Often overlooked by tourists and very much overshadowed by Cape Town, it’s sometimes understandable why the city of gold has a bit of dark shadow cast over it.

But the reality is that Johannesburg can be just as appealing as its neighbor to the south. South Africa’s economic capital is made up of many districts, but it’s the more artsy, eclectic neighborhoods that are finally starting to make a mark. Likened to Williamsburg in Brooklyn or Wynwood in Miami, they draw interest from visitors who never would have thought they existed.

Every Sunday in Maboneng and all throughout Johannesburg’s diverse neighborhood pockets, the streets are filled with what appear to be models straight from the runway. “Sunday Best,” when trendsetters come out to show off their style, is something to be seen. Even the most fashionable New Yorkers might feel slightly intimidated by the high fashion seen from the packed sidewalk cafes and restaurants.

With the strength of the dollar in South Africa making local costs affordable and daily direct flights from JFK to Johannesburg on South African Airways and United Airlines, now is the time to indulge in a bit of exploration before these pockets lose their individuality. After all, like New York, the city is constantly developing and changing.

Here are four districts to find Joburg’s indie, bohemian culture.

BRAAMFONTEIN

Located next to the city center, and joined to Newtown by the Nelson Mandela Bridge — a landmark just as significant as Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Braamfontein is the Lower East Side of Johannesburg and has the hipsters to prove it. Home to the world-renowned University of Witwatersrand, “Braamies” fully caters to students and Joburg’s youth.

As such, there’s an array of museums, theaters, restaurants, galleries and quirky design stores. But the best that Braamies has to offer is Neighbourgoods Saturday Market, where every Saturday, like-minded folks come together to eat, shop or just hang. Grabbing some food, from dim sum to pork belly tacos, and then taking a seat at a random table with strangers while listening to a local performer is not uncommon. In fact, it’s the best way to fit in.

MABONENG

Once industrial factories, the revitalized inner-city district of Maboneng is the work of a single property-development company — and it’s now a hangout for lovers of everything art. Maboneng is a Sotho word meaning “place of light,” and it couldn’t be a better description for a small neighborhood that is growing exponentially.

The street art is prominent, bringing vibrancy to Fox Street, which makes up the majority of the redevelopment. Around that stretch is a selection of restaurants , stores and street vendors, but the star is Arts on Main.

The warehouse-turned-hot spot happens to be where William Kentridge, one of South Africa’s most famous contemporary artists, has his studio. It’s also home to the Museum of African Design, a cinema that specializes in independent films and is attached to a pizzeria, a culinary institute, a theater, coffee shops galore, a spa and the 12 Decades Hotel.

For the best views of the urban neighborhood below, head up to the Living Room, an open-air rooftop with a thumpin’ DJ, great food and craft cocktails.

MELVILLE AND AUCKLAND PARK

These two areas adjacent to Braamfontein make up the city’s student capital. The University of Johannesburg’s campus is located in Auckland Park, and the small adjacent suburb of Milpark is home to 44 Stanley Avenue, a lifestyle hub saturated with local designer boutiques and a variety of restaurants. Melville is where the students go to play. It’s a celebrated nightlife destination, but will forever maintain its reputation for having bars filled with a slightly grungier crowd as well as trays upon trays of multi-colored shots. But don’t let the nightlife discourage a visit if neon green booze and dirty bar bathrooms aren’t exactly your thing — during the day, both areas offer a different perspective and highlight some of the young talent and creativity that surround it.

NEWTOWN

The original cultural precinct in Johannesburg, Newtown is a vast heritage site made up of the historic Market Theater, the Museum Africa and the beautifully renovated Turbine Hall. In addition, there is an immense public square, named after trade unionist Mary Fitzgerald, that hosts thousands of people for various cultural events throughout the year.

Under development is a new shopping and lifestyle complex, Newtown Junction, which will provide a space for an incredible collection of graffiti; something the district is famous for. It’s possible to walk around the area and see all the street art, but visitors are best off going through a tour company such as Past Experiences, where guided graffiti tours are led by knowledgeable guides, who make the experience a lot more entertaining as well as educational.

WHERE TO STAY

If you want to be immersed in one of the precincts above, the 12 Decades Hotel in Maboneng is the best bet (from $70). But if you prefer something a bit more upscale to call home base while venturing out each day to explore the different parts of the city, the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg is located on an elevated hillside with panoramic views of the zoo as well as aprestigious neighborhoods called The Parks (from $350/night). It’s without a doubt the antithesis of the districts above, which makes for a thought-provoking comparison. Luckily, South Africa is a gold mine of those.