Benefits of Serviced Apartments
Whether traveling with your partner, family, friends or colleagues guests are increasingly opting for serviced accommodation instead of traditional options of lodging.
This alternative offers guests additional amenities along with ample luxury to make the most of the journey. Certain properties can even get indulgent with access to the gym, spa and pool. The enhanced space, flexibility, privacy and home-like comfort have bolstered the reputation of serviced apartments putting traditional renting on the back seat.
Furthermore, with serviced apartments, the paperwork and legalities regarding any contractual technicalities such as maintenance costs, bills, deposits and agency fees are efficiently handled beforehand.
Further reducing booking related stress, such facilities are often constructed in areas close to major landmarks and tourist destinations for speedy movement. Major transportation hubs often intersect close by.
Corporate Accommodation in Johannesburg
A driving economic force of the Sub Saharan African region, business is booming all through the year. As hard as the city works through the day, a respite from the busy grind comes via serviced corporate accommodation post sundown.
With a seamless range of options, businessmen can find a desired apartment close to all major corporate hubs such as the Johannesburg CBD and Sandton district. Offering premium apartments in urban neighborhoods, corporate accommodation keeps in mind the diverse needs of an entrepreneur offering speedy Wi-Fi, enhanced privacy, a fully equipped kitchen and a space to use as a personal conference zone.
Holiday Accommodation in Johannesburg
Post sundown is when the city truly comes alive in all its vibrancy. With an abundance of sights and food to explore across the densely packed night, tourists are constantly visiting Johannesburg for some fun and frolic. Culture and history are also notable tourist draws with attractions such as the Orlando Tower, Gold Reef City, Turffontein Race Course, Clued In, The Joburg Squirrel, The Apartheid Museum, etc seeing constant footfall.
Speedy transit to such destinations, along with ultra-modern serviced apartments is offered at TheSqua.re. An extensive selection allows meticulous selection to help ascertain the most fulfilling options. Popular neighborhoods that provide such holiday accommodation include Craighall, Melrose, Sandton, Rosebank and Rivonia.
Where to Stay in Johannesburg
The ever-growing sprawling metropolis has numerous tucked away spaces for accommodation catering to the company card businessman and budget backpacker alike. The Johannesburg CBD is a popular area to live, where most of the younger travelers are found, drawn to the thriving nightlife and culture. The areas of Newtown, Braamfontein and Maboneng precinct take you away from the busy streets of the CBD offering comfort and sanctuary.
Ever since the relocation of the major financial sector, places in the northern suburbs of Killarney, Hyde Park and Parktown have seen an increase in development across the region. Similarly, other northern neighborhoods of Parktown, Melrose and Rosebank are on the rise offering art, architecture, fashion and luxury. All these regions in the northern suburbs offer valuable standards of living for long and short term travelers alike.
Full of hotels, malls, restaurants, shops and clubs, Sandton is perhaps the most tourist-friendly neighborhood. A number of healthy residential complexes are present in the area making it both safe and busy. Transit to the OR Tambo Airport and the local Gautrain is fast due to close proximity.
Facts About Johannesburg
The city of Johannesburg situated in the Gauteng province of South Africa is one of the youngest cities in the world. The discovery and subsequent gold rush during 1886 has led to its gradual blossoming. From camps and tents, shanty tin structures, to Edwardian style brick buildings leading to the modern-day skyscraper city, Johannesburg has evolved over time.
Its population is well over 4.4 million, whereas including the areas of Lenasia and West Rand part of the metropolitan Greater Johannesburg, would inflate the number over 10 million. The populous is spread across a total surface area of 129.27 square miles with a population density of 7400 people per square mile.
- 40% of all the world's gold is mined in the greater Johannesburg area.
- The area in and around the city has unearthed 40% of all ancestral human fossils.
- The city is home to the largest man-made forest in the world.
- The city is considered to be the biggest dry port in the world.
- It is also top rank for the largest city that is not built on a coastal line.
Joburg is a driving force for the nation with it being the largest metropolitan area with a maximum contribution towards the national economic product. 4 sectors, of which 3 are public, are the driving force to the economic stability and prosperity of the city’s economy. These industries range from retail and wholesale trading, social and community services, business and financial sector, to the manufacturing units. This accounts for a 16% contribution towards the national economy, with the larger Gauteng province contributing 40% to the GDP.
There are two essential airports in the city, the OR Tanmo Airport (JNB) and Lanseria Airport (HLA). Off the two JNB serves as the primary facility with it being the busiest airport of the country and the primary domestic and international entry/exit. The JNB serves as primary facility for not only Johannesburg but nearby areas of South Africa, Gauteng, Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni.
Cost of Living in Johannesburg
In retrospect, to several European cities, the cost of living is almost half as expensive in Johannesburg. However the average monthly pay is also equally low. Rental accommodation may vary between R9000 to as high as R15000 in more urban and upscale areas. Opting for serviced apartments from the extensive catalog of TheSqua.re can offer several long term benefits in contrast to renting.
Traveling via a private vehicle is popular with a liter of gas costing close to R16. Other public transportation (Gautrain) and taxis will amount to monthly expenses of over R800 and R150 respectively. Any expenses towards fine dining, movies and other forms of entertainment are extremely flexible and inexpensive.
Tips for Visiting Johannesburg
The city comes with its share of controversy due to stigmatization. A general set of rules are vital to follow before setting out:
- Confidence is the mantra.
- Yes, crime is a concern; dress modestly and carry minimal valuables.
- Expect aid while parking and then make sure to tip.
- Native fusion cuisine is everywhere you look - indulge!
- The CBD known as ‘The Town’ is your one-stop-shop for every need.
- The colloquial way to greet a stranger is, “Howzit?”
- Public transportation is scarce with no ardent schedule followed.
- The best way to move around the city is by car or taxi.
Things to Do in Johannesburg
The city is an ethnic and cultural safari along with a rapidly evolving hub for art and entertainment. There is much to do and more to take in.
Q. What are things to do in Johannesburg with family?
Kids, teens and adults alike have an opportunity to head to the Pilanesberg National Park for a day of frolic and wonder. This reserve among the best in the world has abundantly diverse wildlife and a lush ecosystem. It is a chance to catch the African big 5 species including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos, not to mention over 300 bird species and scores of zebras, antelopes and wild dogs.
Q. What are some unique things to do in Johannesburg?
Exploring and acquainting yourself with the history and legacy of the city is a great way to recognize the evolution and pay homage to the present. Visiting the famous Apartheid museum is an experience unlike any other. For instance upon entry you will be required to enter from separate doors as per your race for a truly unique experience. Audio and video stimulants bring to life the memories of a bygone era so recent that several people featured may still be living.
Q. What are some free things to do in Johannesburg?
There are several free and cheap activities to indulge in across several iconic locations. One such activity involves heading to the top of the Carlton tower viewing deck where you can witness the sprawling city from all directions and capture sweeping panoramic photographs. From atop you get the best views of the remnants of the mines from the gold rush.
Q. What are some fun things to do in Johannesburg?
The exploits from the days of the gold rush are preserved at the Gold reef city not too far from the center. Presently the area is full of historical exhibits and thrilling theme parks. With architecture recreated to mimic the previous era, travelers have an opportunity to visit the Crown Mines which is among the richest gold mines across the world.
Q. What are some romantic things to do in Johannesburg?
To escape the bustle of the crowds, couples have the opportunity to head to Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens located amidst serene wilderness with tucked-away waterfalls. Couples and even nature lovers can plan a picnic in the multitude of outdoor ecosystems with the stunning Witpoortjie waterfall as the centerpiece.
Places to Visit in Johannesburg
Due to its tumultuous past the city has an assortment of culture and ethnocentric venues that take a nosedive into the racially charged past, tracking the subsequent uprising, leading to its present-day freedom.
- Constitution Hill - Once a prison that held the likes of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and even Winston Churchill, tours are common today.
- Soweto - The historic epicenter of Apartheid resistance, today it is an iconic cultural neighborhood
- The Maboneng Precinct - This urban revival project has transformed a once dilapidated neighborhood into an eccentric community center.
- Lion & Safari Park - Cuddle up with lion cubs, walk with cheetahs and feed giraffes at this park reserve.
- The Cradle of Humankind - The UNESCO heritage site is a pioneering paleo-anthropological landmark.
- Pretoria - The picturesque administrative capital of the country is home to several historic monuments and museums.
- South African National Museum of Military History - This venue houses and exhibits several artifacts from both World Wars.
- Wits Art Museum - Art lovers can gaze at historic and contemporary pieces across the African continent.
- SAB World of Beer - Tour the brewery, as you munch on local snacks, watching a 3D film, sampling beer.
Places to Eat in Johannesburg
This cosmopolitan city does not venture away from experimenting with global cuisine to create one of a kind indigenous flavor across the suburbs and districts. If you are in the CBD or central suburbs, an assortment of cafes, fine dining restaurants, lounges and bars are catering to your needs. Options include ’86 Public, Baha Taco, La Petite Maison, NCW Restaurant, etc to name a few. Over at Midrand, you can try exotic options such as snails, crocodiles and great seafood at Kream.
In and around Sandton options range from Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, and Continental with abundant venues including Casa Bella, Farro, LBV Bistro, Nikos, etc.
Similarly in and around Rosebank places to eat are unlimited. Visit Basalt for great vegetarian fine dining, Coobs for authentic Turkish cuisine, Dukes Burgers for a heavy bistro menu or Kolonaki Greek Restaurant for a slow-cooked beef stifado.
Cheaper options include Glenda’s located at Randburg which offers light and healthy alternatives to your traditional items. In contrast visit NGC in the same area, for a slightly unusual dining experience in the city.
Street Food in Johannesburg
A city for every foodie, the streets are full of street vendors and corner stores cooking up the most authentic local dishes at competitive prices. This street culture even translates across several cafes that offer up Johannesburg essentials such as vetkoek, biltong, melktert, kota, malva pudding and much more.
In the Indian suburb of Fordsburg, a variety of street food can be found. The Dosa Hut is a great place to start exploring. For any Italian cravings multiple options including Café PicobellaTrattoria in the center of Melville, Satori in the vibrant Linden, and Hello Tomato which is a front runner in sumptuous comfort food.
Mediterranean cuisine including lamb shwarma and falafel can be enjoyed at The Schwarma Co, located at Grant Avenue in Norwood.
Shopping in Johannesburg
Often an overlooked aspect of the city, shopping here is a delight. Designer clothes, rare artifacts and handcrafted embroidery are available across the several shopping destinations in Johannesburg. You can visit a sprawling mall with swanky designer wear, a boutique store with lace and silk swathed all over or even a busy flea market touting domestic handicrafts and local designs.
Popular areas to shop in Johannesburg include Sandton City for the best designer wear, Braamfontein for locally sculpted ceramics and jewelry, Rosebank for its rooftop Sunday markets and Bedfordview exclusively for custom ornaments.
It is a good idea to visit the following malls and street markets to make the most of your stay in the city.
- 44 Stanley
- Finders Keepers Market
- 27Boxes
- Mall of the South
- Walter Sisulu Square
- The Factory
Transportation in Johannesburg
Speedy and affordable transit options have been consistently improving throughout the city. No more efficient than the Gautrain. The pride of Joburg, get the Swift Card or Gautrain Gold Card at any stop or certain vending machines to board the train. Reliable and safe, the first station is conveniently located within the facilities of the OR Tambo Airport. The train covers major areas including:
- Sandton
- Park Station
- Rosebank
- Monetcasino (via feeder busses)
Another reliable way to travel is via the Rea Vaya Bus services. This steadily improving extensive bus network connects Soweto to the inner parts of the city and to the Western suburbs of Auckland Park. Additional options for transit include minibus taxis, metered cabs and even tuk tuks.
Weather in Johannesburg
The city has a relatively mild climatic cycle with seasons often spilling over one another. Contrary to popular belief, the weather in Johannesburg is neither too hot nor too humid. Through the months of July and August, the city sees the coldest time of the short winter dipping as low as 2 degrees Celsius.
Delightful warm sunshine is the forecast for the rest of the year with temperatures fluctuating between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius through the day and 14 degrees Celsius at night. The summer months through October and March have periodical spells of rain which may sometimes turn harsh due to occasional lightning and hail. The daytime though hot, hardly ever gets to a point of discomfort and sweating. This makes traveling to the city great year-round.
