Neighborhood guide
Where to Stay in Johannesburg
The 3 areas worth basing yourself in Johannesburg, South Africa — ranked by our editors, with walking distances from the center. First-timers: start with Sandton.
City centerNeighborhoodsClick the map to enable scroll zoom
Decide by trip type
Not sure which area? Tell us about your trip.
We’ll match Johannesburg’s neighborhoods to how you travel — and show you why.
Top pick
Sandton
Modern business + hotel district — Mandela Square, mall, the safest area for tourists.
11 km from center
#2
Maboneng
Hip arts district downtown — restaurants, galleries, the Sunday Neighbourgoods Market.
20 min walk from center
#3
Rosebank
Middle ground between Sandton and downtown — galleries, restaurants, Sunday market.
6.8 km from center
Getting around
Gautrain links Sandton to OR Tambo airport; Uber widely used; avoid public taxis for safety.
Don’t walk between neighborhoods at night; Uber for any after-dark movement. Tours for downtown.