait painting on the veranda, which is no doubt a very Parisian experience in Mpumalanga.

Meanwhile, Atelier Asteria is a boutique art gallery specialising in both traditional and contemporary expressions as well as fine art and intricate miniatures.

Unlike some of the other towns on our list, Magaliesburg’s art scene isn’t really concentrated in a “town centre”, but instead it’s more of a collection of hidden artist retreats and workshops tucked into the mountains. It’s the place to go if you want to see artists in their actual studios.

Because of this, the vibe is rustic, outdoorsy, and off-the-beaten-path. Some artistic highlights include MelonRouge, an eclectic mix of art, antiques, and steampunk items that often hosts creative workshops. It’s also a restaurant, so you can grab something to eat after your art expedition.

Voorhuis Art Gallery is another little treasure trove that focuses on handwoven carpets, woodwork, and unique local glass. Nearby in the Cradle of Humankind, the Nirox Sculpture Park is a must-include for any artistic guide to this area. Just an hour from Johannesburg, this is another excellent day trip for art-loving Joburgers.

While often seen as a tourist haven for water sports, Harties actually has deep roots in African craft and kitsch art. If you’re looking for accessible art and weekend markets with great vibes, the short drive to Harties is totally worth it. It’s vibrant, family-friendly, and almost always busy.

The Chameleon Village is a massive hub for African arts, crafts, and décor that has been a staple for decades. French Toast Coffee Café, complete with a 12.5-meter Eiffel Tower and a "lock bridge," is a masterclass in themed "pop-art" architecture (and very Instagrammable).

Welwitschia Country Market is a great place to discover local painters and sculptors who work with reclaimed wood and stone.

If Clarens is the bustling art capital of the Free State, Rosendal is its quiet, soulful sibling. This tiny "dorp" has become a sanctuary for high-profile artists and designers seeking total isolation. It’s arguably the trendiest "under-the-radar" artistic destination right now.

It’s quiet, intentional and highly aesthetic. If you visit, be sure to check out Ark Contemporary, a collective gallery showcasing established local artists such as Michèle Nigrini and Louis Olivier.

Meanwhile, Pretorius Studio Gallery showcases the evocative "platteland" landscapes of Willem Pretorius. The town itself is a study in preservation, with many of the old sandstone buildings converted into minimalist studios.

High up in the grasslands near the Mpumalanga/KZN border, Wakkerstroom is famous for birding, but its artistic community is its best-kept secret. It has a very "slow living" creative energy.

Some of its artistic highlights include the DeKotzenhof Art Gallery, located in a century-old Victorian house, which showcases fine oil paintings and local drawings. The Wakkerstroom Art & Craft Fair is another major drawcard for workshops and textile art.

It usually happens early in the year (this year it’s 19 March 2026), so if you can plan your trip to align with the dates, it’s a fun artsy weekend out.

Most people go for the diamonds, but Cullinan’s Victorian architecture makes the entire town feel like a living museum. Oak Avenue is the creative artery of the town.

Here you’ll find local painters, potters, and traditional crafters working out of restored miners' cottages. The Art of Silver is a boutique jewellery store and art gallery featuring some exquisite handmade silver jewellery.