Shopping in Johannesburg, South Africa
The large number of shopping centers that Joburg has is quite an incentive to do some shopping. Malls are the best options for those who want to shop in the city, because, in addition to bringing together in a single space a wide variety of products, they are safe and comfortable.
The destination is not so attractive for shopping and the prices are similar to those of Brazil, it is true, but if you look carefully you can make good deals. Even though the price difference in stores is not as significant as in other shopping-oriented cities, there are items that can be very worthwhile, especially when VAT is refunded (read more here).
Strolling through the malls you will find stores of all kinds, clothes, shoes, bags, sports, accessories, beauty products etc. What does not make it much easier for us, Brazilians, is that the country’s domestic trade is very strong and shopping malls often have stores that we cannot identify by name. The tip is to be less attached to brands and look at products more carefully. Check abbreviationfinder.org for abbreviations and acronyms related to Johannesburg, South Africa.
One mall that you shouldn’t miss and that offers a lot of international brands is Sandton City. Modern and new, it is one of the best shopping options in Joburg. Its neighbor Mandela Square is another great option for shopping and mixes a bit of local stores with international brands.
Melrose Arch is very worthwhile for those who like the traditional style of shopping and for those who enjoy walking the streets observing details in the windows. To get to know the most charming mall in the city, the tip is to go to the Montecasino complex, with a good variety of restaurants, but which draws attention even for the internal decoration, designed like an Italian city – instead of glassed windows, old-style buildings ; in place of a modern ceiling, a backdrop with the sky.
Montecasino
Montecasino is a complex with shops, casinos, hotels and many restaurants, suitable for shopping, eating or simply enjoying the nightlife in a restaurant, listening to live music.
The great advantage of this complex is that its interior was built taking inspiration from an old Italian city, that is, when shopping and walking through the corridors you will not see a traditional mall and you will feel like in a city. The interior and its decoration have old buildings, stone floors, a fountain and a backdrop representing the sky, instead of a glass ceiling, for example. The experience is worth it both because of the good restaurants and stores in the complex and to get to know a different model of shopping, which differs – and a lot – from the traditional style that exists in Brazil.
After betting a few chips on the casino, be sure to head to the complex’s outdoor area, which has a square and good restaurants to eat outdoors.
Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg
Website: http://www.montecasino.co.za/
Nelson Mandela Square
Nelson Mandela Square (or simply Mandela Square) is a private place in the city of Johannesburg that has shops and several restaurants. The place is next to Sandton City, in a huge and safe complex, where there are several entertainment options and hotels. This area is great for those who want to stay and find shops nearby or just for those who want to do some shopping and eating at good restaurants.
In the central part of Mandela Square you will find fine restaurants and an imposing statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela, symbol of the struggle against apartheid – South Africa’s former racial segregation regime.
Sandton, Johannesburg
Website: http://www.nelsonmandelasquare.co.za/
Melrose Arch
Melrose Arch is a private complex with hotels, shopping, bars, street shops and several restaurants. Overall, Johannesburg is not considered such a safe place to walk on public roads, especially at night, but once you get to know this complex, you will feel like walking the city streets – best of all, safely.
We recommend visiting the place in the late afternoon / evening, so that you can enjoy the shops still open and, later, have dinner in some of its great restaurants.
Melrose Arch is one of the best alternatives for those who like to enjoy the nightlife.
Corner of Corlett Drive and M1, Melrose, Johannesburg
Website: http://www.melrosearch.co.za/
Sandton city
Sandton City is a modern Johannesburg mall and one of the best places to shop in the city. The mall has a wide range of stores and franchises from some of the most important international brands, such as Louis Vuitton, MAC and Lacoste.
This mall is located in the middle of a large complex with hotels and restaurants, and has easy access to the Gautrain station, the city’s train transport.
Sandton City is one of the must-see spots, not only for those who like shopping, but because it is a spot that is really visited by tourists and locals.
Sandton, Johannesburg
Website: http://www.sandtoncity.com/
The Mall of Rosebank
The Mall of Rosebank is one of the city’s malls, as well as a good place to shop in Johannesburg. This mall has a good range of shops and restaurants, and also has a supermarket.
The Gautrain station is close to the mall, ensuring easy access to the location.
50 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: http://www.themallofrosebank.co.za/