Travel guide: Johannesburg

posted 2019 Jul by

TOP THINGS TO DO IN JOHANNESBURG

While Cape Town is generally most widely lauded and revered for its beautiful coastal views, Johannesburg is South Africa's bustling design, art and culture-filled metropolis. Join us on a quick virtual jaunt to Jo'burg!

Image credit: Saxon Hotel

WHERE TO STAY

The private house turned luxury hotel, Saxon Hotel, is where Nelson Mandela worked on his memoir, Long Walk to Freedom. The 53-room accommodation is now home to Contemporary African Art, brown lattice shutters and big beautiful bay windows. There is no shortage of things to discover, from the six-acre garden equipped with koi pond, to sound therapy at their spa. Saxon Hotel is the luxurious retreat you've been craving!

WHERE TO EAT

Marble Restaurant took South Africa's love for cooking over an open flame and made it a celebration for the senses. With their open-kitchen serving as the main focal point, guests are treated to modern, fine dining with dishes ranging from smoked kudu and caramelized pear to gorgonzola with a sherry dressing.

WHAT TO EXPLORE

The Johannesburg Art Gallery or JAG is home to the largest collection of artwork in Africa. The collection consists of 17th and 18th century European paintings and artwork by renown South African artists. Artwork by artists ranging from Picasso and Rodin to Sekoto and Pierneef makes up their impressive collection.

THE ART PRECINCT: MABONENG

Located just 10 minutes outside the city center, Maboneng Precinct is known as the neighborhood equivalent to London's Shoreditch and Brooklyn's DUMBO. Rich in culture, color and grit, Maboneng's popularity is steadily increasing. Visit Arts on Main for a more in depth list of things to do in Maboneng, which includes the Museum of African Design, also known as the MoAD, the very first museum dedicated to design in Africa.