Sandton is a luxe inner city neighbourhood set beneath soaring skyscrapers. It’s the financial hub of Johannesburg and features luxury malls and a glamorous casino. Dine at upmarket restaurants, shop at luxury boutiques and meet flamingos, lemurs and more in an enormous walk-through aviary.
Things to do in Sandton
Nelson Mandela Square is framed by luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants. The open-air piazza is named after the beloved South African president and anchored by a six-metre-tall statue of Mandela. Dine at some of the top restaurants in the city and sink your teeth into premium South African steaks.
Shop more than 300 high-end retail stores at Sandton City. It’s one of the most iconic shopping centres in South Africa and features a striking pyramid-shaped roof. Stroll along the chandelier-lit Diamond Walk and browse boutiques by exclusive brands like Cartier, Burberry and Jimmy Choo. The family-friendly Fun District features games, play areas and an enormous toy store.
Flirt with Lady Luck at Montecasino, a glamorous casino and entertainment complex inspired by the Tuscan countryside. The beautiful ceiling mural features fluffy white clouds on one side and twinkling stars on the other. Walk through rows of neon-lit slot machines and raise the stakes with table games. There’s an in-house cinema, plus stylish restaurants and a world-class theatre where you can enjoy musicals, ballets and comedy shows.
Don’t miss the enchanting Montecasino Bird Gardens filled with lush tropical plants. You’ll see more than 60 species of birds in the cavernous walk-through aviary, including colourful flamingos and cassowaries. Look out for other special residents, including red-ruffed lemurs, iguanas, snapping turtles and a giant anaconda.
Getting around Sandton
Sandton is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while taxis are a good option for longer distances. The neighbourhood is a 25-minute drive from the Johannesburg city centre and 40 minutes from O. R. Tambo International Airport.