Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Shopping and Hotels
Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square are the linked shopping and entertainment complexes at the heart of the prestigious, cosmopolitan Sandton District. The Gautrain station is a short walk from Sandton Square and whizzes visitors to and from the OR Tambo Airport in 12 minutes.
Shopping at Sandton City
Sandton City is the shopping arm of this sophisticated complex, where some of South Africa’s top designers like Carrol Boyes and Jenni Button have their shops rubbing shoulders with the flagship stores of Apple, Exclusive Books, and a plethora of international brands.
With close to 360 beautifully fronted retailers, Sandton City is a one-of-a-kind premier fashion and leisure destination, set in a light, architecturally stylish building. Sandton City is also a cultural Pan-African showcase, with the best in African couture, art and curios on display.
Shoppers are easily connected to Nelson Mandela Square, which in itself is a short distance from the Sandton Convention Centre. The Square is surrounded by top class hotels and restaurants and is presided over by a 6 metre benevolent Nelson Mandela statue. The fountain in the centre of the square shoots up a spout of water in which children can frolic, watched by their parents taking a break at one of the sidewalk cafés.
Restaurants
The Square is surrounded by al-fresco sidewalk cafés and fine restaurants, both on the ground and upper floors. There is the famous Butcher’s Shop & Grill – regarded as one of Jozi’s top steakhouses, with a superb wine list. A delicious seafood option is the Pigalle inside Michelangelo Towers. See a selection of restaurants.
Whether you watch open air performances and the passing parade or read a magazine with a cup of the world’s finest coffee, enjoy a French croissant or a slice of local milk tart, you will have a great time out in the South African sunshine at the Square.
Nightclubs
Sandton provides an incredible choice for having a great night out. Here is a list of the top nightclubs and bars in the Sandton area. You could even venture out of Sandton to enjoy some of the best bars and clubs in all Johannesburg.
Accommodation
If you are looking for accommodation, there are four five-star hotels immediately surrounding Nelson Mandela Square as well as the Southern Sun hotels linked to Sandton City and the Sandton Convention Centre. Other famous hotel names such as Holiday Inn and two Radissons hotels are within close walking distance. On Nelson Mandela Square you can choose between The Michelangelo, Michelangelo Towers and Da Vinci’s.
Some of the best spots in these hotels are the Da Vinci’s Lounge & Bar and the Maximillien Restaurant and its breakfasts in the conservancy; Piccolo Mondo for lunch and the II Ritrovo Lounge & Cocktail Bar at the Michaelangelo Hotel – The Ritrovo Lounge & Cocktail Bar is a luxurious, classical space with secluded windows that provide great views over Nelson Mandela Square. This bar is popular among hotel residents and Jozi’s well-heeled businesspeople.
For views of Sandton, the two nearby Radisson Hotels are tops. The Radisson Blu Sandton Hotel boasts the city’s ultimate Platinum Planet Fitness Gym, including a 200 m running track with stunning high scans of the surrounding environs and beyond.
Theatre
The Old Mutual Theatre on the Square has received many accolades for theatre excellence. It seats 200 people in an upmarket, intimate setting. Over 350 productions – including plays, musicals, lunch hour and children’s theatre have been presented in the last 14 years. Call 011 883 8606 or go to website for current show and booking information.
Directions to Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square
When travelling from O.R. Tambo International Airport: Travel along the R24 towards Johannesburg, Take the N3 (Pretoria) off ramp after some distance take the Marlboro Drive off-ramp. Turn left and travel straight along Marlboro Drive until you reach the intersection of Marlboro Drive and Katherine Street, turn left into Katherine Street. Travel along Katherine Street until you reach 5th Street. Turn right into 5th Street. Cross over Rivonia Road intersection. Turn first right into Nelson Mandela Square undercover parking. Just a little further along 5th Street is the undercover parking for Sandton City. Both these parking areas lead to shopping and the Square. GPS coordinates: South 26° 06′ 9″ East 28° 02′ 48″
| More info on the town of Sandton | More info on the Johannesburg area |
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