South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg is a fantastic destination for travellers, which offers a rich history, diverse culture, incredible food and amazing nightlife. The eclectic city makes for an exhilarating vacation you’ll treasure forever, the memories you’ll make here will last a lifetime.
If you’re here for the abundance of culture, it’s HERE! Nelson Mandela lived here and so did Sir Desmond Tutu, their struggles are recounted at Mandela House Museum and the Apartheid Museum.
But Johannesburg is a MASSIVE city and not all of its neighbourhoods are of interest – or are safe – for tourists. This is exactly why I put together this article about where to stay in Johannesburg.
Written by travellers for travellers, this guide is designed with one purpose – to help YOU find the best neighbourhood in Johannesburg for YOUR travel needs.
So whether you’re looking to eat the best food, dance the night away, or explore the coolest spots in town, I’ve got you. My list of the top five neighbourhoods will help you find the area that best fits your needs.
So, let’s get right to it. Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Photo: Ana Pereira
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Johannesburg?
- Johannesburg Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Johannesburg
- Johannesburg’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Johannesburg
- What To Pack For Johannesburg
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Johannesburg
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Johannesburg
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay on your backpacking tour of South Africa? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in Johannesburg.
Hallmark Hotel by BON Hotels | Best Hotel in Johannesburg
This awesome hotel has the most beautiful, accommodating staff that will make your stay here a dream. Located at the centre of Maboneng, this hotel has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars at its doorstep. It’s also a short walk to Newtown and trendy Braamfontein, book a north-facing room to make the most of the city centre location.
Curiosity Backpackers | Best Hostel in Johannesburg
Voted one of the chicest hostels in the world, it’s no wonder this is my pick for the best hostel in Johannesburg. Set at the heart of Maboneng, this hostel is close to restaurants, cafes and top sightseeing attractions. It has comfortable and spacious rooms and hosts a myriad of in-house activities.
If you love hostels, you should check out my list of the coolest hostels in Johannesburg!
The Franklin Luxury Condo | Best Airbnb in Johannesburg
For your first time visiting the city, staying somewhere with a view of the sunset is ideal, and this apartment accommodates just that. Before you explore Joburg, there are plenty of seats in the lounge to enjoy a glass of vino before a night out on the town. And when you make time for yourself, the apartment has access to a fitness centre so you can work on your fitness inside the building!
Newtown
Newtown is a bustling neighbourhood located in Johannesburg’s Inner City. Set at the heart of the metropolis, this neighbourhood is where you’ll find many of Johannesburg’s top tourist attractions as well as important art galleries, museums and historic landmarks
Maboneng
Maboneng is one of the coolest and most vibrant areas of Johannesburg’s Inner City. It’s a thriving neighbourhood packed with local shops and restaurants, creative spaces and cultural highlights
Braamfontein
Set towards the north end of Johannesburg’s Inner City is Braamfontein. Home to the main campus of the University of Witwatersrand, Braamfontein is where you’ll find Johannesburg’s young, hip and fabulous populations
Rosebank
Located north of the Inner City is Rosebank. A mixed-use neighbourhood, Rosebank has both commercial and residential spaces alongside shops, cafes, bars and clubs
Melrose
The Melrose neighbourhood is one of Johannesburg’s best-kept secrets. This stylish and urban area is located north of the Inner City and east of trendy Rosebank
Johannesburg is a massive and sprawling metropolis, it’s the largest city in South Africa and is home to a population of nearly 10 million people. You may be questioning whether South Africa is safe and for years, Johannesburg was plagued by its reputation for violence, stopping people from travelling here. And, while it’s still not perfect, the city is considerably safer than it once was – as long as you know where to go.
To help you plan your time in Johannesburg, this guide will examine the five best neighbourhoods in detail. Starting with the Inner City, at the heart of Johannesburg is Newtown. Home to many of Johannesburg’s most famous tourist attractions, Newtown is a hub for history, culture and great cuisine.
East of Newtown is Maboneng, once a no-go zone for tourists, Maboneng is one of the coolest and most creative areas of the city. North of Maboneng and Newtown is Braamfontein. This lively and vibrant neighborhood is dotted with trendy restaurants and hip boutiques as well as fun bars and thriving clubs.
Travel north out of the city centre and you’ll arrive in Rosebank. Undeniably the coolest neighbourhood in the city, Rosebank is home to quality shops, rustic cafes and plenty of great places to eat. And finally, a stylish suburban zone, Melrose is where you can enjoy a break from the hustle without going too far from the action.
Johannesburg’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Knowing where to stay in Johannesburg is super important. Getting around the city can be a tricky task and you want to be close to all the biggest attractions in Johannesburg. Although there is public transit, it can be unreliable but Uber is also available as are minibusses, tuk-tuks and metered taxis.
Now, let’s take a look in more detail at the five best neighbourhoods in Johannesburg.
1. Newtown – Where to Stay in Johannesburg for Your First Time
Newtown is a bustling neighbourhood located in Johannesburg’s Inner City. At the heart of the metropolis, this is where you’ll find many of Johannesburg’s top tourist attractions and important art galleries, museums and historic landmarks. Dotted with restaurants, cafes and plenty of shops, Newtown is my recommendation for where to stay if you’re visiting for the first time.
Culture vultures will love exploring the streets of Newtown. This neighbourhood is a hub for creativity, art, and history. From the Market Theatre to the Museum Africa, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the culture of South Africa.
City Lodge Newtown | Best Hotel in Newtown
This three-star hotel is my top choice for where to stay in Newtown. Set at the centre of the neighbourhood, this hotel is within walking distance of the Market Theatre, Museum Africa, great restaurants and lively bars. Rooms are comfortable and there’s free breakfast and an outdoor swimming pool too, woohoo!
The Franklin Luxury Condo | Best Airbnb in Newtown
For your first time visiting the city, staying somewhere with a view of the sunset is ideal, and this apartment accommodates just that. Before you explore Joburg, there are plenty of seats in the lounge to enjoy a glass of vino before a night out on the town. And when you make time for yourself, the apartment has access to a gym so you can work on your fitness conveniently inside the building!
Norman’s Studio | Best Apartment in Newtown
The price of this apartment is almost the price of a hostel but you get your own private spot! There’s an outdoor pool here which is lush for escaping the African heat. In an epic location near the city centre, you can be in the heart of the CBD in moments.
When you need room to breathe from the madness of the city, kick back in the beautiful outdoor pool and recoup. You could see the South African National Museum while you’re in Joburg or do some retail therapy at Sandton City Mall.
Things to See and Do in Newtown
Photo: Ana Pereira
- Dine on delicious African fare at Sophiatown.
- Explore a world of science, math, and technology at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
- Learn about Johannesburg’s rich and at times tumultuous history at Museum Africa.
- Spend an afternoon people-watching in Mary Fitzgerald Square.
- Take a guided tour of SAB World of Beer where you’ll discover the rich history of beer in South Africa.
- Embark on a full-day Apartheid tour through Pretoria, Johannesburg, Soweto that will introduce you to the history of South Africa
- Visit the Market Theatre, which regularly hosts engaging and bold productions tackling social and racial issues.
- Walk across the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, which spans 295 meters connecting Newtown with Braamfontein.
- Take a 3-day adventurous camping trip through Pilanesberg National Park.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Maboneng – Best Place to Stay in Johannesburg on a Budget
Maboneng is one of the coolest and most vibrant areas of Johannesburg’s Inner City. It’s a thriving neighbourhood packed with local shops and restaurants, creative spaces and cultural highlights. But it wasn’t always that way.
Until recently, Maboneng was one of the city’s biggest no-go-zones in Johannesburg, known for violence and danger. But thanks to a recent redevelopment and revamp, it’s now one of Johannesburg’s can’t miss destinations. Here you can enjoy fun urban life any night of the week.
Maboneng is also where you’ll find a high concentration of budget accommodation options. From backpacker hostels to chic boutique hotels, this trendy downtown neighbourhood is full of cost-conscious options for travellers of all styles and budgets.
Hallmark Hotel by BON Hotels | Best Hotel in Maboneng
This awesome hotel has the most beautiful, accommodating staff that will make your stay here a dream. Located in the centre of Maboneng, this hotel has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars at its doorstep. It’s also a short walk to Newtown and trendy Braamfontein, book a north-facing room to make the most of the city centre location.
Curiosity Backpackers | Best Hostel in Maboneng
Voted one of the chicest hostels in the world, it’s no wonder this is my pick for where to stay in Maboneng. Set at the heart of Johannesburg, this hostel is close to restaurants, cafes, and top sightseeing attractions. It has comfortable and spacious rooms and hosts a myriad of in-house activities with friendly staff.
Ellys on Fox | Best Airbnb in Maboneng
In the Maboneng precinct – this apartment is located in the heart of the artsiest, most trendy & vibrant areas of Central Johannesburg. From the entrance to the studio, this place boasts comfort with style. Relaxing bed to die for and for those nights, you just can’t make it out the complex will host movie nights on the roof.
Things to See and Do in Maboneng
Photo: Ana Pereira
- Browse the weekly Market on Main, Johannesburg’s leading food and arts market.
- Catch an art-house flick at The Bioscope.
- Visit the Cradle of Humankind and Lesedi Cultural Village to learn about a variety of tribal cultures.
- Explore Arts on Main, a fantastic space filled with vendors and shops, restaurants, cafes, arts and more!
- Visit a Diamond Mine and experience a tour of Cullinan Surface Mine.
3. Braamfontein – Best Area to Stay in Johannesburg For Nightlife
Set towards the north end of Johannesburg’s Inner City is Braamfontein. Home to the main campus of the University of Witwatersrand, Braamfontein is where you’ll find Johannesburg’s young, hip and fabulous populations. It has a great selection of shopping and dining options, as well as incredible art galleries and amazing museums.
A haven for hipsters, night owls and party animals, Braamfontein is a neighbourhood that comes alive at night and is a popular spot for backpackers. Always buzzing with excitement, Braamfontein is where you can enjoy a few drinks, listen to great tunes and dance the night away at Johannesburg’s hottest clubs. From historic pubs to sweaty dance halls, Braamfontein is a neighbourhood that’s got it all!
Protea Hotel by Marriott | Best Hotel in Braamfontein
This centrally located four-star hotel is my pick for where to stay in Braamfontein. It has 300 comfortable rooms outfitted with modern amenities near the city centre. This hotel comes complete with a rooftop terrace, spectacular views, and a great selection of wellness features, including an outdoor swimming pool and a gym.
Cute Condo at the Bridgeview | Best Apartment in Braamfontein
In this home, you get not only the prime proximity to the party part of town but also the amenities like an outdoor pool! Plus, there’s a kitchen, a huge bed that feels like a cloud, and a cute backyard.
Stay here, and you’ll be footsteps to shops at Wits University and Braamfontein CBD. Explore all the social spaces this place offers to get an authentic experience in South Africa.
Modern Loft | Best Airbnb in Braamfontein
This loft is such a sweet space to stay in, with a home fitness centre, two bedrooms, and an outdoor area, it’s very good value. In a convenient location, it’s easy access to the city centre and it has all the amenities you could dream of, especially in the kitchen. The apartment is spacious and light, somewhere you’ll love to stay for however long you’re visiting Johannesburg.
Things to See and Do in Braamfontein
Photo: @willhatton__
- Browse the stalls and shops at the brilliant Neighborgoods Market.
- Enjoy an afternoon at 44 Stanley, a great place for shopping, eating and relaxing.
- Learn about South Africa’s turbulent past at Constitution Hill.
- See more than 11,000 works of African art at the spectacular Wits Art Museum.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Rosebank – Coolest Place to Stay in Johannesburg
Located north of the Inner City is Rosebank. A mixed-use neighbourhood, Rosebank has both commercial and residential spaces alongside shops, cafes, bars and clubs. It’s a neighbourhood that seamlessly blends the magic of Africa with the trends of Europe, and my pick for the coolest neighbourhood in Johannesburg.
Love to shop? Well then, Rosebank is for you! This trendy district is home to some of the best shopping in Johannesburg. From local boutiques to high street shops and shopping malls, this central neighbourhood is where you can find fashions for any budget.
Clico Boutique Hotel | Best Hotel in Rosebank
Clico Boutique Hotel is a fantastic five-star hotel in Rosebank. It has clean and well-equipped rooms with air-conditioning and modern amenities.
You’ll enjoy a variety of features including an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a relaxing terrace. There’s also an airport shuttle and a cosy lounge bar.
Modern Luxury High-Rise Apartment | Best Airbnb in Rosebank
All the amenities you could ever need are in this lush apartment, feel like you’re in your home away from home. There’s a great work-from-home setup if you’re travelling on business or a digital nomad and it’s just a couple of minutes walk from the Gautrain. So easy access to the city centre too, and, you get to stay in the serenity and quirky of the northern suburbs.
Chic Apartment | Best Apartment in Rosebank
Feel like you’re in a boutique hotel with this apartment stay in Rosebank with space for two people, a queen bed, and a foldout couch. This apartment is super cheap, very good value for a Johannesburg stay, and in a convenient location too. In the northern suburbs, this chic apartment has easy access to the African Craft Market, a fitness center, cinemas, and restaurants.
Things to See and Do in Rosebank
Photo: Ana Pereira
- Admire the architecture and the art at Circa Gallery.
- Browse the galleries that make up the Keyes Art Mile.
- Pick up a gift, a sweet treat and a delicious snack at the Rosebank Sunday Rooftop Market.
- Shop for souvenirs at the Rosebank Art & Craft Market.
- Shop until you drop at the Rosebank Mall.
- Take a stroll around lush Zoo Lake.
- Visit Everard Read Gallery, Africa’s oldest commercial art gallery.
5. Melrose – Best Neighborhood in Johannesburg for Families to Stay In
The Melrose neighbourhood is one of Johannesburg’s best-kept secrets. This stylish and urban area is located north of the Inner City and east of Rosebank and it’s where you’ll find charming guesthouses in Johannesburg.
A stone’s throw from the action, Melrose is perfect for travellers looking for a break from the hustle, without being too far from the centre. It’s where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air and it’s my pick for where to stay in Johannesburg for families.
Melrose is also my top pick for outdoor adventurers. This stunning neighbourhood is close to a number of lush and expansive parks perfect for walking, biking, hiking or trekking. In Johannesburg, there’s no better place to get back to nature than Melrose.
Melrose Place Guest Lodge | Best Hotel in Melrose
This Melrose property is the perfect base for families visiting Johannesburg. It is close to well-known attractions like the apartheid museum and is a short walk from great options for shopping and dining. Its large rooms are individually decorated and each comes with modern amenities, plus, there’s also an outdoor pool and sundeck.
Explorer Backpackers | Best Hostel in Melrose
Technically in Parkhurst, 10 minutes down the road from Melrose, Explore Backpackers has all the amenities for the modern backpacker. With free wifi and plenty of bars and restaurants within a safe walking distance, this Johannesburg hostel is in a convenient location. With easy access to all that’s hip in the northern suburbs, this is a very good value option for your Johannesburg visit.
Apartment in the middle of Rosebank | Best Airbnb in Melrose
Just 200m from the Rosebank Mall, Starbucks, and 400m from the Gautrain station is this home that is fit for the whole family. The apartment has 24 hr security keeping you with one less worry when you are traveling with kiddos. Brand new and beautifully decorated with access to a washer and dryer to use during your stay – a gift from god on the road!
Things to See and Do in Melrose
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Create your own masterpiece at Artjamming.
- Excite your senses at Moyo Melrose Arch, one of the best-known restaurants in South Africa.
- Explore James & Ethel Gray Park, a well-maintained and hilly urban green space.
- Fly through the air with the greatest of ease at Acrobranch.
- Laugh your head off at Goliath Comedy Club.
- Shop for clothes, accessories, treats and more at Bluebird Shopping Centre.
- Wander throughout Melrose Arch, one of the trendiest areas of the Northern Suburbs.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Johannesburg
Here’s what people usually ask about the areas of Johannesburg and where to stay.
What To Pack For Johannesburg
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What are the must-see tourist traps in Johannesburg?
There’s the Johannesburg Zoo and the Lion Park and personally, I’d steer clear, there’s a lot of corruption in those arenas. There are heaps of epic people-centred things to see in Johannesburg. There are things like Nelson Mandela Square which has incredible energy, there’s the South African National Museum and the Apartheid Museum or the Museum of African Design.
What is the best accommodation with an outdoor pool?
There are so many hot options! My fave would have to be Clico Boutique Hotel, it’s in Rosebank which I think is the coolest area of Johannesburg.
Why are the northern suburbs such a hot spot for accommodation?
The Northern Suburbs are generally safer – you know safety is always important, especially in South Africa. So that’s number one, also it’s more aesthetically pleasing and the infrastructure is better too.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Johannesburg
Everyone needs good travel insurance – a tiger could eat your backpack! Get yours to save yourself from the potential threat of being sorry.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a modern and cosmopolitan city packed with a rich history and diverse culture. It is remarkably safer than it once was and boasts an incredible array of restaurants, museums, art galleries, and clubs. Whether you’re a party animal, history buff, or outdoor adventurer, Johannesburg is a city bursting with fun and excitement for all travellers.
In this guide, I’ve highlighted the five best neighbourhoods to stay in Johanessburg. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, let me remind you, Rosebank is my pick for the coolest neighborhood in town. If you’re reading this, you’re obviously cool.
Buzzing with excitement and entertainment, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Rosebank. It’s also home to Hallmark Hotel by BON Hotels, my pick for the best hotel in Johannesburg.
Another great option is Curiosity Backpackers in Maboneng. Spacious, centrally located and impossibly chic, you won’t find a better hostel in Joburg.
Wherever you stay in Johannesburg, I’m sure you’ll be blown away by the amazing city views. If you are here for a week-long trip, explore the different neighbourhoods and Northern suburbs, Johannesburg is full of diverse cultures.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments, also hit me up if you’ve been to Joburg, I’d love to chat!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around South Africa.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Johannesburg.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Johannesburg to plan your trip.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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