Margo's Guidebook: Rosebank, Johannesburg
Wine and dine with locals
Rosebank has a plethora of available amenities and entertainment options. In Rosebank, my favorites are:
The Zone, the FIRS, Bolton corner pubs and restaurants.
Just outside Rosebank, and I mean a really short commute from the
apartment, I have a few favorite spots to chill. ‘The parks’ as we call them ( Rosebank and surrounding suburbs) provides the quintessential mix of suburban living (mostly safe), combined with food, dance, art, culture, and more.
In the Parks - Bars, restaurants and awesome cafe culture. Good by day or night. Style up and head out! My favorites: Espresso and Vine.
102 locals raden deze aan
Parkhurst
19 17th StraatIn the Parks - Bars, restaurants and awesome cafe culture. Good by day or night. Style up and head out! My favorites: Espresso and Vine.
In the Parks -
Pub and grub. Visit nearby suburb Greenside for bars, restaurants, vegan treats and alternative medicine practices. 3,7 km or 7 min away by car. My favorites: Doppio Zero.
47 locals raden deze aan
Greenside
In the Parks -
Pub and grub. Visit nearby suburb Greenside for bars, restaurants, vegan treats and alternative medicine practices. 3,7 km or 7 min away by car. My favorites: Doppio Zero.
Sophisticated dining and shopping. Great for sundowners. Trendy crowd. Wear those leather sole shoes guys and girls, heel up! My favorites: The Grillhouse (meat and more meat, try the ostrich carpaccio or biltong and avocado salad. Tashas for great cocktails and divine food!
167 locals raden deze aan
Melrose Arch
60 Melrose BlvdSophisticated dining and shopping. Great for sundowners. Trendy crowd. Wear those leather sole shoes guys and girls, heel up! My favorites: The Grillhouse (meat and more meat, try the ostrich carpaccio or biltong and avocado salad. Tashas for great cocktails and divine food!
Sandton city is one of the largest shopping malls in the country and on the continent. It boasts several high end chain stores (Gucci, Chanel, etc.) whilst accommodating the fast fashion adherants (of Zara, H&M) and some mid-range (Paul Smith, Ted Baker, Tiger of Sweden). My favorite thing to do there is watch tourists strike a pose with Mandela on Mandela square. Lovely court side restaurants. Try the Butcher shop (posh nosh) or Wang Thai (for a view).
488 locals raden deze aan
Sandton City Shopping Centre
83 Rivonia RdSandton city is one of the largest shopping malls in the country and on the continent. It boasts several high end chain stores (Gucci, Chanel, etc.) whilst accommodating the fast fashion adherants (of Zara, H&M) and some mid-range (Paul Smith, Ted Baker, Tiger of Sweden). My favorite thing to do there is watch tourists strike a pose with Mandela on Mandela square. Lovely court side restaurants. Try the Butcher shop (posh nosh) or Wang Thai (for a view).
Sightseeing
Zoo Lake
Emmarentia Dam
My favorite sundowner spot!
Come to the Four seasons Westcliff hotel by day or night for fabulous views. Make sure to go to the highest deck as views from there of the entire Joburg north are simply stunning. Some music. Great cocktails. Sophisticated vibe. Style up!
Four Seasons Spa Westcliff
67 Jan Smuts AveStadsadvies
Vervoersmogelijkheden
Marvelous Mobility!
Uber Uber Uber! Johannesburg, for all its wonders, has limited public transportation options. This was a reality for many years, which has led to most people living in Johannesburg, owning a car before they even dream of owning a house. Though there is a public bus service, it’s generally not very reliable and the service ends quite early (around 8pm), so getting around this way is not ideal. The public trains are generally not considered safe. You won’t find professionals using the train and routes are limited. Other than Uber, catch the Gautrain.
Reizen met kinderen
Family friendly, safe Rosebank!
Rosebank is one of the few suburbs in Johannesburg where people actually walk. You will see babies in strollers being wheeled by parents in gym wear. You will find walkways and see kids go gaga over the little fountain close to Hamleys toy store in Rosebank. Definitely pack a stroller, backpack and some comfy walking shoes to help you get around this way.
Nuttige zinnen
Linguistic melting pot!
1. Howzit? Meaning: how are you? (Every South African loves Howzit). 2. Lekker! Meaning: nice. 3. Unjani? Meaning: how are you? 4. Yebo! Meaning: yes 5. Haibo! Meaning: no
Cultuur en gebruiken
Smile and we’re good!
South African are notoriously friendly and hospitable. Joburg is however a little like any other big city anywhere in the world. Things and people move fast and niceties sometimes slip by the wayside as a result. Don’t be offended. It’s the pace that has us panting! Just smile back! It is customary to tip the waiter at restaurants, usually 10% of the tables bill. Yes, bill. We don’t say cheque here. Dress code is very casual. Johannesburg is quite secular and cosmopolitan in its outlook. You will likely not experience any religious or political intolerance.
Mis dit niet
Sights and sounds galore!
Rosebank and surrounds have several great spots for art lovers, music lovers and nature lovers. Art lovers can explore the galleries on Keyes Art Mile or on Jan Smuts Avenue. Music lovers can try Katzys lounge bar ( try Thursday. Friday or Saturday nights for some live music and Di), or Street Bar (Dj on some days and Sunday afternoons). Nature lovers must see Zoo Lake, an actual lake, with stunning restaurant with a tree canopy where you can also rent a small boat and row yourself around the lake. Much fun. Also see Emmarentia dam and Johannesburg Botanical gardens for lush greens and water!
Manieren om te besparen
Cheap by int. Standards!
Food and drinks are cheap by European or American standards. This applies also to our sit down restaurants. A typical breakfast of juice, coffee, bacon, eggs and toast could cost between R50 and R80 in Rosebank. Lunch consisting of a soft drink and pizza or sandwich could cost be between R60 and R120 in Rosebank. Beers cost around R30-R50, admittedly not cheap. Dinner of steak and chips plus a beer could cost under R150.