Sophie Baker is a Gauteng-based travel and food writer, covering everything from luxury Kruger safaris to Mauritius' food scene. When she's not writing about wildlife encounters or the perfect plate of pasta, she's probably on horseback, sipping wine or cooking (not all at once). She's always on the lookout for her next great adventure - preferably with a fantastic meal at the end!

Sophie Baker

Sophie Baker

City Expert, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria

Articles (5)

The 27 best things to do in Johannesburg

The 27 best things to do in Johannesburg

Here’s hoping you like excitement because the best things to do in Johannesburg will have you on the edge of your seat. That isn’t true if you take the Red Bus tour, as you can sit back comfortably and enjoy everything this famous South African city offers. What does it have to offer? Where to begin?Johannesburg is one of the biggest cities in Africa and the biggest in the world not built on a water source. Joburg was actually built on a goldmine, so keep that in the back pocket of your pub quiz team for future reference. RECOMMENDED🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
The 13 best hotels in Johannesburg

The 13 best hotels in Johannesburg

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay and relax in Johannesburg, visitors are spoiled for choice. However, it can be a tricky decision. To make your life a little easier, we've highlighted the best hotels in Johannesburg in this convenient list. From high-end luxury stays to spending a night surrounded by nature, here are Johannesburg's best places to rest your head and set up base to explore the wonders of the City of Gold. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 14 best restaurants in Johannesburg

The 14 best restaurants in Johannesburg

Whether you are a local or a visitor, immersing yourself in the food culture which Johannesburg so brilliantly brings to the fore is a must. The diversity the City of Gold's offering provides is a food adventure that you simply have to go on, with inspiration from all corners of globe a feast for the eyes, nose and tastebuds. Here we bring you a guide to the best restaurants in Johannesburg. Go on then, book a table and tuck in. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg    
The 11 best burger restaurants in Johannesburg

The 11 best burger restaurants in Johannesburg

Fancy a delicious burger? Well, we've got the inside scoop into where you should head next for your burger fix in Johannesburg. From juicy, cheesy deliciousness to gourmet delight, below you will find the spots you need to visit right now for a burger adventure to remember. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg  
Where to stay in Johannesburg

Where to stay in Johannesburg

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. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.