What to do in Sandton

The famous Nelson Mandela statue at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. Photo: Scott Rippon / Flickr

Sandton is a mecca for shopaholics – but there’s lots to do in the area. Here’s our top picks:

Sandton central park

Why you should visit: The Sandton central park is a peaceful, green paradise in the heart of the busy financial district. Built to create a healthy recreational space for the residents and workers, the park offers sculptured garden beds, indigenous trees and a grassed amphitheatre that hosts live events year-round. It’s a great place to relax and catch your breath in the midst of bustling Sandton.

How much does it cost: Entrance to the park is free.

How to get there: Find the park on 5th street in Sandton.

Montecasino

Why you should visit: Opened in November 2000, the tuscan-inspired Montecasino is an action-packed entertainment and casino complex located in Fourways, Sandton. Known as Gauteng’s leading entertainment hub, Monte, as it’s called locally, offers fine dining, gaming, spa facilities and child-friendly activities. A definite one-stop-shop for some indoor fun!

How to get there: Montecasino is located at Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg.

Nelson Mandela Square

Why you should visit: First opened in 1994 and designed to resemble St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Nelson Mandela Square is a wonderful mix of retail and lifestyle activities. Shop to your heart’s content or eat out at one of the many, authentic restaurants. Whatever you do, don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic bronze Nelson Mandela statue that calls the square home.

I Love South Africa

In the absence of a strong national brand that focuses solely on the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors, I Love South Africa has come to life. While exploring all aspects of tourism and hospitality, I Love South Africa will be the go-to source of daily travel news keeping readers up to date with the high-tempo travel and hospitality sector. I Love South Africa is part of the Blue Sky Publications group, publishers of The South African, one of South Africa’s largest and the fastest-growing news publications.