Shopping
Nelson Mandela Square
A tourist attraction and home to the most exclusive stores and restaurants in the city, Nelson Mandela Square has everything you need for the perfect shopping experience. Start off by taking a stroll through their collection of shops, which includes Corthay Paris, Fabiani, Factorie and Forever 21, to pick up a few in vogue pieces to add to your wardrobe. Then end off your shopping spree with an afternoon dining on the square at Hard Rock Café, Tasha’s or Trumps.
Sandton City
A visit to Sandton is not complete without experiencing the shopping haven of Sandton City. Just a stone’s throw from Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City has just about everything you could ever need – and want – all under one roof. Spend the day finding the latest fashion trends at Zara and H&M, purchasing the best makeup on the market from Edgars and Urban Decay, lunching at JB’s Corner or Walnut Grove, and spotting a few local celebs.
Hyde Park Corner
From sophisticated international fashion brands to fantastic dining options and speciality stores, Hyde Park Corner boasts a reputation for being the centre of luxury. Shoppers can expect a retail experience like no other, complete with over 500 of the globe’s foremost international brands and 130 iconic stores. You can also catch the latest blockbusters at their Nu-Metro cinema or delve into your favourite author’s latest novel while grabbing a cappuccino at the Social Kitchen in Exclusive Books.
Eat
If you’re into fancy feasts and fine dining, then Sandton is the place for you. As the richest square mile in Africa, there’s good food to be found around every corner.
Pappas On The Square
Everybody loves a classic. Sinatra singing Fly Me To The Moon, Sean Connery as James Bond in an Aston Martin from the 60s. You might not find any Sinatra or Connery or DB5s at Pappas On The Square in Sandton, but you will find that elusive quality found in the mainstay of what makes a classic. Their authentic Greek food is amazing. We suggest the lamb shank – the meat just falls off the bone.
The Bull Run
A butcher and restaurant combo, The Bull Run is conveniently located opposite the JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) and a stone’s throw from the Sandton CBD. It has fast built up a reputation as the business lunch or dinner restaurant of choice and serves perfectly matured South African beef.
Tashas
Nelson Mandela Square, Hyde Park, Melrose – there’s no problem finding a tashas in Sandton. This is just the restaurant if you want to tuck into something simple, fresh and comforting. Stop by for breakfast to start off your day on a good note, pick up a sarmie for lunch, or get together with the girls for some coffee and scrumptious desserts.
Café Del Sol Botanico
You don’t need to be outdoors to reconnect with nature. Complete with shades of green, aubergine, grey and white, Café del Sol Botanico brings nature indoors, making it a unique spot to grab an early lunch, a few cocktails or a fantastic meal. Their menu has a selection of colourful salads, comforting pasta, Italian classics, including risotto and gnocchi, and cheesy pizzas.
Sleeping Out In Sandton
Book yourself into one of the many luxurious hotels and suites in Sandton. The beds are soft, the views beautiful and the service stellar. Here are some of our favourite places to crash in Sandton.
Michelangelo Hotel
Known as one of the most popular hotels in Africa, the Michelangelo Hotel offers 242 suites and rooms, along with world-class facilities including conferencing space, in a magnificent setting. You can also look forward to easy access to some of Africa’s finest shops, restaurants, cinemas and the theatre at Nelson Mandela Square.
DAVINCI Hotel
Guests can expect to receive world-class service at the DAVINCI Hotel and Suites at Nelson Mandela Square. The hotel features an immaculate infinity pool with cushioned loungers, and a full-service spa and a gym. The hotel’s rooms have contemporary white and black décor, a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee making facilities are provided in the room together with a mini bar. The DaVinci hotel also has an exclusive whisky, wine and cigar lounge.
The Maslow
If you’re looking for luxurious accommodation with free WiFi and a swimming pool at a good price, then look no further than The Maslow. The hotel features contemporary decor, carpeted floors and is furnished with warm colours. Each room has a panoramic view of the city as an added bonus.
Entertainment
From the stage to the dance floor and everything in between, Sandton is not just a pretty sight to see but a great place to find entertainment. Here are some of the coolest places to check out when you’re in town again.
A&G Theatre On The Square
Who would have thought that Sandton would be the place to go if you enjoy the stage? The Theatre on the Square is located on the northeastern corner of Nelson Mandela Square. There are a few low-price previews prior to the official opening of each new show, so keep your eyes glued to their official site to see what’s cracking at the Theatre On The Square.
Taboo Night Club
Porches, Jaguars and Hummers line the pavement outside the Taboo Night Club. Beautiful people can be found inside having the time of their lives, donning designer outfits and sipping martinis. The atmosphere is altogether fun, and the décor is second to none, with red and black wallpaper, red lighting and white leather couches all over the place. It’s the kind of place celebrities and politicians go to blow off some steam.
Maxim Lounge
Looking for the perfect whisky bar? Then head to the newly launched Maxim Lounge in Sandton. Maxim has collaborated with Scotch whisky stalwarts, Johnnie Walker, so the barmen’s uniforms are branded with the iconic striding main motif on the cuffs and chest. Needless to say that the Maxim Lounge serves some of the most exclusive and rare whiskies in the world.
Go Outside
James and Ethel Gray Park
With some of the best sunrises and lovely views of the city, James and Ethel Gray Park is a small park ideal for early morning running sessions, walks with your beloved four-legged companions, or a relaxed stroll.
Sandton Central Park
Right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Sandton’s financial district is the small yet beautiful Sandton Central Park. Not only does it give business people a place to relax during their lunch hour, but it’s also a lovely spot for dog walking, playing a few rounds of soccer or having a picnic with the family over the weekend.
Check out this cool drone footage shot by our homies P3 Drones:
By Shawn Greyling and Kim Brown
Have we left out any of your favourite spots in Sandton? Then let us know all about it in the comments section below. Also, sharing is caring, so show some love by posting this on social media for us.
