– by Kate Pickard
If I had friends visiting Johannesburg, here’s what we’d do…
Don’t get me wrong, visiting the major attractions – Nelson Mandela Square, the Apartheid Museum, the Cradle of Humankind, Constitution Hill – are incredibly fascinating and definitely worth it, but, say you’ve done them all already and you’re after something more local now, more lived-in, here are a few Joburg experiences I love — the perfect “pass-times” if you’re laying over in Johannesburg and you’ve already seen the city through a cultural lens.
Morning Meander at 44 Stanley
Spend the morning at 44 Stanley, where downtown Joburg meets garden glamour. This isn’t your average shopping spot — it’s an outdoor urban hideaway stitched together from a string of gentrified 1930s industrial buildings, now reborn into a vibey hub.
Grab a coffee to go from Bean There — South Africa’s first roaster of Certified Fairtrade, Organic African coffee — and sip slowly and stroll. Follow the shady, ivy-draped courtyards, popping into stores like Mungo Design for artisan textiles, Gone Outdoor for your next city-to-bushveld adventure, or Me&B for bold, local fashion. You’ll also find ceramic studios, vintage cinemas, chocolate shops, and perhaps the perfect travel bag at Sealand Gear. When the smells from the courtyard start calling, head to Salvation Café for brunch — think shakshuka, avo toast and sunshine under the trees.
A Day Out at NIROX
Craving nature with a side of art? If you don’t mind a little drive out of the city, NIROX Sculpture Park is a 30-hectare escape of lawns, waterways, and wetlands, nestled along the Blaauwbankspruit River.
More than a park, it’s a living gallery — home to over 50 sculptures by artists from around the world, as well as annual exhibitions and performances. It’s peaceful, surprising and always evolving.
After a stroll through the fields and forested paths, settle in at And Then There Was Fire…, the park’s restaurant by Manu and Bernardo. Under the trees and surrounded by sculpture, you’ll share small plates inspired by South African, Argentinian and Spanish flavours. The grill leans refreshingly light — seafood, vegetables, and vegan-friendly fare served with style.
Rosé & Retail on 4th
Get busy on the buzzing 4th Avenue Parkhurst strip — a lively stretch full of simple charm. Shops, restaurants and street vendors selling art, plants and woven baskets give this street its vibrant personality.
My favourite stop? Kolonaki Greek Kouzina — a breezy, Greek-inspired spot under an outdoor canopy. Sip on a glass of rosé and snack on modern meze in dappled light. Heaven! Prefer pasta? Modena, just up the road, does contemporary Italian with flair.
Walk it off with a browse through local boutiques — Desray, Hobo Collection, Jane Valken, Black Betty, Hannah Lavery, and Asha Eleven. There’s even a scattering of antique stores if you’re in the mood to rummage.
Need a pick-me-up? Ice cream parlours, coffee shops, and the charming whiskey nook Bottega are all on hand.
An Afternoon of Art
Start with a coffee and pastry from The Pantry by Marble — a boujee gas station that’s anything but ordinary. With its sleek design and eccentric baked goods, it’s the perfect grab-and-go stop.
Then make your way up Jan Smuts Avenue to Everard Read and CIRCA Galleries — Johannesburg’s oldest commercial art space, founded in 1913. The exhibitions are always changing, always inspiring, and always worth the visit.
A Golfer’s Paradise
If you’re a golfer with a layover in Joburg, squeeze in a round. With its sunny afternoons and calm conditions, the city delivers some of the best golf on the continent.
After a major revamp in 2017, The Royal Johannesburg parkland course strikes the perfect balance: challenging for serious players, but still welcoming for weekend golfers.
Then there’s The River Club — private, exclusive, and officially world-class. Recently awarded “Iconic” status by the Distinguished Clubs of the World, it now ranks among the top 1% of clubs globally. Think Augusta National and Pinehurst.
Tea and Trees
Perched on the Westcliff hillside, The Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, offers one of Johannesburg’s most beautiful views. Afternoon tea here is a moment of elegance suspended above the trees. The city stretches endlessly below, a canopy of green that gives Joburg its reputation as one of the world’s most tree-dense cities. But visit between October and November, and you’ll see it at its most magical — Jacaranda season, when a purple haze settles over the landscape like velvet.
Settle in with something sweet or savoury, sip something cool or comforting, and take it all in. It’s a perfect pause — and a reminder of Joburg’s quieter kind of beauty.
High on Life
For a golden hour to remember, head to the rooftop of The Leonardo — the second tallest building in Africa — and ride 57 floors up to Alto234, the highest urban bar on the continent.
At 234 metres above the city, you’ll find 360-degree views that stretch to the Magaliesberg mountains and beyond. Grab a mini Moët from the Champagne vending machine, settle by the rooftop firepits, and watch the sun dip below the skyline as Joburg begins to glow.
From up here, you can spot everything — planes lifting off from OR Tambo, the silhouette of the Voortrekker Monument, and the rooftops of Soweto. It’s Johannesburg in full cinematic mode.
If your appetite’s still alive after sunset, head down to AURUM Restaurant on the 7th floor. With an eclectic menu and a wine list full of local favourites, it’s the perfect finish. Or disappear into The Wine Library, home to rare vintages and hidden gems from the private cellar.
If you’re laying over in Johannesburg and looking for something fun, light-hearted, and a little different — chat to us.
