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area situated within the metro of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Gauteng > Johannesburg > Johannesburg/Sandton

Sandton is an affluent suburb and business centre in Johannesburg. It is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (the largest in Africa and the twelfth largest in the world), a number of large financial institutions (including local head offices for some foreign banks) and the largest shopping centre in South Africa.

This article also cover Rosebank and the other northern suburbs.

Understand

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Sandton rising above the urban forest

Tourist information

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Get in

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By car

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From O.R. Tambo International Airport, after you exit the airport, follow R24 Johannesburg signs and the R24 to the Gillooly's Interchange, from here follow the N3 North towards Pretoria, take exit 124 (Sandton/M60 Marlboro Drive) turning left into Marlboro Drive, follow Marlboro Drive until the T-junction with Katherine Street, turn left into Katherine Street, and follow Katherine Street into Sandton.

From the M1, take exit 23 (Sandton/M40 Grayston Drive) or exit 26 (Sandton/M60 Marlboro Dr), and follow Marlboro Drive west until the T junction with Katherine Street (400 m), and turn left at Katherine Street into Sandton. From the N1, take exit 100 (Sandton/M9 Rivonia Road) and follow Rivonia Road south towards Sandton or exit 95 (Sandton/R511 William Nicol Drive) and follow south until it intersects with Sandton Drive, where you turn left. Rush hour traffic during the week can make getting into and out of Sandton a painfully slow business; you will be wise to avoid 7AM-9AM and 4PM-7PM.

Car hire is available from Pace Car Rental in Marlboro.

By train

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  • 1 Sandton Gautrain railway station. Sandton Gautrain station (Q7416981) on Wikidata Sandton (Gautrain station) on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2020)
  • 2 Marlboro Gautrain railway station. Marlboro (Q6771617) on Wikidata Marlboro (Gautrain station) on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2021)

Get around

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Map
Map of Johannesburg/Sandton

By metered taxi

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Taxis can be found at entrance 12 to Sandton City. Metered cabs can also be hired by calling Safecab on +27 861 66-55-66 or Sandton Taxi Cabs on +2711 039 4402. It is illegal for metered taxis to be hailed as is seen in many other cities (e.g. in New York City). Passengers may catch taxis only if booked in advance (in person or by telephone), the only exception being in demarcated metered taxi zones.

Several main Metrobus routes serve the Sandton area, running regularly during the day in 30 min to 60 min intervals, as well as in the early evening. The 5C also runs regularly on weekends, including the normal early evening service. The 5C runs along Oxford Road and connects many important tourist attractions, including Sandton City, The Zone@Rosebank, and The Mall of Rosebank. Contact Metrobus on +27 11 375-5555 (Ext. 6) for more information on routes and timetables Metrobus is by far one of the safest and cheapest methods of getting around Sandton, and the City of Johannesburg. It must be noted, however, that Metrobus is not an alternative to private (hired) transport.

By train

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  • Park Station is Johannesburg's central station and is in the city center between Rissik (west), Wolmarans (north), Wanderers (east) and De Villiers (south) streets, it occupies several blocks. Whilst the station itself is quite safe, the areas around it may not be. Be careful and try to organise onward transport prior to arrival. All long-distance Spoornet trains are quite safe, as are most MetroRail trains. The best advice is to ask local people prior to using any public transport.
  • Spoornet is a freight train company but they do have a branch that offers a passenger service called: Shosholoza Meyl. There are 8 primary routes that link South Africa's cities with smaller towns along each route. There are regular inter-city trains to destinations all over the country, including Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, East London, Pietermaritzburg, Mbombela and Polokwane. Passengers can chose to travel in the tourist class where there is an option of either a coupe that can accommodate two people or a compartment that can seat four people. If traveling over night these compartments become bedrooms. Another option is the economy class which of course is cheaper, with chairs that can recline but not, alas, turn into beds. There is dining car on the trains where you can buy food. If you are traveling in a coupe or compartment then there is a trolley service available saving you form ever having to leave your compartment
  • MetroRail [98] operates frequent commuter trains to many suburbs and outlying towns. As Metrorail operates services in several separate cities, for operational purposes it is subdivided into five regions. The Gauteng region is the one entailing the greater Johannesburg area. Trains run from Johannesburg and Germiston outwards to Springs, Pretoria, Soweto and Krugersdorp.
  • Gautrain [99] is a first-world-quality commuter train with two lines, namely Johannesburg-Hatfield and Sandton-OR Tambo airport. Interchange is at Sandton or Marlboro. All journeys are paid using a non-refundable R15 gold card. Gautrain has much fewer stops and shorter travel times than MetroRail but is also significantly more expensive. For example, using Gautrain Johannesburg-Pretoria takes 35 minutes and costs R46 (excluding card purchase), whereas with MetroRail it costs R9 but takes 1 hour 40 minutes. Gautrain is very secure - lots of cameras and guards on the trains and platforms.

By car rental

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  • Nelson Mandela Statue, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City. The 6-m bronze statue of Nelson Mandela is a favourite photo spot for tourists. 
  • Gallery on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, ☏ +27 11 784-2847, fax: +27 11 784-2849, . M-Sa 9AM to 6PM. Exhibitions of South African and international art. 

Museums

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  • 1 South African National Museum of Military History, Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, ☏ +27 11 646-5513, . daily 09:00-16:30. A good collection of military hardware, including one of very few ME 262 jet fighters from World War II still in existence. There is also a huge South African-built G6 self-propelled, 155mm howitzer on show. A snack shop as well as a shop selling genuine and reproduction vintage military equipment is located within the museum. R20 entrance fee. South African National Museum of Military History (Q7565751) on Wikidata South African National Museum of Military History on Wikipedia 
  • 2 Liliesleaf Farm, 7 George Ave. Heritage site and museum, the farm is noted for its use as a safe house for African National Congress activists in the 1960s. One of the places making up the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites. Liliesleaf Farm (Q6547813) on Wikidata Liliesleaf Farm on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2020)
  • 3 Sophiatown Heritage & Cultural Centre, 73 Toby Street, Sophiatown (close to Melville/Westdene), ☏ +27 11 673-1271. Tu W F 10:00–16:00, Th 10:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–13:00. In February 1955, the government evicted over 60,000 residents of the thriving multi-racial neighbourhood and razed their homes and businesses in order to create a new whites-only town. Sophiatown’s mix of political, literary, music, social, criminal and cultural “movers and shakers” provided a backdrop for this important period in Johannesburg’s history. Entrance: R25 adult, R10 child; group tours, school programmes; R60 adult, R30 child: guided walking tour of Sophiatown. Sophiatown (Q1517405) on Wikidata Sophiatown on Wikipedia 
  • Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, ☏ +27 11 883-8606, +27 83 377-4969, fax: +27 11 883-9673, . Shows Sa 6PM and 9PM, Tu-F 8:15PM. Usually R100 per person. 
  • 1 Montecasino, 1 Montecasino Blvd. A massive entertainment and casino complex. Montecasino (Q6905024) on Wikidata Montecasino on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2020)
    • 2 Montecasino Bird Gardens, Montecasino Boulevard (Cnr William Nicol and Witkoppen Roads), Fourways (from the N1, take exit 95 (Marked: 95 Sandton/R511 William Nicol Dr) and head north, cross over Leslie Ave and turn right into Mentecasino Blvd), ☏ +27 11 511-1864. M-F 08:30-17:00, Sa Su 08:30-18:00. Many birds and other small wildlife. Also look out for the 2500-year-old tree located near the parrots. Flight of Fantasy Shows at 11:00 and 15:00 weekdays and 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 on weekends. 
  • 3 South African Lipizzaners, 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami (Follow the N1 towards Pretoria, take exit 108 Midrand, R561 Allandale Road towards Kyalami. Kyalami Road and Main Road intersects at the entrance to the Kyalami racetrack, turn right here. At the second traffic light, turn left and follow Main Road, look out for Maple Road to your right. Turn right into Maple Road and right again into Crocus Road), ☏ +27 11 702-2103, fax: +27 11 468-2718, . Other than Vienna, this is the only place you will ever got to see performing Lipizzaners recognized by the Spanish Riding School. Booking can also be done via Computicket[dead link]. 
  • 4 Cricket at Wanderers Stadium, Corlett Drive, Illovo, ☏ +27 11 340 1500. The largest cricket ground in the country, holding 34,000. Nicknamed "The Bullring" for its design and the imposing atmosphere of its partisan crowd, it hosts Test matches and World Lions in domestic tournaments. Wanderers Stadium (Q856387) on Wikidata Wanderers Stadium on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2023)
  • 5 Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, End of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort (the gardens can be tricky to find as they are not well signposted from the main roads: from the N1 get onto Hendrik Potgieter at exit 80 (Roodepoort/M8 14th Ave); follow the signs indicating Tarlton (M47) to the north; pass Clearwater mall, turn left into Handicap Road and right into Malcolm Road where you see the first signpost for the gardens; the gardens will be on your left a couple of hundred metres from here), ☏ +27 11 958-1750, fax: +27 11 958-1752, . One of the last green areas remaining within Johannesburg. Lots of birds, including the endangered Black Eagle. There is a restaurant situated within the grounds as well as picnic and braai areas. Adult R100, student R50, pensioner free entry on Tuesdays, child R25, child under 6 years free. (updated Dec 2024)

Art & crafts

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Shopping malls

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  • 3 Sandton City, 5th St, ☏ +27 11 217-6000, . M-Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 10:00-16:00. A large and popular mall. There are many unique shops here as well as typical South African franchises and even some British stores. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 4 Northgate, Corner of Northumberland Rd & Olievenhout Ave, ☏ +27 11 794-1687. In the north-west, next to the Coca-Cola Dome, which is well-known for its big-name music events. Northgate is relatively small in comparison to the other "gates", but nonetheless offers some good recreation options, including movies, paintball, ice skating and weekend entertainment for children. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 5 Westgate, 120 Ontdekkers Rd, Roodepoort, ☏ +27 11 768-0616, . M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-17:00, Su 09:00-14:00. For many years the more working-class mall of Johannesburg, Westgatenow boasts a more modern image. Being far away from most of the tourist hotspots, it is virtually unknown to foreign visitors, yet offers a pleasant shopping experience with branches from most of the major chain stores. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 6 Cresta Mall, Cnr Beyers Naude and Weltevreden Rd, Cresta, ☏ +27 11 678-5306, . This is where Central Johannesburg's middle-class population do their shopping and socializing. Big branches of all the major chain stores can be found here, as well as some good family restaurants. Walk around in Cresta and feel like a true local. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 7 Rosebank, Between Bath and Cradock Aves, Rosebank (from the M1 south, take exit 19 (Johannesburg/M20 Gelnhove Rd), turn right and follow Glenhove to Oxford, cross over Oxford and turn right into 4th Ave that leads directly into the mall parking), ☏ +27 11 788-5530, . (updated Dec 2024)
  • 8 Fourways Mall, Cnr Witkoppen Rd & William Nicol Dr, Fourways, ☏ +27 11 465-6095. M-Sa 09:00-19:00. Fourways Mall (Q97276091) on Wikidata Fourways Mall on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2024)

7th Street, Melville

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Traditionally Melville has been where most people head to for an evening meal however, it now caters to students more than the moneyed middle classes. Melville offers a small pocket of culture, with street vendors often selling their own artworks, and charity shops abound.

  • 1 Rodizio, Melrose Arch, 10A High Street, Melrose North, ☏ +27 11 483 1910. It has great Brazilian dishes and a lively party atmosphere. Live music and dancing. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 2 Arirang in Rivonia, Oriental City 2nd Floor Cnr Rivonia Blvd & Avenue, Rivonia. Tu-Su 11:00-21:00. Very good authentic Korean food, but very expensive. (updated Dec 2024)

Sandton City Mall

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Nelson Mandela Square at night

Nelson Mandela Square at Sandton City [dead link] offers a number of restaurants to choose from, as well as a food court with fast food outlets.

Sandton Area

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The Greater Sandton areas has many modern excellent restaurants.

  • Col’Cacchio, Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre, Cnr Benmore Road & Grayston Drive, ☏ +27 11 783-7650. Excellent stylish pizzeria chain found across South Africa. Offers a large variety of pizza and pasta 
  • Riverside Café & Bistro, Village Walk Shopping Centre, Maude Street Entrance, ☏ +27 11 784-3390. Offers excellent pasta. 
  • The Raj, Shop 17, Lower Retail Level Michelangelo Towers Maude St Sandton, Cnr Rivonia Road and Mutual Ave, ☏ +27 11 807-0471. Delicious rich Indian food. 
  • Ocean Basket, Melrose Square Melrose Arch Corlett Dr Melrose & Sandton City Mall. Really good fish restaurant chain found across South Africa, good prices and quality food. The reality is that this is a franchised model - so if you really are on a holiday and want to taste the flavors of South Africa, avoid such franchised places (including the likes of KFC and McDonald's). 
  • M&A, Edward Nathan Building, Cnr West & Maude Street, ☏ +27 11 783-4134. Good selection of Italian food. 

Elsewhere

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  • 3 Mexican Fresh, 75 Barkston Dr, Blairgowrie, ☏ +27 11 326-2276. 11:30-20:30. Serves burritos, nachos, fajitas, tacos and quesadillas. Available as vegetarian, beef, chicken or prawn, all made on-site, every day. All dishes can be accompanied with guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and fresh salsa. Ask for chilli if you like it spicy. (updated Dec 2024)

Drink

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  • Taboo, 24 Central, Cnr Fredman Dr and Gwen Lane, ☏ +27 11 783-2200, fax: +27 11 783-2217, . 
  • Vida e Cafe, Found scattered all across Sandton area. Great coffee and vibrant service. 
  • 1 The Radium Beer Hall, Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove, ☏ +27 11 728-3866. This place has been serving beer since 1929. Live music on weekends (updated Dec 2024)
  • 2 Katzy's Live Rosebank, The Firs Mall, Rosebank (next to Hyatt). Upmarket bar with music and dancing most nights. Specialises in expensive whiskies. Mixed, middle-aged, wealthy kinda crowd. There is a cover charge to get in when a live band is playing. (updated Dec 2024)

Sleep

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Sandton skyline from the Village Walk Center looking over the Balalaika Hotel towards Sandton City and the Michelangelo hotel

Budget

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  • 1 Rosebank Boarding House, 217 Jan Smuts Avenue, ☏ +27-11-4477445. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Not far from the Gautrain. 4-bed dorm R326 pp. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 2 The Lodge and Backpacker Rosebank, 219 Jan Smuts Avenue., ☏ +27 11-0238747, . Dorm beds. You can walk here from the Gautrain which takes you to and from the Airport. Dorm R289 pp. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 3 Zoo Lodge, 233a Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, ☏ +27 11 788-5182, . This backpacker lodge is in a good location; close to Johannesburg Zoo and Rosebank Mall and on a bus route. Airport and train station pickups available. Near Gautrain. Dorm R225, double R450. (updated Dec 2024)

Mid-range

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Splurge

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  • 7 African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection, 1 Melrose Sq, Melrose Arch, ☏ +27 11 214 6666. Locked away in the Melrose Arch complex this is a great hotel, with all the facilities you would expect from a 5-star deluxe hotel. From R2,625. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 8 Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, 191 Oxford Rd, Rosebank (adjacent to Firs Shopping Centre), ☏ +27 11 280-1234, . 259 rooms & suites with African-inspired décor, black granite bath, work area with high-speed internet access, daily newspaper and evening turndown. Regency Club Lounge for free continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 9 African Rock Hotels, 48 de Villiers Ave, van Riebeeck Estate, Kempton Park, ☏ +27 11 976-3486, . This boutique hotel is in the quiet suburb of Kempton Park, away from the flight path of arriving and departing planes. It has a lush tropical garden, a swimming pool and large patio. The interior “look and feel” boasts a successful fusion of African, Western and Oriental design trends and offers a warm, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. The architecture is contemporary, includes all modern day technologies and is practical and comfortable. The conference room is equipped with a one of its kind suspended boardroom table and has all the facilities required to ensure a successful meeting. From R5,333. (updated Dec 2024)
  • 10 54 on Bath, 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, ☏ +27 11 461 9744. A sophisticated boutique which features a terrace area used for entertainment and an outdoor swimming. From R2,760. (updated Dec 2024)

Connect

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Cheap Wi-Fi is available in many locations throughout Sandton:

  • Sandton City
  • Nelson Mandela Square
  • Sandton Convention Centre

Many hotels are also have their own Wi-Fi hotspots.

This district travel guide to Sandton is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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