Rosebank is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood with tree-lined streets, trendy pavement cafes and beautiful red-brick buildings. Dine at chef-driven restaurants and visit one of the top contemporary art galleries in South Africa. Head into Johannesburg to visit world-class attractions like Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum.
Things to do in Rosebank
The streets of Rosebank are lined with leafy acacia and jacaranda trees. Handsome Art Deco buildings lend historic charm to the neighbourhood. It’s a lovely place to stroll and enjoy Johannesburg through a local lens. Stop for lunch at a trendy café and browse independent boutiques.
Admire works by icons like Sam Nhlengethwa and William Kentridge at the Goodman Gallery. Famed art dealer Linda Givon founded the gallery in the 1960s and built up a fantastic collection of contemporary art. The gallery is on Art Mile and is one of several high-end galleries in the area.
You’ll find some of the best cafes and dining establishments on Jan Smuts Avenue. Sit down in a tree-shaded courtyard and enjoy freshly tossed salads, gourmet sandwiches and “boerewors” South African sausages. Sleek cocktail lounges and champagne bars make Rosebank a buzzing nightlife destination.
Head north to visit Liliesleaf Farm, the former headquarters of the African National Congress. Retrace the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and learn about South Africa’s long struggle for freedom and tolerance. Interactive exhibits bring key people, places and events to life. Dive deeper into the city’s turbulent past at the Apartheid Museum in Downtown Johannesburg.
Just south of Rosebank is Johannesburg Zoo, where you can see more than 300 species from around the world. Marvel enormous animals like gorillas and hippos, as well as majestic big cats and striped hyenas.
Getting around Rosebank
Rosebank is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The neighbourhood is 15-minutes from Downtown Johannesburg by car or bus. OR Tambo International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.