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Arnold Petersen | Long exposure shot of Johannesburg city skyline and Nelson Mandela bridge with moon in the sky
Arnold Petersen

Where to stay in Johannesburg

Heading to the City of Gold but not sure where to stay? Take a look at our pick of the best neighbourhoods in Johannesburg.

Sophie Baker
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South Africa’s economic hub was once little more than a stopover en-route to Cape Town or Kruger, but those who pass through without truly experiencing Johannesburg are missing out.

Joburg is a city that refused to be boxed in. Modern glass towers rise above old-world suburbs, five-star hotels sit next to hidden speakeasies, and oak-lined streets with cafes and art galleries are just a stone’s throw from gritty urban centres, buzzing street markets and legendary shisanyama joints. The beauty of Joburg is that one minute, you could be sipping a cortado in a leafy suburb, the next, in the thick of a downtown art walk or at a rooftop bar watching the skyline glow. Somehow, the mixture of charm, grit, character, and history all collide in a way that just works.

But where you stay makes a difference. Each neighbourhood has its own personality; some are all about the nightlife, others are made for lazy brunches and boutique shopping sprees. We’ve rounded up Joburg’s best neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character, plus where to stay, eat, and explore in each one.

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Best places to stay in Johannesburg

Rosebank & Melrose Arch

Rosebank and Melrose Arch are the central, well-located, polished suburbs that leave people taken aback by how cosmopolitan and sophisticated South Africa can be. Popular with creatives and professionals, the two neighbouring suburbs are lifestyle hubs which are home to designer stores, rooftop bars and modern hotels. It’s also one of the few parts of Joburg where you can walk between quite a few places - a rarity in a city built for cars.

STAY

If you’re looking for something modern and design-forward, the newly-opened HYDE Johannesburg is art-deco stylish with huge rainfall showers, an on-site co-working space, and one of Joburg’s best all-day eateries, Proud Mary. It also enjoys an unbeatable location at The Zone@Rosebank, so you can people-watch, co-work at their meeting space,be at a conference within a couple of minutes or walk to a long list of bars, eateries and shops.

Just up the road in Houghton, Sanctuary Mandela - once Nelson Mandela’s private residence - is an intimate retreat filled with memorabilia. Each of the nine rooms is inspired by Madiba’s life and you’ll have the sense that you’re staying in a home, not any old hotel. 

Rosebank’s 54 on Bath is a five-star favourite which has been a mainstay of Joburg’s hotel scene for years. It’s easy to see why: a champagne bar, an intimate rooftop pool and a fine dining restaurant in Level Four keep guests returning time after time. Alternatively, channel your city slicker in this apartment (uhm, yes, that’s an infinity pool).

EAT

Rosebank does fine dining with flair, and Shortmarket Club proves it. The elegant, art deco-inspired space sets the stage for dishes that blend European and Asian flavours, from Thai sashimi to a six-course tasting menu worth lingering over. 

If you’re in the mood for red meat, The Grillhouse is where Joburg’s steak lovers congregate. The ribeye is flawlessly grilled, the malva pudding is a must, and the deep leather booths make it feel like a proper old-school steakhouse.

For something really unique, Insights Restaurant at Sanctuary Mandela serves dishes inspired by Nelson Mandela’s personal favourites and curated by his former chef. The compact menu blends South African flavours with fine dining, and the setting is filled with historic touches, like wax-sealed menus – a nod to his handwritten letters sent during his imprisonment. 

DO

Start with a wander through Keyes Art Mile, where galleries like Everard Read, Circa and BKhz showcase top contemporary art, while FotoZA celebrates South African photography and Aspire Art Auctions previews high-value works before auction. The district truly comes alive on First Thursdays, a monthly event where galleries stay open late for exhibitions, artist talks and live performances, with street music and pop-ups creating a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere.

If shopping is on the agenda, Rosebank Mall has it all, from high-street fashion to the bustling Rosebank Sunday Market, where you can pick up everything from vintage finds to handcrafted jewellery. In Melrose Arch, a different kind of retail therapy awaits - sleek piazzas lined with designer stores, vibey cocktail bars and pavement cafés perfect for people-watching.

If you only do one thing…

Visit Rosebank’s most buzzing corner, on Jan Smuts and Bolton. You’ll find two of the best cocktail bars in Joburg in Sin + Tax and A Streetbar Named Desire, an always-busy sports bar in Benchwarmers, a handful of restaurants and another of the country’s leading contemporary art galleries in Goodman Gallery.

Sandton

Sandton is Johannesburg’s ‘richest square mile’. The high-powered financial hub is packed with skyscrapers, luxury hotels and some of the country’s most expensive real estate. By day, corporate suits dominate the streets. But by night, the district transforms into a playground of cocktail lounges, fine dining and rooftop bars. Whatever time of day you’re here, one thing is for sure: Sandton doesn’t do things by halves.

STAY

For classic five-star luxury, The Saxon is in a league of its own. The former home of a diamond magnate, it’s now an ultra-exclusive retreat where Nelson Mandela once worked on his autobiography. Suites are impossibly spacious, and the restaurant, Qunu, is one of the most decorated in the country. 

If you’d rather be in the thick of things, choose an apartment right next to Sandton City. For a hotel stay, The Leonardo holds the title of Africa’s tallest building, complete with panoramic city views, lavish suites and a rooftop bar that practically touches the clouds. 

Over in Morningside, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel takes a different approach, with expansive gardens (perfectly manicured, of course), character-filled individually decorated suites and an award-winning Balinese spa that feels worlds away from Sandton’s high-rise energy.

EAT

Dinner in Sandton often means there’s an occasion to celebrate, and Signature in Morningside rises to it with live piano music, floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu designed for indulgence. The venison loin is a standout, perfectly seared and served with blackberry jus. 

Sushi lovers should head straight for Big Mouth, a vibey spot on Nelson Mandela Square where the salmon roses and dynamite rolls taste like they came straight from the streets of Tokyo.

DO

Start at Nelson Mandela Square, where the towering bronze statue of Madiba is an obligatory photo stop. From there, explore Sandton City, an enormous shopping complex where you’ll find everything from luxury brands like Gucci through to local boutique stores - and (literally) everything in between. If the city’s non-stop energy gets overwhelming, take a breather at Innesfree Park, one of Sandton’s best green spaces, with wide lawns and great picnic spots. 

Sandton professionals know how to let loose when the sun goes down, and the best place to kick off the party is Alto234. At the top of The Leonardo, it’s one of the highest rooftop bars in Africa. It’s completely unbeatable for sunset views and cityscapes. The cover charge is steep, but you’ll get a glass of champagne and the best Instagram picture of your life – so it’s justified. 

If you only do one thing…

Book a spa day at The Saxon. Between the heated pools, hydrotherapy treatments and garden views, you’ll forget you’re smack bang in the middle of the city. 

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Fourways

If Sandton is Joburg’s business brain, the Fourways area is its lifestyle capital. This northern suburb is all about living the good life. Golf estates, massive shopping centres, family-owned restaurants and a surprisingly-thriving nightlife scene reign supreme in this area. If you’re after a mix of suburban ease and big nights out, this is where you want to be.

STAY

For those who like their hotels to come with every amenity imaginable, Steyn City by Saxon is an easy choice. Located inside one of the country’s most exclusive estates, this ultra-modern hotel offers serviced apartments instead of traditional rooms; think full kitchen, washer and dryer, huge TV screens and even a braai area. Plus the estate has incredible facilities for guests to use too, including an 18-hole golf course, numerous restaurants and a 300m-long manmade lagoon for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle. 

Another great option is the Tuscan-inspired Palazzo Montecasino, which brings a slice of Italy to Fourways. Set in the Montecasino entertainment complex – with access to shops, cinemas, a casino and plenty of restaurants – your stay comes complete with grand archways, fountains and some of the prettiest gardens in the city. 

If you want to live like a Joburg local, rent a townhouse in the suburbs.

EAT

Fourways has a more suburban feel than Sandton or Rosebank, but Joburgers love dining out – so it makes sense that the area is also home to some of the city’s best dining spots. Café Del Sol Steyn City is the go-to for long, lazy Italian lunches. Order a bottle of white wine and chatter for a few hours over creamy porcini risotto, tossed salads, handmade pasta and pizzas that are crisp in all the right places. 

Over in Cedar Square, Smokedaddy’s does big, messy, unapologetically smoky burgers, stacked with house-smoked bacon, blue cheese and caramelised onions. Another consistently good choice is Old Ducky French Café. People rave (and I mean truly rave) about their French onion soup. 

DO

Montecasino is Fourways' entertainment epicentre - whether you’re into theatre, comedy or simply an evening of people-watching with a cocktail in hand. 

If you’d rather escape the neon lights, Lonehill Park is a hidden gem, with dog-friendly walking trails, libraries and a pretty dam. A quick scramble up the Lonehill Koppie is rewarded with sweeping views over the area. Golfers are in paradise too, with courses galore at Dainfern, Steyn City, Randburg, Kyalami and more. 

If you only do one thing…

Visit Montecasino Bird Gardens. This jungle-esque paradise is home to over 1 000 birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and other small creatures including lemurs and duiker.

Melville

Creative, bohemian and effortlessly cool, Melville is where Joburg’s artists, writers and musicians gather. It is to Johannesburg what Montmartre is to Paris. Melville is a world away from Sandton’s high-rise buildings. Instead, this is the suburb of vintage bookstores, indie cafés and bars with mismatched furniture and live music spilling onto the pavement. If you like your neighbourhoods with a little grit and a lot of character, Melville is the place to be.

STAY

For something unique, The Residence Boutique Hotel in nearby Houghton offers old-world elegance with a touch of quirk - each suite is individually designed, and the rooftop hot tub has one of the best sunset views in the city. 

In Melville itself, The Saffron Guesthouse is a hidden gem with Moroccan-inspired decor, leafy courtyards and a laid-back charm that fits right into the neighbourhood’s creative energy. To get the best taste of the action though, book an apartment or garden cottage (quirkiness guaranteed) right in the heart of the suburb.

EAT

Melville’s food scene is as eclectic as its crowd. NCW Restaurant is a fine dining spot with an African twist - think smoked duck breast with umngqusho (a traditional dish made with samp and beans) or amasi panna cotta for dessert. For something more casual, Lucky Bean is a Melville institution, serving up hearty South African-inspired comfort food in a relaxed, artsy setting. If it’s a burger you’re after, BGR is a no-frills, all-flavour joint where the hand-cut chips and made-to-order patties speak for themselves.

DO

Start the day with a browse through Melville’s vintage thrift shops and bookstores, where you’ll find everything from old vinyl records to rare first edition books to genuine leather jackets. 

Take a sunset stroll up The Westcliff Steps, a steep but rewarding climb that offers panoramic views over the city. At night, 7th Street comes alive with bars, live music venues and cocktail lounges. Try Ratz bar for karaoke nights, or SIX for great cocktails and an even better playlist.

If you only do one thing…

Check out 27 Boxes, South Africa’s first shipping container shopping centre. They’re stacked like little Tetris blocks, and filled with restaurants, artisan stores and handmade crafts. 

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Parkhurst

Leafy, village-like and effortlessly stylish, Parkhurst is Joburg’s answer to a European café district. Its heart, 4th Avenue, is lined with boutiques, delis and some of the best restaurants in the city. It’s the kind of place where locals linger over brunch, families take weekend strolls and evenings are best spent hopping between wine bars.

STAY

Parkhurst doesn’t have big hotels, which is part of its charm. That said, nearby Craighall Park and Hyde Park are within a couple of minutes drive - or a cheap as chips Uber - and have excellent boutique stays. The Peech Hotel offers a contemporary, eco-conscious stay with an amazing on-site restaurant.

But who could blame you for being dead set on being right in the middle of the action? If that’s the case, there are loads of good AirBnbs in the area, mostly garden cottages attached to the sprawling Parkhurst properties. Or just rent the sprawling house itself, complete with multiple bedrooms and private pool. 

EAT

If you’re dining in Parkhurst, Modena is a must. This Italian gem on 4th Avenue serves up beautifully executed plates of braised oxtail risotto, handmade tagliatelle and wood-fired pizzas topped with premium ingredients. A few doors down, Embarc offers a more refined experience, with a constantly evolving seasonal menu and some of the most artfully plated dishes in the city. 

If you’re craving a proper burger after a night out on the town, Hudsons is the move. Add a gourmet milkshake and thank us later.

DO

4th Avenue is best explored on foot. Spend an afternoon browsing the independent boutiques, checking out home decor or settling in at Nice on 4th for a coffee and a slice of their famous honey cake. If you’re in the mood for some greenery, Delta Park is just down the road, with wide walking trails and picnic spots along the river. You could even pop over to Linden and pick up artisanal cheeses from Cheese Gourmet for a picnic. 

For an evening drink, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice. Stroll along 4th street and pick anywhere that takes your fancy. Guaranteed you’ll end up at Jolly Roger though, so try to start somewhere else!

If you only do one thing…

Grab a table at Embarc and order the tasting menu. With smaller portions designed for sharing, it’s the perfect way to experience one of Parkhurst’s best restaurants without suffering from food envy.

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