Johannesburg - Shopping

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Shopping

Johannesburg

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Africa South Africa Johannesburg Shopping

Overview

Shopping The guide was updated: 2024-09-11

From upmarket malls to street markets, via designer fashion, crafts, curios and lovely things for the home, Johannesburg is a paradise for shoppers. Mall culture distinguishes this city of dedicated shoppers. Sandton City and its adjacent Nelson Mandela Square is one of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere. The packed African Crafts Market lies next to the stylish Mall of Rosebank, which takes on new vibes on Sundays and public holidays when the lively Rooftop Market is in full swing.

Norwood’s Grant Avenue is good for antiques and Parkhurst’s Fourth Avenue for collectables and interior design. Go to The African Toyshop on Stanley Avenue, Milpark, for toys as works of art. Art Africa on Tyrone Avenue in Parkview boasts a dazzling array of ethnic arts and crafts, and Kim Sacks Gallery in Parkwood for excellent tribal African art.

Keep all the receipts of your purchases, as visitors can reclaim the tax paid on departure at the airport.

The Playground Market

The Playground Market

If you happen to be in town on a Saturday, do step by the hip community market occupying two floors of an old warehouse. The market is fit for dining just as much as (if not more than) shopping — local creators showcase and sell their culinary inventions, with a few clothing stands thrown into the mix. For brunch, head to the second-floor terrace.

44 Stanley

44 Stanley

44 Stanley might just be one of the most unusual shopping malls you've yet encountered. It occupiees a re-developed old building, the mall is made up of multiple almost irritatingly stylish shops and boutiques, with hip cafes inviting shoppers to a quaint break in the shaded courtyards.

Market on Main

Market on Main

The Sunday Market on Main epitomizes what Joburg does best — urban redevelopment and gathering local talent under one roof. Held inside Arts on Main, the market heavily leans onto deli and culinary delights, but also features design and fashion outlets. Visit every Sunday, as well as every first Thursday night of each month (besides January and April) from 7 pm to 11 pm.

Nelson Mandela Square

Nelson Mandela Square

Located right next to another shopping destination (Sandton City Mall), Nelson Mandela Square has a buzzing, restaurant-filled plaza as its centrepiece. There is plenty of retail therapy to be had, and the Nelson Mandela statue out front is an added-bonus local attraction.

Rosebank Mall

Rosebank Mall

For the greatest retail variety, head to the Rosebank Mall complex. Apart from the shops and boutiques operating during regular hours, the area plays host to the Rosebank Sunday Market and Rosebank Art & Craft Market. The latter operates daily and specializes in African art.

Oriental Plaza

Oriental Plaza

Johannesburg's Oriental Plaza offers an assortment of goods different to what one would perhaps find in shopping centres elsewhere in town. Most shops sell Indian and Arabic spices, garments, accessories, and several casual eateries function on-site as well.

Bryanston Organic & Natural Market at Michael Mount

Bryanston Organic & Natural Market at Michael Mount

Held on Thursday and Saturday mornings, the Bryanston Organic & Natural Market at Michael Mount sells only handcrafted goods and organically produced foods, and its tea garden is restful. Local musicians and bands play live in the background.

Xarra Books

Xarra Books

To browse through literature dealing with all things Africa, as well as check out the art and music sections of this well-regarded local book and music/art shop, head to the Johannesburg area of Midrand. There are readings and book launches every week.

Eastgate Shopping Centre

Eastgate Shopping Centre

This first-class shopping centre has been around since 1979, and remains a prime shopping venue in the area to-date. Once the largest shopping center in the southern hemisphere, it may have lost the flashy title, but still remains a great one-stop location for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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