Art director and Joburg local (also known as Jozi), Boitumelo Molamu, gives us the inside scoop on his hometown.
Discover this rich and fascinating metropolis like a local: what to do and what to see in Johannesburg… a curated list of the best spots! Ready for a guided tour?
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Boitumelo — an experience-obsessed, Gen Z creative based in Joburg. By profession I’m an Art Director, building visual worlds for brands such as MTN, Hennessy, Coca Cola, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, GALXBOY and so much more.
Beyond my 9 to 5, I run a little boutique creative studio called Rocketville Concepts, where I get to work on really cool creative projects with my friends — from design to strategy, digital content and experiences.
One of the projects I’m excited about is the film screening that Rocketville Concepts is putting together for luxury fashion brand BOYDE.
How long have you lived in Joburg?
Joburg has had my heart for almost five years now. I first moved here to study, but now I can’t see myself anywhere else.
What are some of your favorite neighborhoods in Jozi?
Joburg has this cluster of neighborhoods nicknamed “The Parks”. These include Parktown North, Parkhurst, Hyde Park, Rosebank, Craighall Park, Parkwood & honorary neighborhoods like Illovo and Melrose.
These are all must-visit areas in Johannesburg. You’ll mostly find me there for the restaurants, bars, and parks, and because all my creative and stylish friends live there.
But if I had to pick one neighborhood, it would be Illovo, besides living there, it’s just a very pleasant area.
What do you like most about living in Johannesburg?
Joburg has an edge that makes you believe — believe in yourself, believe in your ideas. It’s inspiring.
Every time I look out from my balcony in Illovo, I feel like my dreams are within reach.
The city has a splendid creative culture at many different levels. And then there’s the social life; the people are just really cool.
Any travel tips you would like to give to people visiting the city for the first time?
Make friends with someone from Johannesburg. The city is amazing. However, it does not feel like fun when you do it alone. IIt’s best enjoyed in company (preferably with a local who can show you the best spots).
Let’s start the tour. Show us your favorite places in Johannesburg.
First of all, welcome to Joburg, the best city in South Africa and the capital of the Gauteng region! I stand firmly by that. There is no shortage of places and activities here, and every traveler will find something they love.
The best cafes and bars in Johannesburg
Want something to drink? Let’s get coffee:
- The Commune — Braamfontein: both a pan-African bookstore and a cafe. @thecommunejhb
- Father Coffee — Kramerville & Rosebank. @father_coffee
- Dough & co. — Parktown North: the best pastries, especially in the morning. @doughandco_sa
- Getbird Brew — Illovo. @getbird.co.za
- Gabriella’s Tea Room — Parktown North. @gabriellastearoom
- Mamakashaka & Friends — Braamfontein. @mamakashakaandfriends
Now, coffee is only valid until 12pm. Then we need a good drink:
- Sin+Tax Bar — Rosebank: best cocktails. @sin_tax_bar
- A StreetBar Named Desire — Rosebank: a proper “lekker jol” (great party). @a.streetbar.named.desire
- Neighbarhood — Parktown North: for a drink, a chat, and listening to vinyl in the back. @we_are_neighbarhood
- The Jolly Roger — Parkhurst: a proper South Ahh “Afrikaans” dive bar.
- Marble — Rosebank: for great cocktails with a view. @marble_jhb
- Obscura Cocktail Bar & Eatery — Rosebank: great cocktails with some fun to it. @obscuracocktailbar
- Benchwarmers Sports Bar — Rosebank: the energy is crazy during big games. @benchwarmers_jhb
- WineBar — Kramerville & Rosebak: the best place to find wine from local independent winemakers.
- Artistry JHB — Sandton: where the corporate scene meets the creative scene. @artistryjhb
Restaurants to try in Joburg
A drink is good, but you also need to eat and taste some specialties from South Africa and beyond:
- Aura — Sandton: for afro-fusion cuisine made with local ingredients.
- Pata Pata – Maboneng: to enjoy an authentic South African braai. @patapata_maboneng
- Che Argentine Grill — Rosebank: if you’re feeling like some grilled meat. @chegrill_jbh
- Saint – Sandton: for excellent Italian cuisine; my favorite has to be the pizza. @saint_jhb
- Bottega Cafe — Parkhurst: best pasta, good cocktails and guaranteed to have a different kind of tequila. @bottegaparkhurst
- SLAPS Sandos — Parkhurst: the best burgers in Jozi by far. @slapssandos
- Nonna Mia’s — Parktown North & Illovo: best pizza. @nonnamiaspizza
- The Whippet — Linden: best for breakfast. @thewhippetlinden
Must-visit art galleries
Now, let’s go look at some art:
- BKhz Gallery — Rosebank: first stop for seeing young South African Black artists. The gallery is also Black-owned. @bkhz
- Everard Read Johannesburg — Rosebank: great for South African commercial artists. @everard_read_johannesburg
- Gallery MOMO — Parktown North: great mix of emerging and established contemporary artists, curated by young curators. @gallerymomo
- Stevenson Johannesburg — Parktown North: leading contemporary art gallery with spaces in Joburg, Cape Town and Amsterdam. @stevenson_sa
- Goodman Gallery Johannesburg — Rosebank: long-standing, internationally acclaimed art institution. @goodman_gallery
- David Krut Projects: gallery and art bookstore. Small, niche and filled with knowledge. @davidkrutprojects
Shopping in Johannesburg
Local studios and stores that are a definite must-shop include:
- BOYDE — Maboneng: local luxury fashion brand. @boyde_official
- SASH SOUTH AFRICA — Maboneng: slow fashion clothing brand founded by designer and visual artist, Sakhile Cebekhulu. @sash_southafrica
- Wanda Lephoto — Parktown North : ready-to-wear menswear. @wandalephoto
- UNI FORM by Luke Radloff — Parktown North: clothing brand, elevated classics with a South African twist. @uniformza
- Niche Perfumes — Parkhurst: local, artisanal perfume shop. @nicheparfums_rsa
- Happyville — Parkhurst: high-end streetwear. @happyville_
Joburg places to visit
Joburg is one of those cities where you have to be one with the locals to experience it best; it’s not really a city for sightseeing. However, a few places you can definitely check out are:
- The Apartheid Museum — great for gaining some historical context on South Africa’s history. @apartheidmuseum
- Vilakazi Street & Mandela House in Soweto: the Soweto township is an essential cultural whether you go for the history, the food or just the vibe. @mandelahousemuseum
- Nelson Mandela Square
- The Wanderers Club: for sports fans, located in the Illovo district.
Onomo’s Jozi travel tips
Getting around Johannesburg
Despite its charms, Joburg isn’t really a walking city. Your best bet is to hire a car or order an Uber.
The Gautrain (@thegautrain) is another good option for longer distances, including travel to and from O.R. Tambo International Airport, while the City Sightseeing Bus (@citysightseeingsa) is a convenient way to see key sights.
Some of our favorite spots
- 44 Stanley (Shopping, food and culture hub with gems like @manor.africa, @pathnomad, @mrvinylza, @artwave.jhb, @thelibraryo, @thebioscope, @yade_intl and many more). @44_stanleyavenue
- August House Artist Studios (Art hub. Home to some of the city’s top artists). @august_house76
- The Movement Store at Constitution Hill (Locally made art, design and fashion). @constitution_hill
Attractions beyond the city
Ever dreamt of going on a safari? If you have the time, a visit to the Kruger National Park (about 4 hours’ drive from Joburg) to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat promises to be a highlight of your trip. @sanparks
Where to sleep in Joburg
We also advise you to choose a hotel in Johannesburg from which you can easily explore the metropolis.
Onomo Hotel Johannesburg Sandton: is perfectly situated in one of these prime zones, just steps away from the Sandton Convention Centre, half an hour from O.R. Tambo International Airport, and fifteen minutes from the Parktown North district. @onomo.sandton
Frequently Asked Questions about Johannesburg
Is Johannesburg worth visiting for tourists?
Absolutely. Johannesburg is the beating heart of South Africa. More than just a layover, it’s a vibrant metropolis offering a unique immersion into contemporary history, a booming urban art scene, and world-class gastronomy.
What is the safest neighborhood in Johannesburg?
Sandton is widely considered the safest and most modern neighborhood in Johannesburg. As the city’s financial center, it benefits from increased security and high-end infrastructure.
Other areas like Rosebank and Melrose Arch are also highly recommended for international travelers. This is where the Onomo Hotel is located, offering a secure and strategic base.
How many days in Johannesburg is enough?
We recommend planning 3 to 4 days to visit Johannesburg.
- Day 1: History (Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill).
- Day 2: Local culture (Soweto and lunch on Vilakazi Street).
- Day 3: Lifestyle and art (Rosebank, art galleries, and shopping in Sandton).
- Day 4: Excursion to the Cradle of Humankind or relaxing in the city parks.
What is the best month to visit Johannesburg?
The best time is from September to November (Spring) and from March to May (Autumn). During these seasons, the weather is mild and sunny. In October, you’ll also have the chance to see the city covered in the purple blooms of the Jacaranda trees—an unforgettable sight.
Ready to admire the jacarandas or explore the galleries of Rosebank? Book your stay at Onomo Hotel Sandton and live Johannesburg like a local.
